Flood Insurance - Reinstatement of FEMA Flood Insurance Just in Time

Knowing that the lapse of Flood Insurance Funding could literally devastate millions in the path of Hurricane Alex, the U.S. Senate temporarily reauthorized the federal flood insurance program, though this temporary fix is only in place through September 30th of this year. If things in Washington go according to normal, they might get through a permanent bill just in time to delay the budget process for the DOD, Department of Defense, which will be due in October, another annual milestone that always seems to be a day late and a dollar short.

Regardless, the bill was passed June 30th, is retroactive to June 1st, when the funding of the program expired and will be in effect through September 30th. President Obama signed it on July 2nd.

It is amazing that this program, that is so critical to the housing market, especially during this financial crisis, was not only in jeopardy, but not enacted in time to prevent the trickledown effect that this would have. Any home purchase deemed to be within a flood zone could not close as planned. Realtors and prospective home buyers and sellers were grinding their teeth in frustration as once again the guys in Washington seemed to be totally disconnected from the mainstream by not understanding the importance of having the new funding and bill in place prior to the old one's expiration. Even those who already owned homes in flood zones but that required renewal were put on hold and at risk. In Texas alone, more than 680,000 residents have flood insurance policies and almost 10,000 of them are in Nueces County, where hurricanes often come ashore or cause flooding and devastation.

If this had not been enacted, then those same people would have been applying for disaster assistance instead, which would have done nothing more but cost millions of tax-payer dollars in claims. And, in true Washington style, there has been no apology and Congress has not given a time-frame for revisiting the original legislation; they are only expected to revisit it before the temporary reauthorization expires. In the mean time, everyone is now scrambling to get homes sales closed and to reinstate lapsed policies, no doubt tapping into overtime pay that would not have been required if Congress had acted in a timely manner.

Maybe it is time that the options for flood insurance be given to the private sector, rather than being controlled by the government. Wouldn't that make a whole lot more sense? Doesn't Congress have a whole lot more to worry about than continuing to manage a program that would be better handled by the insurance companies that are experienced at this kind of thing? Wouldn't it reduce government spending? It is surely true that Congress's inability to get things done on time would not have impacted so many if the private sector held these flood insurance policies. What do you think? Let your representatives in Congress know how you feel, especially if you have been affected, or know of persons affected by Congress's historic, but normal, inability to act on time and the government's inability to properly manage one of its programs.

Build Self Confidence

What is the main purpose with your life? Most people would probably say to be happy. When you build self confidence you build up a state of happiness. Therefore the first step in a self esteem improvement process is to do all you can to be happy every day. And how do you do that? You can start with smiling. In every situations you run into during the day, smile. This is just a start and you may need to do happiness exercises every day to become happy and gain self confidence. If you are unhappy try acting as if you were happy. Sooner or later you will become happy and thus build a higher self esteem.

Use your fantasy to visualize yourself as a positive person. Be enthusiastic in your visualization. Give yourself reasons to believe in yourself. Do things that you have never done before which means a real challenge for you. Self esteem is based on your beliefs. The more rocks you are able to face on the road you're walking, the more you will believe in yourself and the more self confident you will become. Do a new and really challenging thing every day, and your confidence will soar.

Each time you start up with something whether it's a new project at work or a repair job at home, always look back and remind yourself of previous successful experiences. When you uncover these memories and really feel the good emotions associated with them, you will simply feel successful and you will act according to that; like a person with high self confidence. You can even say to yourself: "I am self confident" and it will immediately enforce a feeling of self confidence. Just try it, say it out loud and repeat it to yourself. Say it many times a day and when it is not appropriate to say it out load, just think it. When practiced consistently and often, these small simple 'tricks' adds up to your self esteem and will contribute to it's growth day after day.

We all have negative feelings from time to time. Look at these negative thoughts and feelings that inevitably will appear as challenges. Each time you feel a negative vibe, feeling or thought penetrating your mind, start to think of something positive like your previous successful merits - whatever they are - or repeat to yourself "I am self confident". Self confidence is all about levelling yourself above negative feelings, thoughts and miseries. If you follow these words of advice consistently each day, your confidence will grow equally.

