Too Nice for Your Own Good

Too Nice for Your Own Good : How to Stop Making 9 Self-Sabotaging Mistakes by Duke Robinson
Review by : ilaxi
Buy Here

How oft we create a wave to spell trouble with our own perfections being true and honest with good faith and intentions? We take on too much not saying what we want and that's exactly what the book reveals - the niceness mistakes that 'Damage' us! Unconsciously, we have planted strong messages in the back of our minds and with good intentions by our mentors, follow the moral code of conducts in life. Be good, be nice, be cool, share and care, don't be selfish, be reasonable, don't hurt others, help friends, say yes and so on. In real, trying to reach perfection and taking on too much lead us to exhaustion and sooner or later the ship of our life start sinking. The author gives an insight to the nine unconscious mistakes we often make daily and helps us correct them and pulls a person out of frustration and stress. In not saying what you want and taking on too much, it leads to suppressed anger. Robinson provides healthy tips to express anger to orchestrate a balanced life. Life itself is like riding a bike up and down roads that are bumpy, curvy, hilly while juggling bananas, balloons and bowling balls says Robinson and so this is when you have a fall, life needs balancing back to pedal and steer with too much/too little, too rational/too emotional, to fast/too slow, too cautious/too reckless, too strong/too weak, etc. and remain upright empowering to get what you need and deserve. Irony is, sometimes our niceness betrays us and this book is a key to understanding our mistakes and bring about a 'change' in us. Robinson makes us a nicer person making one realize the mistakes, why we make and how to give up. In doing so, Robinson guides in:
1. Liberating from the bondage of other's expectations
2. Saying no and saving work overloads
3. Telling what we want and analyze what we receive is worth or not
4. Express anger that heal and maintain relationships too.
5. Face irrationality and criticism
6. Tell truth to friends when they fail us
7. Care for others but do no burden own trying to run their lives.
8. In pain and grief, feel competent enough
A change is always welcome even for the nice to be nicer and avoid the mistakes that we keep making out of the blue. Our good intentions turn out to be damn-in-way for others who often misunderstand or shrug off not appreciating your worth as human being. This book is indeed a gem collection for every person who has learned to live being 'Nice' and remain being so without being emotionally hung up sometimes. Good Pick!

Who will Cry when you Die?

Who will Cry when you Die? By Robin Sharma
Review by : ilaxi
Buy Here

Robin Sharma, the Author says: "When you live your truth, your dreams beat a path toward your doorstep".

A practical solution to create a sound Life and strikingly balance life filling in the gaps with humility. Robin refers to his father's words that a tree that has most fruits is that which bends to the ground. And though there are some exceptions he have found in his own experience that it is true-the people who know the most, who have achieved the most, and have lived the most, are also the people closest to the ground. In a word, they are humble. There is something special about being in the presence of a person who is humble. Robin sharma thinks that practicing humility shows that you respect others and reminds us that there is something for us to learn. It sends a signal to those around you that you are open to receiving the gift of their knowledge and listening to what they have to say. The book is door to exceptional life and live life to the fullest with a purpose and attain peace. The book is indepth wisdom with absolute life changing solutions to cope with life's trials, challenges, frustrations and so on. As Robin Sharma recently visited India in preparation for the production of 'The Monk who sold his Ferrari' as a major motion picture, Robin reminded in his speech that wherever in the world he went, he found human beings struggle with same challenges, same longings. All people are part of one great family with invisible ties. Thus, peace is at your own doorstep and Robin Sharma's books are real 'Gem Picks' - Yeah, sure you can surf his website too and hear his Gem voice too! Good Pick & Great Message.

Ayodhya by C.R.Irani

The editor-in-chief of the Statesman, Cushrow Russy Irani, died of kidney failure at the Rabindranath Tagore Institute of Cardiac Science in Kolkata on Saturday, 23rd July 2005. He was 75 and is survived by wife Threety Irani and three daughters. Family friends stated that Irani was admitted to the hospital two weeks ago and was suffering from various ailments. He was graduated from St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai. Irani spearheaded the growth of the Statesman in the post-Independence era. Known for his defiance during Emergency, he will be remembered as among the few journalists who stood up against the policies of the Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi.

