He's a Stud, She's a Slut, and 49 Other Double Standards Every Woman Should Know

I'm not being sarcastic at all--I'm a male reader, and I found this book to be REALLY insightful stuff. I also found double-standard #51: that these are double standards that WOMEN should know. Shouldn't men know these too? I mean, I'm trying to raise my two sons with better insights than the blueprint for sexist privilege they are being handed to them every darned DAY, and I want them to see past it. So right there in the title--BAM!--another unintended double-standard. This stuff's just as integral for men to consider.

Jessica Valenti's writing style is snappy, fun to read, and yet very good at disturbing the reader with insights that are dead-on but easily overlooked in our culture. I've followed the feministing website (which Jessica Valenti contributes to) for some time now, and I am constantly fascinated by the sheer amount of research and information that they find. I'm also disheartened by how often her work is dismissed as "thought police" or "hysteria"--but then, that's exactly what she's getting at in this book: male privilege allows (us) men to mouth off on TV, talk radio, and pretty much every other form of media about OUR interests, but women who do the same are labeled "guy bashing" or worse, simply for acting like actually free people. Books like this one are powerful documentaries about that dynamic, which is taken for granted to the point that those who call it out are usually personally scolded for it. All the more reason why Valenti's contribution is integral.

Oh, this is really interesting, to Jessica personally: you know that part where you mentioned seeing your childhood tormentor, Eleena, talking about her own issues on TV? As amazing as this is, I know EXACTLY who you are talking about. I wonder, do you see her on-screen confessional as a sign of hope, or head-smacking "Jeez, how can she not even get this?"

Despite what you may think, this book doesn't just focus on double standards where women get the short end of the stick. It also talks about the crap these double standards cause men. The only critism I can think of is that #46 "He's Childless, She's Selfish" had a title that was misleading. I thought it was going to talk about how childfree women are considered selfish because apparently having kids is the only way women can contribute to society, society doesn't think twice about childfree men. Instead it talked about how single mothers are "selfish." While I agree what she was talking about there, I thought the title was misleading and she should have touched on childfree women as well.

Buy He's a Stud, She's a Slut, and 49 Other Double Standards Every Woman Should Know Now

He's a Stud, She's a Slut was worth the wait. I think Valenti did a much better job with this book than with Full Frontal Feminism and this new book is a lot more approachable for women and men of all ages. Valenti does cover a lot of the more obvious double standards but she also sheds some light on some more pervasive attacks against women and details how some thing which on the surface seemed more geared towards attacking men, also set some unattainable standards for women.

The only real problem I have with this book is the "So... What to do?" section at the end of every chapter basically boils down to "Stop _____. Seriously." I think Valenti could have put more practical solutions to these everyday problems or put in more resources that have some ideas for solutions.

Overall He's a Stud, She's a Slut is great take on sexism and I'll be passing it around to all my friends.

Read Best Reviews of He's a Stud, She's a Slut, and 49 Other Double Standards Every Woman Should Know Here

I honestly enjoyed this book. Having read Valenti's other publication, Full Frontal Feminism, I must say that I enjoy her easy-to-read way of writing. It's a good way to introduce new generations to feminism, with her sassy wording and fun, talkative mannerisms. Not to mention, the book really made me think. It had never occurred to me that there was a double-standard about stalking in relationships, so that was probably my favorite section.

However, some of the writing, at times, left something to be desired. I think the final part of each section, which told the reader what they can do if they were come upon such double-standards, really could have been left out. A majority of the time it was just the same answer ("uh... just be aware that the double-standard exists, I guess?") and it really seemed to dumb down the general atmosphere of the book. It really took away from the reading experience for me, and I finished the book wishing those parts hadn't made Jessica sound so much less intelligent than she really is.

Want He's a Stud, She's a Slut, and 49 Other Double Standards Every Woman Should Know Discount?

If you enjoy feministing.com, and/or if you liked Jessica Valenti's last book, Full-Frontal Feminism, you'll definitely love this book. Valenti uses humor and demonstrates how ridiculous some double standards are. She connects the personal and political to illustrate how insidious, everyday stereotypes are damaging and dehumanizing. It's a difficult thing to raise consciousness about gender inequality in a way that inspires activism instead of depression. And even with Valenti's attitude and humor, readers will probably find themselves infuriated or disgusted while reading about some of the injustice described. The suggestions about how to change double standards are a little vague in some places, but there's enough there to get you started brainstorming hopefully with a group of like-minded feminist friends.

Save 17% Off

Read More >>

The Nursing Home Handbook: A Guide to Living Well

Ruth Davis writes with humor and great practicality on a topic that I find uncomfortable and somewhat overwhelming. She provides information on all aspects of nursing home care --from finding the right setting, to coping with details of day to day life in a home, to the last moments. I love her use of sidebars, little snippits of advice, often filled with humor and always packed with common sense. I would recommend this book to anyone facing the problem of long term care for self or loved one.

The Nursing Home Handbook is thorough and well written. It answered nearly all my questions and many I never thought of. My remaining questions are: Which are the best places? Are they easily accessible? How much do they cost? I still have to do research, but this book provides criteria by which to judge.