New Aircraft Design Engine Pivot Aft of Fuselage

Due to the new advances in directional thrust capabilities and the advent of UAVs which can take higher “G” loadings, we need to design aircraft and UAVs which have better turning capabilities. This would allow UAVs to fly between city buildings like Felluhja or monitor down town areas like DC for crime. We can build better directional thrust intake flows to allow jet engines to get continual flows for full power and thrust a very slow speed and extremely high angles of attack while completely departing from the forward flowing relative wind. By doing this we can maintain high rates of turns to dodge enemy fired missiles, maneuver in tight proximity of structures and obstacles while staying on mission.

To better understand a good starting point of this discussion and to better visualize in your mind the basic concept building such a craft and the possible shape it might have; below are some links to Pictures of the possible general design we have in mind. In these pictures are previous no-pivoting versions of the basic design we have in mind. This aircraft is the “Optica” and it was designed for high visibility, efficiency and STOL – Short Take-Off and Landing Capability.

http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&lr=&saf...ilor.com+optica

Imagine this look and forward observation area with a shortened swept wingspan in prospective to relative size. The wing perhaps the shape of an A-4 or even an F-104.

In our model with the observation area, which could encompass a pilot or a set of sensors and/or video monitors would be up front of the jet engine intake. The observation area would pivot, similar to a double length bus in some cities, much like a snake. Thus when the aircraft was to make a turn the relative wind would assist in the rapid turning as the fuselage observation component turned as it would push on the side. The front part of the fuselage would then force air around it into the intake as the air tried to get around it, while simultaneously opening a larger portion of the intake to the relative wind prior to turning allowing for maximum thrust to be maintained as the turn was entered. Such abilities and erratic maneuverability would increase survival rates from SAMs – Surface to Air Missiles and other aircraft in dog fighting. We saw in the movie Matrix II that it was very difficult to hit and shoot down the swarms of UAVs as they moved like snakes. The aircraft would also have the latest directional thrust capabilities such as that of the hybrid F-16 with aerodynamic design to assist in trust vectoring performance. To help you better appreciate this concept I would like you to view this photo as well:

[http://www.homepages.mcb.net/bones/images/Optica.jpg]

Our model will be similar but sleeker for high speeds, as well as flying within a non-atmospheric tube of plasma, created by pulsed waves in the direction of the intended flight to eliminate the friction from air. Later models would also include an antigravity criss-crossed wave disruptions within such non-atmospheric tubes for complete control, unbelievable acceleration, hovering and increased useful loads once in flight. There are a few other interesting models, within the thinking phase of the concept, which are not so dissimilar to the Optica. The front observation fuselage component would be similar to the head of a bee and the thorax being the body or the engine in our model, but it would be relatively thinner in design, more like a dragonfly in length to width ratios, but of course with out the long wings to cut down on drag for higher speeds. We envision swept canards on the front observation fuselage, which are much similar to that of a shark but horizontal and slightly curved upward to disrupt the air flow enough to keep any wing tip vortices coming off them as the aircraft turns flowing directly into the engine since additional thrust will be needed and intake ram air during intense flight maneuvers.

The front observation fuselage will not be perfectly bulbus on it’s nose cone, but be more closer to a tropical fish than completely spherical looking like the ‘Opitca’ aircraft. This will allow for more horizontal directional control in flight, as the aircraft front fuselage comes back towards the engine it will become more rounded to allow for maximum and stable airflow into the turbine. The engine component or middle fuselage will be 3.33 times as long as the observation fuselage and will taper off aft-ward. Under the fuselage will be the wings, with landing gear apparatus. Since directional thrust will assist in landing it will not have a substantial landing gear like conventional aircraft.

The forward observation fuselage will be made of composite, along with wings and rear fuselage along with a circle tail with a cross which will be the vertical and horizontal stabilizers which will pivot to assist the directional thrust exhaust nozzles, thus the directional thrust is blown across final tail assembly for stability and increased turning radius effectiveness as well as stability control. It will cost us about $35,000 to build a miniature version of this, which in turn could lend itself well to battlefield observations in urban settings. A full size human piloted version will run about $400,000 for a workable prototype. Although it would take several prototypes to build a unit worthy of the aerodynamic innovation and an even larger prototype to hold the weight of pulse wave technologies for gravity wave disruptions and plasma ionization, although well within the realm of possibilities and modern technologies.

Exercise: What's In It For You?

