Open Hearth is a saga of 20th Century steel workers and steel making as seen through the eyes of John -Shadow- Kordetski who lies in his bed dying of lung cancer. As the last five hours of his existence slowly pass, he remembers the important moments in his life. His story is personal, but symbolizes the struggle of the American blue collar worker to rise to middle class status and then decline. Shadow's father dies leaving his five children to be cared for by his immigrant wife. He and his sisters work hard to make it through the Depression. When he gets into trouble with the law, he is sent...

Gyantwachia, the Cornplanter, was a famous Seneca chief who lived during the time of the American Revolution. He fought with the French in the French and Indian War. As a result of his siding with the French, General George Washington dispatched troops to hold Cornplanter accountable for his choosing to support the enemy. A number of Seneca people were killed. When it came time to fight in the Revolutionary War, Cornplanter fought with Washington. After the war Cornplanter led negotiations with the United States and was a signatory of the Treaty of Fort Stanwix (1784). He helped gain Iroquois...

Since my solo bicycle ride across America in 1995, many folks have asked me, "Bert, when are you going to write your book?" I smile and tell them, "When the time is right." It seems like eons ago since I left. Dreaming about the adventure began long before that and often, as I ride to and from work, I see, hear, and feel things that make me relive that eventful journey. Now I know it is time. I'm not sure what prompted me to consider writing it now. I just felt a deep longing inside to share the greatest adventure of my life with others I invite you to come along with me and be my partner as...

An Inquiry Into Human Motivation is a comprehensive study of what motivation is and how humans can learn to motivate themselves and others. The text explores the topic covering the leading thinkers of the past two centuries. The emphasis is on understanding what and how motivation is an integral part of human existence. An extensive bibliography is included for the reader who wants to explore the topic in greater detail.

In American history, the Santa Fe Trail looms as large as the Kansas, Colorado and New Mexico landscapes it traverses. Along its path, thousands of hearty settlers traveled westward seeking a new life. In some places, the wagon ruts remain reminding us of the primitive mode of travel used by those who sought freedom and fortune in the vast expanses of an untamed land. All of these restless and resilient pioneers are dead and buried many of them along the way in marked and unmarked graves. What remains are the myriad abandoned homesteads that once provided shelter to those who dared to explore...

In this great land and around the world, volunteers are the most important members of any community. These individuals give their time and talent to make life better. What prompted me to write this novel is simple. We need a mass movement in this country to shake off the lethargy. We have become sedated by technology, the entertainment industry, professional sports and a host of other distractions that keep us from interacting with one another on a personal level. There are volunteers working tirelessly and fearlessly every day, but their numbers are dwindling. There are many reasons for...