The Ride of a Lifetime by Paul Teutul, Sr
I have watched a few seasons of American Chopper and formed the impression of Paul Sr as nothing more than a big, mean, dumb, oaf. I could never figure out how he made so much money (other than through his celebrity status), so I decided to get his (this) book and read about his business skills.
I must admin, I was very impressed with this book. In fact, I found it much better than some of the expert professional business and management guru's. Paul Sr is not as dumb as he may seem on television.
The book is under 200 pages and contains fourteen chapters on how Teutul thinks and operates his business. Some of the topics include: passion, change, leadership, hiring people, and learning from mistakes. This is a quick easy read, but is full of useful information.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in business or management. I believe it should be required reading for all college business students as well. This book will be added to my collection.
August 22, 2014
August 11, 2014
Book Review
How to Let God Solve Your Problems: 12 Keys to Finding Clear Guidance in Life's Trials by Charles F. Stanley
The purpose of this book is to guide the reader into a better understanding of why God allows us to experience times of trials. I don't think the title reflects the purpose of the book. In fact, after reading the book, I am not sure what Stanley's 12 keys to finding clear guidance from God really is.
I couldn't get into this book for some reason. It did not appear to be laid out or presented in a manner that flowed together nicely. This is certainly not Stanley's best book. The book is light on Scripture references explaining and demonstrating the power of God at work.
There is nothing wrong with what Stanley writes, but even though it is less than 100 page and a quick read I don't recommend this book.
The purpose of this book is to guide the reader into a better understanding of why God allows us to experience times of trials. I don't think the title reflects the purpose of the book. In fact, after reading the book, I am not sure what Stanley's 12 keys to finding clear guidance from God really is.
I couldn't get into this book for some reason. It did not appear to be laid out or presented in a manner that flowed together nicely. This is certainly not Stanley's best book. The book is light on Scripture references explaining and demonstrating the power of God at work.
There is nothing wrong with what Stanley writes, but even though it is less than 100 page and a quick read I don't recommend this book.
July 14, 2014
Book Review
Jesus and His World: The Archaeological Evidence by Craig A. Evans
The purpose of this book is to examine some of the archaeological evidence pertaining to Jesus Christ. The author takes very complex and scholarly material and makes it easy to read and understand by the average person.
There are five main sections the author focuses on:
1. What was Nazareth (Jesus's hometown) like?
2. Were synagogues around when Jesus was growing up? If so, what were they like?
3. Would Jesus have been able to read or write based on societal standards?
4. What were the priests and the temple like?
5. What were Jewish burial traditions and how does the account of Jesus's death compare?
Two other minor questions were answered in the appendixes:
1. Have we found the family tomb of Jesus?
2. What did Jesus look like?
The author does a good job at answering these questions based on archaeological findings. The author also provides information about other resources for further reading.
Overall, this book is an interesting read and certainly worth your time if you are interested in the historical world of Jesus's day.
The purpose of this book is to examine some of the archaeological evidence pertaining to Jesus Christ. The author takes very complex and scholarly material and makes it easy to read and understand by the average person.
There are five main sections the author focuses on:
1. What was Nazareth (Jesus's hometown) like?
2. Were synagogues around when Jesus was growing up? If so, what were they like?
3. Would Jesus have been able to read or write based on societal standards?
4. What were the priests and the temple like?
5. What were Jewish burial traditions and how does the account of Jesus's death compare?
Two other minor questions were answered in the appendixes:
1. Have we found the family tomb of Jesus?
2. What did Jesus look like?
The author does a good job at answering these questions based on archaeological findings. The author also provides information about other resources for further reading.
Overall, this book is an interesting read and certainly worth your time if you are interested in the historical world of Jesus's day.
June 23, 2014
Book Review
The Ultimate Conversation by Charles Stanley
This book is about talking to God through prayer. Its twelve chapters include something for everyone. The author starts with biblically describing who God is and ends with having an intimate relationship with God.
Each chapter has a principle or lesson to it. Scripture is used throughout the book to backup and explain the author's point. Most chapters also give an example from Stanley's life about the topic. Finally, each chapter ends with a prayer.
So often prayer becomes a list of things we want and we focus on those things rather than what God wants. Stanley provides an excellent prayer to start each day (page 169),
Even when praying for others we usually ask for what we want or what we think they need. Stanley provides and example to pray for others (page 243),
This is a great book for anyone interested in deepening their relationship with God.