That's the real question.........isn't it?

Just like anything else in life, right? (to a certain extent for most people)

I mean, what's in it for you when you take that new job, or when you help clean the house, or when you do favors for people?

Money? Compliments? Favors? Food?

Well, people think of exercise the same way (this is a negative way of thinking, but I digress)......................

So, what WILL exercise do for you? I thought you'd never ask, lol.

According to the US Surgeon General's Report, here are some benefits (there are literally hundreds) to a regular exercise regimen:

1. Improves your chances of living longer and living healthier - hmm, sound familiar? It's all a game of percentages, guys.

2. Helps protect you from developing heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol - of course, what kind of food you put in your hungry little mouth and something to do with this also........but exercise is a HUGE way to decrease the possibility of these things happening.

3. Helps protect you from developing certain cancers, including colon and breast cancer - once again, a major benefit.

4. Relieves the symptoms of depression and anxiety and improves mood - Forget the crazy pills that many people are taking.......get out and get moving, this will likely get you in an improved frame of mind.

5. Controls weight - Ding, ding, ding!!! We have a winner.........I've been telling you guys this forever!

Need I go on???

As you can see, these are NOT minor benefits, or benefits that may help you a little.......these are major, possibly life-saving benefits for you and your family. If this doesn't knock you upside the head, just write me an e-mail stating that you still don't understand the massive benefits of exercise and fitness, and I'll come over there and knock you upside the head myself, lol.

What you must realize is that even a TINY change in your lifestyle can start the process to massive health changes in your life. You have to want it, you have to believe, and you have to come up with a plan. I guarantee you, it's not that hard...........when you put your mind to it, starting an exercise program is fun, enlightening, and empowering.

The benefits that I have listed (and the hundreds of others I didn't list) are so massive, that you should be compelled to go start an exercise program right now...................have you started yet?

Want more ways to "get started"?....you should. Visit [http://www.fitnesswithchris.com] for a slew of ideas and tips on how to get started on your way to greater health.

Making An Employment Offer - Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is

You have diligently followed the steps to hiring a new employee:

1. You created a hiring road map - the job description.

2. You advertised in the right places to attract good applicants.

3. You objectively screened all the applications received.

4. You conducted a thorough, relevant, objective job interview with each candidate.

5. You evaluated all interview candidates and have selected the best one.

You are now ready to make an employment offer.

In determining what to offer, you must:

1. Determine the pay rate

2. Determine benefits, if any, that you will offer (e.g. medical, dental, life insurance, etc.)

3. Identify other aspects of compensation (e.g. bonus, vacation time, etc.)

After considering all of these factors, prepare a written letter of offer. A written offer is important to ensure that the candidate is aware of the terms and conditions of employment. It ensures that there is no room for interpretation, and prevents misunderstandings from occurring. Any questions that arise will be dealt with prior to the start of employment.

Common components of an offer letter are:

1. Position title

2. Basic duties & responsibilities

3. Start date

4. Compensation, including rate of pay & overtime considerations

5. Bonus system, if any

6. Work hours

7. Probationary period

8. Benefits & insurance

9. Vacation entitlement

10. Statutory holidays

Depending on the relevance to the position, other components that can be included are:

- Applicable policies and procedures

- Confidentiality agreement

- Termination agreement

- Restrictions should employment end

The next steps are:

1. Call the candidate to make a verbal offer of employment and provide them with a reasonable time frame to consider their decision.

2. Follow-up with the written offer of employment.

3. Should the candidate make a counter-offer, be prepared to discuss the counter-offer and adjust the terms and conditions as you are comfortable. Know your budget restrictions and consider what is currently in place for other employees in your company and in the industry.

4. Reach an agreement on the terms and conditions of the offer.

5. Agree on a start date.

6. Start an employee file to keep all the records and documents for the employee.

7. Prepare for your new employee's orientation to your company.

If all goes according to plan, your new employee will come on board as soon as possible. However, be prepared for delays in the process. Also, should the candidate not accept your offer, you will need to make an offer to another qualified candidate. Should one not exist, you need to recycle back through the employee search process to find the right employee. Remember, don't settle! The right employee is critical to your success.

Good luck hiring your next employee!

