As you know, there are "Idiot's Guides" to most disciplines. Never, never, never purchase a book entitled "Idiot's Guide." What does that say about how you think about yourself? That is NOT a message you wish to implant to anyone and certainly not to yourself!

Were I Empress of the World, books with such titles would be out of print quickly.

A Selection of Books and Products
Relating to Oxygen Therapy

What is Oxygen Therapy?

Oxygen therapy is a form of treatment based upon the premise that all harmful bacteria, viruses and fungi (e.g. flu, colds, AIDs, candida albicans and cancerous cells) are anaerobic - they can only thrive in low oxygen environments. Conversely, to maintain good health, the human body requires a rich supply of oxygen.

Dr Otto Warburg, twice Nobel laureate was able to prove that cancer cannot grow in an high oxygen environment. He states: ‘Cancer, above all diseases, has countless secondary causes, but there is only one prime cause: the prime cause of cancer is the replacement of normal oxygen respiration of body cells by anaerobic respiration’. In other words, lack of oxygen. His research revealed that when a cell is denied 60% of its normal requirement of oxygen, it switches to a fermentation mechanism and grows out of control. Researchers have since shown that cancerous growths contract and even disappear when oxygen saturation is sufficiently raised in the fluids surrounding them.

Read more on Oxygen Therapy and the One Minute Cure.

Manifest Your Dreams . . . Use the Power of Self Suggestion!"
Psychologists have long known about the power of "Self-Suggestion." It's the process of repeating affirmations over and over, effectively "reprogramming" how the brain works. It's technically known as 'Programmed Rehearsal' - and can bring about great results in just DAYS. Enjoy greater abundance. Heightened self-esteem and confidence. Shameless optimism. All-natural energy spurts. Excelled health. Sparkling relations. Deeper sleep. Less stress. And so much more. ... All just by listening to a simple "affirmation session" for 15 minutes each day. Sounds too good to be true? Check it out for yourself: Use the Power of Self-Suggestion risk-free. I guarantee you'll be amazed.

A DVD Series to Show You How to Achieve Your Ultimate Goals: What's your SELF-TALK like?

Every day, we each "speak" to ourselves, providing feedback on how we're doing. All to ooften, it's NEGATIVE feedback. As a result, we feel worse - and end up in a rut. By changing our "Self-Talk," we can actually begin to feel better. We can REPROGRAM our minds to enjoy greater happiness, wealth, confidence, love, success, health - and more. ALL just by changing what we say to ourselves. Author Bradley Thompson has just created a website and DVDs showing you the steps you need to follow to change your own Self-Talk. It's an amazing system, and I highly encourage you to visit: Self Talk

All Things Feng Shui

All Things Feng Shui
Crystals, books, tapes, Chinese coins (for auspicious money luck), chimes, Baguas, etc. You don't really need to purchase lots of accoutrements to make feng shui for you; all you need is intent. I have several of these things around my home, but the most powerful aspect of change is the desire to change and focusing on what your heart desires.

The "World Wide Web network" is his basis for network analysis; he extended his findings to other possible real-world networks (cellular-proteins, diseases, network of actors at Hollywood, terrorist networks, web of scientists linked with co-authorship, collaborative web behind economy, etc.).

Linked: How Everything Is Connected to Everything Else and What It Means for Business, Science and Everyday Life, Albert-Laszlo Barabasi
The author offers overviews on different networking details and a general progressing view about network analysis, all of which is written in a language non-scientists can understand. He relates this to everyday life in that in Chapter 4: Small Worlds, Barabasi relates the Strength of Weak Ties theory of Granovetter that in finding a job "our weak social ties are more important than our cherished strong friendships."

To me, this ties in with everyday interactions, genetic research, DNA, metaphysics, etc., thus I find it a valuable work.

