Good, Better, Best Wines Book/Guide Review

As much as Americans love the finer things, 90% of the wines bought in America are popular big brands that cost less than $15 a bottle—yet no one has ever compared them, until now. In Good, Better, Best Wines, a new book launched this week, wine expert Carolyn Evans Hammond ranks the most popular big brand wines by grape variety and price point, up to $15 per bottle. This book is particularly timely given America is drinking more wine than ever and is poised to become the world’s biggest wine consumer by 2012 according to The International Wine and Spirit Record.

In Good, Better, Best Wines readers will find:
•    The good, better and best big name wines under $5, $8, $11 and $15, for each major grape variety
•    Hundreds of bottle images, for easy recognition on the shelf
•    Jargon-free tasting notes 
•    Perfect party wine recommendations for specific occasions
•    Trade secrets for getting the most out of each bottle

And because Good, Better, Best Wines focuses on the best-selling wines in the United States—think names like Beringer, Barefoot, Kendall-Jackson and Woodbridge—they’ll be stocked at the local store.  These are the most widely available wines in America.

About the Author:
Carolyn Evans Hammond is an accomplished wine writer whose articles have appeared in such eminent magazines as Decanter and Wine & Spirit International in the United Kingdom, as well as Maclean’s, Taste, and Tidings in Canada.  Her first book, 1000 Best Wine Secrets, earned critical acclaim and international distribution.  She also issues a newsletter, runs a wine club, conducts seminars, and publishes a blog on her website—http://www.wine-tribune.com.  She holds the Diploma from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and a BA from York University. 
To learn more about Carolyn and her new book Good, Better, Best Wines, view her book trailer at http://www.wine-tribune.com

To watch the one-minute book trailer, click here: http://www.wine-tribune.com.

Good, Better, Best Wines, A No-Nonsense Guide to Popular Wines
Carolyn Evans Hammond
April 2010, $12.95
ISBN: 978-1-59257-977-8
Alpha Books

-Courtesy of Alpha Books

 ***

I was pleased when presented with the opportunity to review the book Good, Better, Best Wines: A No-Nonsense Guide to Popular Wines by Carolyn Evans Hammond. I am a big wine fan, though I don't drink very often, it is my alcoholic drink of choice. My mom's love of wine rubbed off on me. 

Good, Better, Best Wines is a guide to popular North American wines priced under $15 a bottle. Bottles of wine under $15 are the most popular so that is why they are the focus of this book. There are sub-categories; Under $5, $8, $11, and $15. The only wines featured in the book that are priced higher are dessert wines. 

Hammond writes with wit throughout the book. I felt as though she was here reading the words of the book to me, her style is so natural. In the book you can find images of the bottles of wines featured so they are easier to find when shopping. 

The book ia broken down into categories such as Chardonnays, Pinot Grigios, Saunignon Blancs, Merlots and so forth. Then the best of each price range is shown. There are other categories such as 'Other Great Whites', 'Other Great Reds', and 'Good Deals at Super Low Prices'.

This book is the first guide to cover popular American wines. With America poised to become the world's biggest wine consumer by 2012, this book is a necessity! It's easy to use, you can take it to the store with you and use the easy to read guide to find the best wine for whatever your price range. 

Thanks Alpha Books for the review copy!

*I received a copy of GBBW to facilitate my candid and honest review. No other form of compensation was or will be given. All personal views are my own!

Fathering through Divorce by Carol Patton Book Review

The new book, “Fathering Through Divorce” helps dads recover from divorce – mentally, emotionally and financially. Below is more info. 

 Men Mentoring Men Publishes “Fathering Through Divorce”

             Feelings of failure, guilt, bitterness, and anger, custody negotiation, property division, and moving out are just a few of the difficulties associated with divorce. To help men dealing with divorce and its impact on parenting, the nonprofit support organization Men Mentoring Men has published a new book “Fathering Through Divorce” ($9.95, 120 pages). Containing resources and tips from divorce experts, along with real stories from men who have gone through this painful experience, “Fathering Through Divorce” helps men plot a personal course to recover from divorce – mentally, emotionally and financially.

            Nearly half of all marriages end in divorce. Divorce is a complicated life transition. Unlike women, men don’t always have deep personal friendships or social support networks in place to help them get through tough times. However, men who share their experiences with other men can find the support they need to deal with life’s difficulties.

            “Men Mentoring Men is a support organization for thoughtful men to share and exchange ideas and personal life experiences,” says Richard Horowitz, Ed.D., Men Mentoring Men. “We published the book because we wanted to provide a guide for men who going through a divorce to recover, while maintaining strong ties to their children.”

