Book Review: Beyond Blind Blaming

 Beyond Blind Blaming by Kevin D St.Clergy This book is all about finding real problems, and fixing it for good. It begins with something he learned during his travel from a zero to a hero. "Never let anyone steal your dreams.

It’s hard to beat someone who never quits"

In part 1, the book describes the tendency of 'blaming', and analyzes its causes and repercussions. Like, how it can hold one back from one's true potential, what hidden costs are there, and how, one can escape from it. Also, how blaming can avoid detection, and how it can lead to chaos. Part 2 introduces a patented product of the author, the RCD (Reflect Connect Decide) method for overcoming such destructive elements of life. Come to part 3, and familiarize with real world examples (7 case studies) showing us the practical implementation and actual performance of all these precepts.

This is an elucidating discussion with quite a few formulas, diagrams, and many novel ideas like behavioral bedrock, which enables the book to exude an unmissable air of authenticity. And, key takeaways, reflection questions, and proposed action steps, are there at the end of each chapter to make reading this book a greatly rewarding experience.

Book Review: STORE TRAFFIC IS A GIFT

 STORE TRAFFIC IS A GIFT by Mark Ryski 

A trade secret starts coloring a canvas. In retail, foot traffic is indispensable for survival, let alone growth. The picture then shows how, one can master the art of monitoring, and convert foot traffic into sales that calls for data-driven discipline and diligence.

First few chapters of the book deal with store foot falls and discuss the nitty-gritty of transforming those into sales. Things like the need for close observation to detect and nullify conversion barriers are covered. Come to chapter 4, and get introduced to the idea of 'super conversion', where, techniques of analyzing current performance and boosting conversion rate are discussed. Next few chapters look at real challenges, like choosing staff and their training, and the need, as well as the ways, to study constantly, the performance of one's store. A chapter is devoted to the latest in all this, like amazon effect, self-checkout, and other dynamics of online business model. And an insight into how, artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies may impact the physical store, store traffic, and shopper conversion, brings the book to a close.

I liked the book. It presents many new and improved ideas with clarity and style. Also, in each chapter, the 'takeaways' make it easy, the practical implementation of all this, as well as refreshing one's grasp and acting as a ready reference. 

Book Review: Make Your Destiny Happen

Make Your Destiny Happen by DONZEL A. LEGGETT

The book begins with a remarkable story. Which starts at Key West, Florida, describes one's background, and explains how he could accelerate his career. The creation of author's life plan and the Destiny Development Delta model, comes next, followed by tips to recognize, avoid, and escape the cycle of no destiny control. Clear instructions show how this model can power one's personal transformation to take control of life and make one's destiny happen, like recruiting truly diverse mentors. A formula for success is described, making it easy to follow practically, all the aspects covered, like milestones, mentoring, or progress-tracking.

I feel, the author has presented a unique model for transformational success. With an in-depth explanation, personal stories, and examples to bring it all to life. This book can act as a worthy companion for one desirous of planning and controlling one's destiny. Aptly placed personal stories and bulleted lists enhance the value of this book as a serious study, while making it an easy read too.

Another Book

 
Human life needs a lot of attention, and so says many. While thinking of it, I find, what is protruding is ‘our error-prone nature’. Why there are no errors with all others, we need to ask. The answer is short, ‘they all follow religiously, a lifestyle where there is no error’. If we then wonder, ‘why is that we have no lifestyle’, we will get an answer, 'our thoughts never traveled in that direction'. So, what do we need to do? Invent and follow a new style of thinking, which will make us look for a lifestyle to follow. Published a book about it.

Book Review: Rookie Real Estate Agent

 

Rookie Real Estate Agent: Launch a Limitless Career That Lasts, by Jay Papasan
The book begins with lessons from taco, the author's family dog, about a few inviting techniques to follow in life. Like, always anticipate an unknown, show a professional touch in all matters, be ready with a vigilant outlook, never losing the focus from the prey, and all the while sticking with the pack. This is followed by a look into the myths and truths of real-estate business and also the avenues that have the potential to earn from. The need to understand clearly, one's own market, is explained, while jotting down a less mechanical approach to follow in one's endeavors. An elaborate discourse on the habits that can lead to success comes next, which takes the next few chapters. An insight into the challenges of putting all these into action brings the book to a close.
This is a good collection of ideas from a well-versed source. It looks like, there is no aspect of real-estate business that is not discussed here. Fresh ideas progress logically, preserving continuity of thought and making it easy to register. With practical tips and suggestions at every corner, this book is destined to be a constant companion of professionals who choose this field.

Book Review: How to Implement Self-Service..

