Amazon.com
Book Description
Pistol is more than the biography of a ballplayer. It's the stuff of classic novels: the story of a boy transformed by his father's dream--and the cost of that dream. Even as Pete Maravich became Pistol Pete--a basketball icon for baby boomers--all the Maraviches paid a price. Now acclaimed author Mark Kriegel has brilliantly captured the saga of an American family: its rise, its apparent ruin, and, finally, its redemption.
Almost four decades have passed since Maravich entered the national consciousness as basketball's boy wizard. No one had ever played the game like the kid with the floppy socks and shaggy hair. And all these years later, no one else ever has. The idea of Pistol Pete continues to resonate with young people today just as powerfully as it did with their fathers.
In averaging 44.2 points a game at Louisiana State University, he established records that will never be broken. But even more enduring than the numbers was the sense of ecstasy and artistry with which he played. With the ball in his hands, Maravich had a singular power to inspire awe, inflict embarrassment, or even tell a joke.
But he wasn't merely a mesmerizing showman. He was basketball's answer to Elvis, a white Southerner who sold Middle America on a black man's game. Like Elvis, he paid a terrible price, becoming a prisoner of his own fame.
Set largely in the South, Kriegel's Pistol, a tale of obsession and basketball, fathers and sons, merges several archetypal characters. Maravich was a child prodigy, a prodigal son, his father's ransom in a Faustian bargain, and a Great White Hope. But he was also a creature of contradictions: always the outsider but a virtuoso in a team sport, an exuberant showman who wouldn't look you in the eye, a vegetarian boozer, an athlete who lived like a rock star, a suicidal genius saved by Jesus Christ.
A renowned biographer--People magazine called him "a master"--Kriegel renders his subject with a style that is, by turns, heartbreaking, lyrical, and electric.
The narrative begins in 1929, the year a missionary gave Pete's father a basketball. Press Maravich had been a neglected child trapped in a hellish industrial town, but the game enabled him to blossom. It also caused him to confuse basketball with salvation. The intensity of Press's obsession initiates a journey across three generations of Maraviches. Pistol Pete, a ballplayer unlike any other, was a product of his father's vanity and vision. But that dream continues to exact a price on Pete's own sons. Now in their twenties--and fatherless for most of their lives--they have waged their own struggles with the game and its ghosts.
Pistol is an unforgettable biography. By telling one family's history, Kriegel has traced the history of the game and a large slice of the American narrative.
"Why Pistol?"
An Exclusive Essay by Mark Kriegel
"Why Pistol?" I'm asked that all the time.Pete Maravich became famous in the late 1960s, while setting scoring records at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. I'm not a son of the South. Nor, at 44, do I have any meaningful recollection of basketball's boy wizard in his floppy-socked prime. I grew up in the Seventies, on Eighth Avenue in Manhattan, a few blocks from Madison Square Garden. I was a fan of the Knicks and their star guard, Walt "Clyde" Frazier. In terms of basketball style, Clyde and Pistol were antithetical. Frazier's flamboyance--I recall committing his "wardrobe stats" to memory--was not apparent on the court. Rather, he was celebrated as a dogged defender. His game was wise, economical, his gaze expressionless. Maravich, by contrast, was considered a head-case. His eyes were sad--even a kid could see that. Still, there was a distinct exuberance in the way he moved. No one moved like that, before or since.
Continue reading "Why Pistol?"
Customer Reviews:
Entertaining, tragic, yet uplifting.......2007-09-21
This is a VERY well written book that appealed to me both because of its broad sweeping history of basketball interwoven into a very compelling generational drama. If you had told me that the first third of the book would be mostly about father Press Maravich, I would have thought that was taking too long to get to the good stuff. But that was fascinating as well, and really set the stage for the enigma that was Maravich. Brilliant, creative, in-your-face, yet also insecure, frightened, obsessed, and sometimes crazy. Although Pete's sons are not "larger than life" like Pete and Press, I found their inclusion to be a nice touch as well. The book has a tremendous number of references and footnotes, for those who want to dig further. Highly recommended.
Slam Dunk.......2007-08-23
What a fantastic book. The Pistol was way before his time, but how great to relive that time. And to remember this great player for what he brought to the game. The semi-reverence of some of the great players of the present (Sir Charles) says it all. The book is so well written, the perspective fair, the back stories fascinating, and the included photos illuminating.
Outstanding Book About a Tortured Individual.......2007-07-24
David Maraniss, the author of When Pride Still Mattered: A Biography of Vince Lombardi ( definitely among the better sports bios ever written)
endorses Pistol. Says Mr. Maraniss " Pistol is a classic Americdan tale wonderfully told". I certainly agree. Tthis is just a wonderful book even for readers who aren't into basketball, though your being into basketball will make it even better. The author addresses not only Pete Maravich but expands the book to cover his father and his sons, kind of like putting bookends on Maravich's life, and an interesting life it was. Five stars all the way.
Lessons To Be Learned.......2007-07-23
Whether you are a basketball fan or not this biography of Pete Maravich will provide you with lessons to be learned. People search for happiness in all the wrong places such as alcohol, fame, or even in their chosen profession. Pete Maravich's stage was a basketball floor, but during his heyday as a college star at LSU and being coached by his father happiness eluded him. His introduction to the NBA with the Atlanta Hawks and later with the New Orleans/Utah Jazz, and finally the Boston Celtics brought him more heartache than pleasure. It wasn't until his playing days were over and by simple faith accepted Jesus Christ as his savior that the load he had been carrying was finally removed. He found happiness in the simple things in life by being devoted to his two sons and telling others what Christ had done for him. The loss of his father was a difficult blow to him, but he took comfort in knowing that he, too, had accepted the Lord into his life. Biographies of people can teach us a lot, not the least of which is that others, who we often think of as living famous and glamorous lives, are often saddled with problems we can be thankful we don't have. While anyone who enjoys biographies would enjoy this book I think it would be especially appreciated by high school students who love basketball.
Great Memories and Inspiration for the Future........2007-07-07
During the summer between my junior and senior year of high school I attended the Pete Maravich Basketball Camp at a college where I would later attend and play basketball myself. I remember that week of camp and the magical things that Pistol could do with a basketball. He was definitely mesmerizing. When he would shoot a basketball, the ball seemed to float off his hand in slow motion and then gently glide into the basket. I would say of all of the hundreds of shots he attempted while we were there that week he maybe missed a total of three or four shots.