Say Goodbye to Back Aches with Comfort Beds

Without personal experience you can never understand the difference a good mattress can make to your sleeping comfort. Living a life of austerity, with scorn for anything luxurious, shunning luxuries like a comfort bed; I was happy to sleep on a mattress just lying on the floor. As it is, I hardly had any extra cash to squander around, so I never did think of buying a comfort bed for years. I was getting along fine, but that was until started having severe back aches.

Of course, in the beginning I could have never imagined that they were on the account of comfort beds or rather the lack of them. The concept of sleeping in the wrong kind of bed never did enter my mind. Initially, I tried everything I could to get rid of the back pain, and many of these things did help. I consulted a chiropractor, started exercising and stretching as frequently as possible, had massages- in fact anything that would help assuage the back ache but nevertheless, the pain persisted in its intensity.

At last, following one of the many valuable suggestions from friends, I went to take a look at comfort beds in a mattress store. The first time I lay on a pillow top mattress, one which you could regulate with a dial- I was zapped by its softness and the sheer luxury of feeling as if I was floating on a cloud. I don't think I had ever experienced anything like that before. I, a firm believer in firm mattresses till then, was totally hooked for life.

I hate to shame myself by admitting it to everyone, but sleeping on comfort beds is one luxury that one must definitely try their hands on. For this luxury is not just a frivolous expense, instead it comes packed with health benefits for your backbone. I might not still be buying junk food or wasting money on gas for I do not drive a car. I still find no shame in borrowing books from the library rather than purchasing them from the bookstores. However, comfort beds and relaxed clothing have become a way of life, which is indispensable to me now.

I have changed the policy of my life a bit; to adjust comfortable sleeping habits into it. Scoffing at luxuries is fine, but the story gets a twist when your body starts on its protests. Material possessions prized in our society are still social evils to me, but comfort beds have bowed out from the list. If you possess one, you will know what I mean. Waking up refreshed everyday, without that nasty twinge in your back changes your perspective. It refreshes your mood and makes you positive for the entire day.

Can the Average Guy Really Achieve the Millionaire Lifestyle - Truth Or Myth?

I see lots of people who just don't 'get-it'

They've read all the books, visited all of the Websites, downloaded the pdf's, e-books etc, etc.

And they've bought this and that course, attended this seminar, watched those training video's etc, etc.

Their bookshelves are groaning under the sheer weight, and their eyeballs are suffering from snow blindness, from their PCs monitor and all that white paper.

But still they've been unable to make a success, from either existing opportunities, or projects of their own.

So why is that do you think?

If you're one of those people, then stop for a minute. And think really really hard, about why that is.

Here's my observations...

Most of these people 'know' what to do.

Over the years they've keenly absorbed so much information, but just like a scene out of Alien, now their minds seem so overloaded, and they feel like all this info is trying to burst free.

Now there's a messy thought ;>)

But seriously, for some strange reason, they just don't get-it.

The number of times I've heard people say something like...

I've looked at that idea, what a scam, that will never work.... All these biz-opps are a complete waste of time... Or some such derogatory complaint.

And when I ask: 'Did you try it out?'

Typically they'll reply: 'hell no, it's to complicated' or 'it needs an investment of $200' or 'they expect me to do a mail-out' or 'deliver leaflets door-to-door' or 'speak to folk on the phone' etc., etc., etc.

So what are you looking for?

Most people will never find a successful project, because quite simply, they just don't know what it is they're looking for.

It's a bit like setting out on a car journey, without a clue where you're going, and then getting upset because you didn't get there.

A mystery tour's fine, if that's what you really want, but not if you're expecting (or desperately need) a definite, predictable, and positive outcome.

So often I ask: 'What are you looking for?' Answer: 'Don't know, but I'll know it when I see it'

It seems to me that many are looking for the holy grail of businesses, that all elusive opportunity that will knock them off their feet, in a whirlwind of enthusiasm, catapulting them into some magical profitable place.

Reality check: It ain't going to happen.

OK, very occasionally miracles do happen, you just happen to be in the right place, and at just the right time...

But that's a millions to one chance, akin to winning the lottery, and the reality to that, is that everyone looses the lottery every week, accept for that lucky sole with the winning ticket, and even then, there can be many weeks with no winners at all.

So do you want to live your life like this, week in, week out, knowing deep-down that you're always going to be one of those losers?