How to Implement Self-Service Without Failing, By Adriana Rivas, is a blueprint for retailers looking to scale heights of sale. The book begins in Memphis, Tennessee, with the story of the world's first self-service grocery store. It then traces how, several global brands, like McDonald's have unlocked the full potential of self-service through innovative execution.
After dwelling on key areas like deployment strategies, leadership options, and possibility of partnerships, the book takes on real-time assessment of performance. and profitability of one's implementation. Then comes a good discussion about returns, as well as a review of the the challenges of employee management. More than telling how to avoid mistakes, another chapter is fully devoted to learning lessons from failures. Implementation checklists and performance tracking resources are also there, making the book an on-the-job companion and ready reckoner, for managing retail.

To A Real Reason

Violent Human Society, The Real Reason

I find, many are the ways we toil for peace. Few devote their complete life in finding fresh cures, few keep discovering new ways to spread those remedies far and wide, and many spend their life in doing nothing else but trying out, each one of those. Still, human life is in a disarray. Yes, of course, we all realize this, and there is none among us who does not have a remedy for it. However, all the remedies revolve around something abstract, like god, demon, or other esoteric ideas of whatever can catch one’s imagination. Well, this is not a real cure, and I think that is why, human life is full of problems. What is needed is to replace the abstract solutions with something real.

I therefore think, we need to start our investigation with all that is abstract. What exactly all those do, and where does it fit in?

So, what is the origin of all that is abstract? These things do not meet a real need, but occupy a prime spot in our life.

In reality, all that is abstract can be seen as a very effective remedy of the early days, a trump card, our forefathers would resort to, in their attempts to appreciate, explain, or moderate, things in their life. An intelligent innovation that enabled them to address anything and everything with nothing concrete. One can be sure, questions would have been plenty, given that we belong to a race of altruistic animals. And, such an approach would have been an excellent invention to meet a need, however dire. Since the scant ideas they would have been able to possess about everything real and material would not have been of help in satisfying the inquisitive nature of the people, this would have been a boon. Evidently so, since things like knowledge and expertise were yet to take shape. And such ideas must have been meeting that challenge beautifully. For, our early literary works seem to be bristling with intellectual transactions of the abstract genre. Also, those who were ready to devote time and energy to explore and study all around would have been facing a tough time, the weather and the wilderness posing a big challenge. So, the brighter, more imaginative ones would have been nurturing those abstract ideas which continued to impress all.

In the present times too, we are using those abstract ideas left and right, but things do not go well since we all have a fairly good idea about everything. Which means, now, unless we take efforts to occupy these ideas with something worthwhile, what comes out need not always gel well with the existing. And, the more learned and developed a society is, the more, the abstract ideas that do not get absorbed well. Now, the forces carried by these non-absorbed ideas act at random, making every society, an unruly mess.

Let us look at the disarray again. In fact, it is the most telling difference between the human race and all the other ones, and many of my books have a theme based, more or less, on this only. Evidently, the early people took notice of this, and would have been successful in finding a remedy.

As time moves ahead and when we become well versed about things, each of those abstract ideas should have been replaced by something concrete. Though it is happening in all other cases, like non-living things, and living things other than the human, we seem to be carefully avoiding it, when it comes to matters that concern ourselves. So, all the abstractions remain in our midst, causing consternation, agony or ecstasy, at the will and pleasure of those in the reckoning.

There must be a reason. A real one behind our love for the abstract. In fact, in all the endeavors we humans are scaling heights of achievements and success, it is so, because we surmounted something specific. Whether it is in overcoming an issue, or for ensuring a conducive and best-fitting environment, we located and corrected certain irregularities or hindrances. One can very well say, in every other endeavor too, it is waiting to happen, only that we are yet to make an attempt to look for something specific to each and take similar measures.

I thought of looking around to see whether this disarray is from a human-specific holdup. In my search for it, I tried to examine different facets of our persona, and every time, the results looked rather exceptional, and enlightening, prompting me produce it as a book. In each of those books, some facet of our multi-dimensional personality undergoes scrutiny. Now I find, in each of those books, human appears quite differently, compared to every other book.

It looks like, with human, there is always an urge to be unique. And, this is the drive that propelled the human to be something far different from every other form of life. For confirming which, I thought of revisiting all I wrote and read again with a critical mind. As I went through those books again, I found, effectively, each of those books is rationalizing, at least one of the distinctions and waywardness that could have been leading to many instances of disarray, by terming ourselves unique. And, as a result of celebrating such singularities, each of us will continue to step over or clash with every other one, while doing nothing else but religiously following one’s own, unique, call! Otherwise, such instances would have been remaining as random fluctuations of the social fabric, just like it is with any other form of life. Those fluctuation would have been getting mutually annihilated too, in the course of time.

I summarize those results below, along with a message from the book that took inspiration from each such outcome, which also can help us in finding the real reason mentioned above.