I also remember the food at the camp. No red meats or processed sugars. Everything was fresh and healthy. Although I would have probably loved the food now; I hated it then, and I remember the first thing our coach did after the camp ended was he took us to McDonalds and we gorged ourselves on Big Macs, french fries and milkshakes. To be honest, I am pretty ashamed of that now.
When I was playing ball at college during the last years of Press's life. I think he was probably retired and just to keep himself busy, he would come by the college and work with us individually on different parts of our game. I remember he used to work with me on my freethrows. He improved my average by about 10%. I still remember the smile on his face when I made 20 freethrows in a row while he was standing under the basket shagging my attempts.
Needless to say this book was great and it brought back all those great memories. Pete was such a huge impact on our culture but even more incredible is that I can't think of another person with such a tremendous influence on society having such a real, authentic Christian conversion. Sure every now and again you hear by word of mouth or maybe on the gossip news that someone is now a Christian, but then you look at there lives and nothing has changed. Pistol changed...completely changed. Not only did he change his ways but he was finally happy and content with his life. I saw that for myself at his camp and this book details that change in way that was so interesting and captivating.
Another unexpected thing I got from this book, and I am not sure that Kriegel had this goal or not, but reading about Pete's life with Press and how he changed his ways to be a tremendous father to his two sons has really inspired me to be a better father to my two kids.
This one of those very few books that I just could not put down, and I highly recommend it.
Amazon.com
Pete Egoscue learned a lot about pain when, as a Marine officer, he was wounded in Vietnam. He segued from patient to physical therapist, and now runs a famous clinic in San Diego, where he claims he's helped 95 percent of his patients cure chronic pain--including Jack Nicklaus and Charles Barkley, whose athletic careers he helped prolong. At the heart of his program are stretches and motion exercises to restore proper function to muscles and joints. His methods are often surprising and counterintuitive. For example, for foot pain, he suggests a series of hip exercises. In fact, this is one of the most startling books you'll read about the human organism. Egoscue has strong opinions about how modern life is changing the way our bodies function, reducing the tasks we must perform and thus reducing the functional range of motion of our muscles and joints. Fortunately, he offers movement exercises to restore what nature meant us to have.
Book Description
Starting today, you don't have to live in pain.
That is the revolutionary message of this breakthrough system for eliminating chronic pain without drugs, surgery, or expensive physical therapy. Developed by Pete Egoscue, a nationally renowned physiologist and sports injury consultant to some of today's top athletes, the Egoscue Method has an astounding 95 percent success rate. The key is a series of gentle exercises and carefully constructed stretches called E-cises. Inside you'll find detailed photographs and step-by-step instructions for dozens of e-cizes specifically designed to provide quick and lasting relief of:
Lower back pain, hip problems, sciatica, and bad knees
Carpal tunnel syndrome and even some forms of arthritis
Migraines and other headaches, stiff neck, fatigue, sinus problems, vertigo, and TMJ
Shin splints, varicose veins, sprained or weak ankles, and many foot ailments
Bursitis, tendinitis, and rotator cuff problems
Plus special preventive programs for maintaining health through the entire body.
With this book in hand, you're on your way to regaining the greatest gift of all: a pain-free body!
the help of Pete Egoscue's revolutionary program of quick
stretches and strength-building exercises, you can cure
chronic pain, and do it naturally.
Pete Egoscue has shown thousands of individuals, corporations, schools, and championship sports teams how to eliminate pain without investing in expensive ergonomic devices or resorting to surgery or drug therapies. His groundbreaking book, with nearly 50,000 hardcover copies sold, shows readers how to:
Relieve lower back pain
Improve hip problems, sciatica, and bad knees
Relieve migraines and other headaches, stiff neck, fatigue, sinus problems, vertigo, and TMJ
Relieve painful problems, like carpal tunnel syndrome, often misdiagnosed as arthritis
Prevent injuries and maintain health through stretching programs for the entire body
Filled with easy instructions, photos, and line illustrations throughout, this book will provide quick, effective pain relief. -->
Customer Reviews:
Egoscue is a genius!.......2007-10-01
I was brought to the hospital, barely able to walk. The MRI revealed two herniated disks (neck and lower back) and the doctor suggested a surgical proceedure. By following this book's advice re exercise, my pain diminished about 50% in one day and was virtually gone within the week. With minimal upkeep, the pain has not returned in over 5 years.
PAIN FREE.......2007-09-24
An excellent book based upon clear concepts. This book has really helped to noticeably improve a low-back problem. For those with similar problems, I highly reccomend this book and the regular practice of his excercises.
Interesting and helpful.......2007-08-21
Some of the exercises (static back, sitting floor) provided in this book have helped me a lot with my lower back pain and as I am a dancer and fitness instructor I've seen them help many of my students as well.
Also on the plus side, the book provides a few good tips on posture.
I wont give it 5 stars, because I would have liked to learn even more new exercises, instead of seeing so many yoga exercises in there, like cats breath or downward dog.
All in all, an interesting read and a good value for $.
Pain Free is right.......2007-07-28
Ten years ago a friend who couldn't get out the bathtub one morning due to back pain got relief from by following the simple exercises described in a book by this author, Pete Egoscu. Since then, I have given away eleven copies of that and other books by Egoscu to friends and acquaintances who suffered from all kinds of pain. Now, as a retiree, I'm fixing my head-to-toe pain, caused by teaching second graders, by following the exercises from neck to foot. I can't recommend this book more highly. The exercises can be done while the sufferer lies on the floor and watches television; they are gravity based and require only the strength available from each person; they realign joints in ways I'd never considered. I'm relieving pain in my neck neck and hand by realigning my shoulders and hips. Try it! You'll like it!
Living Without Pain is Possible.......2007-07-20
This book is a must have for anyone looking to be able to function daily without pain, that includes old and young, competitive and amatuer athletes. I play tennis competitively as well as teach tennis. Doing the e-cises in this book has made it possible to still compete at a high level and stay out of the orthopedic's office. The e-cises are simple and do not take alot of time. The book offers pictures of each e-cise. It also offers sport specific and problem specific chapters with e-cise menus accompaning them. Junior Seau does the e-cises in this book and is still playing in the NFL.
