I read this book cover to cover and it was an education to say the least. Looking for income strategies, I found a foundation to build off of here.

I also give it a Aaa rating!

The best guide to investing in bond funds available anywhere!

Perfect for income investors looking to increase their understanding and income potential.

Strategies are a real eye opener!

Ralph does a terrific job introducing the investor to the sometimes complicated world of bonds and bond mutual funds. For any investor who is looking to round out an equity portfolio with fixed income products, or who wants to invest entirely in bonds, this book is absolutely the best place to start.

Set in 4th century Japan, Jingu: The Hidden Princess by Ralph Pray is the story of Jingu, a young princess who feels isolated and alone within the Imperial Japanese Palace. On her tenth birthday, Jingu receives a gift from the Emperor with a mysterious hidden message, and so her journey and transformation from girl to leader begins. Firmly grounded in history, written with majesty, grace, warmth, and understanding, and enhanced with illustrations by Xiaojun Li, Jingu: The Hidden Princess is an emotional and highly enjoyable coming of age book especially recommended for preteen young adult readers.

"Jingu" is a delightful little story for children.We follow this beautiful, young princess of fourth-century Japan who is being groomed by her parents of the Imperial family, and even by the elderly Emperor himself to be a wise and special leader. Although Jingu feels she is overprotected, she is finally given to understand that the reason for keeping her life so protected was to nurture her innate gifts for absorbing the tenents of wisdom and leadership while safeguarding her from being negatively influenced by the extraneous forces of mediocrity.
As Jingu ages from little girl into a vivacious young lady, very learned from diligently studying with her old Chinese master teacher, she finally becomes aware that "my world is opening-up". And indeed, it does open-up. Jingu is informed that, thanks to her brilliant progress in her studies, she has been appointed to a high office in the Ministry of Education in a Japan that is still feudal. Eventually, she is told by the by now very elderly Emperor that when he dies she is to become the wife of his successor. In other words, the new Empress.
Yet, this is not merely the tale of a hereditarily successful marriage. Long before she becomes Empress, the youthfully wise Jingu tells her young male friend, Ichiro, that she has great plans for Japan whose one-hundred clans have been feuding for many years. She idealistically decides that once she becomes Empress she will convince all these warring clans with her "fresh vision" for the future by helping them to stop their perennial fighting and to unify them into what was to become the Empire of Japan.
Ralph Pray, the book's author (amazingly, this is his first book), writes his fascinating tale with poetically nuanced and precise language. I can't wait for his next book.

"Jingu the Hidden Princess" is a gentle, intelligent tale of the maturing of a young princess in fourth century century Japan. Historically based, it is told in first person without sentimentality. The result is a thoroughly believable journey into a past that most twentieth century children, until now, have had little opportunity to explore.

In one sense, Jingu is a children's coming of age story set in another time and another culture. In another sense it is a statement of the indomitable spirit of children, in this case one particular little girl. And in still another sense it is a pattern for integrity as Jingu makes faithful decisions for the sake of duty to country and heritage. None of these "morals" is militant or in-your-face. They are just quietly there.

Dr. Pray has written an appealing book that children will be fascinated by and parents will be glad to have on their children's shelves.

The illustrations, by Xiaojun Li, are graceful pen and ink drawings that enhance not only the look of the book, but the meaning of the text.

Earlier this year I purchased this book because off the internet review and read it in one day. Do not know the author and had never heard of her before, but this book made me cry and this book gave me hope. The journey Ms. Jones went through is not unlike the struggle of many other women. It was a blessing to me to read it.

I am now re-reading it as I embark on my own journey. Thank you Ms. Jones for share your journey and your success.

ConSandra Jones has written a book that every woman should read. She has a testimony to tell and she opened up her heart and soul and shared some painful moments and experiencs to let other women know that they are not alone and it's okay to talk about it. She also vividly points out that GOD is the man to whom we should put all of our faith, trust and belief in. HE IS OUR ONLY SAVIOR!!! In this book, ConSandra gives clear instructions on how to start your journey to recover your lost soul, both spiritually and physically. Through faith and God's guidance, we can make it!!!
ConSanda Jones is a living example and a very beautiful person.

ConSandra Jones gives women the opportunity to look at her past and see the lessons learned. ConSandra show us how the stress and trials in life eventually take their toll on our body. From careers to relationships, we may lose ourselves... Applying Bible verse and showing us God will in our lives, this book truly lives up to its title of allowing a woman to start "Rediscovering Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Wholeness". Thanks ConSandra!

