Books 03 (Dec 09 - Dec 25)

[winston]

While there some people living in poverty ...

President Nathan launches book on trees at the Istana By Lim Jing Jing

SINGAPORE: The book - "Trees of the Istana" - took three years to write and its publication this year coincides with the United Nations designating 2011 as the International Year of Forests.

The Istana, the official residence of the Singapore President, was once a nutmeg plantation. At 43 hectares - about the size of 53 football fields - it is also home to some 10,000 trees.

The trees are cared for by the National Parks Board and their efforts have been bearing fruit. NParks said some fruits are harvested and served to guests dining at the Istana.

The trees also bear silent witness to the history of Singapore - since some have been around since colonial times.

Wong Tuan Wah, co-author of the book "Trees of the Istana" and Director of Conservation with NParks, said: "This is a huge Tembusu tree, and also one of the tallest trees in the Istana itself.

"This tree has been here for more than 150 years old. And it's been here because people have taken care of it in the past, and now it's up to us to take care of it and pass it on to the new generation."

Besides functioning as the city's green lungs, the Istana grounds have also become a science lab of wildlife in Singapore. For example, NParks recently introduced new plants and birds, including the Oriental Pied Hornbills, to observe their growth in a natural habitat.

Chief Executive Officer of NParks, Poon Hong Yuen, said: "One good reason why we do it in Istana because it's serene and well-protected, so that we can do our work quietly. The other reason actually is because key figures like Mr Lee Kuan Yew have been very encouraging of us, NParks, doing new things in Istana because these are the things that he also enjoys very much."

The Istana grounds are home to about 150 varieties of trees, and over 70 of them are featured in the book.

President S R Nathan also presented autographed copies to sponsors and donors who contributed to the President's Challenge.

-CNA/ac

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/ ... 31/1/.html

[iam802]

In borders, I saw books from lky... gck...and I guess the above.

Maybe wks and mbt can join in as well.

[millionairemind]

In borders, I saw books from lky... gck...and I guess the above.

Maybe wks and mbt can join in as well.

Very free to write books while in office??

[kennynah]

ya lor... get paid millions of tax payers' money to write books while in office...

[LenaHuat]

When I visited Israel in March, I noticed that there seemed to be an abundance of short-sighted conservative Jews. It must be caused by their reading habits. What's reading to German Jews of the Holocaust era? Here's a most interesting discovery:-

German Jews who fled Nazi persecution to what is now Israel took as many books as they could carry. But their descendants, many of whom don't speak German, are left with cratefuls of heirlooms they can't read. Now the Goethe Institute has started a project that sends the well-traveled books back to Germany as teaching materials for students.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/0,1518,774728,00.html

[sidney]

There will be library book sales conducted by NLB. I think it is at expo on next weekend.

[LenaHuat]

Kinokuniya is having a storewide 20% discount for members up to Sunday. I don't want it to go bankrupt like Borders. So I am going shopping this morning.

[kampungboy]

Halfway reading "Dance With Chance - Making Luck Work for You" by Spyros Makridakis, Robin Hogarth, Anil Gaba. Very similar theme as The Black Swan but easier and fun to read. It talks about chances and offers new persectives in health, wealth, and business issues. You can find it in NLB.

[winston]

My Top 10 Book List by Craig Ballantyne


10 – Think & Grow Rich and Grow Rich with Piece of Mind
Almost everyone knows about Think and Grow Rich, but few people know of or have read Napolean Hill’s follow up, Grow Rich with Piece of Mind. I recommend you read both.


9 – The E-Myth and The Power of Full Engagement

I admit, I’m cheating a little by giving you two books at once (a few times on the list), but these books go really well together. I read both of these books back in 2003 when I was just getting started with my internet business.

These are both classics. You’ll discover the importance of systems in Michael Gerber’s E-Myth, while getting a new perspective on time and energy management in the Full Engagement book.


8 – Bringing Out the Best in People and Switch

The former is a book on building and motivating your team. It is NOT an easy read, as it is full of scientific research on how to inspire people to act. But it is a powerful book.

A more enjoyable read, but just as important, is Switch by Chip and Dan Heath. If you’ve ever wanted to change your own behavior, this book will show you how.

Both books emphasize rewarding small changes to help you build up to making bigger changes. It’s a formula that works.


7 – Crush It and The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs

Gary Vaynerchuk and Steve Jobs are two of the most captivating speakers in the technology and internet space. Both will help you bring greater passion to your message, but if you could only read one, pick the Jobs book. After reading about his passion and vision, this book was the catalyst for me to finally make the switch to Mac products.


Source: Early To Rise

[winston]

Continue ....

6 – The Go Giver

This is a neat and tidy little book. You’ll discover 5 common sense rules that will help you set up a lasting business, all based on becoming a person of extreme value to others. So simple, isn’t it? The Go Giver is a great book to share with recent college graduates as well.

And if you like how the Go Giver is written, you’ll also like the management and meeting books by Patrick Lencioni, delivered in similar story-telling fashion.


5 – Good to Great

I put off reading this business classic for years, and to be honest, I expected it be one of those books better summarized in a five page magazine article. Fortunately, I was wrong. This book was my introduction to the importance of having Core Values and a BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) in my business. I’ll tell you more about those when we get to the #1 book on my list.


4 – Anything by Dan Kennedy

From his hard-to-find autobiography (Unfinished Business) to his Ruthless Management of People and Profits, I’ve read every book by Kennedy, and they are ALL worth it. If you are struggling to get stuff done, his No BS Time Management book is even better than the 4-Hour Work Week, and you should start there.

For mindset, No BS Wealth Attraction is much better than watching The Secret, and his books Direct Marketing and The Ultimate Sales Letter Formula are mandatory reading for anyone who sells online or through direct mail.


Source: Early to Rise