Book Description
'This program has transformed me from a skinny college baseball player with little power into one of the best-conditioned players in Major League Baseball.'-Nomar Garciaparra, shortstop, Chicago Cubs 'This is the best decision I have ever made with regard to improving and educating myself as an athlete. I just wish I had made it sooner.'-Mia Hamm, Olympic and world-champion soccer player Core Performance, the breakthrough fitness program that has already shipped more than 50,000 copies in hardcover, is the first program that delivers strength and muscle mass, endurance and a lean body, balance and flexibility, athletic quickness and power-all in less than an hour a day. How? By giving you a personal coach who has worked with some of the most famous and successful athletes in the world today.
Customer Reviews:
Great book if you have the time.......2007-10-03
Mark has done a great job of simplifying some very challenging material. His program can improve your performance and help reduce your risk for injury if you have the time to complete it. It is very thorough but time consuming.
Fantastic book.......2007-09-15
Core Performance is a great book for all levels of athletes looking to get in shape. Some of the movements will be challenging for beginners, but overall if you stick with the program you will see great results.
Side note: I bought this book many years ago when they only had a hardcover available - do yourself a favor and get the soft cover since you will be constantly referencing the book on how to perform certain exercises.
Core Performance .......2007-08-01
Awesome book - great workouts , program and diet
A must for anyone serious about making a step change in their training
Great workout.......2007-06-27
This book was recommended by my doctor at my last physical and he was right, it is a great book.
Down to the Core!.......2007-05-04
I've trained off and on for 20 years or so and I wasn't impressed with the core training method...at first! But with practice and patience everything started to fall into place and when that happened, my fitness level improved in ways I hadn't anticipated. I like to combine the Core Prep and a personal version of the Core Strength routine with my morning run for spiritual reasons, I also mix different core exercises into my bodybuilding routine. The Core program helps you experience a more thorough form of fitness; consequently, a more thorough form of contentment; however, I issue this recommendation with a caveat. The Core Program is complicated, especially for beginners, and I think the whole signing-the-commitment page was a bit gimmicky and self-helpish; thus my conservative rating, nevertheless, the core training method is a revolutionary winner.
Average customer rating:
- Boring...
- Great introduction to Six Sigma
- Excellent primer on Six Sigma - recommend it!
- A Great Outline of Six Sigma
- The big DUH
|
What Is Six Sigma?
Pete Pande , and
Larry Holpp
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
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Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0071381856 |
Book Description
A brief introduction to Six Sigma for employees
Six Sigma is today's most talked-about system for improving the quality of organizational processes. Written by bestselling author Peter Pande,What Is Six Sigma? is a concise summary of the core themes and processes of Six Sigma. Unlike almost all other books on Six Sigma, it is written for the employees of organizations rolling out Six Sigmanot just managers. This helpful overview describes what Six Sigma is, why companies are implementing it, and how employees can make it a success in their own organizations.
Based on the bestselling The Six Sigma Way, this accessable introduction to Six Sigma answers typical employee questions, concerns, and even skepticism about this revolutionary program. Includes:
- The six themes of Six Sigma
- A five-step roadmap to Six Sigma implementation
- The 10 basic tools of Six Sigma, with an entire page devoted to each
Download Description
Six Sigma is today's most talked-about system for improving the quality of organizational processes. Written by bestselling author Peter Pande,What Is Six Sigma? is a concise summary of the core themes and processes of Six Sigma. Unlike almost all other books on Six Sigma, it is written for the employees of organizations rolling out Six Sigmanot just managers. This helpful overview describes what Six Sigma is, why companies are implementing it, and how employees can make it a success in their own organizations.
Customer Reviews:
Boring..........2007-05-10
This is sort of an idiot's eye view of the 6 Sigma process. I think it might be useful if you are trying to sell a six sigma program within your organization and your co-workers are like the characters featured in the Dilbert comic strip by Scott Adams. Especially the pointy haired boss.
There are better resources to use in understanding the value of six sigma.
Great introduction to Six Sigma.......2007-01-27
It may not be the most complete book of Six Sigma, but it is short, easy to understand and conveys the meaning of Quality to a greater audience.
Excellent primer on Six Sigma - recommend it!.......2007-01-23
Questions answered by this book
- What is Six Sigma and how does it work?
- What are the new roles employees play in Six Sigma?
- What is the Six Sigma problem-solving process?
- Why Six Sigma is not a flavor-of-the-month management trend?
- How does Six Sigma impact the bottom line?
- How does it impact jobs?
- What is a Six Sigma team and how does it operate?
- What you need to know to be successful in a Six Sigma team?
- How will your customers be affected by Six Sigma?
The Six Sigma Success Story
Approach
- Puts customer first
- Uses facts and data
Targets
- Improving customer satisfaction
- Reducing cycle times
- Reducing defects
Not merely a quality initiative ¡V it is a business initiative
- More than small, incremental improvements => requires breakthroughs in every area of operation
- Reaching ¡§Six Sigma¡¨ => Almost no defects
- Goes beyond statistics => total management commitment and philosophy (excellence, customer focus, process improvement, measurement)
- 80+ years of evolution: ¡§management science¡¨ => TQM => GE/Motorola/J&J/AmEx adoption
Six Sigma vs. TQM
- (External) Customer Focused
- ROI
- Working smarter, not harder (management philosophy)
Six What? What¡¦s a Sigma?