My book, Life of Style, attributes to the absence of a unique lifestyle, the issue of human society in a perpetual disarray. A distinct lifestyle would have made us just another one of life with its own style, silently doing away with the ‘unique’ status!

My book, Overhaul Life, finds that we have been holding on for no reason, to all the remnants of the past, and presents as a solution, a periodic overhaul of human life. In fact, had we been doing so, we humans would have had nothing unique in us!

My book, The Unsure Male, finds as a cause for all that is wrong with us, a shortfall found in all that is male. In fact, human is a unique one because of nothing else but the particular steps each one is constantly taking to counter this shortfall!

My book, Human Element of the Human, makes a successful search for the element, the correction to which can also correct, every element that makes us unique!

My book, Fathoming the Enigma, examines our unfathomable status, and finds that forces of time and tide would have corrected it by now, had we not been celebrating all of those as our unique attributes and gifts!

My book, Hubs that Provoke, warns of the harm hiding in things that we cherish as our unique elements!

My book, More Hubs that Provoke, warns of the harmful associated with things we cherish even more.

My book, An Easy Route to Peace, tells of a way to peace by preventing things that disturb peace.

My book, An Easier Route to Peace, talks of peace without even thinking about peace.

My book, Is Wisdom, a Must?, tells about the pitfalls associated with wisdom. If not for wisdom, we wouldn’t have been so successful in finding fresh reasons to be unique!

And,

My book, Evolution and The Future of The Unique Human, tells how, an inclination towards uniqueness became an integral part of the human race, and how it will not be a good fit for the rather unpredictable and eventful human life!

I think, one can clearly see, some of my books try to examine the falls, traps, and difficulties that are there with our life, and some others suggest a remedy, and paint our future, if we overlook all this and continue with the present style of living.

Now I have a question. Suppose we want to continue with our present style of living. What options do we have, to delay and avoid such a dismal future?

From what is mentioned above, one can make a surmise. As long as we do not nurture the ‘unique’ status we presently sport, things are quite OK. We won’t have to face the dismal future. So, what exactly is bestowing us with the ‘unique’ status? In fact, a conclusive answer to this question is all that is needed to bring peace and tranquility to our society.

So, let us ask, what exactly makes us unique? Come to think of it, most of all that we do should be looking unique to us, simply because there is no other constituent in the living world, who apes us. But, this is not what should be in our mind, when we call ourselves unique. All forms of life revel in exercising each one of its faculties or talents, wherever it suits. Whereas, the human form of life revel in celebrating certain of their faculties over and above the natural, while restraining themselves against the very same forces, as far as a few chosen ones go. I agree, this does not look natural at all, and I think, because of this only we need guidance at all stages of life. Yes, someone among us should have been noticing this as an abnormality, and alerting us. But, by terming it as a unique quality found only among the human, we let the celebrations silence the warnings. I think, here lies the origin of our ‘unique’ status. Every style we choose while celebrating, and all the reasons we adopt for ignoring the warnings, make us unique.

Thus, being unique was meeting a purpose. Something that enabled us to celebrate excessively, what some of our faculties do, by rationalizing the excess. Also, denigrate as trash or abhorrent, what some others dob, by justifying as, say nonhuman. Over time, the original need seems to have dwindled, both time and tide having its say. Still, we continue to be unique, for no purpose, constantly causing consternation. And so, this is how the real reason manifests, which is keeping the human race perpetually in a violent state.

So, there are many issues that needs a lot of attention. One can say, yes, we have been doing so all these years. Some issue would have been of paramount importance, any part or age of history, one happened to choose for a study. All those issues seem to be persisting. Now, we can confidently say one thing. For results to happen, we need to identify the most significant issue, and start appropriate action there. Naturally, our lifestyle, a common factor to all the issues, is the one that needs attention the most. My book, The Way to A Lifestyle, takes credence of all these, and suggest steps that can take us to a new lifestyle.

This book identifies that we have never felt the need of a stable lifestyle, since, every new one we adopted would have been for tackling a troubling issue. So, I am trying to find what we can do as a permanent remedy. In fact, it is the propensity for issues that has turned human society into a violent one. For that, firstly, we need to find, ‘what matters the most’ in forming an aura of violence around us. Here I find, it is nothing but ‘our error-prone nature’. Why there is no such nature with any other version of life, I then ask. Comes the answer, ‘they all follow religiously, a lifestyle, where there is no room for an error’. If I then wonder, ‘why is that we have no lifestyle’, I get the answer, our thoughts never traveled in that direction.

So, we need to follow a new style of thinking, which should be making us look for an appropriate lifestyle to follow. Naturally, it could result in something far different from our present way of life.

Alternatively, we can do whatever necessary for removing the stamp of uniqueness altogether from human race. In which case, we can very well continue with our present way of life.

