now what?

I'm on LinkedIn--Now What??? (Second Edition): A Guide to Getting the Most Out of LinkedIn
$19.95
This book is small and written in casual narrative style that is appropriate for some. But for most professionals this is too basic, and the information provided can be readily found in any number of articles posted free on the web.

Now What?: 90 Days to a New Life Direction
$14.95
Now What is a no-nonsense coaching tutorial for facilitating major life changes. Business and life coach Laura Berman Fortgang gives a succinct introduction that is timely and relevant and then gets straight to the point: the first exercise toward finding clarity for a new life direction.

This book is an active hands-on workbook that offers key insights, practices, and client success stories to get you moving forward. As with anything worth doing well, "this work takes attention, focus and self-reflection," but boasts a ninety percent effectiveness rate. Although the author's expertise has revolved largely around career choices, any life circumstance can call for redirection. Fortgang points out what many of us are feeling within: a general (even if unconscious) movement by humans toward a magnified importance for meaning, and toward honoring "those parts of ourselves we have allowed to become dormant." Clear and practical, Now What makes a solid contribution to the self-help field.

What's Happening Now!! - The Complete First Season
$29.95
"What's Happening" is easily one of the best sitcoms to ever be shown on television. The episodes were funny and innovative, the cast had natural chemistry and once you saw it, you'd never forget it. "What's Happening Now" just doesn't compare. Many of the original cast members are not present and Raj, Dwayne and Rerun have grown up and that took many cool points away from the show. Sassy Dee shows up just a handful of times and even she forced me into extreme boredom. Mrs. Thomas doesn't show her face one time in "What's Happening Now"'s first season; what a pity.

Raj is now married to a counselor named Nadine. There is a degree of chemistry between them, but it truly looks scripted and even a bit forced. Shirley is still around; she and Raj have taken over Rob's Place. More than anyone, she is the exact same character that she was on "What's Happening", and she should be recognized for that. Rerun is a car salesman and has the odd alias, Swame. Dwayne is a computer programmer. The two men reside together and, naturally, they have their share of arguments and go running to Raj so that he can mediate. I mean come on, that is beyond predictable. Also, Raj and Nadine fall out a few times, then make up. It's the same old, recycled sitcom plots, honestly. A nice touch was the fact that a foster child was added. Raj is a father! He's a great father, too. But even that doesn't help this spin-off go up against its predecessor.

After reviewing all episodes of "What's Happening Now"'s first season, I'm disappointed. It's a decent way to pass the time, but it is very trite.

NOW That's What I Call A Country Christmas
$19.98
This two CD set has some of the best country artists today performing great songs both traditional and relatively new! These artists all sing with a lot of style and sophistication; and those country vibes are awesome! The quality of the sound is excellent and I like that artwork as well even if it is a bit typical of this "NOW! music" brand of CD.

The first CD has so many great tunes I scarcely know where to start. Darius Rucker's "Winter Wonderland" is quite well done; He sings very well and the strength in his voice impresses me greatly. The musical arrangement is lush and it perfectly complements his vocals, too. Brad Paisley's "Away in a Manger" charms me with its beauty; and I really like Julianne Hough's stunning rendition of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas."

Brooks & Dunn do a very moving version of "I'll Be Home for Christmas;" this sentimental, romantic ballad was always one of my favorites. Luke Bryan's "Run Run Rudolph" is hot to the touch; and there's yet another gem in "The First Noel" by Josh Turner. "The Man with the Bag" has a swingin' sound to it that is very creative indeed; and the first CD ends with "Silver Bells" by Kenny Chesney.

The second CD continues the outstanding music. Gene Autry's "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" is a classic charmer that showcases Gene's superb singing voice; and Vince Gill's "O Little Town of Bethlehem" is very pretty with that backup chorus harmonizing well. Glen Campbell's "O Holy Night" is a major highlight of the second CD; and I really like Tanya Tucker's "What Child Is This;" her excellent diction enhances her performance all the more. Great!

Another ageless classic would have to be Brenda Lee's "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree;" Brenda sings this with lots of positive energy and she really makes this shine! Kenny Rogers' "Kentucky Homemade Christmas" has him squarely in the spotlight which is right where he belongs! That arrangement works wonders for the song, too. The second CD ends with two gorgeous numbers: Johnny Cash sings "Silent Night" and Burl Ives performs "A Holly Jolly Christmas." Burl always liked to sing "A Holly Jolly Christmas;" and you can feel his happy vibes when you hear him do this faultlessly.

If holiday music with a country twist is what you like (as do I), then you owe it to yourself to get this two CD set for your music collection. This two CD set is full of such wonderful holiday music that you can truly enjoy it at any time of the year!