Definition
- Statistical measure ¡V of performance, product or process
- Goal ¡V toward near perfection
- Management System ¡V lasting business leadership and world-class performance
Pizza delivery window example ¡V deliver between 11:45 and 12:15 ¡V anything outside is a ¡§defect¡¨
- 2 Sigma: 68% on time
- 3 Sigma: 93%
- 4 Sigma: 99.4%
- 6 Sigma: 99.9997% (3 defects per million)
Good Sigma Measure
- Focuses on measuring what paying customers of a business care about ¡V outputs not inputs
o CTQs (Critical to Quality): customer requirements and expectations
- Provides consistent ways of measuring and comparison across processes (e.g., pizza baking vs. pizza delivery)
Six Sigma as a Goal
- 3 defects per million sounds like an abnormally high goal ¡V actually there is a compounding of failures in different processes, so end-to-end customer experience is much worse than the defect rates of individual processes
- Failures have a domino effect (e.g., one dissatisfied customer spreading the news)
Six Sigma as a Management System
- Management plays a key role (e.g., Jack Welch linked 40% of bonus of managers to Six Sigma performance)
- Ultimately success or failure depends on implementation at front-lines
The Six Themes of Six Sigma
1. Genuine Focus on the Customer
2. Data and Fact Driven Management
3. Processes Are Where The Action Is
4. Proactive Management
5. Boundaryless Collaboration
6. Drive For Perfection: Tolerate Failure
Six Sigma in Your Organization
Implementing Six Sigma - Three approaches
1. The Business Transformation (enterprise-wide)
a. Rapid change
b. Chaotic
2. Strategic Improvement (middle path ¡V one or two critical business needs)
a. High-Pri Opportunities
b. Not comprehensive
3. Problem Solving (leisurely ¡V most risky approach ¡V target most nagging issues)
a. Least disruptive
b. Risky as it doesn¡¦t fix underlying org issues
Roles
- Black Belt
o Full-time dedicated to Six Sigma change opportunities
o Usually works alongside a team assigned to specific Six Sigma project
- Master Black Belt (MBB)
o Coach and mentor to Black Belts
o Expert in Six Sigma analytical tools
- Green Belt
o Trained in Six Sigma skills
o Has a ¡§real¡¨ job, i.e., part-timer on Six Sigma
o Brings new concepts and tools of Six Sigma to day-to-day activities of business
- Champion and/or Sponsor
o Exec or key manager who initiates and supports Black Belt / Team Project
o Ultimately accountable for the success of the project
o Often member of Leadership Council or Steering Committee
- Implementation Leader
o Typical titles are ¡§Vice President for Six Sigma¡¨ or ¡§Chief Sigma Officer¡¨
o Orchestrates Six Sigma across enterprise
o High stress position => Typically temporary (few years)
o Conscience of top management
Certification Process
- Based on passing a test and completing certain number of projects
The Six Sigma Team¡¦s Problem-Solving Process: DMAIC
DMAIC ¡V pronounced ¡§duh-MAY-ick¡¨ - Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control
- Improvement, problem-solving, and process-design teams are the most visible and active component of a Six Sigma effort.
- These teams are created to solve organizational problems and capitalize on opportunities
- Led by a Black Belt or a Green Belt
- Members come from different departments, job levels, backgrounds, skills and seniority
- DMAIC is the common process that members use
In working with the DMAIC process, the team interacts with the larger organization, interviews customers, gathers data, and talks to people whose work will be affected by its recommendations.
The DMAIC Team Life Cycle
Phase 1: Identifying and Selecting Projects
o Meaningful
o Manageable
Phase 2: Forming the Team
o Good working knowledge of the problem
o Not too deeply rooted (i.e., not be a part of the problem º)
Phase 3: Developing the Charter
o Written Guide (may evolve during the course of the project)
o Includes reason, goal, basic project plan, scope, roles and responsibilities
Phase 4: Training the Team
o DMAIC process (totals 1-4 weeks ¡V spread across project)
Phase 5: Doing DMAIC and Implementing Solutions
o Teams are responsible for implementing their own solutions (no hand-offs)
o Project Plans, Training, Pilots and Procedures, Measurement => Implementation
Phase 6: Handing off the Solution
o Eventually teams disband
o Formal handoff to ¡§Process Owner¡¨
What makes DMAIC different?
- Measuring problem
- Customer Focus
- Root Cause Analysis
- Breaking Old Habits
- Risk Management
- Measuring results
- Sustaining change
Five DMAIC Steps
1. Define the Problem
a. What are we working on?
b. Why on this particular problem?
c. Who is the customer?
d. What are the customer¡¦s requirements? (VoC = Voice of Customer translated to reqs)
e. How is work currently being done?
f. What are the benefits of making the improvement?
Output of this is the Charter which typically includes
- Business Case
- Problem / Opportunity and Goal Statements
- Constraints / Assumptions
- Scope
- Players and roles
- Preliminary Plan
Includes Voice of Customer translated into Customer Requirements, High-Level Process Diagrams showing 5-10 major steps in the process.
2. Measure
a. Gather data to validate and quantify opportunity
b. Begin teasing out facts and numbers to get clues on causes
Check out Figure 4-1 on p. 34 for a good illustration of measurement in different stages -
Output (end results)
Process (things that can be tracked and measured)
Input (things coming into the process)
Output Ys and Process Xs
o Y: measures of results
o X: measures of inputs
X The challenge for the DMAIC team is to figure out which of these Xs has the most impact on the problem being tackled.
Once it is determined what to measure, DMAIC team forms a ¡§data collection plan¡¨
o Move from comfortable conference room to ¡§real world¡¨ of getting people to count and quantify
o Getting cooperation from customers, colleagues, and suppliers is critical
3. Analyze
a. Analysis to find ¡§root cause¡¨
i. Sometimes root causes are evident
ii. Often buried under piles of paperwork, process complexities, etc.
b. Root Cause categories (5M and 1P)
i. Methods (procedures or techniques)
ii. Machines (technology)
iii. Materials (data, instructions, forms, files)
iv. Measures (incorrect or intrusive)
v. Mother Nature (chance factors)
vi. People
4. Improve
a. This step ¡V solution and action ¡V is where many people are tempted to jump right from the start of the project. In fact the habit of starting to solve a problem without first understanding it is so strong that many teams find it a challenge to stick with the objective rigor of the DMAIC process.
b. Truly creative solutions that address the underlying causes of the problem and that people working in the process find acceptable don¡¦t grow on trees. And once new ideas are developed, they have to be tested, refined, and implemented.
c. Assumption busting and other creativity exercises help the team shake up its thinking and approach idea generation in new ways. The team may also look at other companies or other groups in their business to see whether they can borrow ¡§best practices.¡¨
d. Once several potential solutions have been proposed, the analytical headsets go back on, and several criteria, including costs and likely benefits, are used to select the most promising and practical solutions. The ¡§final¡¨ solution or series of changes must always be approved by the Champion and often by the entire leadership team.
e. At this point ¡§Improve¡¨ becomes ¡§Implement¡¨
i. Solutions have to be carefully managed and tested
ii. Small-scale pilots are practically mandatory
iii. Teams go through ¡§potential problem analysis¡¨ to determine risks
iv. New changes have to be ¡§sold¡¨ to critical org members
5. Control
a. Monitoring process to keep track of the recommended changes
b. Response plan for dealing with problems that may arise
c. Keep management focus on Xs (the big ¡§root causes¡¨)
d. Sell project through presentations and demos
e. Hand-off project responsibilities to day-to-day work owners
f. Ensure support from management for the long-term goals
Survivor¡¦s Guide to Six Sigma
- Fundamental Six Sigma principle ¡V ¡§people close to the work are often best equipped to improve it¡¨
- At the same time organizational leaders need to provide direction and be fully engaged
- Trick: Create process that is both top-down and bottom-up
- Putting Six Sigma in place is not a step-by-step rote effort, but rather an evolving learning experience
If called to join DMAIC team, ask yourself
- Am I comfortable working in a team setting?
