Jim Rogers’ A Gift to My Children: A Father’s Lessons for Life and Investing

via Amazon

When reading non-fiction, I tend to gravitate towards those smaller and thinner like Jim Rogers’ A Gift to My Children: A Father’s Lessons for Life and Investing. After all, it’s not how big a book is that matters but how much you can actually get out of it. Thankfully, Rogers’ 2009 release is  filled with little nuggets of wisdom that will come in handy whether you are a private banker or a just a plain old private citizen. The book is two years old to date but as Rogers, using Mark Twain’s words, says, History “rhymes.” It may not repeat itself but it does have the tendency of falling back into old habits.

In the book, Rogers often addresses his daughters (Happy and Baby Bee) when he speaks of life lessons. Luckily, this writer is a girl and can easily absorb the famous investor and author’s words without missing a beat. Still, anyone can overlook being called Rogers’ daughter (even if one is defiantly male) once he gets to the point.

One of his first lessons is about independence. Never let anybody else swim your races for you, Rogers states. Advice, when asked for or even given freely, often does more harm than good. Recalling his first forays into Wall Street, Rogers shares the story of how he sought the advice of several senior investors on which stocks to pursue. It was logical, he had thought, to ask the advice of those he deemed wiser about such matters. Ironically, each of those stocks he had been recommended to go for, failed. From then on, Rogers made sure to do his own research and trust in his own instincts rather than rely on what others have to say. In fact, he even tells readers not to take his word for it when he championed Brazil and China as bull markets and shared his skepticism about India’s economy.

He goes on to show that he isn’t afraid of being laughed at and tells readers that if someone laughs at their idea, they should probably go ahead and pursue it (and yes, he does have a concrete example of an investment decision he had made a lot of money out of despite a colleague’s ribbing).

Not everything about this book is on investment. He did mean to dedicate his findings to his daughters and having traveled around the world twice, Rogers has seen and experienced quite a lot in his lifetime. He has learned never to trust politicians, learned to separate himself from the mob hysteria and learned to prepare a grocery shopping list before going to the supermarket among others. From someone who had made enough money to retire by his thirties, I say we all better get started on that grocery list!

Book I Want: Mad Men: The Illustrated World (Repost)

via Amazon

I know it’s been a while since I last posted but not a lot of books (good or otherwise) have crossed my path for a while. I’ve also been more preoccupied with a new career so my free time has been severely, and I repeat, severely, diminished. However, today I stopped by one of my favorite bookstores and chanced upon Mad Men: An Illustrated World by Dyna Moe (Yes, I wonder about that name myself. Apparently, only the show’s creator, Matthew Weiner, knows his/her true persona). I have a love-hate relationship with Mad Men but this book can do no wrong. Granted, I’ve only browsed a few pages’ worth but from what I saw, Dyna Moe’s book will definitely be in this year’s Christmas stocking.

Basically, it’s a lifestyle guide with sections like “Things Every Secretary Should Know” and “Dealing with Difficult Clients.” It has make-up tips and cooking recipes. It has marketing strategies and fashion advice.

Below are a few pages from Amazon that might amuse you as it did me.

via Amazon

I know it looks like all the sections are for women but it’s not. I’ve seen articles for men as well. Of course, this isn’t a book to be taken seriously. For people who love Mad Men and for those who don’t take life too seriously, this is probably a great book to buy. When I get a hold of a copy (translate: when I have enough money to spare), I’ll let you guys know whether it’s Mad Men gold or not.

Journalism on a Whim

Yesterday, I joined my serious journalist friend Ja on a trip to Quezon City where she interviewed residents who face the threat of demolition by the National Housing Authority. I acted as her official photographer (hehehe) as she scribbled furiously in her large notebook. What I learned there was mind boggling. The residents are being forced to move to Montalban where new homes await them. It shouldn’t be such a bad deal except that:

a. Montalban is too far away from the residents’ workplaces and schools.
b. The houses in Montalban are all made of cheap materials. One strong push can send the walls a-falling.
c. Montalban is notorious for crime.
d. Montalban is near a river with a flimsy dam (that was apparently destroyed recently).