Wouldn't you much rather know that you will be a winner every week?

Well that can only happen if you have a plan, a plan that you have personally and meticulous developed, and one that you follow religiously, day-in, day-out.

It has to be YOUR plan.

Creating and setting-up a new successful business is a full-time job, which generally takes much more hard work and dedication than working for someone else in a regular job.

And it often means spending enormous amounts of unpaid time to develop and get right, but if you make the right choices in the beginning, then the eventual financial rewards, and improved lifestyle, can be well worth the initial effort.

It's not rocket science.

The key to having your own successful business, that's truly in tune with the kind of lifestyle you really want to live, is to create the right kind of business plan in the first place.

Now I know that the mere mention of those words 'business plan' brings some people out in a cold feverish sweat, and others with contempt, but whatever your reaction, try thinking of it as a 'lifestyle plan' because that's what it really is.

And the more detailed and accurate your lifestyle plan is in the beginning, the better your chances of creating or finding a business that fits closer to your desired lifestyle.

So stop messing about:

Because if you genuinely want to break free of that JOB (just over broke) once and for all, take some personal time to think long and hard about just how you would really like to live, and then think of as many ways that you may be able to achieve it.

Next, draw up your business plan, ooh sorry, Lifestyle Plan...

Start by listing the things your good at - and then the things your bad at.

Then create a checklist:

· Of the things you would do.

· The things you may do.

· And the things you definitely won't do.

Then when your evaluating opportunities, you'll be able to quickly eliminate 99% of them, simply by comparing your checklist to the type of opportunities on offer.

And with persistent use, you'll soon find this becomes an automatic process, where you'll be able to eliminate unsuitable opps' at a glance...

But most amazingly of all, you'll start to find it remarkably easy to think-up and create worthwhile ideas of your own from scratch.

You will see opportunity everywhere you look, watching the TV, reading the newspapers and magazines, overheard conversations, even in other people's everyday problems.

And that skill, is the crucial key to both your initial, and long-term success, which I will explore in future articles.

So if you're serious about your future, stop looking for a 'quick-fix' and take control of your life, right now, before it's too late.

Best Elliptical Trainer - Elliptical Secrets of Success

Thinking about purchasing an elliptical trainer? Wondering how an elliptical trainer can help you reach and exceed your fitness goals? Elliptical trainers are one of the best fitness products to be developed in recent years because they are cost effective yet efficient.

This article will discuss the benefits of working out with the various elliptical trainers on the market. Many people have a hard time deciding between elliptical trainers and other pieces of fitness equipment like exercise bikes or treadmills, below is why I recommend you should strongly consider an elliptical trainer:

Very Low Impact on joints and bones:

A relation of mine recently attempted to use an elliptical trainer for the first time the other day, she was really surprised how easy to operate and low impact the brief workout was.

Elliptical trainer workouts are 100% safe on the joints and provide a no impact workout. Many people describe an elliptical workout like you are floating through the air. This type of workout is great for people with back, knee and hip problems as well as elderly people looking for a no-impact workout.

o Weight-Bearing Exercise:

While applying an ovoid machine gives you a no-impact workout, the resistance exercise however helps to build bone density and fight off osteoporosis.

As well, weight bearing exercise helps you burn calories much even more efficiently (and keeps your calorie burn high for many hours after a workout)

Elliptical trainers are known to save time because they utilize a "total body workout."

Because virtually all elliptical trainers incorporate upper body, arms, as well as hip and legs elliptical workouts tend to involve the whole body and give you an overall better workout allowing you to burn more calories in a shorter amount of time.

Fights boredom with exercise and if you avoid becoming bored you will do the exercise longer!

Elliptical trainers are perfect to get you in shape for hiking, cross country running or walking. The movements associated with elliptical trainers help you work a wide range of body parts and this will allow you to continually improve your conditioning allowing you to do a wide range of outdoor activities you may have been too out of shape to do before.

Ellipticals can vary in the movements created allowing you to do more than just the "same old thing" with them.

To also avoid boredom I recommend having your elliptical machine near a window, or a TV where you can watch something while you workout. I find if I take my mind off of what I am doing I can workout for a longer period of time.

The last major benefit of elliptical trainers is how space effective they are. Living in a house with somewhat small rooms an elliptical allows me to workout even in the winter time without dedicating a whole room to the machine.

