iWoz: From Computer Geek to Cult Icon – Apple inventor Steve Wozniak will deliver the Wilford Jonah Lecture in Mount Allison University’s Convocation Hall on Tuesday, January 16, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. His public lecture in Sackville marks the first time he will speak in Atlantic Canada.

Steve’s autobiography, iWoz: From Computer Geek to Cult Icon, was released in September 2006 by Norton Publishing and will be available for sale at the event.

A Silicon Valley icon and philanthropist for the past three decades, Steve Wozniak helped shape the computing industry with his invention of Apple’s first line of products, the Apple I and II, and influenced the popular Macintosh. He is currently the Chief Technology Officer of Acquicor Corporation, a public company which has announced acquisition of a semiconductor foundry in Southern California. For his achievements at Apple Computer, Steve was awarded the National Medal of Technology by the President of the United States in 1985, the highest honour bestowed on America’s leading innovators. In 2000 Steve was inducted into the Inventors Hall of Fame and was awarded the prestigious Heinz Award for Technology, The Economy and Employment for ‘single-handedly designing the first personal computer and for then redirecting his life-long passion for mathematics and electronics toward lighting the fires of excitement for education in grade school students and their teachers.”

The Wilford B. Jonah Lecture Series was established at Mount Allison University in 2000 through the generosity of Wilford B. Jonah, a member of the Class of 1936. The endowment created is intended to provide funds to enable the University to bring to campus persons of high international stature and prominence to give a public lecture and, where possible, to take part in a forum of discussion with students. Past distinguished lecturers have included: Mordecai Richler, author and essayist; Dr. David Suzuki, scientist, broadcaster, and environmental advocate; and world-renowned physicist Dr. Lawrence Krauss.

A reception will follow the talk in Jennings Hall on campus and there is no admission charge for these events.

hardcover | 195 pages | ISBN:1-58799-000-8
Year Published:2000 – Texere | Tidewater Price: $39.95

In his latest book, Latticework, Robert Hagstrom, author of The Warren Buffet Way, The Warren Buffet Portfolio and The NASCAR Way, presents very compelling arguments for acquiring “worldly wisdom” to improve our understanding of the markets, to enable better investment decisions, and to provide diversified knowledge of the academic disciplines to help solve broad-scale problems facing society.

Using principal theories from physics, biology (evolution), the social sciences, psychology, philosophy (pragmatism), and literature to augment and even supplant economic theories, Hagstrom creates a “latticework” of mental models to explain the market and challenges investors to educate themselves beyond economics and finance. He also argues convincingly that solutions in one discipline can and indeed have often been found through knowledge in other areas. He encourages educators and students to ensure a broad-based education.

Latticework is an extremely insightful work that deserves great accolades. Hagstrom has given us an enlightened explanation of market behaviour and a means of making better investment decisions. For those laypersons that wish an understanding of the sciences and the scientific process, he has provided reading lists for each discipline addressed in his book. Latticework is not an education in itself, but more a jumping off point for further self-improvement. I read it in one sitting.

Investing The Billionaire’s Way: The Genius of Patience

Hardcover | 215 pages | ISBN:0-7737-3239-X
Year Published:2000 – Stoddart | Tidewater Price: $26.95

J.Richard Charlton is a prominent Investment Advisor with Dundee Securities, and a much sought-after speaker on investing. He is a founding shareholder of Infinity (now Dynamic Infinity) Mutual Funds, and has been working in the securities industry for more than 15 years.

In his book Investing the Billionaires Way, Charlton expounds the virtues of patience in investing. Using Warren Buffet (Berkshire Hathaway) and other models, he shows that buying and holding solid businesses (or shares of those businesses) is by far the best investment strategy.

The foundation of his strategy is the five laws of wealth creation:

• Pay yourself first:
• Set goals;
• Be a contrarian;
• Leverage human resources; and
• Leverage capital.

Charlton is a proponent of well managed mutual funds, and owning shares of mutual fund companies. He is a staunch opponent of over diversification. Examples abound which highlight his philosophy: most with facts and figures; some witty; and some downright horrific. And he shows that with systematic withdrawl plans, it is possible to derive an income from investments in solid companies and watch your principal grow simultaneously.

The text is presented in a logical, conversational, straightforward and clear manner. Reasons for his demand as a speaker and writer are obvious.

Wealth creation is the top priority of almost all Canadians. This book was written for them. It is an essential addition to every family’s reading list and library.

Hardcover | 271 pages | ISBN:1-55263-257-9
Year Published:1999 – Key Porter | Tidewater Price: $28.95

Are you preparing your financial future? From the author of “2015: After the Boom”, “The Strategy: A Homeowner’s Guide to Wealth Creation”, “The Defence: Guarding Your Money in Uncertain Times”, and an annual RRSP guide, comes another book of invaluable wealth creation tips. In his latest book, “2020″, Garth Turner describes how our aging population, the impending demand the “baby-boomers” will place on the Canada Pension and universal health care systems, the impending dramatic decrease in spending by these same people, the huge government and personal debt, and other factors pose the threat of creating a financial crisis heretofore unseen in Canada. With analogies to the Great Depression, interspersed with rich personal experiences, Mr. Turner provides comprehensive analysis of these factors and what it will mean to all generations of Canadians. Imagine depreciating residential real estate values!
But all is not lost. In his usual pragmatic and forthright manner, Mr. Turner describes boundless opportunities that exist because of that aging population, rampant technological advances, strong markets, job insecurity and entrepreneurship. He also provides a myriad of rules for the new age and personal strategies concerning employment, taxes, real estate, investing and estate planning designed to help us help ourselves create wealth.
For anyone wanting to enjoy their retirement in comfort, this book is a must read.