AND, AND!

e. Montalban is located right above the Marikina fault line which, according to the DOST, will break open in five to ten years.

Hello! No wonder the locals call it Mentalban. Who wouldn’t go crazy living there?

Words of Import

The world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page. – St. Augustine

Where will you go to this weekend?

The Dragon Reborn by Robert Jordan

via AudioBooksOnline

I have finally finished reading The Dragon Reborn– third in The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan. If you haven’t read any of these books, then you’re missing out on an epic adventure. I suppose I have to give a quick overview of the story so you’d be able to appreciate this entry. Mind you, my memory might be a bit altered so you should still pick the first two books up before jumping into the third.

The first book– The Eye of the World– plucks Rand Al’Thor, Perrin Aybara and Mat Cauthon out of their quiet lives in Emond’s Field. Moiraine, an Aes Sedai (women who can channel the One Power), and her Warder Lan quickly learn that these boys are Ta’veren, meaning that the Wheel of Time weaves its patterns around them. One of them could possibly be The Dragon Reborn although the other two left are certainly no small fish. An attack on the village more or less confirms it and Moiraine takes them away with her seeing as they are no longer safe where they are. Two girls– Egwene and Nynaeve– stubbornly go after the group and realize their own growing abilities along the way.

Past the first book to The Great Hunt, all three boys dream about the Dark One. It scares them out of their wits, of course, but they try their best to fight against him. Somewhere along the journey, Mat becomes tainted by a dagger, Perrin becomes one with a wolf pack and Rand faces the possibility that his father might not be his real father. Oh, and he discovers he can actually channel the One Power, making him The Dragon Reborn. Egwene and Nynaeve become Aes Sedai-in-training but find themselves dealing with the Black Ajah (Aes Sedai sisters who have betrayed the light) and sold as slaves. The Horn of Valere is sounded and the Dragon Reborn finds himself with an army of supporters.

It’s a long, long journey for everybody– full of triumphs and defeats. Along the way, they meet more Aes Sedai, an Ogier, a Daughter-Heir, Aiel Warriors, Whitecloaks and of course, Darkfriends.

The third book starts out with a peek into the Whitecloaks camp. While said to be Defenders of the Light, the Whitecloaks are actually more sinister than that. They believe too much in their own righteousness, more willing to let innocents suffer than to let suspected Darkfriends free. They are suspicious of everything and yet within their ranks are foul servants of the Dark One. Think of them as the Spanish Inquisition. Pedron Niall, leader of the Whitecloaks, has his own agenda. He wants all of the world to know his name and so he allows Rand to roam free until the time comes for him to strike. But he is a fool for there are larger forces at work– forces that would crush his ambitions all too easily.

Apart from the first few chapters, there is not a lot of Whitecloak participation throughout the book. It’s actually a very good thing because I don’t like reading about these men and the way they see the world in black and white.

Anyway, by this time, Rand Al’Thor has been proclaimed The Dragon Reborn though he has yet to come to terms with it. Perrin himself has trouble accepting his link with the wolves and Min’s vision of a Falcon and a beautiful woman isn’t helping matters either. Egwene, Nynaeve and Elayne (Daughter-Heir of Andor) have reached Tar Valon at last with Mat in tow but it isn’t long before they must leave the White Tower again on a mission for the Amyrlin Seat herself. The danger is greater than ever as some of the Forsaken (the Dark One’s Generals if you will) have been freed from their bindings.

This is a pretty exciting part of The Wheel of Time as everybody is more or less gathered together again. It just keeps getting better and better. Books in The Wheel of Time series are not meant to be plowed through. There are too many details to take in and you’ve got to thank Jordan for that glossary he puts at the end of every book. His characterization is also something to be admired. Nobody is perfect here. All of them possess all too-true annoying habits at times but every one of them grows with each chapter. There is not a lot of romance either but there are hints of it here and there– not enough to take over the story and just about enough to be realistic. The Dragon Reborn is just part three of the battle against the Dark One. I can’t even imagine what the other eight books have to offer.