With the sad news of Dr. Rafiq Zakaria a few days ago, here is once again a Leader who is remembered with fond memories as we pay our respects to Cushrow Russy Irani, Editor in Chief of Statesman & Author of many thoughtful books. Our condolences to his family members. May God rest his soul in peace! - MJ Akbar


Ayodhya - Demolishing a Dream by C.R. Irani
Review by ilaxi:

Buy Here


Mr. C.R.Irani, the author has commented on national and international affairs with rare frankness and objectivity which has often embarrassed the high and mighty and vested interests.This volume is a collection of nearly 80 selected editorials and ‘Caveats’ written since December 6, 1992, when Babri Masjid at Ayodhya was pulled down by Kar Sewaks. The pieces cover more than a decade marked by changing positions of leaders, who remain unfazed by the contradictions in their statements. The collection begins with C.R.Irani's ‘Caveat’ in the issue of December 7, 1992, a day after the demolition, and after wending its way through the events related to Ayodhya, ends with another ‘Caveat’ in the issue of September 28, 2003,dealing with Murli Manohar Joshi’s resignation after the framing of charges against him and six others by a Rae Bareli court in the demolition case.

Communicate Clearly

Essential Managers: Communicate Clearly by Robert Heller, Tim Hindle
Review by : ilaxi



Communication is the key to success! Universal truth yet this book gives lessons to better communicating using methods for sure results. Various methods combined together works. The five groups mentioned in this book are:

1. written word
2. spoken word
3. Symbolic gestures
4. Visual Images
5. Multimedia

Interesting is a comment here that Americans like communicating via rallies and slogans with strong use of visuals. (Pg.8) Learning to listen techniques are vital and using Listening skills is well explained in the book with Empathizing, analyzing and synthesizing. Reading, Taking Notes,using phone, writing letters & proposals, using technology, chairing meetings, reaching audience, communicating to sell, etc. are the major parts covered up which makes the book, a thorough handy guide for Key to Success. Sometimes, it is getting ready to Negotiate to win, mastering the techniques and be prepared for 'Talks' - This is exactly we do 'Talk' but when it comes to negotiating and passing the word/message through, we fail most of the time due to lack of many supported things. This book ultimately helps to overcome our weaker traits while communication spells disaster if right techniques aren't mastered properly. A good Pick.

-ilaxi

Treachery by Bill Gertz

Treachery : How America’s Friends and foes are secretly arming our Enemies.- By Bill Gertz
Review by ilaxi



Bill Gertz uncovers Chilling Facts and exposes the alarming truth unbelievable that the Iraqi insurgents are killing the US soldiers with weapons provided by France, Germany and Russia. Bill Gertz seems to have made exclusive interviews with senior US officials including the Defense Secretary revealing astounding information on how the US leaders have failed. Arms trade proliferation and war on terror – Gertz has explosive revelation on how US security lapses enabled their enemies to target Americans using their own weapons secret technology. The enemies had fool proof plans to fail the US intelligence and defense and the extent to which the rivals were able to buy or steal advanced military technology from the U.S is alarming that freeze any American reader. The Pakistan nuclear proliferation is getting extensive and the US is trying to draw India into its global strategic plans by asking New Delhi to join the missile defence system. At this point, one wonders, do India and Pakistan need any more hi-tech, exorbitantly priced weapons for each other? Aren’t the nuclear bombs and missiles sufficient? Arms Trade is one revealing info by Bill Gertz in this book. Bill Gertz has also extensively reported the CIA reports on Al Qaeda’s track on its enemies and may have nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. The Saddam Hussein's 'oil for food' program has a full story covered by Gertz in the book and how Saddam rebuild Iran's weapons and Missile programs. Although I have not read Bill Gertz other books, this book has been a pick from a local book store and been a thrilling read. Due credits go to amazon reviews and new york times Best seller pick which I do not miss out and Treachery By Bill Gertz explodes facts of America's friends and foes arming the enemies.