Let us take the former, which alludes that our present style of thinking is not all resulting in matters that can assure a good life for ourselves. If we assume that our present style doing other things, like walking or talking, is a good fit for our life, we only need to answer one question. What difference is there between our ways of doing those things, and our style of thinking? I think, the answer is also not very difficult. We take efforts to find out, learn, and teach our young, the appropriate ways of doing these. Whereas, in the case of thinking, we do nothing of that sort.

As a result, over time, we have reached a position where we do things correctly, but need not be for the right reasons. Right reasons would have been the result had we been doing thinking in the appropriate way, and this calls for immediate attention to our style of thinking.

Since thinking is an activity that is more or less exclusive, as far as humans go, we should have been thinking about it much earlier. While we continued to establish a human style of doing things for all that we do, like walking or talking, we should have been addressing ‘thinking’ also, with great alacrity and care. For, presently, we learn about the pitfalls hiding in an activity, well after it has caused a considerable damage. We do not realize it, since we take immense pride in our ‘unique’ ability to sort out our issues, while forgetting the fact that those issues wouldn’t have been there, had we thought about it well before establishing those styles.

Moreover, we are leaving no-stone-unturned in our efforts to keep ourselves abreast of the times. We routinely examine all our actions and reactions to see that there are no better ways of doing those. Of course, here also, thinking is an exception.

I therefore suggest a new approach to thinking that could involve many stages of experimenting. Perhaps, volunteers can help us in finding answers to a few questions that relate to thinking that yields best. Like, whether it is a prompt, the ambience, the expected outcome, or something else. Or, is there a prerequisite for the activity of thinking, and if so, what is it? In any case, our present style or the way of doing this being only a choice that occurred randomly, there is a need to study this activity well, find out the options or other variations, and adopt the best for us.

Now I get a doubt. All that has happened with the human race, both the good, like the all-round growth, inventions and discoveries, or the conquest of the skies, and the bad, like the world wars, slavery, or the large scale suppression of females, are a direct result of unbridled thinking. Now we know that we wouldn’t have been doing it in the correct manner, having no record of taking any efforts to learn thinking. In which case, shouldn’t we re-think about those results too? If so, isn’t this a good enough reason for discarding whatever the human race has done so far and starting to live again on a clean slate? Only thing left is to make an instruction manual for all us to follow while starting human life afresh.

But, one thing is very clear. Human society is a violent one for no reason but for the fact that its constituents turn their thought into action. In fact, they revel in doing so. As I mentioned above, we all do thinking, and it is with no restraints whatsoever. Naturally, human life will be in a disarray, unless we have guidelines that govern thinking.

Suppose, it wasn’t so. Thoughts and actions were separate and normally, a thought is for thought’s sake. Thinking, in this case, will remain as an activity that is pleasurable in itself, and as free as it is now. And a thought is to spark an action only we we think so, and while doing so, we also take appropriated steps stipulated in that direction. Naturally, those who think of action can be expected to be following a protocol designed or instituted for it. Well, in this case, those who think won’t have to be saddled with the possible unsavory results of whatever dramatic thoughts they entertain. Every instance of thinking shall be proceeding uninterruptedly and delivering fruits, till another instance takes over for whatever reason. As I mention in my book, The Way to A Lifestyle, such a kind of thinking will finally lead us to a lifestyle that is a good fit for our life, for example, one that differentiates between thinking for action and thinking for thought. This will attack the root cause of all that is wrong with us.

Book Review: Understanding and Addressing Misinformation About Science (2025)

National Academies: Understanding and Addressing Misinformation About Science (2025)
Misinformation about science is a multi-faceted, complex phenomenon, and we all need to examine our assumptions about the origins of misinformation about science, how it spreads, and how we can help address it, the book says.
The book begins by putting information, and misinformation, as something present everywhere— like our phones, televisions, or social media. If misinformation about science leads
to beliefs that are in conflict with accepted science, the consequences can be profound. Next chapter is about the broader contexts within which the phenomenon of misinformation about science emerges and impacts society. How, things like political polarization, or public dissemination can be of concern. Sources of misinformation is then examined, highlighting the role of industry, government, or ethnic or diaspora groupings. Followed by an insight into how misinformation can spread. The impact of misinformation comes next, examining the consequences at the societal level. And the book ends with an overview of the possibility and the extent of intervention into the whole gamut of misinformation.

Book Review: TEACHING THINKING: ISSUES AND APPROACHES

 TEACHING THINKING:ISSUES AND APPROACHES. By Robert J. Swartz & D. N. Perkins discusses matters pertaining to a systematic conception of the aims of teaching thinking. Also, certain guidelines for achieving these.

What is meant by “thinking” and what would “better thinking” mean, the book asks, and answers. Then, it puts the nature of thinking in terms of such psychological elements as component processes, strategies, and attitudes. Different categories of thinking, comes next, and also, the part played by the left and the right brains. An insight into the possible styles of teaching thinking, and a brief overview of its evaluation, bring the book to a close.