Corrigan's book features easy to follow lessons based onIsshinryu (Okinawan Karate). Illustrations are simple black and whitedrawings which make the "action" easy to follow. As a librarian I have recommended this book to my library system for its emphasis on attitude and confidence building. A good choice for schools, libraries or any child starting out in karate.

As a practitioner of Isshinryu karate for over 21 years, I was very impressed with this book. It is small in size, but loaded with useful information. In addition to very clearly-illustrated "how-to" procedures, Corrigan emphasizes self-respect, self-discipline and self-control, wonderful qualities for young people to be learning. I especially enjoyed how the author began each chapter with a little philosophy of how the "old masters" used to do things. As Corrigan states:karate is more than just punches and kicks.

This is an excellent book for children (and for the parents of children) who wish to learn karate. The instructions and illustrations of the physical aspects of karate are clear and easy to follow. More importantly, the philosophy of the book is one that I would encourage in karate students of any age.

This book truely captures how children should be taught karate.

Readers should note that this book was written for unmarried opposite-sex couples only. Same-sex couples should instead read _A Legal Guide for Lesbian and Gay Couples_ by Hayden Curry and Denis Clifford, also published by Nolo. Although many of the issues overlap regardless of sexual orientation, this book considers specifically the concerns facing unmarried male-female partners.

Within this scope, this book does a wonderful job of exploring every legal detail unmarried couples should consider when sharing a household. This is the stuff you'll hopefully never have to consider if your lives go happily ever after, but just in case they don't, both you and your partner will be glad to have in writing certain understandings that spouses automatically have granted to them by law. The authors make this wonderful suggestion: "Approach the task in the spirit of clarifying your understanding and preserving the shared memory of two fair-minded people." At its best, using this book will not only hammer out legal essentials but strengthen your relationship with your partner.

The book covers "living together" contracts, finances, sharing real estate (rented or purchased), estate planning, starting a family, confronting issues that stem from one partner having previously been married, and what to do if you separate. A lot of it is common sense, but common sense may vary by state, and the book does a good job of noting exceptions. It's written in plain language, and if you're not a lawyer, I guarantee you'll find stuff in here that you'd never think of in a million years but could be vitally important. (For instance, if your partner owns a home in her name only but the two of you have agreed in writing to keep all your personal property separate, her homeowners' insurance will not cover your property if a disaster occurs!)

If you love creating neat and tidy forms electronically, you'll love the companion CD-ROM, which has all the forms discussed in the chapters. If you're not so great with computers, don't worry -- most of the forms are available at the back of the book to be torn out and filled in by hand or by typewriter.

Planning to maybe someday get married? Using this book is still a good idea, plus it includes a section on pre-marital agreements and explains whether or not a living-together contract qualifies as one for your circumstances.

My only complaint -- I wish making all of the necessary decisions were as easy and straightforward as this book was to read!

As Judge Judy points out to her audience, there are no courts that protect couples living together. People who decide to live together, need to set up a legal contract. When things fall apart, the last thing needed is the distress and lawsuits that don't have any validity of who or what is owed. In a society that pushes marriage on men and women, it's refreshing to know that there are people who choose to be happy with an alternative lifestyle. When the marriage falters, couples have to seek legal assistance to end their marriage. And divorce drags on for years because the courts fuel the fire which drains both parties emotionally and financially. And children are caught in this mudslinging. Perhaps an alternative to marriage may change the divorce laws in this country.

NOLO's Living Together: A Legal Guide for Unmarried Couples is such a wonderful resource. I would encourage all couples who are living together to purchase and read this book. It details a little bit of history of how laws have changed regarding unmarried couples who live together. This guide has been published and updated since 1979; there have been a lot of changes!

It is clear, concise, and user friendly. There are forms to set up all kinds of agreements, whether your intention is to join all your assets and property or keep them all separate, or anywhere in between. The book includes a CD so you can modify any of the agreements you want to use.

This guide makes it clear that not having written agreements like these can cause major problems if ever your partnership should end. The guide is suprisingly informative about lots of small legal details and does provide some information about how certain laws differ from state to state.

This is a wonderful resource and I recommend it to all, including heterosexual couples who don't want to be legally married but aren't sure of their rights if they don't marry.

You don't have to have or have had prostrate cancer to benefit from reading "The Lovin' Ain't Over."
You don't have to have ED (erectile dysfunction) to "enjoy" reading this book.

