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By blobaugh, July 5, 2011 12:57 am

ISBN:

978-0-470-42233-5

Synopsis

Your practical guide to scoring cash to fuel your real estate investments

Want to be a smart, successful real estate investor? This no-nonsense guide contains everything you must know to make the right choices about financing your investments — from the various options available and the impact on cash flow to the tax implications and risk factors involved. You also get tried-and-true tips for surviving a down market and using current investments to finance future ones.

Review

Financing Real Estate Investments for Dummies provides an overwhelming amount of information to the reader. This book is a great resource for both the novice and seasoned real estate investor seeking financing and goes into every aspect you need to know to secure financing. Chip Cummings provides many real world examples from deals he has done. This book is the most in-depth and comprehensive financing book on the market. I highly recommend all real estate investors have a copy in their library.

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I was no paid, asked to, or provided any incentive to publish this review

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By blobaugh, March 23, 2011 1:21 am

Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’hoole

Synopsis

Acclaimed filmmaker Zack Snyder (300, Watchmen) makes his animation debut with this fantasy adventure based on the beloved books by Kathryn Lasky. Young owl Soren marvels at his father’s epic stories of the Guardians of Ga’Hoole, mythic winged warriors who fought a great battle to save all owl kind from the evil Pure Ones. When he and brother Kludd fall from their treetop home and into the talons of the Pure Ones, it’s up to Soren to make a daring escape with the help of other brave owls. Together they seek the Great Tree, home of the Guardians–the only hope of defeating the Pure Ones and saving the owl kingdoms. The stellar voice cast includes Abbie Cornish, Miriam Margolyes, Helen Mirren, Sam Neill, Geoffrey Rush, Jim Sturgess and Hugo Weaving.

Review

Animated movie that is great for the whole family. I spent an evening with my nephews and their parents and all of us were riveted the whole movie. The animation is great and the story line, though common, was good and enacted in a fun way. More than just a fun movie for kids, there is a great story here about keeping faith even when hope seems bleak while fighting to overcome injustice. Little girls will like it because of the cute owls, and boys will like it because of the intense action scenes. I very highly recommend this movie to all families, and if you just want to sit down to a good fun clean movie with a friend or significant other you cannot go wrong with Legend of the Guardians.

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I was not paid, asked to, or provided any incentive to publish this review.

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By blobaugh, March 21, 2011 8:37 pm

The ABC's of Writing Winning Business Plans

Tagline

How to prepare a business plan that others will want to read and invest in

ISBN: 0-446-69415-0

Synopsis

Learn how to prepare and utilize the most important document for any organizationthe business plan. Whether one is just starting out or is already in business and needs to refocus efforts, this practical guide will clearly instruct how to prepare a winning business plan. This book will become a valued resource for entrepreneurs and business owners on their path towards future success.

Review

The ABC’s of Writing Winning Business Plans is another in the Rich Dad’s Advisors series. As usual this book was fun to read. All of the Rich Dad’s Advisors books are neither boring, nor dry, and this was not exception. Garret Sutton does a great job of explaining what a business plan is, why it is needed, and what all the pieces are. He does not get into the real nitty-gritty but more than enough information is provided to get you started and encourage you along the way. This book is a definite must read if you are thinking of going into business or trying to reevaluate an existing business.

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I was no paid, asked to, or provided any incentive to publish this review

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By blobaugh, March 21, 2011 8:07 pm

Property Managment Accounting

A Survival Guide for Non-accountants

ISBN: 978-1-4392-4161-5

Synopsis

In this day and age, we’re lucky to have software that takes care of the nuts and bolts of property management accounting. But even with software, you’ll find it much easier to keep accurate records if you have an understanding of the basic accounting concepts upon which these programs are based. Buildium’s Property Management Accounting teaches you these concepts with property management specifically in mind. Don’t worry if you don’t have an accounting degree or previous bookkeeping experience. This guide will arm you with all the information you need. And if you do have an accounting background, you’ll find some great refresher information inside as well.

Review

This book is great if you already have an understanding of accounting principles. The author moves very fast and did not provide the depth of knowledge I was hoping for. The books strong suit is that it very clearly breaks down each transaction you will write into it’s various components and heavily emphasizes the difference between debit and credit. However in the practice section the reader must understand enough to complete it and no good answers are given. There is a fairly good section of sample in the appendix. Overall I would probably not recommend this book to an accounting novice (though it is positioned toward such). I would however recommend this book to anyone who is familiar with accounting or book keeping and is looking for a quick refresher course. The entire book can be read in a half hour.

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I was not paid, asked to, or provided any incentive to publish a review of this book

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By blobaugh, March 21, 2011 5:57 pm

ISBN: 0-393-03272-8

Synopsis

Hugo Leckey recounts his time living aboard his sailboat

Review

Hugo Leckey has a non-traditional but compelling writing style. Leckey does not stick on one linear thought track but rather allows new ideas to pop into the text as they reveal themselves pertaining to the current thought. He never strays far enough off topic to alienate the reader and the text seems to flow just like a real, and intriguing, conversation. While I do not fully concur with all Leckey says in the book he does bring a great amount of knowledge and experience which he presents in a fun and entertaining manner. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in living aboard any sort of boat, especially a sailboat and to anyone simply interested in a good read about life on the sea.