This book is about talking to God through prayer. Its twelve chapters include something for everyone. The author starts with biblically describing who God is and ends with having an intimate relationship with God.
Each chapter has a principle or lesson to it. Scripture is used throughout the book to backup and explain the author's point. Most chapters also give an example from Stanley's life about the topic. Finally, each chapter ends with a prayer.
So often prayer becomes a list of things we want and we focus on those things rather than what God wants. Stanley provides an excellent prayer to start each day (page 169),
"Father, I want you to guide me and lead me today. Speak to my heart. Make me sensitive to Your promptings and to what is happening around me in the lives of those I meet. Fill me with Your supernatural joy, and use me today for Your purposes. I surrender fully to You."
Even when praying for others we usually ask for what we want or what we think they need. Stanley provides and example to pray for others (page 243),
"We pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ all around the world who faithfully proclaim the Gospel despite terrible persecution. Father, we ask You to keep them safe, encourage them, help them understand Your will for their lives, and show them how to walk in a manner worthy of Your name. Please make their work fruitful, increase their knowledge of Your ways, give them strength to endure, and create a heart of joyful thanks within them. May they lead many into growing relationship with You."
This is a great book for anyone interested in deepening their relationship with God.
June 01, 2014
Book Review
Fire Your Boss by Stephen Pollan and Mark Levine
The theme of this book is about taking control of your work life. The approach to this is outlined throughout the book in part one. Part two gives a few examples of the process.
In brief, the concepts are to fulfill the needs of your boss and always be looking for a better job. Forget about a career, you should not try to find your satisfaction in life from your job. Instead you should try to work less and make more money so you have time to do what fulfills your life during your personal time.
The authors list twenty factors to consider when comparing jobs, some are important, others may be important, and some are not important, but good to consider during a comparison.
Important Factors: income, opportunity for learning, paid time off, proximity, unpaid time off.
May Be Important Factors: disability insurance, health insurance, retirement plan, tuition reimbursement
Not Important Factors: amenities, auto reimbursement/allowance, challenging work, culture, environment, expense allowance, opportunity for advancement, stability, status, title
The book is almost 300 pages long. In reality, there is about 50 pages of material in it. The authors just keep stating the same ideas and examples over and over again. While I do not agree with everything the authors write, they do make some good points.
Overall, I do not recommend this book, simply because there isn't enough good information to make it worth while. It seems to me the authors just wrote a book to capitalize on their success from writing other books.
The theme of this book is about taking control of your work life. The approach to this is outlined throughout the book in part one. Part two gives a few examples of the process.
In brief, the concepts are to fulfill the needs of your boss and always be looking for a better job. Forget about a career, you should not try to find your satisfaction in life from your job. Instead you should try to work less and make more money so you have time to do what fulfills your life during your personal time.
The authors list twenty factors to consider when comparing jobs, some are important, others may be important, and some are not important, but good to consider during a comparison.
Important Factors: income, opportunity for learning, paid time off, proximity, unpaid time off.
May Be Important Factors: disability insurance, health insurance, retirement plan, tuition reimbursement
Not Important Factors: amenities, auto reimbursement/allowance, challenging work, culture, environment, expense allowance, opportunity for advancement, stability, status, title
The book is almost 300 pages long. In reality, there is about 50 pages of material in it. The authors just keep stating the same ideas and examples over and over again. While I do not agree with everything the authors write, they do make some good points.
Overall, I do not recommend this book, simply because there isn't enough good information to make it worth while. It seems to me the authors just wrote a book to capitalize on their success from writing other books.
May 13, 2014
Book Review
Die Broke by Stephen Pollan and Mark Levine
This book is a different way to view finances and life. The authors describe the plan in four parts: Quit Today, Pay Cash, Don't Retire, and Die Broke.
This book is about 300 pages, separated into two parts. Part one is the Die Broke philosophy as described below. Part two is basic information about financial topics from Accountants to Wills.
Quit Today - the idea here is to quit trying to find meaning in your job, to stop making your job your life. Companies are no longer loyal to their employees, so when your current job no longer meets your needs in life, then move on.
Pay Cash - this is rather obvious, don't go into debt for stuff except for maybe a home. If you don't have the money for it then don't buy it.
Don't Retire - people are living longer and are not able to enjoy their retirement, either due to poor health or poor finances. The authors believe people should work in some capacity to not only maintain their financial stability, but also their physical and mental health as well.
Die Broke - the authors are not in favor of passing on an inheritance to relatives. Instead they recommend to give the money to them during your lifetime so everyone can enjoy the gift.