Self-Discipline in 10 Days:
How to Go from Thinking to Doing
Theodore Bryant

This short paperback (160 pages) has a 4.5 star rating (out of a possible 5) with readers. From the back cover: How do some people consistently transform their ideas into actions and achievements while others dream, think, and plan, but actually accomplish little? Answer: Self-Discipline! Follow the system in this book and you will achieve more self-discipline in your work life, your personal life, and any other area of your life. You'll learn to apply simple techniques that will benefit you for a lifetime. All you need is the desire to improve. This system will do the rest.

The Success Principles (TM):
How to Get from Where You Are
to Where You Want to Be
Jack Canfield

Jack Canfield has been a "hero" of mine ever since I read his story of how "Chicken Soup for the Soul" got started—a collaboration with Mark Victor Hansen that was conceived with a financial goal in mind . . . which they achieved. I haven't read the Chicken Soup series, but I do read his success books, i.e. this one, "The Aladdin Factor," "Key to Living the Law of Attraction" and "The Power of Focus."

Quest: Discovering Your Human Potential
Deepak Chopra

This is the first of three tapes produced from a PBS series. It is a fine compilation of thought provking ideas from the world's great(est) thinkers. Edited by Deepak Chopra, it features Steven Covey, David Whyte, Marianne Williamson, Thomas Moore, and Bernie Siegel, along with Deepak Chopra. They addressed the mind-body connection and shared ideas on harnessing inner power.

An excellent way to learn about Feng Shui

The Western Guide to Feng Shui: Six-Tape Audio Program and Workbook
Terah Kathryn Collins
For thousands of years, the Chinese have used the teachings of Feng Shui to enhance their lives. Now, these powerful principles are translated into a practical and thought-provoking audio program that makes Feng Shui easy to apply. Includes a workbook with practical tips to help achieve immediate results. August publication date. 6 cassettes.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Personal Workbook

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families

The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective Teens

Change the Way You See Yourself: Through Asset-Based Thinking

Change the Way You See Yourself: Through Asset-Based Thinking

Change the Way You See Everything through Asset-Based Thinking

Change the Way You See Everything Through Asset-Based Thinking for Teens

When Faster-Harder-Smarter Is Not Enough: Six Steps for Achieving What You Want in a Rapid-Fire World

The Selfish Gene:
30th Anniversary Edition, with a new Introduction by the Author, Richard Dawkins

The Selfish Gene: 30th Anniversary Edition--with a new Introduction by the Author
Richard Dawkins
In the event you doubt that people might be ruled by genetics, I'll make the proposition here that throughout history many (too many) people have been/are "managed" by their selfish genes. Perhaps a read of Richard Dawkins' books would shed light on such people. I will also note here that current research indicates that you can, in fact, change your DNA, so there actually is help for "these people."

365 Ways to Boost Your Brain Power: Tips, Exercise, Advice
Carolyn Dean, M.D.

I'm partial to "little books," those that can be tucked in a pocket or purse and pulled out while waiting for anything AND which have lots of useful information between 150-200 pages. This is one of those books. Page after page of quick natural food fixes to keep you healthy and fit for years.

An elegant, thoughtful, good man filled with humor . . . Dr. Dyer is a pleasure to hear speak or to read. He has 30 books to his credit, each of which is filled with thoughts to make your life joyful. As he gently, but firmly, points out, it IS up to you . . . not only how you live, but how you process everything that comes your way. Join me in finding peace of mind. For a selection of his books: Selections of Wayne Dyer's Writings

You Can't Afford the Luxury of a Negative Thought
Peter McWilliams

Originally published in 1995 and still relevant. McWilliams' points out the danger of living day-to-day with negative thoughts, how useless they are in anyone's life, and how they can lead to dis-ease (philosopher Alan Watt's version of "disease"). Copies of McWilliam's book and "What You Think of Me is None of My Business" (below) were on my desk for years in plain view as a means to keep conversations in a constructive vein . . . it worked. I actually never read either, but the titles have stuck with me and pulled me through many times that might have otherwise been rough going.