I recommend this book for anyone who needs help choosing a nursing home or dealing with one already chosen. It may also help you decide, as I did, that a nursing home is not the right choice at this time.

Buy The Nursing Home Handbook: A Guide to Living Well Now

This book is a quick read, but is stuffed full of good information and practical tidbits. I read it in just a few hours and learned a tremendous lot. I especially liked the boxed text in the margins with interesting little factoids and suggestions.

For instance, when I asked to read my loved one's medical chart I was told, "okay, but hurry. I don't want anyone to see that I'm letting you do this." In Davis' book, she states that we have a legal right to read our own medical charts. Her book is full of this type of "been there, done that" advice.

The next to last chapter, which gives some information on hospice and practical advice on how to sit by the bedside when it's time for your loved one to leave this world, was very well written and is alone worth the price of this book.

I've read many of these books and this is one of the few that I'd highly recommend.

Read Best Reviews of The Nursing Home Handbook: A Guide to Living Well Here

Read More >>

Death by Pedicure: the dirty secrets of nail salons

I am a nail tech with many concerns about the lack of sanitation and safety in the nail industry. This book was my text book in the Advanced Nail Tech course offered by Medinails Learning Center, and taught by the author Dr. Spalding. The book is clear and concise, not heady. It is easy to understand, informative and thorough. The title has apparently changed to The Science of Pedicures. I like the first title better, catchy and gets to the point about health and safety. Every nail tech should read this book.

Save 10% Off

Read More >>

The Interval Training Workout: Build Muscle and Burn Fat with Anaerobic Exercise

This book discusses interval training and is a good starting point for anyone who is new to the concept. However it is basic, and unless you have no idea what is meant by "interval training" then you will not learn anything new. At its heart the message is, go really fast for a minute, then slow down for two minutes, repeat until done.

The most glaring problem is that the book only talks about interval training as manifested in the traditional cardio sports (running, swimming, cycling, etc.) It does not talk about ways to incorporate interval concepts into your strength training routines, and even worse does not adequately talk about how to incorporate your strength training with the interval program recommended.

I think this book is most useful for the type of people who "just run" (or just "whatever") at a steady pace for a predertmined time and have no plans to lift weights. However, if you are looking for a more holistic program that will cover more aspects of fitness, then I would suggest searching further.

Interval Training (IT) is systemic conditioning based on low intensity activity punctuated with bursts of high intensity activity. IT has an advantage over "aerobics" done at constant pace because the high intensity phase triggers growth hormone and other effects that are never quite achieved by extended low intensity training. This means that you can achieve benefits beyond those of aerobic training for athletes and also for weight control and general fitness. IT does not neccessarily replace low intensity training entirely, nor does it replace more specialized strength or flexibility work where needed. It is a concept with its own niche in physical training.

This book introduces the concept of IT and gives examples of how to set up a conditioning program for yourself with IT at the core. There is a lot of practical advice here for the novice and for those who have only a passing knowledge of physical conditioning. Those with moderate knowledge of conditioning including interval techniques will find most of this to be review or variations of ideas they alreay use. Trainers and those who use formal interval techniques already will probably not get much out of this, and should instead look to more advanced, more technical, or more specialized books.

An excellent practical introduction to interval based fitness.

Buy The Interval Training Workout: Build Muscle and Burn Fat with Anaerobic Exercise Now

In my capacity as Medical Director of 2 Fortune-50 companies I have had the occasion to review numerous fitness and health promotion programs. Dr. Nitti's Interval Training offers a common sense approach to physical fitness which is applicable to the average person as well as to world-class athletes. It is refreshing to finally see a fitness program that is scientifically based and does not attempt to repeal the laws of thermodynamics or the principles of human physiology. I highly recommend this book to anyone serious about physical conditioning.

Read Best Reviews of The Interval Training Workout: Build Muscle and Burn Fat with Anaerobic Exercise Here

I purchased this book with the hopes that it would have some hard core anaerobic workouts using intervals with bodyweight exercises, medicine balls and other non-standard methods of good all around functional or "combat conditioning" type training workouts. This is not a book like that. However it is a good book that will help you understand why interval training is important to include in your workout and can help you develop your own personal workouts.

The book mainly focuses on interval training for the runner, swimmer, or biker which I'm sure will help you a lot of you've become stagnant in your workouts. It does include workouts and good guidelines for these type of sports and has a basic section on weight lifting and stretching.

The book also includes short and concise reasons as to why interval (anaerobic) training is so beneficial. It didn't try to get too medical or scientific about it just plain old English as to how interval training works in your body.

Even though the book didn't include the type of training workouts I was looking for, it was still a worthwhile book to read and I will use some the principals from this book in developing the type of workouts I am looking for.

Want The Interval Training Workout: Build Muscle and Burn Fat with Anaerobic Exercise Discount?