In conclusion, those are the major benefits of elliptical trainers and why they are one of the best items to own for your home gym.

Lines From Barnabas

This book is thematically about how managers and leaders can motivate employees in the workplace. The use of the word "Barnabas" in the title is just to stress the need for every organisation to have corporate catalysts that are like the Bible Barnabas. Corporate catalysts are those who influence others to think effectively and generate positive results in the workplace. Therefore, this text entitled "Lines from Barnabas" could not have come at a better time.

Alex Okoh, author of this text is the managing partner of Ashford & McGuire Consulting. Okoh has diverse experience in banking and consulting. He was the managing director/CEO of NNB International Bank Plc, Nigeria from 2001 to 2005. Okoh holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from the University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria and Master of Science degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. He is an alumnus of the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Programme.

Okoh says challenges of life require more than just physical attributes and capacity to overcome. He adds that he has discovered that motivation or emotional composition is also a critical factor in successfully navigating the undulating terrain of life, in a way that brings about internal harmony. Okoh stresses that, however, it is surprising that this intangible but critical element is not accorded required attention to underscore the immense catalytic role it plays in bringing issues into the relevant perspectives for appropriate action.

This author says when he was appointed managing director/CEO of NNB International Bank Plc that was in need of urgent turnaround in 2001, he soon discovered that the more he gave to achieving success, the more frustrated he became, to the extent that he felt like giving up. As a way out of the seemingly insurmountable challenge, he says in 2002, he started sending electronic inspirational messages to the entire staff of the bank every Monday morning. Okoh adds that this strategy worked wonders as employees were extremely motivated to work for the organisation.

This author says in 2004, he extended the audience beyond the organisation and modified the text messages accordingly as he realised (and still realises) that issues that many people had (and still have) to contend with were (and are) beyond professional vocations and engagements. He expatiates that as the text messages started posing the challenge of storage, he had no option but to quickly document them in a book form. The result is this book.

Structure-wise, this text is segmented into 100 chapters. Chapter one is entitled "challenge the challenges". Here, Okoh asserts that calm seas never produce good sailors. He adds that for a good reason, he believes that because easy circumstances hardly produce tough competence. The author expatiates that brilliant military commanders are usually those who have handled arduous engagements and have many times overcome them. Okoh emphasises that the key distinguishing factor is that irrespective of the outcome of the engagements, they come out of the experiences with lessons that are valuable for future occasions.

The author says naturally, we mostly despise discomfort or any harassment of our pleasant spaces, preferring the softness of the calm to the rugged aptitude that is endowed as we acquire the capacity to deal with the turbulence. In Okoh's words, "The creeks may be calm, but they can only produce canoe paddlers. The tough ocean is the crucible where rugged sailors are groomed."

Chapter two is based on the subject matter of staying motivated. Here, the author says you probably have seen the television commercial showing a toddler taking her first unsure steps in life in response to the fascinating attraction of a ringing phone. Okoh educates that this is motivation. He stresses that this is emotion generated and which leads to efforts to do something otherwise thought to be impossible or not previously attempted. Okoh adds that motivation gives people the impetus to walk away from their fear towards their desirable destiny. The author illuminates that God also places mobile phones with fascinating ring tones urging us to walk away from our fears.

In chapters three to twenty, Okoh beams his analytical searchlight on concepts such as keeping on; standing strong; being refreshed; will and ability; turning the tide; positive attitude; being renewed; just moving on; and getting purpose-driven. Others are: picking your reality; pushing the lid; joyous melodies; flowing with his tide; getting persistent; staying occupied; being expectant; source of greatness; and words capable of commanding destinies.

Chapter 21 is christened "lean on Him". Here, Okoh says every event in life portends a potential learning experience. He adds that even the ones that are not so pleasant still help to bolster our preventive or defensive mechanisms to handle similar situations in the future. A new day therefore presents a fresh platform for reinforcing one's positive experiences while seeking new ones, stresses the author. He says as we progress in life, our sorting mechanisms become sharper tending to spot issues that portend possible negative outcomes before they bud.