Developing the Leader Within You

Developing the Leader Within You by John C.Maxwell
Review by : ilaxi



A leader is always Born and as far as the belief goes 'Leos are Born Leaders' - However, the concept of this Book by John Maxwell is Developing a Leader within. This requires a motivation, a vision and an influence as the writer shares the principles of management through real life anecdotes, charts and graphs. A truly inspiring book that reveals wiz ways to excel and be a Leader. Interesting strips portray Leadership qualities with real life examples and sure, this becomes a quick 'glance read' chirping the zeal in to strife for successive climb. I've always recommended Management Quotes book of Pramod Batra and so is this Book on top of my Charts. Influence always make a big difference and this book implies the influential tricks to scale high to be a leader. Maxwell's techniques prove to be genuine stuff and anyways, the picked topics speak wide :

1. Influence - Defining Leadership qualities
2. Attitude - It really makes a big difference
3. Positive Change - foster integrity and self-discipline
4. Priorities - Defining goals
5. Integrity & People - Developing ties

Becoming a person of Influence is another Book of Maxwell that is thought-provoking and a Leadership technique of 'Influence' pays big dividends in longer run. A worthwhile life lesson to boost up self confidence and keep on high spirits with 'Developing the Leadership qualities' by John Maxwell. A sure fire way to adopt the techniques and surface the best in you.

Manage Your Time

Manage your Time (INSTANT Managers) by Tim Hindle
Review by : ilaxi



How often we hear people shrugging off casually: 'ugh, time is short, we're busy' I think, we all have 24 hours in a day, 7 days a week, yielding 168 hours per week. Take away the sleep hours and hours engaged in fetching results we desire! Hence, its wise to work 'smarter' than work 'harder' and this requires efficient 'Time Management' Walt Whitman, the poet, said it best, "The most powerful time is when we are alone, thinking about what we are to do." Daily Planning helps us to focus on what is really crucial and important in our day to come and permits us to identify time to use wasted hours more productively. This has been my experience but when I read this book of Tim, it sure is more to Accomplish 'Managing Time' with his neat tips under various categories like :

1. Understanding Time - Changing Attitude
2. Analyzing use of time - Keeping Time logs,
3. Assessing ability - A quick Quiz
4. Planning for success - Analyzing goals, work, prioritizing
5. Using Time Planners
6. Getting Organized
7. Phone Calls - Managing calls
8. Reading & writing - Dos n Dont's
9. Technology skills
10.Meetings & Travel tips
This and more, the Book is thorough self training and changing Attitude. This book has cool tips of dos n don'ts, analyzing quiz, charts and very good presentation and once you shrugg off the wry look to wring for an extra half hour, think of the wonders a human brain can do - a cool book for every student, business guy, tech buffs and especially those bubbly MBAs who seem to lack time! A great Pick - Get Self Trained, Get More Accomplished with your Time.

Groucho Marx

Groucho : The Life and Times of Julius Henry Marx (Vintage)by Stefan Kanfer
Review by: ilaxi

Honestly speaking, I have not read Groucho Marx nor I will! mj picked up this one at an airport and he speaks of the book - On Your Marx

He quips, Groucho Marx is not yet forgotten. He can be found in the back shelves of the modern generation’s favourite intellectual haunt, the DVD library. Julius, using the screen-stage name of Groucho (picked up from a cartoon-spoof on Sherlock Holmes called Sherlocko, the Monk), along with three brothers Chico, Harpo and Gummo, lifted popular comedy from vaudeville and placed it among the classics without losing the ravenous insanity of slapstick. The knockabout was not physical. It was intelligent gymnastics that never made the mistake of becoming intellectual.



As far as I know, Groucho Marx was a depressive clown who mastered the worlds of vaudeville, theater, movies, radio, and television, yet he remained a moody, morose, unfulfilled man. Plagued by nagging financial insecurities, partly realized literary ambitions, and difficult, unsatisfying relations with his wives, lovers, and daughters. He never really had a childhood. This book has been recommended for large public and academic libraries.

When Bad Things Happen to Good People

When Bad Things Happen to Good People by Harold Kushner
Review by ilaxi



Better humans Indeed!

Harold Kushner's book has an insight for a heart touching, warming feeling for those who got to be content with Suffering. Some of the other time in life, we suffer. Why do we have to suffer? Why do Bad things Happen? Why Me? These and many questions surface our minds and that's when our 'Faith' is challenged. Why do we turn to the same God who makes it happen? The author came to see god when he faced the worst trials in his life of having lost his son Aaron when he was fourteen. God weeps with us and would not abandon us and can fill the deepest needs of an anguished heart says Harold. The story of job inspires and builds the strength and courage. Harold provides invaluable reassurances and his words are source of comfort in times of bad things happening just out of the blue. His logic that when bad things happen we dump our anger on others or turn it on ourselves. Sometimes angry on God. Why me? And then referring to Cain killing his brother Abel in a fit of jealousy...all through Harold soothes the mind to relax and be at peace saying 'God can't do everything, but he can do some important things' This ticks the mind Fate, not god, sends us the problem. If we are weak, we get angry, overwhelmed. Its faith strong all the way and God rewards in his own fashion; Knows much better what he has to do. A must book to be read by all people in trouble, no matter what their religios faith. Indeed, When Bad things happen, be positive, What happens, happens for good. Good People turn to be Better.