Read More >>

In Full Bloom: A Brain Education Guide for Successful Aging

This is a short story about a `friend'. My `friend' spent most of his adult life as an unhappy individual. This `friend' hated the work he was doing but stayed with the same employer for 25 years. He didn't particularly care for his neighbors but is living in the same house for 17 years. He didn't want to keep in touch with friends or relatives unless he absolutely had to.

During his 30's and 40's, he was always complaining about his health and the aches and pains that conveniently kept him home from work and was also a good excuse to avoid keeping in touch with friends and family. He spent too many days going from doctor to doctor and hospital to hospital, throughout his life, only to get the same answers to all the tests he subjected himself to. The tests were all negative, but this `friend' was not convinced that there was nothing wrong with him.

This `friend' was living a self-fulfilling prophecy. He had used his failing health as an excuse for so long that he had convinced himself that he was really sick. Instead of being happy that all the test results were negative, he complained that the doctors could not find the problems, which made him feel sicker.

Finally at age 58, this 'friend' went to see a doctor who happened to be of Korean origin. After another round of tests with still negative results, this doctor told this 'friend' that he was in good health, in fact, he was in very good health. The doctor recommended that he should get into an exercise and diet program before long or his health would start to deteriorate. The doctor suggested that he should look into a Yoga program which is both physical as well as educational.

So this `friend' found a Dahn Yoga Center only a few blocks from his home. He gathered enough courage to go upstairs and speak with the Instructor. After a 20 minute initial exam, the instructor was describing all the ailments this 'friend' was experiencing, and he was right on. After an introduction to the Yoga exercise routine, this 'friend' attended his first Yoga class the same evening. Although he was always skeptical and doubting everything in his life, something about the Yoga class made him feel different. He continued with the classes and participated in educational programs called B.E.S.T.

The instructor recommended the he read a book named; In Full Bloom: A brain Education Guide For Successful Aging, by Ilchi Lee and Doctor Jessie Jones. This book helped this `friend' to understand how he was creating his own problems and how to start to correct his physical and mental balance back to a healthy body and mind.

If you didn't guess by now this `friend' is really me. At age 58, I am now able to realize that my negative outlook was causing my aches and pains. It all took place in my head. For over 25 years my constant complaining and whining brought myself and everybody around me down.

Just to be able to write this story shows how much I have changed. In one year I lost 14 lbs., my aches and pains have gone away, and my attitude has changed from negative to positive.

But writing this story serves another purpose. If anybody reading this story has the same or similar attitude, I urge you, I'll even beg you, don't wait for your life to pass by without changing how you feel. Get a copy of: In Full Bloom, and / or visit a Yoga center near you. You owe it to yourself to enjoy the rest of your life. It's never to late to change.

My dad is going to turn 70 this year (wow). So despite the fact that his health and mental clarity are currently great, the aura of fear around aging in our culture especially regarding mental decline has caused him and the rest of our family to become increasingly more concerned about ensuring his continued good health throughout his latter years. Yet when I read this book, it really helped me see that aging can actually be a very positive, empowering process. Ilchi Lee and Jessie Jones are a perfect match for this book: combining Lee's wisdom and spiritual know-how with Jones' years of expertise on the aging process. Together they've managed to create a compelling (and even reverent) case for a person's final years to be their very best, while maintaining a sense of light-hearted simplicity throughout. By presenting the latest scientific discoveries about aging (which challenge many preconceptions we've all had about aging and mental decline), providing helpful holistic exercises for body and brain, and delivering a powerful spiritual message about being in charge of your own health and wellness as you age, this book is sure to make its mark as an essential guidebook for anyone who wants to be at the top of their game until their last moments on this earth.

If you want another great read by Lee, check out this book: Human Technology: A Toolkit For Authentic Living

Buy In Full Bloom: A Brain Education Guide for Successful Aging Now

I'm still in my 30s, but I found this book very inspiring. It presents an overall approach to health and explains how the brain is the basis for our health and our overall quality of life. It really puts the responsibility on each person to take charge of their life and create a life and a world that they want. But the book doesn't just confer responsibility, it gives step-by-step directions on how to do it.

In Full Bloom's approach to health is very holistic, offering methods that anyone can use without taking medication. As part of the whole picture it explains some scientific basis, as far as it exists, for the concepts and techniques it teaches. It also debunks common myths about aging that makes getting older seem full of possibility and hope.

I am already taking advantage of everything I learned in this comprehensive and useful book.

Read Best Reviews of In Full Bloom: A Brain Education Guide for Successful Aging Here

As someone who is always looking for new ways to create health and find ways to age gracefully this book is a treasure. It clearly explains some of the concepts and uses of meditation, showing how simple it can really be. I particularly enjoyed the smiling meditation. I felt a little silly, and that helped me relax and enjoy the experience. After only about five minutes of smiling, I really felt better!

Want In Full Bloom: A Brain Education Guide for Successful Aging Discount?

This book is a whole lot more than your typical brain development book. It really looks at your whole brain in relation to your whole life. Like the title suggests, it is all about living a fully realized life, right through to the end of your life. This one by Ilchi Lee is a good companion: Principles of Brain Management: A Practical Approach to Making the Most of Your Brain.

Save 30% Off

Read More >>