The next part is called The Shadow Rising. I can’t wait to read that one!

P.S. I am doubly excited to learn that The Wheel of Time audio books exist!!!

Of Rotten Co-Workers

There are days when I wish for a more normal job but most of the time, I’m quite happy with the way things are. Working from home gives me total freedom. My turf, my rules. There are deadlines, of course, and the occasional interviews, but at least I don’t have to deal with rotten co-workers.

*tenenenen!*

That, by the way, is supposed to be an ominous sound effect.

Anyway, I just came from a friend’s blog and read the most awful story about a rotten co-worker who omitted certain facts of a particular incident to keep her ass scorch-free while my friend (who was only involved because said ass-protective hussy asked her for a favor) was made to take the fall. And the only thing said hussy did afterward was to send my friend a message asking if she were mad at her. Duh! I suppose it’s human nature to want to protect yourself but this just borders on cowardice.

I can’t disclose any details since this might blow up into something big but I’m glad that at least my friend had sent in her resignation letter weeks before this all went down.

Have you ever had rotten co-workers? And did you ever do anything about it?

Happy Weekend

via Elle Decor

Wouldn’t it be amazing to spend the weekend at this place? Peace and quiet in your own backyard. Well, in Michael Bay’s backyard anyway.

Have a good weekend you guys!

Miranda Kerr in 3D

I am constantly amazed by how magazines continue to evolve. I’ve just learned that my favorite model Miranda Kerr is in 3D on Vogue Italia’s September 2010 issue. I don’t know how they made that work but well, I’m guessing the magazine comes with 3D glasses as well.

via Trend Hunter

Doesn’t she look gorgeous? I’m glad she and Orlando Bloom ended up together. I really hope they stay together, too.

Hollywood romance aside, I hope that magazines won’t make use of 3D often. As fun as innovations are, I really want my dead-tree publications to remain 2D.

More Pretty Books

Coming from yesterday’s pretty vintage-looking cover, I thought I’d look around for more beautiful books online.

via Bandelle

Aren’t these spines so romantic-looking?

via Green Paper

From what I understand, this is more of a journal than a book.

via Anthropologie

Never read Little Women because I was too engrossed with the animated series. Oh, Nan. I should really find the time to actually read the classics.

via Design Related

This one looks like it came straight out of a museum.

Truthfully speaking, I don’t take very good care of my own books. Somehow, they always end up getting squished inside my bag. The covers are usually the ones that end up being damaged the most. And when I see a crease on it, I just want to cry and bang my head on something solid. Sometimes, I wish all my books were hardbound. Then they’d be resistant to big butts and accident-prone readers.

Starting Her Own Book Collection

There was a book fair at my little sister’s school the other day and with the money she saved up, she bought this. Isn’t the cover amazing? Don’t be fooled though. It’s a modern print– 2008 if I remember correctly. I’ve only skimmed through the pages but it appears to emulate  its big sister versions: How to Walk in High Heels, How to be a Hepburn in a Hilton World, etc.

The inside pages are not as glamorous though since there are no pretty colors. There are a few illustrations here and there but for an 11-year-old, it’s not too bad at all.

I have reason to believe that perusing through my older sister’s The One Hundred by Nina Garcia days before the fair might have influenced her decision.

My little sister also bought a paperback copy of The Secret Garden (where does she get the money?) and I’m glad that she’s getting into reading. One of my little brothers, on the other hand, didn’t even have a clue that there was a book fair at school. But he’s a Math genius (and yes, he really is) so I guess it’s okay if he doesn’t take reading to heart. I wonder how he’ll react if I gave him a piece of literary fiction for Christmas?