             “Fathering Through Divorce” advises dads to use effective communication skills in solving problems and making decisions.

Here are some tips:

·      Avoid name-calling, killer statements and put-downs.

·      Meet in a public place or email each other to resolve issues about the children.

·      Steer clear of history lessons – bringing up the past should be taboo.

·      Place of photo of your children next to you during phone calls or while emailing to help you stay focused on what’s best for your children.

·      Email your concerns in advance of each meeting so both of you will have time to think them through.

·      Stay on topic and focus on one problem at a time.

·      Create an agenda.

·      Be flexible.

·      Brainstorm solutions.

Divorce is rarely easy. But if you concentrate on what’s best for the kids instead of the problems you are having with your ex, you can ensure a happy and stable future for your children.

“Fathering Through Divorce” is available online through the Men Mentoring Men group at www.menmentoringmen.org.

“Fathering Through Divorce” was made possible through a grant from Men Mentoring Men Trustee Dr. Howard Greenberg in honor of his father Irv Greenberg. For more information, contact Dr. Richard Horowitz, (732) 261-6724.

About Men Mentoring Men (M3)

Men Mentoring Men, located in Somerville and Lambertville, NJ is a self-sustaining council of thoughtful men dedicated to participation in and appreciation of the triumphs and failures of life’s journey by enriching the lives of each other, those they love and the community at large. Mentoring is an honest and shameless exchange of acquired wisdom encompassing the exploration of the myth, mystery and magic of life.

-Courtesy of Men Mentoring Men

***

I was pleased when presented with the opportunity to review Fathering through Divorce: A Handbook for Men Dealing with Divorce and it's Impact on Parenting Produced by Men Mentoring Men, written by Carol Patton. Divorce may be a sensitive topic, but I am glad there are resources such as this for dads going through this life change.

Fathering through Divorce was produced by Men Mentoring Men, a New Jersey based non profit organization. They were founded in 1996 with the  purpose of supporting men and redefining the concept of masculinity. The men in this support organization share and exchange ideas, as well as personal life experiences. There is no fear of shame or competition. Which must be a really powerful thing because I can imagine it is very freeing for men not to have to worry about these stereotypes. 

Today Men Mentoring Men members come from every creed, race, and background and attend bi-weekly meetings. The members are united in living a dynamic reality as men. 

The book is written by Carol Patton and produced by Men Mentoring Men. There is a beautiful dedication in the front of the book written by Dr. Howard Greenburg, Men Mentoring Men Trustee. It is dedicated to Dr. Greenburg's father and chronicles his hard work as a single father.

I would recommend this book as an invaluable resource for men and fathers going through divorce. The book has tons of info-online resources, tips, personal stories, definitions of common divorce jargon, and more. It is written with compassion and precision. 

Thanks to Men Mentoring Men for the book sample!

* I received a copy of Fathering through Divorce to facilitate my candid and honest review. No other form of compensation was or will be given. All personal views are my own!

 

Why Chicken Nuggets are Better than Prozac By Kirk Enright Book Review

ALL YOU NEED FOR FATHER’S DAY IS COFFEE…AND A LITTLE SLEEP?

From one dad to another: Over-Caffeinated Dad takes on the real Father’s Day, Oprah, and preschool in the new book, Why Chicken Nuggets are Better Than Prozac

When Father’s Day starts at 12:01 a.m. and sleeping in is not an option, give the father in your life a dose of humor this year with the new collection of essays and anecdotes, Why Chicken Nuggets are Better than Prozac and Other Observations from an Over-Caffeinated Dad.  Written by humorist and blogger Kirk Enright, the book pokes fun at the occasionally absurd realities of 21^st Century parenting.

Any parent who has ever witnessed an act of bad parenting, struggled to actually implement the advice of an afternoon talk-show expert, or just visited the Department of Motor Vehicles on a typical Tuesday morning, will find this book a fun read and a relatable release for our overly-scheduled lives.

“This book is for anyone who ever feels like parenting would be a whole lot easier if it weren’t for kids,” explained Enright.  “When you think about it, every day is Father’s Day.  This just happens to be the one time of year we get cake, cards and presents, which is probably good, because who needs the calories?”

“Enright tackles parenting issues with a funny twist that will bring a smile to your face,” wrote Amy Mendenhall of MOV Parent.  “ From a conversation with a 4-year-old about why it’s not polite to talk about whether or not a stranger is fat, to reminiscing about family trips of yore, to parents complaining about never going out (but not wanting to go out either)… There’s plenty of funny and relatable stories inside this little book for both moms and dads and will give you that extra boost of cheer for the day.”

