Build the Perfect Survival Kit - Custom Kits For Adventure, Sport, and Travel by John D McCann

By Alain Burrese
(Book-Reviews/Non-Fiction)

"Build the Perfect Survival Kit: Custom Kits For Adventure, Sport, and Travel" by John D. McCann is a very good addition to anyone's survival library. Note that I say good addition. I say this because it is not the only survival resource you'll need. In fact, the author is very clear that this is

not a survival instruction manual. This book teaches the fundamentals of making a survival kit that will benefit you in a survival situation. You will need to learn and practice the various aspects of survival and the use of the components selected for a kit through alternate resources and training.

I like that the author stresses that you need to select the right components for YOUR needs and how to package them for YOUR purposes, not his. He also provides a brief explanation as to why you need a personal survival kit and the basics of personal survival kits. He then discusses the components of kits in chapters divided into these categories: Fire & Light, Signaling, Navigation, Water & Food, Shelter & Protection, Knives & Tools, Medical, Multi-Purpose Components, and Miscellaneous Components.

I liked the chapters on components. He provides ample photographs of the items he discusses, and there are numerous side bars that provide facts and tips. I also liked that he reminds readers that he's never had a map or compass stop working because of dead batteries. I agree with him that a GPS can be a great tool for navigation, but recommend you don't make it your "only" tool.

After addressing the various components, there is a part on selecting containers for survival kits and putting kits together. There is a chapter describing mini and small kits, another on medium and large kits, and finally a chapter on making vehicle kits. (Auto, truck, boat, aircraft, snowmobile, and ATV)

There is a short conclusion and then some recommended survival kits of all the different size and types he discussed previously in the text. The second appendix provides suppliers for survival kit components and the third appendix lists various survival training schools and survival reading.

When something goes wrong, a survival kit provides the basic to survive. Being prepared with the right kit might make all the difference in an emergency situation. The author, John McCann, believes you should carry a survival kit at all times. It's insurance. This text provides the information you need to build your own kit and be prepared. I think it is an excellent addition to anyone's survival and preparedness library. But more than that, learn some skills and build a kit with McCann's help. If an emergency does arise, you'll be glad you did.

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Emotional Intelligence - Why it Can Matter More Than IQ by Daniel Goleman

By Prasoon Kumar
(Book-Reviews/Non-Fiction)

Feelings play a large role in our lives, and we recognized the fact long ago but gave little importance to understanding it since we simply could not find out more on the subject. Even those research studies which were carefully designed to get to the root of the matter could not really explore the subject well. In case, there are hurtful actions involved in the events being

discussed, we often say emotions were running high (that's why the hurtful actions took place), whereas the real problem might be lack of emotions.

Brains Process Information in Two Ways

The human brain has been subjected to many researches, and the latest tells us we know any subject in two ways, emotionally and intellectually, and our psychological makeup is created as a result of both. It is almost akin to knowing something is right both with heart and head (you already know it, right?). For example, in emotionally charged situations, we can express our responses without any conscious effort on our part (in simpler words, without knowing).

Emotional Intelligence Helps Us Effectively Navigate Through Life

The author Daniel Goleman advises us to add emotions with intelligence. If people have emotional intelligence, they can effectively motivate, regulate moods, maintain their ability to think well and keep hoping. Even the children begin to show the signs of emotional intelligence very early in their lives. Socially skilled children enter into a group of other children in a manner so they are accepted there without sounding rude. The emotionally unskilled children barge into the group right away without caring for others' feelings who are ostracized instead of being welcomed into the group.

Relationship Skills Are a Major Factor

Carefully conducted research has revealed that only those people who have the skills to create and maintain healthy relationships can be good parents and work well with other people. To remain healthy, people need to control their chronic anger as well as anxiety. The author Daniel Goleman says these skills can be taught to the children though first parents and the teachers need to realize the importance of emotional intelligence.

We Can Train Children with the Right EQ

The book Emotional Intelligence provides us with detailed recommendations on how children can be taught to manage their emotions and rational thoughts. The intelligence tests designed earlier in a way so as to test the mental alertness of the person. The records show that most of the successful people have average scores on IQ tests.

Long Standing Problem

The question of emotional intelligence has plagued the people for years, and we are not sure that we have found the right answers even now. Therefore when Daniel Goleman tells us about the Emotional Intelligence being the prime factor on which our success depends, it means he is doing away with the traditional methods of testing intelligence such as IQ scores and mental alertness. On the other hand,

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Lessons on Being a Grandpa - How to Impress the Grandkids

By John Paige
(Book-Reviews/Non-Fiction)

Being being a grandfather is a wonderful thing. Being a really cool grandpa is infinitely better.(NoN-FictiOn) At times it is easy to forget just how unique this special relationship is. Instead of playing by the same rules as every one else, why not maximize the enjoyment by bringing those talents,(NoN-FictiOn) skills, and experiences that only those of us of a certain age have.

I was reminded of this when I was given a copy of "How To Be A Way Cool Grandfather" by Verne Steen. Mr. Steen tells us of his introduction to the term way cool.

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