Yes, if you are a prostrate cancer survivor (as I am ), this book should be on the top of your "must read" list. It has virtually all the information you need to "re-establish" the intimacy that prostrate cancer has placed on hold.

But "The Lovin' Ain't Over" has more to offer. This book is a "key" to opening a dialogue between loved ones. It is for anyone (best read by both men and women together) who wish to rekindle the "fire" of youth, to capture and hold again the true meaning of love. True, not necessarily in the same way as before, but certainly (and for me and my wife) a new intimacy -- "better than ever".

Any couple who wishes to grow in this important and essential aspect of their relationship can find something enriching in this book.

COPING WITH ERRECTILE DYSFUNCTION

Errectile dysfunction, or E.D. as referred to in tv ads, is a condition many men experience as they age. It is also often a side effect of surgical or radiation treatment of prostate cancer, something one in five men will likely experience. It can also be related to diabetes or heart conditions.

Even though help is available, many men feel too self-conscious to do anything about or even discuss it with their doctor. They see the loss of their "manhood", an embarrassing and private matter. It needn't be and help is available.

Ralph Alterowitz developed prostate cancer. After surgery he, like I have done in previous columns, talked about it openly with individuals and to groups. He and his wife Barbara found that people most needed to discuss the effect of prostate cancer on their sexuality. Their book, The Lovin' Ain't Over, published in 1999, serves two very important functions.

The first part shows that sexuality is not just about intercourse or orgasm. This may be a radical idea for some men, since from adolescence on, most men thought and were taught sex was only about those. The Alterowitz's focus on intimacy, both emotional and physical. They focus on the fact that all of our body has sensitive and pleasurable responses. They share enjoyable ways of touching and pleasuring, not just those we generally associate as being sexual. Their three key words for romantic and sexual health are: communicate, communicate, communicate. They outline various ways of courting and showing affection, that don't need to end in intercourse. They point out that men can still experience arousal and sexual enjoyment, despite the effects of surgery or other illnesses on their sexual response. It may be different, both in experience and intensity, but it is still there if they learn to recognize, adapt to and enjoy it.

They stress that sexual function is related to more to humanness and love between partners, than to a man's ability to have an erection or to climax.

In many ways their ideas on sexuality and communication parallel and complement the excellent book, Sex Is A Thirteen Letter Word published in 1995 by Bill and Carolyn Chernenkoff, sexual therapists in Saskatoon.

The second part of The Lovin' Ain't Over, outlines various options for coping with errectile dysfunction, including medications like Viagara, vacuum pumps and injections. Many new options, both with respect to surgical techniques and new medications are currently being developed. The authors are careful to point out the side effects and risk of various forms of treatment, being careful not to endorse any themselves. They stress that men need to consult their physician, as all the treatments, including vacuum pumps, require a doctor's prescription.

Many of the mediations they discussed in their 1999 edition were not available yet, but were at different stages of the required testing and clinical trials required before release. Because of this, the Alterowitz's are currently working on an updated edition of their book, which I look forward to seeing.

They don't take complete credit for the book. They researched their topic well. They talked and interviewed many couples about their sexual adjustments. They consulted researchers and pharmaceutical companies for accurate information. They even include a feedback sheet for readers to send in. I have talked with Ralph by phone and am impressed with the couple's desire to help men find ways to deal creatively and effectively with the subject that is just becoming okay to talk or write about.

A must read for every man and women dealing with the "aftermath" of prostate cancer treatments. It answers the question of "what now?" openly, honestly and with a sense of humor. A true key to survival for couples who want to maintain a loving relationship. This book also gives the reader a complete rundown on available therapies and medications for erectile dysfunction. It gave me and my husband more information and ideas than any other source.

This book is one of Ralph's great. The Moody Family goes through lot's off hardships after leaving Colorado.

As a forth grader in Colorado our teacher read the first two books in Ralph Moody's series to our class. Now, almost 30 years later I'm reading the whole series to my family, we love them. Even our 3 year old asks me to read them at bed time.

Mr. Moody's descriptions and the story of his life are more than touching and heartwarming, they are important lessions in morality, life and love. You cannot help but fall in love with young Ralph, his independant mother, and all the rest of her children.

You will laugh and cry as this young cowboy and his family make a new home in Boston. Starting with almost nothing, through hard work the whole family pitches in to make their own way. Rich with history, this book is about life, both the good parts, as well as the bad and how one young man, lived it (mistakes and all).