About the Author

Kirk Enright writes on a variety of topics including relationships, parenting, business, and politics in his blog www.overcaffeinateddad.com.  After spending 11 years, 10 months, 15 days, 7 hours and 29 minutes in Hollywood writing, producing and directing various television projects, he escaped to the Pacific Northwest where he lives with his wife, their three children and their dog. 

 Why Chicken Nuggets are Better Than Prozac is available for $14.99 online at Amazon.com and through additional wholesale and retail channels worldwide.

Why Chicken Nuggets are Better Than Prozac and Other Observations from an Over-Caffeinated Dad

Author: Kirk Enright

Publication: December 4, 2009

Trade Paperback: $14.99; 148 Pages; 5.5” x 8.25”  cf 

ISBN-13: 978-1439258101

Blog: http://www.overcaffeinateddad. com/home/

Book Excerpts

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY – pg. 79

12:01 am

KID #1: Dad? Dad? Are you awake?

DAD: What? Huh? Who’s there?

KID #1: Me.


DAD: Why are you still awake?

KID #1: I wanted to wish you “Happy Father’s Day.”


DAD: Oh.

KID #1: Happy Father’s Day!

DAD: Oh… right… thanks. Now get some sleep. We’ve got a big day tomorrow.

4:20 am

KID #2: Dad? Dad? Are you awake?

DAD: Huh? What!?!? What time is it?

KID #2: I dunno. But the sun’s just coming up.

DAD: Did you have a bad dream?

KID #2: No.


DAD: Did you have an accident?

KID #2: No.


DAD: Why did you wake me up then?

KID #2: I just wanted to be the first to say “Happy Father’s Day.”


DAD: Why don’t you do it in the morning?

KID #2: It is morning.

DAD: Well then… Thanks. Now why don’t you go back to bed, it’s way too early to get up.

4:25 am

KID #1: Dad? Dad!

DAD: WHAT!

KID #1: I was the first to wish you “Happy Father’s Day,” right?

DAD: I guess.

4:31 am

KID #2: Dad? Dad!


DAD: WHAT!?!?!??!??!?!?


KID #2: I was the first to wish you “Happy Father’s Day” because if you do it before you go to sleep it doesn’t count.

DAD: Huh?

4:47 am

KID #1: Dad?

DAD: What?

KID #1: It does count because it was today when I said it, right?

DAD: I don’t know.

KID #1: But it was.

DAD: Okay, fine. Whatever you say.

4:54 am

DAD: Why are you crying?

KID #2: Because I wanted to be the first to wish you “Happy Father’s Day.”

 5:02 am

MOM: Why are you getting dressed?

DAD: I’m going to Starbucks.

MOM: I thought you were going to sleep in?

DAD: I was.

MOM: Oh… well… as long as you’re going out, will you get me a grande Chai latte?

DAD: Sure.

MOM: Non-fat, extra hot?

DAD: Anything else?

MOM: Donuts. I didn’t think you’d be up in time for breakfast, so I didn’t get anything special.

DAD: I don’t need anything special, I just need coffee.

MOM: And… “Happy Father’s Day.”

DAD: Gee, thanks.

WHEN PRE-SCHOOLERS LEARN TO RHYME – pg. 37

PRE-SCHOOLER: Hit. Bit. Fit. (Expletive.) Hit. Bit. Fit. (Expletive.)

DAD: Did he just say what I think he said?

MOM: Sweetie, you shouldn’t say that.

PRE-SCHOOLER: Say what?

DAD: That word.

PRE-SCHOOLER: What word? Hit? Bit? Fit? (Expletive?)

DAD: Stop!

MOM: How are we gonna tell him not to say S-H-I-T without saying S-H-I-T?

DAD: Why don’t you make a different rhyme?

PRE-SCHOOLER: Mass. Class. Bass. (Expletive.)

MOM: I have a better idea: let’s talk about this. See, there are some words you can’t say out loud.

PRE-SCHOOLER: Why?

MOM: Because they’re bad words.

PRE-SCHOOLER: Why are they bad? Did they do something to get in trouble, like leave their toys in the hallway?

MOM: No, the words didn’t do anything, they’re just bad.

DAD: And if you say them you’ll get in trouble.

PRE-SCHOOLER: Why are you using your angry voice?

MOM: Daddy’s not using his angry voice. He’s just trying to tell you there are some words that are bad and good boys don’t say them.