- Will my workload allow me the time to do a good job?
- Do I really have something to contribute?
- Will I have a say in what the team recommends?
Success Factors
- Engaged Champion - senior management sponsor who is interested in the outcome and willing to provide resources and support the team
- Available Time - of the core team members
- Influence or Control ¡V Core team should include members responsible for part of business intended to be changed
- Alignment with other efforts ¡V No overlaps or conflicts with competing projects
- Accountability ¡V You and your teammates should feel accountable for getting your projects done, as should the Champion and even your own boss, who may drag you away from the DMAIC work if he or she doesn¡¦t see it as important.
Data Gathering Challenges
- Computers and IT group often don¡¦t offer the type of numbers or detail needed for DMAIC analysis
- Black Belts and their colleagues have to pull data from the process manually, using people in the process to count or measure
Why join the Core (DMAIC) Team?
- Experience (overall business management perspective)
- Exposure (recognition from senior leaders)
- Excitement (real issues => making a difference)
- Enlightenment (learn to ask better questions and make fact-based decisions)
A Look Inside the Six Sigma Toolkit
Tools for Generating Ideas and Organizing Information (see p. 52-55 for illustrations)
- Brainstorming
- Affinity Diagramming
- Multivoting
- Structure Tree
- High Level Process Map (SIPOC Diagram) ¡V Supplier, Input, Process, Output, Customer
- Flow Chart (Process Map) ¡V Details of Process
- Cause-and-Effect (Fishbone) Diagram
Tools for Data Gathering
- Sampling
- Operational Definitions
- Voice of the Customer (VOC) Methods
- Checksheets and Spreadsheets
- Measurement Systems Analysis
Tools for Process and Data Analysis
- Process-Flow Analysis
- Value and Non-Value-Added Analysis
- Charts and Graphs
o Pareto
o Histogram
o Trend
o Scatter Plot
Tools for Statistical Analysis
- Tests of statistical significance
- Correlation and Regression
- Design of Experiments
Tools for Implementation and Process Management
- Project Management Methods
- Potential Problem Analysis and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
- Stakeholder Analysis
- Force Field Diagram
- Process Documentation
- Balanced Scorecard and Process Dashboards
A Great Outline of Six Sigma.......2006-12-27
This book is touted as a primer and that it outlines for employees the core ideas of Six Sigma and I found that it did just that. The authors work their way through the Six Sigma process step by step and in a clear easy to follow manner that anyone could benefit from.
For me I was a little disappointed because I wanted more detail about Six Sigma but that is not the intention of this book (as described on the backcover) and as such should not have been expected by me.
This is a great book for anybody who wants a quick overview of what six sigma is or for those who want to get some basics under their belt before they begin Six Sigma training. I learned enough here that I feel confident enough to understand the pros and cons of Six Sigma and capable to begin reading higher level texts on the subject.
The big DUH.......2006-03-25
This book is good enough at what it sets out to do, which is to define the major concepts and terms used by members of the Cult of Six Sigma. Spoiler alert: Six Sigma is process improvement using logic and data. (Well, duh!) Now you can save yourself nine bucks.
Book Description
No one is immune. For people from champion athletes to desk-bound white-collar professionals, many simple acts of life--a relaxing evening stroll through the neighborhood, an exhilarating run along a sandy beach, just bending down to tie a loose shoelace-are often acts of torture. The walking wounded suffer from torn rotator cuffs, tennis elbow, jogger's knees, bad backs, stiff necks, sore feet, and swollen ankles. It could, without exaggeration, be called a modem epidemic.
In this brilliant book, renowned anatomical functionalist Pete Egoscue identifies the epidemic's causes and effects. By recognizing that the human body is dependent on adequate motion to maintain its full range of physical functions, he has revolutionized both the treatment of musculoskeletal pain and the techniques for training athletes to achieve peak performance levels.
Brimming with common sense and practical advice, the heart of this important book consists of twenty-two easy-to-do, highly effective exercises that stretch, strengthen, and relax the body, allowing a return to proper alignment.
Customer Reviews:
This Book is a lifesaver for those with back pain.......2007-09-17
My doctor recommended this book to me after I had suffered a year with debilitating sciatica that caused me to have to take a leave of absence from my business. After reading the book, I understood why so many of use who are chained to desks and our computers have back pain. The book explains what happens when we are posturally imbalanced and how certain parts of the body have to overfunction when they are not aligned. The exercises are easy to do and they work. After I read the book, I was on the next plane to Pete Egoscue's clinic in San Diego. It took 6 months but I am pain free. If you can't get to one of his now many clinics, this is the book to start with.
Help Yourself with this Very Helpful Info.......2007-08-23
This book is an excellent method to get back to optimal pain free living. It helped my back pain almost immediately. I have done the exercises for about 2 weeks and have had great results. It is the only self administered program I have found to be really effective.
Changes you can really feel!.......2007-03-20
Egoscue breaks down anatomy and physiology into easy to understand concepts, and provides pain relieving exercise that anyone can do! After years of being misaligned, I've already felt relief of pain and look forward to seeing the changes soon. If you're willing to work at it, I believe his methods can work for anyone!
Amazing.......2007-03-03
This is the best book out there for anyone who has any sort of pain. The Egoscue Method has worked for more people than you could ever imagine. Yes, the method takes some time and if you dont do the exercises, you wont get better, but as long as you make it a priority, you can definately get it done. The really nice thing is that you can do many of these while you are watching TV. I highly recommend this book, I couldnt give it enough stars!
health.......2007-01-05
good book not really sure if help im really messed up but helped my dad
Average customer rating:
- Great book for those wanting to go to the next level
- An Innovative Work Out
- Great ideas, but a coach or video is necessary
- The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly from Core Performance
- Excellent addition to the Core Performance library.
|
Core Performance Endurance: A New Fitness and Nutrition Program That Revolutionizes the Way You Train for Endurance Sports
Mark Verstegen , and
Pete Williams
Manufacturer: Rodale Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Diets & Weight Loss | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books | Authors | Diets | Food Counters | Heart Disease | Hypnosis for Diets | Special Conditions
General | Nutrition | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Training | Sports | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
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Core Performance Essentials: The Revolutionary Nutrition and Exercise Plan Adapted for Everyday Use
-
Core Performance: The Revolutionary Workout Program to Transform Your Body and Your Life
-
Functional Training for Sports
-
5 Essentials for a Winning Life: The Nutrition, Fitness, and Life Plan for Discovering the Champion Within
-
Athletic Body in Balance
ASIN: 1594863520
Release Date: 2006-12-26 |
Book Description
The third book in the breakout Core Performance series offers cutting-edge training for the endurance athlete
Mark Verstegen launched the core training revolution with Core Performance, which broke new ground in fitness with its intense focus on the muscles of the core—shoulders, hips, and midsection. Now Verstegen provides an exciting new application of his powerful Core program, addressing the special needs of the endurance athlete.