Dancing Naked in the Mind Field
Kary Mullis
Winner of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry

"Kary Mullis may be our quirkiest Nobel laureate. In this entertaining romp through diverse fields of inquiry, he displays the openmindness, eccentricity, brilliance and general curmudgeonliness that make him the colorful character he is . . .

"One of the most mind-stretching and inspirational books I've read for a long time. It is also very funny, and I hope that— before it gets banned—myriads of copies infiltrate all the legislatures, colleges, and high schools of the United States.

Dancing Naked in the Mind Field
Kary Mullis
In 1983, during a drive from La Jolla to Northern California's Anderson Valley, scientist (and surfer) Kary Mullis was thinking about replication of DNA. During that drive he invented Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), which enables researchers to produce millions of copies of a specific DNA sequence in approximately two hours. This automated process bypasses the need to use bacteria for amplifying DNA. Why is this book so valuable to me and to you? Well, it IS written by a scientist and is completely understandable and extremely witty. (Read through to the quote below, please, to get an idea of this unique brain.)

But more important, Mullis, then a well-regarded scientist, initially doubted his own discovery. He presented his theory to various scientists who took little note. His premise seemed too easy to him. He stayed with it and on December 16, 1983, he pulled his experiment out of the refrigerator.

"There, just where it should have been, was a tiny little black band . . . It meant that I was going to be famous. I remember the date. It was the birthday of Cynthia, my former wife from Kansas City, who had encouraged me to write fiction and bore us two fine sons. . . When I was sad for any other reason, I would also grieve for Cynthia. There is a general place in your brain, I think, reserved for "melancholy of relationships past." It grows and prospers as life progresses, forcing you finally, against your better judgment, to listen to country music."

The World of Dr. Seuss

The World of Dr. Seuss

Few writings are more wonderful and humorous while also educating at anything by Dr. Seuss. There are lessons for everyone in his writings. My personal favorite is "Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are?" For years this book was on my desk at The Chronicle. Whenever it seemed like things were amiss, I read a chapter or two. It is a great book.

Shaffert, Eric
Feng Shui is about intent. Once you know what you INTEND, the universe helps you reach your goals.

Feng Shui and Money: A Nine-Week Program for Creating Wealth Using Ancient Principles and Techniques
This book changed my life. In 2002, as a single mom, I was seriously in debt (something like $58,000), my rent was about to double, and I saw no way out. Seriously, it was so bad that I was actually taking my trash down to the corner to drop into a public disposal unit. It was embarrassing. I starting working with the book in desperation, not knowing anything about Feng Shui. Within one year, I was out of debt due to amazing bonuses from work, I purchased a duplex in Fairfax (with no money down and cash back for repairs), I was able to take my daughter on a two-month road trip starting in Tahiti and ending in Japan.

McWilliams, Peter

You Can't Afford the Luxury of a Negative Thought (The Life 101 Series)

Another book where the title says it all, but still well worth reading for the days when you feel stuck.

What You Think of Me is None of My Business
Terry Cole-Whittaker

What You Think of Me Is None of My Business

The title makes so much sense, I never completely read the book. Most of us care very much about what people think of us, whether we admit it or not. However, there really isn't much you can do about what anyone else thinks. So strive to be a good person and hope for the best. If someone is seriously negatively opinionated about you or anything, simply move on. There are billions of people in this world; it is quite easy to find people that share your values.

Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind
Dr. Shunryu Suzuki
"In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's there are few."

How does anyone get through life without at least a smattering of Zen philosophy? I first read Dr. Suzuki's "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind" at age 25, it has been on my bookshelf ever since, and it is considered one of the great modern Zen classics. How simple life could be if we didn't try to complicate everything through judgment, seeking answers when there aren't any, being angry (unless you harness it to make peaceful change), or being stuck in the past and/or worrying about the future. There is no point. Everything is. Or, in today's idioms: It is what it is—which was voted by USA as the "#1 cliche of 2004 and which has been considered a defeatest attitude. THAT misses the point.