PRE-SCHOOLER: But Daddy says them when he drives us to school, and sometimes after he talks to Grandma.

MOM: Look... Let’s just take a break from rhyming and you and I will go play with your fire truck.

PRE-SCHOOLER: Okay – Truck. Duck. Muck. F –

MOM & DAD: NOOOOO!

OPRAH’S (IM)PRACTICAL GUIDE TO GETTING MORE SLEEP – pg. 93

God bless Oprah and all the good she does in the world, but sometimes she – or, perhaps more accurately, her editors – get it wrong.

Case in point: the 10-point family guide to getting more sleep, which starts out sensibly enough, but quickly takes an impractical turn:

1. Make sleep a family priority.

2. Recognize sleep problems in your children.

For most parents, the problem isn’t recognizing the problem – it’s pretty obvious that kids don’t like going to sleep, ever, no matter how late it is or how tired they are – it’s figuring out what to do about it, other than turning to Benadryl.

3. Parents need to work together.

But we don’t.

It’s not “divide and conquer” so much as it is “You deal with it while I relax for a while and watch TV ‘cause I’ve had a rough day.”

4. Be consistent.

Ha.

5. Set a regular bedtime and wake time.

Parents already do this all the time, we’re just not very good at it. Because while most of us realize that bedtime should be 15 to 30 minutes before we finally reach the breaking point, and wake time should be whenever we finally get enough sleep to feel rested and alert – say 8:09 pm and 7:51 am – the reality is that bedtime is usually 15 minutes after the breaking point, and wake time is whatever time you absolutely, positively have to leave the house in the morning so you’re not late minus half the time you need to make breakfast, make lunches, make coffee, take a shower, get everyone dressed, settle whatever random fight breaks out that morning and kiss your spouse. (Unless you’re still fighting because you didn’t work together.)

6. Routine. Routine. Routine.

In your dreams. In your dreams. In your dreams – unless a “routine” can consist of a carefully planned series of random, unpredictable events to which no timeframe can ever logically be applied.

7. Dress and room temperature – not too hot, not too cold.

Oh, please – if one kid is too hot, the other is too cold, and if they’re fine, you’re uncomfortable. The only one who ever got anything “just right” was Goldilocks and she was make-believe.

8. Transitional object to ease separation – doll, stuffed animal, blanket.

Okay, but what do you do when the “transitional object” is mom?

9. Don’t share your room or your bed with your child.

Anyone with parents who weren’t hippies has heard this, but let’s examine the way it works in real life:

CHILD: Can I sleep with you?    

PARENT: No.    

CHILD: But I’m scared.

PARENT: No.    

CHILD: And I don’t like being by myself.

PARENT: No.

CHILD: Why not?    

 PARENT: Because Oprah says you can’t.   

CHILD: I hate Oprah. Oprah is mean. I’m never going to watch Oprah on TV again. (Unless she gives me a car.)

10. There’s always one last thing with kids, so anticipate.

Anticipate? One last thing? How about 10 last things? Or 20? Any parent who can do that is clearly psychic and should just hit the Atlantic City casinos and hire an army of nannies with the winnings.

For most parents, the most practical suggestion for getting more family sleep is to just be patient for 18 years or so, at which time the kids will finally be old enough to move on and sleep by themselves.

-Courtesy of Over Caffeinated Dad 

***

I was excited to review Kirk Enright's (the Over Caffeinated Dad) book Why Chicken Nuggets are Better than Prozac because I knew the book's humor and sarcasm would be right up my alley! And my husband's too, for that matter. But I'm thinking this book might be another gem to pass along to my older brother, who is going to be a first time dad soon!

The book is chock full of essays, anecdotes, tips, and dialogue that show off Enright's wit and hilarious view on parenting. Enright asks: Why is the morning drop off so hard to get right? If you give your pre-schooler a time-out and then forget about him, does that make you a bad parent? What do you do if your kids reject your politics? These musings and more can be found in Why Chicken Nuggets are better than Prozac. My favorite part of the book covers Oprah's (Im)Practical Guide to Getting More Sleep. (Excerpt above) What does Oprah know about children and getting more sleep? Nothing! She doesn't have kids!

Kirk Enright writes the popular parenting blog www.overcaffeinateddad.com. He lives in Seattle, Washington with his wife, three children and dog.  

Thanks to the Over Caffeinated Dad for the book sample! Why Chicken Nuggets are Better than Prozac is available on www.amazon.com.

 
*I received a sample of Why Chicken Nuggets... to facilitate my candid and honest review. No other form of compensation was or will be given. All personal views are my own!