Core Performance Endurance
:
• helps endurance athletes at all levels—whether they’re competitive swimmers, hard-driven triathletes, or everyday joggers—avoid the injuries that too often sabotage their performance
• delivers the desired combination of strength and stamina, balance and flexibility, athletic quickness and power that the endurance athlete strives for
• provides an endurance-oriented nutrition program—complete with recommendations for pre- and post-race eating
This book not only helps endurance athletes train more effectively, but also gives them a potent regimen of core training that will help them move more efficiently, thereby staving off overuse injuries and long-term deterioration.
Customer Reviews:
Great book for those wanting to go to the next level.......2007-08-01
This book shows you some new teqniques for improving your form and strength.
The section on the foam roller has been invaluable to me.
The book sort of ends quickly....I wish there was a bit more on implementing a program.
An Innovative Work Out.......2007-04-09
Core conditioning meets endurance training in this manual geared toward endurance sports. This is a great program to work on with a friend.
Great ideas, but a coach or video is necessary.......2007-03-20
This book looks nice with its colorful pictures, charts of exercise programs, and glossy paper.
Also the idea of working one's core in order to achieve stability seems to be an important development in endurance training.
However, many of the exercises need someone as a supervisor in order to ensure that one's form is correct. Also I developed more pulled muscles after starting the program without proper supervision.
If you choose this one, take your time, but remember that with endurance sports swimming, biking, and running are the best ways to improve.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly from Core Performance.......2007-01-17
First, the good. I've been a big fan of Core Performance workouts since reading the first book by Mark Verstegen. As I shifted toward more endurance sports like triathlon, I found the original book to be less helpful. Core Performance Endurance is the long-awaited combination of a core conditioning program with endurance training. On this most important point, I think Verstegen has again come through in a big way. Workouts emphasize flexibility, core strength, and injury prevention. Days are divided by emphasis on "strength", "power", "regeneration", and "rest". The idea is that, through this approach, an athlete will train efficiently and get the most results for the effort expended. What most people would call the "cardio" work is here referred to as "energy system development" or ESD. ESD work is done on most days, but it varies between slow days at less than race pace, relatively short intervals at race pace, and brief intervals at greater than race pace. The goal is to use the combination of approaches to improve the lactate threshold, the point where muscles start to "burn" and increase the level at which an athlete continuously perform without lactic acid build up. This flies in the face of "more is better" training, and it is consistent with the most recent advances in exercise physiology.
The Bad. If you are expecting a spoon-fed workout, you will be disappointed. The ESD workouts do not specify which sport is to be performed. That approach would work best for a pure runner or biker. For a multi-sport triathlete, it leaves a fair bit of the work in designing the program to the individual. For instance, should a swim be combined with a "power" day or a "strength" day? Should one alternate? How should "brick workouts" (two sports one after another, usually biking followed by running) be integrated? I like to take a hands-on approach to the details, but I can see how many might be put off by this. This book should properly be considered a foundation to an endurance exercise program, helping an athlete maximize their results and prevent injury. It should not be considered the whole program in itself.
The Ugly. An athlete progresses through stages (i.e. A, B, C) and levels (1, 2) that increase in length of time and difficulty. When ready to go to "level 3", you are instructed to go to the website, coreperformance.com. The problem? It's a site that REQUIRES A PAID MEMBERSHIP. I thought this was pretty sleazy. I don't think I would have bought the book if it had been marketed as "Two Thirds of Core Performance Endurance". When I first read the instruction to go to the website, I was pretty steamed. I was ready to dash off a 1-star review and trash the book. After I cooled down, I decided that, had there NOT been a 3rd level at all, I would have thought the workout was still pretty darn good. Judging the workout program by what is between the covers, I am reasonably happy. I decided to do my best to inform potential buyers and let them decide if it was a deal breaker or not. Consider getting the free trial offered at the site before buying the book, just to see if you think there is any value added for you.
So, for an excellent and innovative workout, I think Core Performance Endurance delivers. It would have been a much better book if it wasn't also a teaser for a subscription for an online exercise program run by the author. 4 stars.
Excellent addition to the Core Performance library........2007-01-07
I have been a fan of the CP approach since the original book. As a trail runner and mountain biker, neither of the previous titles addressed training and injury-prevention particular to my interests. Core Performance Endurance applies the already widely praised and very effective techniques of Movement Prep, Prehab, Elasticity, Power and Strength Training to the particular demands of cycling, running, swimming and other "lung" sports.
A great deal of space is devoted to "Tissue Management". The human body takes quite a pounding during endurance training but these techniques, combined with proper movement patterns and nutrition can prevent over 60% of the injuries commonly experienced by endurance athletes according to the authors. This information alone is largely ignored in other published material and easily justifies the purchase of this book.
The nutritional information provided is state-of-the-art, practical and effective. They know what an endurance athlete's body demands and dispell many prevalent myths that are ineffective at best and potentially dangerous at worst.
The material is clearly presented (they've learned what works from feedback regarding the previous books) and there are plenty of new tricks for those already familiar with the CP methodology. As a program it is very flexible and realistic for those who already have to squeeze in rides, runs and swims in-between work and family responsibilities. Many other books on this subject assume you've got endless time and opportunity to work on increasing your VO2 Max.
Other reviews have mentioned needing to purchase additional equipment to do some of the exercises. While this is true, all of the workouts can be performed with a minimum of equipment, most of which would fit in a bike bag or small duffel. This is a cutting-edge program and the investment needed for the additional equipment is modest compared with the return. Additionally, Mark Verstegen suggests a number of low or no cost alternatives should you not wish to purchase more equipment.