Book Review: 'Transformation, Designed..'

'Transformation, Designed: [ ]evolution Within' by Juan Jose de la Torre

 This book identifies design as a challenge that confronts big corporations, who have to constantly compete with fast, lean companies and an emerging array of startups. Or, design is the one that can show and teach the need of transforming an enterprise.

 The book begins in 1999 with the institution of world wide web and the unlimited possibilities that followed, mostly ushering in a shift in approach towards the digital. And the impactful part, design did, and continues to play, is highlighted. What follows are case studies that tell how, such steps are transforming Apple, Starbucks, Disney, and others.

 The book concludes by equating design with intention. One should show a want for whatever one may hope to get or accomplish. Now, a set of self-examination questions are also there to guide one to a path of digital revolution.

 

Book Review: Code of Conduct for Health and Medicine

National Academy of Medicine - An Artificial Intelligence Code of Conduct for Health and Medicine says: "The necessity it is to harmonize the existing principles, and to address the identified gaps". This book elaborates the background of this issue, where it mentions that the recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have unlocked unprecedented opportunities in health, health care, and biomedical science, and that these breakthroughs hold the potential to fundamentally transform our approaches to all aspects of medicine and health. Hence, the objective of the AI Code of Conduct (AICC) project is to harmonize the existing principles, and address the identified gaps,

The book then lists the Code Principles and Code Commitments and elucidate guiding principles for responsible AI in the health care and biomedical science domains. It also identifies and describes activities that are amenable to collaboration, consolidation, and centralization, like Loose-Tight-Loose leadership model. In conclusion, it likens AI to another powerful tool, a hammer, which brings out the duality of utility and intent guiding its deployment.

Book Review: Own your own divorce

 Own your own divorce by Laurence Wilson, JD, introduces divorces as unique stories, each one being potentially different from every other one.

Part I of this book impresses upon us the need to be ready with a resolve to face the worst, right from the start itself. Next part looks at the mechanisms that make a couple. Like identifying each component of social life, like expressions, and mixing those in an appropriate ratio. Part III discusses different aspects of wealth and its impact on relationships. Next two parts trace the complex path, all this can cause to one's life. Now comes part VI, and the book starts.discussing ways to navigate breakups and patch-ups. And the last part, part VII, dwells on all those practical aspects of relevance, like litigation. 

Whether one's choice is, doing it yourself, mediation, collaboration, or litigation, this book can act as an eye-opener. It will advise them to channel, what worked well during their marriage to landing into an amicable divorce. With self-examination questions and navigation tips, this book can act as a guide for couples who are on a low, whether to part, or to re-unite with added gusto.

Another HUB

Ours is a violent society. And it continues to be so, despite our best efforts. How to make it calm and serene, while, we too remain calm and serene? Surely, there must be a reason for violence, and we only need to liquidate the same before it erupts. Who or what is it, and how can we contain the same? Published my take on this.

Book Review: Open Turns

 Open Turns by Hendrika de Vries

A touching prologue and the 35 chapters of this book narrate an eventful journey of a Dutch family to Australia, and their successful foray with the new surroundings, fresh opportunities, and the challenges, they had to face. The narrative begins with a vivid description of her life in Holland, and follows it up with many an adventure while they all acquire their status as New Australians. Rendezvous with kangaroos, struggles with English lessons, and the assorted issues of becoming an Australian are all there, garnished by their infrequent bouts of desire to visit Holland. ‘Henny’ charts a successful path, becoming a swimmer of repute and an asset to her society.

This is a real page-turner. Each chapter of this book narrates an event to relish and is more engaging than every other chapter. Support from loving parents, a strong will, and powerful resilience reverberate through these pages that brings out the best of experiences.

Book Review: From Founder to Future

 From Founder to Future: by John Abrams

This is a book about cooperative models that can show magical ways to do business. How to transition leadership, implement shared ownership, and preserve your organization's core values to thrive for generations to come. How  when employees are empowered to be active owners in the business of which they’re a part, both they and the business do better. And how, five transitions, namely, leadership, mission, management, and impact can make this happen.

The first part of the book explains the process of building a company that is mission-driven and demonstrate the meaning of the five transitions, taking examples from author's own experience. In part II, the book looks at the intricacies of the different forms of employee ownership, like the employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), or the employee ownership trust (EOT). The last part is about the nuts and bolts of all this, where practical issues of ownership conversion, next-generation leadership, and participatory democratic management practices are discussed. An insight-driven book.