Believe in Yourself

Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale
Review by : ilaxi



-Buy Here

The Power of 'Believe in Yourself'

Opening words of Norman Vincent Peale in this book says all "Believe in Yourself & Have faith in your Abilities." Millions of people read the book and its a master piece through ages. The Book reflects the positive power of wisdom that defeat is not a root cause for a down trend. It suggests techniques and gives examples which demonstrate that one can have peace of mind, better health and never ceasing flow of energy to face the hardships and tragedies in life with the power of Positive thinking. A mental diet for every human with creative living based on spiritual techniques, Peale's system outlines perfect and amazing method of successful living. Thoughts inflow remake 'You', the very person who is responsible to create his own happiness and this is what Peale explains through various topics. Its time to stop fretting and fuming when things go wrong. It’s time to break the worry habits. Faith is healing and the best prescription for heartache is the Physical activity, says Norman. He elaborates the power technique that there is no point to sit and brood instead Get Set Right with action and be constructive. Norman shows the power to solve personal problems with a belief that there is a solution for every problem, keep calm instead of tension blocking the flow of thought power, trust in the faculty of insight and intuition, seek god's guidance and he would flash illumination into the problem mind. It's expecting the Best to Get Best as Positive Thinking is the road to happiness. Norman's book is simply a practical, direct-action, personal improvement manual and written with sole objective to help readers achieve a happy, satisfying and worthwhile life. A ‘Must Pick’ and a ‘Must Read’ Book

Life Isn't Fair!

Life's Not Fair But God is Good
Review by: ilaxi





Each individual lives with hopes - Who give Hopes? Robert Schuller does! Yeah, Life Isn't Fair always as we face a lot of ups and downs and hopes make one survive. It's a faith strong to build within and to read Robert's Books means keep the faith as he instil hope in the minds that Life may not be fair but keep the faith and sure, God Really sees your problems and help comes at the nick of hour. Being a great fan of Robert Schuller, his inspirations leads to a perspective to think Positive. Obstacles come your way but it is upto me, upto us, to face the challenges by keeping the faith in God. In the Religious text of Gita, it is said in hindi language 'Jo hota hai voh accha hi hoga, jo hoga voh accha hi ho raha hai...apna karm karte jao' Meaning to say, What happens is for good, what will happen will happen good, just do your good deeds. So, I believe, Robert also gives a hope and help you to be happy even in time of difficulties as you read the book coz his words in this book reflect a message to Keep the Faith and believe, trust in God. God really is fair, Is he sometimes??? Only he knows! Good console, good book.

Jonathan Livingstone Seagull

Jonathan Livingstone Seagull
-Review by ilaxi



A Gem Pick, this book is a prized treasure. Growing up Gracefully is the theme of the Book with very good illustrated pic of Sea Gulls on the cover page. Captivating attention with this classic read, Richard Bach's fable Seagull named Jonathan Livingstone is an example that teaches about 'Flight' and capture the moments of love and kindness. Jonathan had a deep desire to soar high in the skies and hardly cared for eating like other seagulls. The message was to aim higher for a purpose in life even if its against the wishes of own people. Jonathan is courageous and in pursuit of excelling, he almost has to leave his flock and experience learning with wise seagull who taught him perfect speed. It's the art of perfection one develops keeping the spirits alive as one rise up aiming higher in life. A good read and great message for taking Flights to achievement.

The Alchemist

The Alchemist: A Fable About Following Your Dream by Paulo Coelho




In the fable told by Paul Coelho, the character Santiago is a shepherd boy who dreams of treasures in Egyptian pyramids and leaves spain to make his dreams turn true. During his adventure, he learns many lessons on way and experiences the truth 'To listen to own heart' It knows all and explores to fulfil dream desires. Santiago meets many people but among them is a Alchemist who has a wise preach to Santiago. When Santiago confides in the Alchemist what he thinks, the Alchemist says that the fear of suffering is more than to actually 'suffer'. The fable is an inspiration to live upto dreams and live life fulfilling desires. If you do not dream you cannot reach for the stars and so does Paul Coelho has sound advice to make the most of inner aspirations and pick the pearls in life. Paul stress on importance of life and listening to our heart. We travel life's path once and hence, our aim should be higher to grasp and reach the goals to fulfil our dreams desire. A very good message and worth a Read - A great pick!