Whether you're gunning for a PR in the Leadville 100 or running your first 5k, Core Performance Endurance has got you covered. Highly recommended.
Book Description
In Core Performance Essentials, Mark Verstegen—one of America’s most innovative and respected performance coaches—presents a streamlined version of his remarkable Core fitness program. Eliminating all excuses for not working out, this book breaks down fitness essentials into a quick, easy-to-follow routine that takes only 30 minutes and requires no special equipment. There are dozens of workouts designed to improve flexibility, joint stability, and balance—and to create a lean, agile, powerful physique that’s resistant to injury and the ravages of age.
An ideal beginning workout for those who haven’t exercised in years, Core Performance Essentials is also perfect for bodybuilders looking for flexibility, athletes looking to improve performance and decrease the chance of injury, back pain sufferers in need of relief, and, most of all, busy men and women who need to fit their exercise into a crowded schedule.
Customer Reviews:
Good stuff!.......2007-09-28
I am always looking for a good workout and this one was simply amazing. I have been on it for 3 weeks and the results are amazing. Best thing is I am able to slot it into my busy schedule. It is also very low impact since I have bad knees and a weak back, I found this a excellent fit.
Nutrition information excellent.......2007-05-30
Nutritional information is excellent. Excercise section great if you want to get in condition - not so good if you are looking to add size.
Great book........2007-05-14
Good advice on diet and exercise. Quick workout for those who don't have alot of time.
Movements not muscles.......2007-04-07
As an educator who trains personal trainers my critique on most fitness books for the consumer is that they focus on training individual muscles; for example doing chest press just for the 'pecs'
Mark does an excellent job of introducing the concept of training movement patterns, not individual muscles--this is the secret to top conditioning coaches and Mark does an excellent job of presenting the info in consumer friendly language.
As a personal trainer I will buy this book for clients and teach them exercises out of this book so they can progress or regress the exercises on their own. My goal for clients is to teach them how to be independent when working out and Verstegen's book is a great resource for that goal.
All you need to live longer.......2007-03-08
Regardless of age/gender, you should buy this book. I just turned 40, have 3 kids and live a very busy lifestyle. The principles in this book are simple to understand and incorporate everyday.
This book was recommended to me by a business associate of the author. It was specifically recommended because it is the 'easiest book the author has written for incorporating fitness into the normal person's lifestyle' (i.e. for those who do NOT have the time to spend an hour or more at the gym each night). For me, the book is really two books; (1) nutrition 101 and (2) exercise for life.
For nutrition, the author makes it easy to understand the theory of nutrition (i.e. eating). He starts with theory, then grocery shopping, and then the eating schedule. This book does recommend more frequent mini-meals, rather than big dinners. Anyways, some very sound basics to answer the question of what you should put in body for maximum performance and health.
For exercise, the author asks you to commit 30 minutes a day to a core performance workout (ok, with a shower its 45 minutes). For novices, the Core is essentially your mid section (abs, stomach, butt, thigh, shoulder, back, etc.), but the program really hits every muscle group. As for the program, you can do all the exercises at home, without investing in costly equipment. The exercises focus on flexibility, endurance and strength and really do work. I started the program a little over 3 weeks ago and can already "feel" and see the difference. For the record, I've had lower back issues for 6+ years and since using the Core Performance it's never felt better. Not once have I have to 'roll out' of bed in the morning.
Live longer, feel healthier, and look better. Some motivation, 30 minutes per day, and this book are all you really need.
Thanks Mark for making professional athletic training programs applicable to the regular guy!
Book Description
In the 1970s and 1980s, before he earned national acclaim for his award-winning novels, Pete Dexter was a newspaper columnist. Every week, in a few hundred words, Dexter cut directly to the heart of the American character at a time of national turmoil and crucial change. With haunting urgency, his columns laid bare the violence, hypocrisy, and desperation he saw on the streets of Philadelphia and in the places he visited across the country. But he reveled, too, in the lighter side of his own life, sharing scenes with the indefatigable Mrs. Dexter, their young daughter, and a series of unforgettable creatures who strayed into their lives. No matter what caught Dexter's eye, it was illuminated by his dark, brilliant humor.
Collected here for the first time are eighty-two of the best of those spellbinding, finely wrought pieces—with a new introduction by the author—assembled by Rob Fleder, editor of the bestselling Sports Illustrated 50th Anniversary Book. Paper Trails is searing, heart-breaking, and irresistibly funny, sometimes all at once. As Pete Hamill says in his foreword, these essays "are as good as it ever gets."
Customer Reviews:
Pete Dexter can WRITE!.......2007-04-06
Boy is Pete Dexter a good writer. This collection of his columns from, among others, the Sacramento Bee and the Philadelphia Inquirer are occasionally a little dark, but never boring, and cover a wide array of subjects. If you've never read Pete Dexter, you should, and this is a good way to get your feet wet; that being said, his novels are not to be missed.
Biting.......2007-04-05
Dexter's stories about life in America may be the most inciteful observations being written today. Spellbinding prose.
Brilliant, fun, sad, poignant ..........2007-03-15
Dexter is truly one of America's greatest writers ... this collection is impossible to put down. If the first piece doesn't grab your heart, you don't have one. This is every bit as good as his novels ... and those are masterpieces.
PETE DEXTER'S UNIQUE STORIES OF LIFE.......2007-02-13
Four FASCINATING Stars! National Book Award-winning writer Pete Dexter wrote kaleidoscopic newspaper columns and magazine articles on his observations of life, love, marriage, death, and everything in between in preceding decades. These 82 vignettes are unique and engrossing, coming from multiple sources Iike Esquire, Sports Illustrated, Redbook, Inside Sports, Philadelphia Daily News, and the Sacramento Bee, focusing on many locations around the country. Although somewhat dated, this book proves the timeless phrase "The more things change, the more they remain the same": case in point, Dexter's 'O. J. Simpson vs the press' viewpoint is right on the money, as O. J. once again regretably rises to the attention of the world.
In the great tradition of writers like Jimmy Breslin, Mr Dexter writes with a keen eye, sardonic wit, and a gift for detail and opinion in rough-edged, highly-descriptive, and presumptive prose. The stories keep coming, letting the reader sometimes read between the lines and fill in missing details: here's how he describes how he rushed from Florida to Philadelphia in mid-winter to accept a much-needed new job: "I arrived three days later with one pair of boots, no coat, running as close to empty as I've ever been", a whale of a winter image in 21 words. You fill in the rest; unshaven, dirty laundry in the back seat? The book is loaded with these.