Book Review: Transforming Healthcare Through Negotiation by Stacey B. Lee

Transforming Healthcare Through Negotiation

What connection is there between healthcare and negotiation? A lot, this book says, and proposes ways to circumvent it all. Traditional approaches to healthcare has certain shortcomings that ultimately affect patient well-being, ethical principles, resource constraints, and emotional undercurrents that render the system unhealthy. So, there is a need for a transformation approach developed for the healthcare space, if the competing interests of saving lives and patient safety with revenue and existing insurance are to be met satisfactorily.

Part I of the book introduces a novel idea in this regard, the HEAR Approach Framework (Healthcare-Specific Empowerment, Acknowledgment, and Recasting) developed by the author. Here, focus is on eliminating both the shortcomings and the flaws of traditional approaches to healthcare. Part II goes a  little more in depth. Practical strategies for negotiation are analyzed while familiarizing the reader with many tactics and planning tools that are there. Like advanced and specialized steps to address complex challenges and situations. Illustrative examples of real-life hospital scenes are placed imaginatively, making it easy to comprehend all of these.

Book Review: Last Nerve

Last Nerve by Mindy Uhrlaub
This memoir begins with the author's recollection of her ailing mother who is affected by ALS, and the prospect of she herself joining her mother. Enters her husband Kirk, chemotherapy, and quite a few hospital visits, alongwith the welcome pangs and revelries of their growing-up sons. Which is frequently cut-short by a fear - has she passed on the deadly genes to sons Ethan and Alex? Now she feels - my own affair with ALS can wait. 
The book chronicles many battles. Kirk's with cancer, Ethan's with his wilderness therapy and ADHD, of Alex with constant needs of re-assurance, and the author's one of balancing family needs and her therapy, not to speak of other emergencies like fights between brothers. There are also visits from an unending stream of specialists. And also of the author writing and publishing a book.
I found it difficult to put this book down. What came out is a determined fighter on a path to victory against a formidable enemy, who ended the narration with tears of hope.

Book Review: Crypto Moments

 'Crypto Moments: How Tech Visionaries Disrupted Global Finance' by BEN BRAUSER is a peep into how an email’s opening sentence revolutionized the world. How it unveiled a vision for an entirely peer-to-peer, anonymous, digital payment system. 

The narration starts with Bitcoin’s mysterious beginning with Satoshi Nakamoto,  and the first demonstration - an order for Papa Johns pizza. Which is followed by an insight into an explosion of transactions that followed, and of course, the controversies that grew along. The discussion now moves on to other aspects of this innovation, as well as introduction of new currencies or block chain. Like, Etherium Merge, Terra, Three Arrows Capital, and FTX. The world of technology operates at light speed. Innovations in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and blockchain infrastructure will shape the course of the future, the book sums up. 

This book is a good introduction to an evolving system of wealth. It covers the complete path, crypto took to go mainstream. Readers can feel encouraged to go for a crypto exchange account and buy thousands of different cryptocurrencies, and make gainful use of the blockchain tools shown here.

Book Review: Forge Ahead

 Forge Ahead by Frank Vitale is a book about creating a winning strategy in business, life, and wrestling. It begins with an essential need for success, anywhere - show up and be actively present. Then comes the need to be involved at all times, going above and beyond every issue to keep delivering results. Need to motivate one's team comes next, followed by something very important - a failure is not a loss, it’s a lesson that can put every adversity to good use. Discipline and service can help you find a purpose, the ultimate drive, the book exhorts. After mentioning the need for acknowledging the strength in our differences, the book concludes by saying - while there is no single formula for success, leading with your strengths is the key.

This book is ideas flowing in a streamline path. It presents a big task of succeeding in business and in every aspect of our life as all about going forward. It also gives an easy solution to this, constantly create a forward momentum. With a conversational style, and with logical transition of ideas and topics between chapters, I find this book a real page-turner.

Review of Evidence on Alcohol and Health

National Academy of Sciences - Review of Evidence on Alcohol and Health (2025)

It says, a review is a must, for various reasons. Like, currently there are no published clinical trials for most important health outcomes, so even the substantial evidence base noted above is challenged by threats of bias inherent in observational studies. I think, the prevailing public opinion being one that tends to paint it in a different color, we need to pay attention to this report.

I found this report addressing many issues that are linked to alcohol consumption. Like, what is the relationship between moderate alcohol consumption and growth, body size and composition, obesity etc? What are the accompanying risks, of cancer, weight loss, cardio-vascular issues (CVD), or others that can lead to a morbid condition?

The report reaches quite a few conclusions. High risk of breast cancer is associated with moderate drinking. But no connection could be found in respect of any other type of cancer. Moderate drinking was found to be lowering the risk of myocardial infraction, non fatal stroke, CVD morbidity etc. No connection could be established between moderate drinking and cognitive decline. In short, the report concludes that compared to never consuming alcohol, moderate drinking is associated with lower all-cause morbidity.

