Christmas Maps dot com

Just in time for the holidays I stumbled upon (that button works wonders sometimes) a site called ChristmasMaps.com. This site is dedicated to helping people find Christmas light displays. It has show dates for all 50 states and D.C.

The others of this site must really like the holiday season as they state they are expanding the site to include Christmas music and movies. Thats a lot of Santa Clause.

I don't know what to expect the long term out of this site but for the holidays, if you have young kids, this is the site to utilize. Make sure to report any shows you have seen or know about to ChristmasMaps.com so others can share in your fun.

Also a note. The site is holding a contest to bloggers to help them increase web traffic. Click for the details.

Big Opportunities at Small Banks abstract

Big Opportunities at Small Banks -

While the nation's largest banks are taking billions in losses for mortgage-backed securities, the smaller banks that steered clear of such investments are profiting. In this concise article, Rosenberg profiles several small banks on the rise and explains their unique reasons for success. He also gives the reader information on why they can expect shares of each bank to be good investments.
in BusinessWeek by Robert Rosenberg, 3 December 2007
This abstract was edited by Brijit. Read more here...

ListAfterList.com

There is a new interesting site I came across called ListAfterList.com. This site is full of what you would expect, lists. Lists of everything imaginable. The purpose of the site is basically to condense and share information with others.

For example if your visiting a town that you have never been to, then you could go to ListafterList.com to find out what are a few individuals top 10 places to eat. Personally I wanted to see lists of the top individual baseball players. So I searched and found the ten best pitchers according to a list submitter.

Another option would be for me to submit my own list. This would especially useful for the future as it may inspire others and spur discussion. Check it out if you have a chance.

A New Shot at History (Briji-llient!)

A New Shot at History -

Washington, DC has had a handgun ban for the past 31 years, and is now the scene of the latest gun control debate. Next spring, the Supreme Court will hear a case that could open the Second Amendment to reinterpretation. Dick Heller, a federal security guard who carries a gun at his job, is challenging the city to be able to have a gun at his home in a once-rough DC neighborhood. The authors choose a peculiar commentator for the article, a former drug dealer who backs their light argument against the ban.
in Newsweek by Martha Brant & Stuart Taylor Jr., 3 December 2007
This abstract was edited by Brijit. Read more here...

Humanizing Madness: Psychiatry and the Cognitive Neurosciences (Hardcover)

List Price: 44.95
by Niall McLaren M.D. (Author)
Publisher: Future Psychiatry Press (October 8, 2007)

Ok you guys. This book is intense. Its a little over my head to be honest. Essentially the book digs into the research that has spans 30 years and concentrates on the philosophy of science. Then the book takes each of the major theories in psychiatry flips it 180 degrees. I really understand much of it because I didn't take any type of class even close to the subject matter since freshman year of college but it seems like its like watching Sisyphus cursed to roll a huge boulder up a hill, only to watch it roll down again, because thats the only way he knows how to move the rock. But then he turns around and sees that someone else hired a crane.

If you have the head for this material, more power to you.

Some life info

So as you can tell by my last few entries I have a thing for self help and staying healthy even in times of crisis or pain. It is very empowering to have that kind of mental control and release. In the same vein is health insurance and life insurance. I have it. I don't like paying for it, but I have it.

There is a site out there that can help called Advantage Term Life that offers a ton of services to their clients and potential clients. Now I will be honest and tell you that I have not taken advantage of this Advantage (see what I did there?) but they offer quotes for the individual as well as for the employer.

With every type of purchase remember to shop around. It is only in the best interest of yourself and your family to be as informed as possible when making financial long term decisions. So check out Advantage Term Life as an option and possibly Save Money on Insurance

The Bears Among Us [New York Times] by Frey

New Review of mine from Brijit

In the Canadian resort city of Whistler, black bears have become almost as common as humans. The main concern is not potential attacks but bears breaking into dumpsters, homes, and businesses, causing property damage and increasing fears that the bears will become reliant on food from human resources. City officials aren't sure if the ursine issue should be dealt with by destroying the animals or tranquilizing and transferring them. Frey gives a valiant effort to make bear chasing exciting, but hibernation may be readers' better choice.

-editted by brijit

Lets get this blogging thing a little more serious

Here at Workman's Review I figure if I am going to share my review and opinions then why not get paid for it? Thats why I have signed up for Blogvertise. After a quick and painless sign up process I am now waiting for an approval notice. I have no doubts I can plant a Blogvertise flag on Workman's Review soon! If you have your own blog, give them a look and don't forget to tell them who sent you.

Coping with Crisis

by Jim Burtles
List Price $19.95
Publisher: Loving Healing Press (August 28, 2007)

Well the holiday season is here in full force and for some people that can be hard. They can recall memories of friends or relatives that have passed away or tragic events that have occurred in their lives. The holidays are a time of reflection for many and that is not always in everyone's best internet. This book aims to correct that and make sure an individual stays focused.

Turning lives hardships into lessons is a very valuable tool and this book delivers. It doesn't hurt that it was written by a former Knight of Grace within the Military and Hospitaller Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem.

UnBreak Your Health

List Price: 19.99
by Alan, E. Smith (Author)
Publisher: Loving Healing Press; First edition (August 22, 2007)

If your like me then you have had your fair share of trouble getting healthy and staying healthy. However something about me that may surprise you is I am afraid (not untrusting but actually afraid) of pills that are made up of chemicals that are man made rather then natural. This is where UnBreak Your Health comes in.

This book digs deep into alternative medicines for people like me. Everything from Zen to acupuncture (not my bag but I don't hate others for trying). For anyone looking for ways around the pharmacist, I would suggest this book for them.

The Youngest Terrorist

This is from my work at Brijit

in 60 Minutes by Bob Simon, 18 November 2007
Simon presents the tale of Omar Khadr, the only person in modern history to be tried for war crimes that he allegedly committed as a minor. Five years ago, Khadr was captured in an attack in Afghanistan; he has been held in Guantanamo Bay since then, and now his trial is approaching for the alleged murder of a US soldier. Simon presents a stirring picture, but it soon follows the mold of countless other sad war stories. Frustrated viewers might take it for antiwar fodder, but the desensitized will simply change the channel.
Posted 9:44, 19 November 2007
This abstract was written by Aaron Berkowitz and edited by Brijit.

Crisis Intervention Training for Disaster Workers: An Introduction - Review

Crisis Intervention Training for Disaster Workers: An Introduction
by George W. Doherty
List Price 29.99
Publisher: Rocky Mountain DMH Institute Press; First edition (August 16, 2007)

I came across this book at my friend's house. She happens to be a first responder in the mountains of California. She said it read like a text book for adults, with a ton of information. I tend to agree. It gets really in depth and follows up with what to do for not only bodily recovery but also mental recovery. Almost every kind of disaster is touched upon with talk of war and terrorism mixed in for good measure. I would give this book a 6 out of 10 for readability but 9 out of 10 for usefulness.