Paul Coelho's column appears in The Asian Age. Explore!

-ilaxi

Rights of Women in Islam - A book

Rights of Women in Islam by Ali Asghar Engineer




Ali Asghar Engineer has been conferred the 'Right Livelihood Honorary Award', also known as 'Alternative Nobel Prize' by the Swedish Parliament. The Award was given to him in November for his contribution to maintenance of Communal Harmony and brotherhood. Expressing his disdain at the misuse of the concept of Jihad, Dr. Engineer said that according to the teachings of Prophet Mohammed, "true jihad is to express the truth on the face of evil". He added, "even those are the true mujahideen, who fight against environmental pollution and those who dare to write the truth" He also said, "Jihad is not about using lethal weapons because those who want to establish a better world don't need such weapons".Dr. Engineer had started working towards the promotion of Communal Harmony during the Bhagalpur Riots in 1961, which left a deep effect on him. Ali Asghar Engineer says, "People should abstain from commenting about religion since it either becomes a prejudice for us or it becomes a path for vested interests. The Swedish Communist Leader informed Dr.Engineer that the 'Right Livelihood Honorary Award' is said to be the 'Alternative Nobel Prize' because it denies the pro-establishment stance of the Nobel Prize Committee. He said, the Nobel is conferred on only those who represent the establishment or are in favor.Dr. Ali Asghar Engineer was recently felicitated in Mumbai for his Achievement. Dr. Ali Asghar is a pride of Bohra community Reformist, an Author of over 40 Books with Islam and the 21st Century being the latest release.

The Magic of Thinking Big

The Magic of Thinking Big by Dr.David Schwartz
Review by: ilaxi

Think Big! Mind is a Thought Factory!




"As one thinketh in his heart, so is he" Think big and you'll live big. You'll live big in happiness. You'll live big in accomplishment. Big in income. Big in Friends. Big in respect.Magic of Thinking Big by Dr. David Schwartz is full of promises to turn dreams true! When one starts dreaming, thoughts create action and this is when one realize 'Thinking power' is more effective than one's intelligence! All one need to make another big Resolution is to eliminate the word `Impossible' which is a failure word. "Won't work", "Can't be done", "It's useless", "It's stupid" and such thoughts should never let a person shrug off helpless but instead "I-can-do-better" attitude makes a big difference. The author says, Some people have a belief "You-can't-get-ahead-so-don't-bother-to try' but this is absolutely a lame excuse and if you `Think Big', there is a sure way that lets you climb a few steps grabbing in the moments of opportunities and experiences that come your way. And believe me, I adopted this Magic - Sure stepped me up 'Thinking Big' Dr. Schwartz cover all factors, to sum up:

1.Be likeable. Practice being the kind of person people like. This wins support and put fuel in their success-building program.
2.Be friendly. Take initiative and introduce yourself to others at every opportunity. Scratch out the negative influence from your records.
3.Accept human differences and limitations. All people cannot be perfect. So, don't anticipate perfection and don't criticize. Each person has a right to be different.
4.Tune into `Good Thought Station' Think Positive.
5.Practice conversation generosity. Act like successful person and you are! Encourage others to talk. Let others talk to you about his views, opinions, and accomplishments. Just Ask! In process, you get your own answers to your questions too.
6.Practice courtesy. This makes others feel better and you feel better too.
7.Don't blame others when you receive a setback. This will lose your own determination to face challenges.

Let this be a 'New Year 2005' Resolution!

- Books @ mjakbar.org

Hoax : Why Americans are Suckered by White House Lies

HOAX: Why Americans are Suckered by White House Lies
-by Nicholas Von Hoffman
Review by: ilaxi




Satirical and barbed, a distinguished read by the New York Observer columnist and author of several books. Hoax stands out to be a controversial pick as the Author hits on the Bush Administration for its diversionary tactics for invading Iraq.