The report also contains extensive charts that list the details of all kind of evidence considered by the reporting team for arriving at these conclusions.

I think, this report makes it urgent. As I wrote in my hub, we need to have a more sober approach on matters related to alcohol.

Book Review: Odyssey Moscow

 

Odyssey Moscow by Michael Calvey begins with his arrest and incarceration by the KGB, as one of the consequences of his business deals. Now, sitting in his prison-cell, he goes through his past, from his school days, his apprenticeships, his foray into journalism, and the connection with Russia. Many an event in the transition of USSR into a free-market based economy, of which the author is a witness, is narrated in these pages. So also, the prevailing sentiments of betrayal and lawlessness that pervades into almost all state-run establishments of Russia. And also, few more accounts of contemporary relevance, like an insider-peep into the making of Ukraine.
This book is a page-turner. Mike Calvey ventures deep into his own feelings, and also into the enigma that galvanized the Russian business into a thriving one. While recounting his experience and that of his cell-mates, what comes out are the chilling details of a justice system that is many a time, arbitrary and unfair. It also brings out in to the open, many notable aspects of Russian life, like the paranoia about their mobile phones for fear of someone monitoring them. An excellent read, indeed.

Book Review: The Science of Right

 The Science of Right by Immanuel Kant is an interesting work. It starts with a definition - right is a voluntary action by one that can harmonize with the voluntary actions by every other one. Author then goes on to discuss its elements, like living rightly, doing harm to no one, and assigning to all what is theirs. Further divisions are also introduced, like natural right, acquired right, or that for a good name after death. The next part of the book deals with the rights of a state along with its duties.
I liked the presentation of the idea of constitution, where, the best one is that in which not men but laws exercise the power. It is an exhaustive discussion too, which addresses almost all the issues, a state might have to face. Like, how to deal with a gift, what to do in case of theft, or where is public right. And it introduces the executive, legislature, and judiciary as the different arms of a state to do all of these. While mentioning the need for changes, the book warns about making only a gradual reform and in accordance with fixed principles, if there should be perpetual peace.

Book Review: Spheres of Influence

 Spheres  of Influence by Brad Englert

The book can boast of a good collection of operating principles that apply to all business relationships. Understand their goals and aspirations, as well as expectations, and it will genuinely lead one to success. It is covered in two parts, one discussing the internal sphere of influence, and the other the external one. In 4 chapters, Part 1 of the book examines the internal issues from one's boss to one's friends and co-workers. The three chapters of part 2 traces the pivotal roles, customers, influences, and trade partners play. Real-life examples illustrate convincingly, almost all the new ideas presented.

Since we are in a world where most of our life is spent in professional interactions and joint activities, meaningful connections mean a lot. This book, with actionable insights, practical advice, and fitting anecdotes, lays down a clear path. The professional in one can follow it and become a partner to all, whether in managing expectations, resolving issues, or in fostering companionship. Also, adopting collaborative strategies and neutralizing hurdles can work wonders with productivity, and bring out the professional in one. A successful career, then becomes something unstoppable.

Book Review: The Lean-Agile Dilemma

The Lean-Agile Dilemma: Product Management Inside a Chunky Corporate by Katie Tamblin

The book begins with a discussion, contrasting startups. How, the freedom to innovate drives growth, while the chunky corporate remain focused on stability in order to flourish. It then goes into the challenges of maintaining a product direction and a vision that can guide in establishing priorities. Followed by another discussion that addresses the  question of adapting to and reacting appropriately to market disruptions, and how to handle data to make it play its part well. The significance of products, customers, and good communication that links all, is then examined. After pointing out the irreplaceable need of good inter-departmental cohesion, the book concludes with a bunch of valuable advice that covers the full book.

This book addresses a common issue with the corporate environment that causes tension, missed deadlines, and inefficient working practices. With new insights about things like re-platforming or new product development, it can help product and technology leaders navigate software development projects at organizations facing multiple constraints. I think, chunky corporate have a lot to gain from this book. They have an opportunity to imbibe the final thoughts of this book and be in safe havens in a perpetually unstable world.  

Book Review: Prolegomena to any future metaphysics

Prolegomena to any future metaphysics by Kant.

This book is actually an introduction to the metaphysics, we humans should be having among us, so says the author. So, to begin with,the book defines and establishes metaphysics as a collection of ideas we derive, not from our experience, not from our internal feelings or calculations, but apriori from pure reason. The discussion then hovers around a few questions like how to make science possible, or what role can metaphysics play. It then takes up an important issue of making metaphysics gel with science, while retaining all its speculative character. All this can transform it into a study of pure reason, the book concludes.

Though it took some time to make out, I find all the ideas presented in these pages linked in a rather intuitive way.

 

Slow scientific growth?