Even if you don't think you like reading, try these books. They will change your mind.

Another inspiring account of the Moody fanily. This time the scene is Massachusetts. The earlier books were set in the American West. Mary Emma is the mother of the clan. She is determined that her family will make its own way in life. She gets a job in a sweatshop to learn how to do fancy laundering. Ralph works at a store in his spare time. Almost all of the children do something to help earn a living.At school Ralph gets in trouble for things that wouldn't have mattered in Colorado. The younger children are seen more in this book than they were previously. Grace is now a young lady who is tempted to put on airs. The whole family's work ethic stands out as refreshing compared to many young folks of today. Their grit and determination are to be admired. I recommend the reading of this book by any one of any age.

Ralph, you have done it again. This story is about an Arizona Ranger Sam Burack, that is very quick on the draw, and an excellent shot with his trusty .58 cali rifle, and a list in his pocket of outlaws and one of them is a ruthless killer, Montana Red. But while pursuing Montana Red, the Ranger gets into quit a few different scaps, that only his wits and years of experience can get him out of. I give You a 5 star, Ralph, "Very Nice Work putting this series together",and would recommend any one that likes old west stories to read this well put together book. I have read the second book in this series also(BADLANDS), and cant wait until (HARD JUSTICE) comes out in the spring. Once you start reading you cant put them down.

Having read Cotton's Jeston Nash Outlaw series, While Angels Dance, Killers Of Man, and others, I couldn't imagine this new series topping them. On the surface Montana Red is one gutsy shoot-em up western in the tradition of Max Brand and, Louis Lamour. But the best part of the story is the underlying perception of human behavior. What violence does to the lawman and the other people involved is the stuff all great stories are made of. Cotton takes the reader and makes them face what they would do in these kind of situations. I couldn't put the book down until I finished it, and I still find myself goin back to it. Can't wait to see the movie.

Ralph Cotton is the next Louis Lamour. Montana Red takes the reader through a roller coaster ride of shootouts and tough western times when bad men were genuinely BAD! The story so captured me that I was afraid to put the book down for fear of something would happen and I'd miss it. It's definitely a page-turner from beginning to end. Can't wait for the next one.

"My Kid's an Honor Student ..." develops a thesis of importance to parents raising young children in today's competitive environment. It is a funny study of the current environment of parental fear prevalent in the search for school placement. A premium seems extant on sometimes facetiitous striving for fashionable college (and prep school and even pre-nursery school) admission as setting the irrevocable path for a child's future achievement in "life". Schoenstein, a humorist/commentator on foibles of the American scene, highlights the sometimes ludicrous extremes of this push to "better" schools with a light, humorous touch. He provides belly laughs, without succumbing to saracasm and derision. Worthwhile for parents, teenagers, and grandparents.

Ralph Schoenstein has that rarest of talents: the abilty to write really funny books about topics that have the sharp tang of truth. He has an unfailing eye, and such an extraordinary facility with the language that almost every page demands at least a smile and, all too often for the peace of my living room, an out-loud laugh. I have read and thoroughly enjoyed many Schoenstein books before, but (as a five-time grandfather now) found this one especially delicious. More to the point, so did my children...AND even those grandchildren old enough to appreciate the humor in their own situations. I eagerly await the next Schoenstein book .. on whatever subject he chooses.. in the sure knowledge that it will make me laugh even while learning a little more about the human condition.

Schoenstein has a unique knack for blending humor with good solid advice. No wonder he was the ghost for the Bill Cosby books! Parents who want to raise healthy, happy and above all NORMAL kids will find this book invaluable. It's also a great read for grandparents!

My wife and I and our two grown daughters loved this book.

I wish I would have had this when I believed three years ago. Small, but packed with hands on Scripture to read & answers a beginners questions well. Highly recommended. I ordered 12 but shipping was expensive as they go by item not by weight, that was a shock but booklet still worth it to give to new Christians I encounter, to encourage them in their walk with the Lord.

I truely enjoyed reading Now What. Ralph Harris went from point to point which was every good and straight to the point. Telling the New Convert to read the book of St John was very important,and I felt reading John would give more of an explaiation of who Jesus Christ is. Finding a Bible believing Church and paying your tithes is very important. Talking about Prayer which is the Christian's number one weapon of warfare was excellent. This book was just good.

This little book is great for new Christians. I have read it for myself and given away many copies. It is to the point without being too much or too little. It is a step by step guide to the basic practices of the faith. Good stuff.