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By blobaugh, December 28, 2010 10:19 pm

Synopsis

At some point in life, every one of us will face the dark pain of heartache and despair, a hurt that pierces so deep we’re left gasping with questions:

Why me? Why now?
What have I done to deserve this?
Will the pain ever go away?
How can God just stand by and let this happen?
What do I have left to hope for?

Writing from insights she has gained, not only through her own valleys of deep hurt but also from years of study and counseling others through their pain, Kay Arthur points the way toward genuine healing. With candor, grace, and vulnerability, she invites you to join her on a journey toward wholeness as you exchange your fears and frustrations, hurts and disappointments for a hope that will never disappoint.

Review

For years Kay Arthur’s Biblical studies have been an inspiration to my family and myself. While dealing with some hurt and frustration of my own I came across this book and eagerly ordered my copy. Kay Arthur does a marvelous job of revealing the deep love of God in a way that spoke deeply into my life. Kay Arthur herself wrote the book in such a way that it feels like you are having a conversation with her. I could almost see the love and compassion radiating from her. Many of today’s Christian teachers and preachers do not give Biblical references while they are speaking which causes their message to simply be their opinion and many times without the Bible involved the view gets skewed. Kay Arthur not only provides Biblical quotes and passages she also provides many references to the ideas and stories she is using. If you are hurting and in need of some real compassion and Biblical truths in your life (who isn’t?) this is the book to have!

Legal

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Blogging for Books <http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/bloggingforbooks> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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By blobaugh, December 3, 2010 12:49 am

The Grace of God by Andy Stanley

Synopsis

Learn how God’s grace can and will transform you.

None of us deserve what God offers, a life free from sin and hope for a glorious future, but unbelievably it’s ours for the taking. Why? Because of God’s grace. The unmerited favor, the lavish love and kindness he pours out on us, and has, since Creation.

But if it’s so available then why do we live a grace-less life? Why are our churches filled with disillusioned Christians, weary of religion’s demands, struggling with personal defeat because of issues or behaviors?

Join pastor Andy Stanley as he traces grace through the Old and New Testament, observing God’s grace at work in the lives of some of the best, and worst, characters. He also uses personal stories from his own life to reveal how grace is not a natural response but is the most essential one. Together these stories unravel the mystery of grace and tell of its transforming power to set us free.

Review

The Grace of God is a powerfully written book by Andy Stanley. Many of us know the stories of the Old Testament well. Some see the stories showing a cruel God, others a kind loving God. Andy Stanley in the most unique and creative way shows us how each story in reality shows us God’s grace moving through the circumstances. Andy shows us how God is not cruel or vindictive, but rather a loving father who even though we have rejected him, pushed him away, and even told him we hated him still loves us. Anyone going through a struggle or feeling God cannot love them needs to read this book. For those solid in their beliefs this book will provide great encouragement in your walk and help you come alongside others in need.

Legal

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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By blobaugh, October 2, 2010 4:58 am

Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado

Synopsis

These are difficult days in our world’s history. 1.75 billion people are desperately poor, natural disasters are gouging entire nations, and economic uncertainty still reigns across the globe. But you and I have been given an opportunity to make a big difference. What if we did? What if we rocked the world with hope? Infiltrated all corners with God’s love and life? We are created by a great God to do great works. He invites us to outlive our lives, not just in heaven, but here on earth. Let’s live our lives in such a way that the world will be glad we did. (Please note: International Bloggers will receive International Edition.)

Review

Max Lucado has a very clear, fun, and interesting writing style that seems to grip the reader. From the very first page Outlive Your Life is a book that will pull you in with stories of incredible accomplishment and success and shock you with the knowledge that simple ordinary folk have been behind some of the most incredible and revolutionary changes in all time. Max Lucado challenges the reader to step up and ask simple questions that will start the reader down a path to making a lasting impression that will last far beyond the end of your life here on earth. This book is definitely highly recommended.

Legal

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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By blobaugh, October 2, 2010 4:20 am

The Least Among You DVD Cover

Synopsis

Leaders are not chosen, they are called. Inspired by a true story.

Arrested in the 1965 Watts riots, Richard Kelly (Cedric Sanders) must serve probation at an all-white seminary. Although encouraged to break racial boundaries by its president Alan Beckett (William Devane), the school wants black followers not leaders. Even former missionary, Kate Allison (Lauren Holly), initially rejects Richard. A prison sentence looming, Richard meets Samuel Benton (Louis Gossett, Jr.) — “the gardener in the basement.” As Samuel guides Richard through his many trials, Richard must choose between his dreams and his destiny.

Review

The Least Among You is an inspiring DVD that gives the viewer a glimpse into United States history and the difficult issues surrounding racial prejudice, even amongst those who call themselves Christian. This film is as well made as any movie found in theatres today. In addition to being technically well put together, this film is also clean enough for the whole family to watch. If a parent is desiring to educate a child about the dangers of racial prejudice this film should be considered as a good candidate, though it is great for general watching too!

Legal Stuff

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”