Nicholas Von Hoffman begins his book with a quote from former Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser: "The genius of you Americans is that you never make clear-cut stupid moves, only complicated stupid moves." The Author’s son is currently in Iraq in the United States Army to whom the book is dedicated. Due to his temper tantrums, the author was fired many times by editors and TV Executives and he even lost the Pulitzer prize. Hoax is the hot stepper in the best selling list of post Iraq War Books.

Nicholas Von Hoffman criticizes the Bush Administration and this may hurt the blind patriotic faith of Americans who believes that its government does little wrong than many others. In the beginning chapter ‘The Big Lie’ Von Hoffman speaks of the super rich and power image of America and reveals how the American people have been gulled into cheering for a gigantic hoax by the Bush administration. "It happened because America has manufactured its own reality. A dome has slipped over the country, turning the nation into a unique biosphere, which causes Americans to see, hear, and interpret every event and each happenstance as no other people do. Poisoned by recycled, un-refreshed air, Americans think differently." The Bush Administration invaded Iraq with the terrorism threat hanging on as the world watched over with make belief feel that Saddam is the present ‘Hitler’ and Osama Bin Laden lured in the oblivion. Nicholas confirms Saddam as the butcher of Baghdad and was a ruthless dictator responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Iranians, during the Iran-Iraq war, Kurds, and the random butchering of Iraqis whom he suspected as enemies of the Baath regime. Von Hoffman says that America’s mission to curb the Islamic world and bring terrorism to its knees has proven unsuccessful inspite of its so-called victories over Afghanistan and Iraq. The US Government reputation shatters in the eyes of International community and even Tony Blair, the British PM’s political future hangs in the balance. Von Hoffman says, “US coalition is busy converting Iraq into a "free world, "Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda still remain at large” and this is so very true and raise questions to Bush Administration. American vision gets blurred as citizens get trapped into white lies and belief ‘We are right, you are wrong’.

A saying goes ‘you can fool some people some time but you can’t fool all people all the time’ and perfectly this applies to Bush Administration and the US. Blunt, bold and outspoken, Von Hoffman the Author/journalist is well informed and has presented a Book that sure is a great Pick and if you have been reading M.J.Akbar’s Bylines, you will definitely find a similarity to many topics covered up in the Hoax.

-If you've read the Book, Send your Review.

Bias

BIAS by Bernard Goldberg
Review by

ilaxi

An Emmy Award Winner, CBS Reporter Bernard Goldberg has come forward to expose how liberal Bias pervades the mainstream media. Think! Media are biased? Conservatives have been crying foul for years but here, Bernard reveals bare truths.




Bernard Goldberg, narrates his Liberally biased outbursts of the very secrets of the television network media. Bias is bottomless Intellectual corruption revealed by fearless and courageous reporter. Goldberg has revealed the blunt truth, inside scoop of stories and dared to come forward to portray how liberal Bias infuse bias reporting in network television and trigger hindrance to reporting facts. Issues ranging from homelessness to aids, reporters are going over the misinformation of pressure groups they favor, to the harm of honest reporting. Fairness, balanced and integrity disappeared with changing times in network television. There has been one-sided nature of reporting of the news coverage tilting to the left as Goldberg mentions; which is close minded and journalists honesty have become pawn to liberal opinion. Goldberg tried to voice his say from post to pillar but his critics considered him a disgruntled Reporter and his bitterness with the management made him write the WSJ op-ed story that ruined his career! The television news business is far different from the media print world and far often the primary objective is overlooked with bias reporting in television network. Political correctness in network television creates a sensation ahead of the facts and enthusiasm of the reporters mis-fires the message, often misleading the viewers to create waves over the issue. An example is the Riots of Gujarat, the whole print and television media journalists focused on the one major issue and harp over the incidents to raise the heat of news reporting. Balance reporting fell out of gear and the news that shoot and create waves chart to the top and the biggest scoop story of the time would probably not be heard in the evening news. The bias really affect on how people view to see the world! Goldberg's CBS reporting experience made him opine his voice boldly about the truth that pervade the business and his trials led him to pen down Bias with the opening harsh critics of Dan Rathar who regards criticism of liberal bias as disloyalty and after working in network news for 30 years as CBS reporter Goldberg comes out with Bias with names, quotes, reports n facts. Certainly a pick and a concern for every Journalist in network television or print media, Bias by Bernard Goldberg would turn a new leaf in reporting facts.

Another Great Pick of the same author who lives in Miami, Florida is 'Arrogance' - Rescuing America from Media Elite.