 I have mentioned it in my book Human Element of the Human.  Scientific thinking became hugely popular thanks to the 'omnipotent' god dethroning almost all 'known' proponents of whatever peculiarity, abnormality, or all other notable things of the world. And,  science continued it, more and more of such 'unexplainables' finding an easy explanation or cure. Now, as our stock of unexplainables dwindle, won't scientific progress slow down? If so, what will happen to scientific thinking? Will something else replace it?

Book Review: DREAMS Takeoff

 DREAMS Takeoff by Jason Hallenborg The book begins with the memories his father and a significant advice he got - To achieve success, have a career goal. And his goal becomes one of becoming a commercial pilot.

The book begins by narrating his childhood, the loving involvement of his father, and the helpful stance, he always took. Like the remarkable ways, he was made to "experience flight before choosing it", having expressed his desire to be a commercial pilot. How his dad will become an epitome of creativity, while suggesting novel paths and approaches to achieve his dream. Like making him practice in a cockpit filled with technical equipment similar to that he would have to attend to while flying later. More adventures follow, of cross-country flying, of a private pilot checkride, and of course, followed by a coveted licence.

The struggles to get a multi-engine rating follow, his dad's strong presence felt in all the hurdles that are victoriously passed. Followed by a message he was waiting for - "Congratulations, you’re hired". His father develops health issues needing constant attention.

This is a remarkable read, indeed. Just as we see the dad's unfailing love and support taking his son's ambitions to its fulfillment, we see the son following his dad with utmost dedication, care, and love. It is an engaging book with a wonderful story. A father's attachment, love, and ingenuity reverberate through its pages, making us cherish greatly, his efforts to turn a child's dream into a reality.

Book Review - A BROTHER’S INSIGHT

 A BROTHER’S INSIGHT by Joe-Joe McManus, PhD 

The book is full of everything unusual.

A mom and dad saying they would like to adopt a baby who might not otherwise be adopted. and choosing a Black child. The dad born to an Irish Catholic Grandpa and an English Protestant Grandma. And the mom, Jewish. Well, for Joe the younger one, there isn't a better context to understand the many dimensions of systemic racism.

The book begins with vibrating episodes of his childhood, followed by even more absorbing experiences of the author's stay at Soviet Union. More exciting interludes with those back in the USA, then follow. The book contains honest, illuminating and deep discussions about topics that not only exude the threat of racism, but also identify the efforts to spread the idea that white supremacy is something natural. Like, encouraging a cultivated ignorance about its dangers. Or, stuff like racist gaslighting to justify it.

Now comes a difficult part. An overview of the options available for a white antiracist, in view of the stress it can cause. How, an antiracist needs to start internally, and what all ways one can unlearn racism and take steps to build up ethnic inclusiveness.

This book describes a full life, infused with brotherly joy, yet struck with racism, heartbreak, and pain. This can act as a guide for the non-racist while being a worthy memoir. Quite striking is his daughter’s brave mandate to “do more”” after the murder of George Floyd. This book is a reminder to everyone committed to the fight for racial justice, for actions rooted in wisdom, courage, and love.

Book Review: DEMOCRACY AND SOLIDARITY

 DEMOCRACY AND SOLIDARITY by JAMES DAVISON HUNTER is a book that shows American democracy as something far from healthy, but not dead. And how, all, both the Left and the Right, are resorting to authoritarian tendencies to impose 'an artificial solidarity', as a correction.

The book is in four parts. It begins with an examination of the cultural crisis, a liberal democracy faces today, and its manifestation in USA. Part II probes into the social movements and efforts that went into the building of this nation, and the role played by 'intellectuals'. Part III dwells deeper, and traces the events and occurrences that keep America healthy as a lively and evolving syncretism. It looks into the events of the past to show how, culture is constantly modulating the path, politics chooses to follow. And lastly, Part IV remind us that this is not all. There is always something more than ideology and political warfare.

This book is more of an abstract discussion on topics like cultural and statistical roots of ideals, dehumanizing tendencies of late modern democracy, or a latent authoritarian impulse. Rather than focusing simply on the political, it traces the history of accusations and counter-accusations of election-rigging, voter fraud, and theft becoming a common factor in American state and statecraft for quite some time, attributing it to philosophical reasons like the influence of nihilism.

This will be a great help for those looking for a deeper insight into American politics, as well as for research. An exhaustive collection of notes and references makes the index too, a perfect fit for it.

Another Book

 Evolution and the Future of the Unique Human

What we see these days as a human need not be the same as the one resulted from evolution or something like a creation. By living many a generation of civilized life, certain particularities seem to have found a way into the natural human, making it a far different form of life from all the other ones of this planet. If only we study, how it would have happened, we can make firm predictions about the future, and well-prepare ourselves for the challenges ahead.

Published a book