In chapters 22 to 40, Okoh X-rays concepts such as slowly steadily; existential questions; it is your script; only His time matters; feeling unsecured; opportunities within thorns; setting aside excuses; waiting for destiny; and importance of today. The remaining concepts are: keying into His grace; being led; at your pace; beyond your experiences; He is always persistent; tuning upwards; stepping off; restoration time; seeing the positives; and God is everywhere.

Chapter 41 has the thematic focus of optimism. Okoh stresses the need for you to be looking forwards to an exciting future with a lot of optimism. He adds that this is the frame of mind that looks beyond any difficulties because as the saying goes, "an optimist looks for the opportunity in the difficulty, whilst a pessimist looks for the difficulty in the opportunity". Okoh asserts that it is quite rare to see an opportunity presenting itself alone without being clustered by perceived difficulty.

In chapters 42 to 60, he examines concepts such as it is over; strength for the race; riding the flow; nesting in His ability; it is just around the corner; winning attitude; seizing the season; desiring success; and working for good. Others are: pursuing the dream; a life of service; failing to plan; divine tools; choosing your growth; your heart; being diligent; soaring on hope; making the immediate count; and pressing forwards.

Chapter 61 is entitled "go after the goal". According to Okoh, it is a new opportunity to engage your aspirations. He stresses that someone said the American constitution only guarantees pursuit of happiness, but that you have to catch up with it yourself. The author asserts that this is a situation that many people can identify with and he guesses this is as much why you are up in the morning, trotting your path of endeavour. Okoh says for as long as there is movement along the right direction, success is a matter of time.

Okoh discusses in chapters 62 to 80, concepts such as the verdict being yours; starting out; challenges building you; sharpening your vision; all capable of getting well; assurances of replenishment; remaining upbeat; it is pouring; and walking with insight. Others are: idea capability; listening attentively; simply trust enough; sustaining tempo of aspiration; stepping over temporal bumps; God as being faithful; things not yet seen; reaching for the jewels; it is all in your hand; and living your potential.

Chapter 81 is based on the subject matter of vision and dream. Okoh says the future is pregnant with a whole new set of possibilities. In his words, "People talk about vision and objectives sometimes with the perspective of some utopian, unachievable ideals. I think that is not the purpose of the exercise because any dream that cannot be realised is probably not worth having. It may actually produce more emotional pain than relief and cause what you may call negative motivation."

In chapters 82 to 100, Okoh examines subject matters such as age and mileage; the treasures being within; hope sustaining life; appreciating life; finding your turf; unfolding His awesome; envisioning the future; the learning curve; and preparing for opportunity. The remaining are: victorious disposition; your talent; in the midst of uncertainty; importance of His report; tough times; opportunity in disguise; defeat starting from thinking; regardless of your experience; taking the positive; and His reverence.

By way of stylistic appraisal, this text is unique. Okoh employs the literary technique of de-familiarisation otherwise called metaphor as a technique in the book title. Through this, he is able to create suspense, arouse curiosity by referring to a corporate catalyst as Barnabas and sustaining reading interest. The title also passes for biblical allusion. By using this biblical allusion, those who are already familiar with the story of Barnabas in the Bible will clearly understand the message of the book. Also, the print quality very high and the layout very eye-friendly, especially that only two pages are accorded each chapter. And each chapter is embroidered an illuminating quote. The cover design of the outer front cover is simple and communicative of the fact that motivation is a silent and strategic effort.

The author is able to lend credibility to the book and challenge readers because it is predicated on his own personal experience. Because it is based on his personal experience, he is able to naturally combine Autobiographical and Eye-of-God narrative techniques, and assume the role of an omniscient narrator to offer details. Also the language is mature.

However, some errors are noticed in the text. These are "Acknowledgment" instead of Acknowledgments" (page iii); "masters degree" (outer back cover) instead of "master's degree"; "live your potentials" (page 159), instead of "live your potential". Note: "Potential" is an uncountable noun and the lexicographical symbol showing its grammatical behaviour reads "U", that is, uncountable noun. Also, even though the title of the text creates suspense and arouses attention, it would have been better to use a direct or literal title so that it can appeal to a wider audience that may not be Christians or may not know anything about the life story of Apostle Barnabas. This is especially so because titles are most times points of attraction or unique selling propositions of books. Generally, this text has commendable intellectual depth. It is a must-read for managers, entrepreneurs and organisations that are prepared to achieve results through effective strategy of employee motivation.