If you've read this book, why not share your review in comments?

Germs

Germs by Judith Miller
Review by:

ilaxi

Bio Terrorism becomes a Nightmare, Indeed!

A frightening and unforgettable narrative of cutting-edge science and spy craft. In the groundbreaking investigation journalism, Judith Miller, Stephen Engelberg, and William Broad of The New York Times uncover the truth about biological weapons and show why bio-warfare and bio-terrorism are fast becoming our worst national nightmare. Germs shows why advances in biology and the spread of germ weapons expertise to such countries as Iran, Iraq, and North Korea could make germs the weapon of the twenty-first century. Germs sprayed in shopping malls, bombs that let scars in battlefields, plague spread in Times Square and all is a common man's hydrogen bombs, hideous weapons of mass destruction that can be made in a simple laboratory.

There are some startling revelations found in the Book Germs and these shows bio-warriors, past and present at their trade. There is the American scientist who devoted his professional life to perfecting biological weapons, and the Nobel laureate who helped pioneer the new biology of genetically modified germs and is now trying to stop its misuse. The Germs focus on former Soviet scientists who made enough plague, smallpox, and anthrax to kill everyone on Earth and whose expertise is now in great demand by terrorists, rogue states, and legitimate research labs alike. Germs shows how a small group of scientists and senior officials persuaded President Bill Clinton to launch a controversial multibillion-dollar program to detect a germ attack on U.S. soil and to aid its victims, a program that, so far, is struggling to provide real protection. Its Terrorism everywhere! The world combats to fight the fury of man man weapons leading to endless destruction and violence.

While America Sleeps

While America Sleeps by Donald Kagan
Review by:

ilaxi

A Book by Donald Kagan is the perception of self delusion, military weakness and threat to peace today. As said by Wall Street Journal "They have produced a riveting piece of diplomatic history with lessons for the present, but their method harks back to an earlier age, when historians wrote with an ideological purpose.At a time when neither political party seems quite certain about America's role in the world, a case worth taking seriously." While America Sleeps" is an engaging, insightful work of comparative history. Using Great Britain between the wars as a point of comparison for the US today, the authors outline the great dangers faced as a nation. The book refers that US has taken a huge "peace dividend" and gutted it's military since the end of the Cold War. Furthermore, US foreign policy has been consistently erratic, misguided and timid over the same period. It has well known examples like Iraq, North Korea and the Balkans, the authors illustrate how the US has failed to make a strong stand when confronted with aggression. Furthermore, when a stand is made, it is usually ineffective and half-hearted.
Bush administration had many of the right ideas about the role of a lone superpower, but failed to implement them. This was due largely to a failure to educate the public, and a lingering "Vietnam Syndrome" that continues to plague the military. They go on to lambast the Clinton administration for both failing to understand the dynamic of global relations, and for utterly misapplying military force. The book is a thought-provoking treatise on the role of military power in foreign policy and authors' foreshadowing of impending doom, challenge the lack of will in political leaders and controversially disturbing warning against over reliance on air power and technological superiority.

Indian Muslims:Where have they gone Wrong?

Indian Muslims:Where have they gone Wrong?



The Book sparkles experiences of Indian Muslims-Individually & collectively. He has used the image of a prism for Ghalib and a mirror for Akbar Allahabadi.

"Paamal hain magar hain sabit kadam wafa main
Hum misl-e-sang-e-dar kay is aastaan par hain"
(Through crushed, we are firm in our loyalty;
we are like a rock at the threshold of our country.)

Muslims in the Mughal rule, despite being away from the power centres such as Agra and Delhi, never considered themselves as a minority despite being less in numbers. That was because they were empowered. Indian muslims must redefine their status.Indian Muslims went into despair after 1857 and are yet to come out of it. They must change their attitude and should enter into a struggle for empowerment.

At the launch of the Book in September, Goolam Vahanvati asked Muslims to join the national mainstream. I think, it’s a canard that has been there for too long and we must discard with it. We are mainstream, we are not living outside it!!

Lately, Population statistics, and particularly the alleged "leap" in the Muslim population of India, have entered the public discourse. When I asked Dr.Saheb whether family planning was unIslamic. He said,"There was absolutely no justification for such a claim in either the Holy Quran or in the Hadith (sayings of the Prophet)". He pointed out that every single Muslim country, including Saudi Arabia, had signed the United Nations charter on population control.

- Read More