Overall, I enjoyed reading the authors take on this "radical, four-part financial plan." I have been following the basics of this "radical" plan long before I discovered this book. It seems to just make sense for the most part. I don't agree with everything the authors wrote about finances, but this makes for a great read and good plan to follow.
Up next is Fire Your Boss from the same authors.
This book is a different way to view finances and life. The authors describe the plan in four parts: Quit Today, Pay Cash, Don't Retire, and Die Broke.
This book is about 300 pages, separated into two parts. Part one is the Die Broke philosophy as described below. Part two is basic information about financial topics from Accountants to Wills.
Quit Today - the idea here is to quit trying to find meaning in your job, to stop making your job your life. Companies are no longer loyal to their employees, so when your current job no longer meets your needs in life, then move on.
Pay Cash - this is rather obvious, don't go into debt for stuff except for maybe a home. If you don't have the money for it then don't buy it.
Don't Retire - people are living longer and are not able to enjoy their retirement, either due to poor health or poor finances. The authors believe people should work in some capacity to not only maintain their financial stability, but also their physical and mental health as well.
Die Broke - the authors are not in favor of passing on an inheritance to relatives. Instead they recommend to give the money to them during your lifetime so everyone can enjoy the gift.
Overall, I enjoyed reading the authors take on this "radical, four-part financial plan." I have been following the basics of this "radical" plan long before I discovered this book. It seems to just make sense for the most part. I don't agree with everything the authors wrote about finances, but this makes for a great read and good plan to follow.
Up next is Fire Your Boss from the same authors.
April 21, 2014
Book Review
The Second Coming by John MacArthur
The purpose of this book is to examine what the bible says regarding the return of Christ. Much of the exposition focuses on the Olivet Discourse.
One thing MacArthur does in this book that he doesn't usually do is focus on what other people say and believe about the second coming of Christ. He then uses Scripture to disprove or discredit their ideas. He explains terms like amillennialism, pre-millennialism, postmillennialism, and preterism. None of these terms are found in Scripture, but are terms that people have used to describe their stance regarding Christ's return.
I think because MacArthur focused on disproving other ideas, I couldn't really get interested in the book until the final few chapters, which are spent explaining in detail the three parables at the end of the Olivet Discourse.
If you are interested in learning about other thoughts and ideas regarding the second coming of Christ then I would recommend this book. If you are interested in understanding and looking for an exposition of the Olivet Discourse, then I would just read the last few chapters of this book.
Keep on reading!
The purpose of this book is to examine what the bible says regarding the return of Christ. Much of the exposition focuses on the Olivet Discourse.
One thing MacArthur does in this book that he doesn't usually do is focus on what other people say and believe about the second coming of Christ. He then uses Scripture to disprove or discredit their ideas. He explains terms like amillennialism, pre-millennialism, postmillennialism, and preterism. None of these terms are found in Scripture, but are terms that people have used to describe their stance regarding Christ's return.
I think because MacArthur focused on disproving other ideas, I couldn't really get interested in the book until the final few chapters, which are spent explaining in detail the three parables at the end of the Olivet Discourse.
If you are interested in learning about other thoughts and ideas regarding the second coming of Christ then I would recommend this book. If you are interested in understanding and looking for an exposition of the Olivet Discourse, then I would just read the last few chapters of this book.
Keep on reading!
April 11, 2014
Water Problems - Option #1 - The Solution!
After doing some more research, I found a couple of companies that sell the parts I need; a pump, tank, and soda ash. The pump and tank were purchased online from US Water Systems and the Soda Ash was purchased online from Discount Filter Store. The other miscellaneous parts I could pick up at Lowes.
The total cost for me to install was less than $500. I decided this was the option for me.
I opted for the adjustable feed, 17 gpd Stenner pump and a 35 gallon tank. I installed the pump and wired it to the pressure switch, so when the well pump kicks on, the injector pump kicks on and adds the soda ash solution to the water line before the pressure tank.
The project took me longer than I anticipated, but I didn't really have a lot of time in one block to dedicate to the install. Of course, I had a few leaky pipes along the way, but it all seems to be working well now.
I used about 7, 8 oz liquid measuring cups of soda ash (Neutra 7) to 5 Gallons of water. I retested the water and the pH level is right where it should be. I can either adjust the mixture or the feed rate if the pH needs to increase or decrease based upon water conditions.
Overall, this wasn't a hard project and I saved myself almost $500 and hopefully no more broken pipes!