The specific stories are varied: a salute to a TV newsman murdered on his knees in a foreign country (no, not that newsman and not that country!), the escapades of two friends nicknamed Low Gear and Minus (no kidding!), a mother cat in a dangerous world, a beer throwing contest (seriously!), police stories, courtroom stories, stereotypical views on race but with an underlying fairness and fondness for all men, a paper bag that should have been left alone, murders that could and should have been avoided, an old boxer one should stay away from, and the Brian Spencer-involved murder case that he peels back like an onion. The stories run from the truly interesting to the mundane, but things are never boring based on the grittiness and uniqueness of Mr Dexter's vignettes of life. It may take a couple of stories to get your bearings, but by then he's pulled you into his world. Definitely Recommended!! Four INCISIVE Stars!
(Note: this review is based on an eBook digital download in secure eReader format.)
Book Description
From the sports experts at ESPN comes the most informative baseball compilation ever created—and the next best thing to watching the home team win!
“I want a bumper sticker: You can have my Baseball Encyclopedia when you tear it from my cold, dead hands.” —Bill James, author of the Historical Baseball Abstract
“Baseball fans haven’t been able to get this much for so little since baseball cards were a quarter a pack.” —Mat Olkin, writer and editor for USA Today and Sports Weekly
A baseball lover’s ultimate guide, based on a remarkable database compiled by the award-winning godfather of statistical baseball analysis, Pete Palmer, and edited by baseball historian and commentator Gary Gillette. Featuring totally revised and up-to-date statistics, this all-star encyclopedia presents the most complete and accurate portrait of the game of baseball ever compiled. Brought to fans at an unbeatable price, it’s brimming with illuminating essays and information. There’s comprehensive year-by-year and team-by-team batting and pitching statistics for all players in major league history; all-time leaders in 150 categories; all-inclusive coverage of career interruptions due to wartime military service; the most authoritative Negro League stats anywhere; and countless fascinating data about teams, managers, and ballparks. Plus every record ever set is noted and every active major league player’s numbers updated, with a detailed record of everything that happened in pro baseball this year.
Customer Reviews:
All you ever wanted to know about Baseball........2007-08-31
Reviews and presents the 'greats' and the not so 'great' in an apostolic and alphabetical order by career importance and also by relevant statistics. This is the sign-off item for any MLB argument and for the Prevention--of any dubious 'know-it-alls' as labeled by the conformist's predilections. Retorts even the neophyte to the game's roots of the 'movement' of the players of all times and of all creeds and nations. Introduces an ingenious formula for including in the documentation those numbers not usually graphed or figured out that any fan would like to know, i.e., "sabermetrics". Who was pitching, hitting and circling the bases when records, both good and poor, were being tallied and posted on the center field boards, and now in the hand-held instruments of reprisal (cell-phones, iPods, whatever's). No sports fan can be without this volume: three strikes--you're out the plate! If you don't get this tome.
Book Description
Pete Earley had no idea. He'd been a journalist for over thirty years, and the author of several award-winning-even bestselling-nonfiction books about crime and punishment and society. Yet he'd always been on the outside looking in. He had no idea what it was like to be on the inside looking out until his son, Mike, was declared mentally ill, and Earley was thrown headlong into the maze of contradictions, disparities, and catch-22s that is America's mental health system.
The more Earley dug, the more he uncovered the bigger picture: Our nation's prisons have become our new mental hospitals. Crazy tells two stories. The first is his son's. The second describes what Earley learned during a yearlong investigation inside the Miami-Dade County jail, where he was given complete, unrestricted access. There, and in the surrounding community, he shadowed inmates and patients; interviewed correctional officers, public defenders, prosecutors, judges, mental-health professionals, and the police; talked with parents, siblings, and spouses; consulted historians, civil rights lawyers, and legislators.
The result is both a remarkable piece of investigative journalism, and a wake-up call-a portrait that could serve as a snapshot of any community in America
Customer Reviews:
scary truths.......2007-09-18
a scared straight for the mentally ill, families , and all involved . my son was warned by his psychiatrist that he would end up in either jail or the ground if he didnt work with her( by taking his meds and going to therapy )-that society had no place for people that acted like him during his manic episodes. and she warned that jail wouldn't be anything like the thirty seconds it took to just take his pills. i thought, like people mentioned in the book, maybe jail might help, but would you send your son with a broken bone to jail for a cast? he is not a criminal and shouldn't be treated as one. he didnt ask for his brain to malfunction. read this book, learn from it the better ways of helping the inflicted. demand changes in your area and state. you vote for the people that have the power to make things better.
Just a little TOO crazy.......2007-09-16
Don't get me wrong, I love books... just not this one.
This one was crazy, all right. A little too crazy. I was completely unexpectant of the full craziness of this book. In the beginning, when he's talking about mental health madness, I was like, "what now?"
Don't buy it... unless you like a little crazy in your life. I know I don't.
How true this is!!!!.......2007-08-29
This was an extremely good portrayal of our mental health system today. It is a fine line between allowing an adult to make a decision regarding his/her own mental health or forcing them to be medicated so they will not endanger themselves because they perceive reality so distorted. It was a very interesting read and so well written.
Thank you Pete Earley.......2007-08-15
As someone who has a close loved one with a serious mental illness, this book really struck close to home. It moved me more than any other book I've read on the subject, because the story was told from a father's perspective. Even though there are no good solutions within the mental health and justice systems right now, it's comforting to remember there are others out there in the same situation. I am thankful that Mr. Earley was willing to share his family's story.
THOUGHT PROVOKING STORY.......2007-06-27
The author told a truthful, open and thought provoking story. It seemed like it took me forever to get through the book. The topic was up my alley but the story didn't seem to keep me interested for long periods of time.
Books:
- Promise of the Rose (Avon Romance)
- Promises Keep
- Red Lily (In the Garden, Book 3)
- Reposition Yourself: Living Life Without Limits
- Rhiannon (The Roselynde Chronicles, Book Five)
- Sacred Influence: What a Man Needs from His Wife to Be the Husband She Wants
- Second Life: The Official Guide
- Secrets of Sensual Lovemaking : The Ultimate in Female Ecstasy
- Seeking With All My Heart: Encountering the Presence of God in the Bible and Christian Literature
- Slightly Tempted
Books Index
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