Although most of us already have some insight into our perceptual strengths and weaknesses, the self-appraisal test in Stop When You See Red helps us identify just how strong or weak each of our empowering and limiting tendencies actually is. This test is an entertaining yet thought provoking activity to try solo or with family members or friends. Then move on to the remainder of the book, to learn strategies for cooling your "hot buttons", interacting effectively with various perceptual types, and readjusting the way you act or react by altering the way you perceive the actions and reactions of others. The true stories and anecdotes from the authors personal experiences, as well as those of her friends, colleagues and workshop participants, serve as clear illustrations. Some humorous, others touching, and one near tragic, they move us quickly from theory to practical application. Once you understand that the choice is yours, you place yourself in the driver's seat of your life. By using Carol Welsh's techniques to expunge negativity from your life, you gain near magical powers in your level of happiness and your ability to function more effectively with others. Not only will you want to read this book, but afterwards, you will probably want to sign up for one of Carol Welsh's workshops. Lois W. Stern Author of Sex, Lies and Cosmetic Surgery

I am no stranger to fine travel books, memoirs, or books that define other cultures. But Michael Kleiner’s Beyond the Cold gives us all three in one. Beginning at age 11, when he and his family spent a full year in Norway, continuing through his seven return trips, this author lived and learned amongst Norwegians. He traveled the country with the refreshing eye of a native exploring his homeland for the first time, as he visited and revisited places of particular interest over a course of twenty-some years. We are treated to an insider’s view of the sites, hearts and minds of these people and the emotional tug these elements evoked for him as a growing boy and at various stages in his adult life. I could feel the excitement of discovery as I vicariously strolled through Frogner Park, giggling at the site of the charming statue of a young child in the midst of a temper tantrum! I could feel the anxiety of the author as an eleven-year old boy, suddenly plunged into a foreign country, all at once confronted with the multiple adjustments of new language, peer group, geography, climate, and customs. I learned a bit about Norwegian history, their museums, culinary treats, and ski trails. But most of all, this American author helped me internalize the meaning of true friendship through the warmth of the Norwegian people, their customs, lifestyle and values. Lois W. Stern Author of Sex, Lies and Cosmetic Surgery

I am no stranger to fine travel books, memoirs, or books that define other cultures. But Michael Kleiner’s Beyond the Cold gives us all three in one. Beginning at age 11, when he and his family spent a full year in Norway, continuing through his seven return trips, this author lived and learned amongst Norwegians. He traveled the country with the refreshing eye of a native exploring his homeland for the first time, as he visited and revisited places of particular interest over a course of twenty-some years. We are treated to an insider’s view of the sites, hearts and minds of these people and the emotional tug these elements evoked for him as a growing boy and at various stages in his adult life. I could feel the excitement of discovery as I vicariously strolled through Frogner Park, giggling at the site of the charming statue of a young child in the midst of a temper tantrum! I could feel the anxiety of the author as an eleven-year old boy, suddenly plunged into a foreign country, all at once confronted with the multiple adjustments of new language, peer group, geography, climate, and customs. I learned a bit about Norwegian history, their museums, culinary treats, and ski trails. But most of all, this American author helped me internalize the meaning of true friendship through the warmth of the Norwegian people, their customs, lifestyle and values. Lois W. Stern Author of Sex, Lies and Cosmetic Surgery http://www,sexliesandcosmeticsurgery.com cosmeticsurgery@optonline.net

When viewing a Chuck Close canvas, one needs to step back a bit to appreciate it full essence. Such is the case with the power of this wonderful novel. A riveting story is only part of what makes Rainy Day People such a success. The artistry involved in crafting this work enticed me to move from audio to hard copy, then back to audio once again. Through these dual modalities of sight and sound, I was flooded with the very emotions this author’s words were meant to evoke. All sensibilities were heightened: sight, sound, touch . . . but foremost, the all-to-human feelings surrounding the experiences of love and vulnerability. Susan Haley is one talented writer. Keep an eye on her. I know I will. Lois W. Stern Author of SEX, LIES AND COSMETIC SURGERY

Dear Jerry, I know you too well to even remotely suspect ulterior motives from you. You are just too decent a guy - a straight shooter with solid morals and values. So let's put these accusations and innuendos aside as they simply muddy the waters and add confusion to the topic. I think the biggest problem with the introduction of this alternative publishing model is just that - it is too new as yet to have all the ducks set out in a row. Announcing a program so vastly different from anything independent authors are currently familiar with (Harper Collins notwithstanding), naturally leads to many questions. In this case, because so many answers are not yet at hand, I suspect the announcement heightened anxieties to begin with, just because it is something radically new. And then explanations in broad generalities, rather than detail specific ones, caused further confusion for many, suspect motivations for a few. I know you far too well, and trust you so implicitly that I know in my heart you would not be involved in a devious plan. Does this mean I will sign on the dotted line? Certainly not. I need to learn much more. I for one plan to be patient and wait for all the details to emerge in order to make an educated decision. I urge others to do the same. Good luck to you - now and always, Lois W. Strn Author of SEX, LIES AND COSMETIC SURGERY http://www.sexliesand cosmeticsurgery.com

It amazes me how quickly friends can become enemies! Here we have two wonderful people, proven friends of the independent author, trying their hardest to set in motion something of potentially enormous benefit to the the very same authors they have been working diligently to promote, and getting shot down for their efforts. Why? I suspect that this new model has evoked anxieties, perhaps partially because it has left unanswered questions, perhaps partially because it emerges as a threat to business as usual for others. Can't we all just cool our heels, be a bit patient, and wait for the details to emerge? Toward the end of 2006, when I first self-published and became a small voice for "Authors Helping Authors", I have become keenly (and at times painfully) aware of the tremendous discrepancy in the quality of books published through the POD model, a fact of life that damages the reputation of all independent authors. Let's face it, anyone with the determination to complete a book, can get it self-published. There is little if any pre-screening of content, style, or layout required to do so. To my mind, this proposed model might just be that missing link, a means of recognition for quality books, elevating them to a respected status, and providing distribution channels currently unavailable to us. They say the devil is in the details. Hang in there. That devil might just turn out to be the knight in shining armor. Lois W. Stern Author of SEX, LIES AND COSMETIC SURGERY www.sexliesandcosmeticsurgery.com