Mission Accomplished!
The total cost for me to install was less than $500. I decided this was the option for me.
I opted for the adjustable feed, 17 gpd Stenner pump and a 35 gallon tank. I installed the pump and wired it to the pressure switch, so when the well pump kicks on, the injector pump kicks on and adds the soda ash solution to the water line before the pressure tank.
The project took me longer than I anticipated, but I didn't really have a lot of time in one block to dedicate to the install. Of course, I had a few leaky pipes along the way, but it all seems to be working well now.
I used about 7, 8 oz liquid measuring cups of soda ash (Neutra 7) to 5 Gallons of water. I retested the water and the pH level is right where it should be. I can either adjust the mixture or the feed rate if the pH needs to increase or decrease based upon water conditions.
Overall, this wasn't a hard project and I saved myself almost $500 and hopefully no more broken pipes!
Mission Accomplished!
April 10, 2014
Water Problems - Option #3 - Culligan & Local Company
The second company to test my water and give me a recommendation/quote was Culligan. The salesman tested the water and said the only problem was the pH level. The water is too acidic. Of course, I know this already, but I am ready for his sales pitch.
His solution was to install a Soda Ash feeder using a Pulsafeeder pump. Total cost was about $950 installed.
This solution sounded much more reasonable, but I wondered if a local, not a national company could give me a better price.
I contacted a third company, the same company who drilled the well for me, and they gave me a quote over the phone for about $1500. They wanted to sell me some other type of system that neutralizes the acid, but makes the water hard, so I would need a water softener as well.
After two quotes I decided the Soda Ash Injection System was the way to go.
Now, the question became: Can I install this system cheaper?
Find out tomorrow.....
His solution was to install a Soda Ash feeder using a Pulsafeeder pump. Total cost was about $950 installed.
This solution sounded much more reasonable, but I wondered if a local, not a national company could give me a better price.
I contacted a third company, the same company who drilled the well for me, and they gave me a quote over the phone for about $1500. They wanted to sell me some other type of system that neutralizes the acid, but makes the water hard, so I would need a water softener as well.
After two quotes I decided the Soda Ash Injection System was the way to go.
Now, the question became: Can I install this system cheaper?
Find out tomorrow.....
April 09, 2014
Water Problems - Option #3 - Kinetico
As mentioned in my previous post, we have acidic water. The simple solution to solve acid water is to add soda ash or some other chemical to increase the pH level.
I decided to get some quotes from companies to see if this is a project worth doing myself or just have a professional install the system.
The first company to give me a recommendation to fix the problem sells Kinetico equipment. The sales person tested the water for all kinds of stuff and the main problem was.....acidic water. Of course, he still gave me this hour long sales pitch/demo of how great their products are.
I was quoted for a Soda Ash injection system (using a Stenner pump), two sediment filters, and a water conditioner (this was optional, but he recommended it and most people get it). The filters are $14.75 each and would need to be changed about every 2-3 months and 6-8 months. The pump tube should be changed every 6 months at $16.49. Finally a bag of soda ash is about $50 and I would probably need one or two of those per year. Of course, he also recommended a drinking water system for the kitchen sink. Total initial cost for the system was about $6,000!
I was stunned. I know I can replace all of the copper in the house for less than $6,000. The house is less than 10 years old and uses mostly pex plumbing. The only copper is a little bit in the basement and the fixtures.
Maybe the next company will have something better to say! Check back tomorrow for more!
I decided to get some quotes from companies to see if this is a project worth doing myself or just have a professional install the system.
The first company to give me a recommendation to fix the problem sells Kinetico equipment. The sales person tested the water for all kinds of stuff and the main problem was.....acidic water. Of course, he still gave me this hour long sales pitch/demo of how great their products are.
I was quoted for a Soda Ash injection system (using a Stenner pump), two sediment filters, and a water conditioner (this was optional, but he recommended it and most people get it). The filters are $14.75 each and would need to be changed about every 2-3 months and 6-8 months. The pump tube should be changed every 6 months at $16.49. Finally a bag of soda ash is about $50 and I would probably need one or two of those per year. Of course, he also recommended a drinking water system for the kitchen sink. Total initial cost for the system was about $6,000!
I was stunned. I know I can replace all of the copper in the house for less than $6,000. The house is less than 10 years old and uses mostly pex plumbing. The only copper is a little bit in the basement and the fixtures.
Maybe the next company will have something better to say! Check back tomorrow for more!
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