Life Changers: 13th Edition Review

Life Changers: 13th Edition
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'Life Changers' written by Harold Begbie and republished by Carl "Tuchy" Palmieri and funded by [...] has been reprinted 12 times and is 100 years old but still is being read and is still helping to change lives. The book is about Frank Buchman, referred to as FB throughout, a man who had the ability to change lives of many through his teachings of self will and Christianity. This is a spiritual book and makes one question your own will and ability to change your life yourself. It is more about your own relationship with God and how you view your life than about a certain religion. It talks about sin and good and bad actions. FB's interpretation may be a little different than yours but it makes you think and possibly want to change your life. The stories are interesting but I found them a little hard to focus on them without wanting to put the book down for awhile. It is a good book to discuss with others and to take your time reading.

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Life Changers is comprised of century-old stories of men who had their lives changed so profoundly and so dramatically that the original book was reprinted 12 times.Now 100 years later, with its 13th printing, this precious classic is set to change the lives of many more men and women.The words in this book are as true today as they were then. Life Changers is also about a man, Frank Buchman, who was first and foremost a teacher.Buchman could change the lives of students and scholars in the course of a single conversation; changing those lives so profoundly and persuasively that the world was in disbelief.Buchman started a movement that reached the shores of America and lives today in the form of many 12-step programs.While the original movement was founded on Christianity, its principles and ideas moved beyond religion and Christianity into a more generic spiritual movement.

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Superwomen: 100 Women-100 Sports Review

Superwomen: 100 Women-100 Sports
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Great reading, and great photography. This book should be an inspiration, and an education for young girls (and boys) everywhere. I loved it. A humane and personal look at women athletes.

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A powerful and inspiring tribute to the joy, athleticism, strength, diversity, and artistry of women in sports.Commemorating the 30th anniversary of the prestigious Women's Sports Foundation, SUPERWOMEN brings together 100 outstanding champion athletes, from Olympic medalists and hopefuls to X-Gamers and competitors in the Special Olympics. Included are sports superstars such as Chris Evert, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Annika Sorenstam, Picabo Street, Bonnie Blair, Dara Torres, Sarah Hughes, and Anita DeFrantz. Also included are less recognizable, but equally fascinating, athletes such as Loretta Claiborne, a marathoner born with mental and physical handicaps; Michelle Wie, a 13-year-old golf phenom; and the remarkable Aimee Mullins, who with prosthetic legs ran track in college and broke records in the Paralympic Games. These extraordinary women, beautifully photographed by Jodi Buren, offer their own stories of triumph, courage, and determination- allowing us a glimpse at the personalities and spirit behind the long lists of athletic achievements.

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A Grand Passion Review

A Grand Passion
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I first discovered this author when I was checking out the new ebook publisher loose-id.com and read the excerpt for her latest ICE MAN (which I wound up buying and which was terrific BTW) and it got me digging up other stories she's written. I found A GRAND PASSION in paperback here at Amazon and snapped it up. I really enjoyed this story!
Casey Hatter is a widow of two years who has moved to Italy (Turin) to study art and to start her life anew. She cherishes her husband's memory and meeting a man is the last thing on her mind, but when her former boss, editor of a women's magazine, asks a favour she is hard-pressed to refuse. The favour is to interview an Italian soccer star for a profile on international athletes. Though she knows nothing about soccer and has never even seen a game, she agrees. But when she meets Alessandro Sottini unexpected sparks fly (he's got gorgeous raven curls and mesmerizing amber eyes) and she finds herself agreeing to have dinner with him. Little does she know what's in store for her as she has no idea how famous and popular he is in Turin!
Alessandro is immediately attracted to the blond-haired brown-eyed out-of-a-Botticelli-painting Casey. In complete contrast to the various actresses and models his publicist usually sets him up with she's genuine and sweet and just plain nice. A woman he wants to get to know and spend time with. But it's easier said than done when Alessandro can barely go out in public without being mobbed by his fans and the papparazzi. While he loves his fame and the lifestyle it affords him it's also lonely, isolating and at times superficial. All of which makes Casey even more desirable and he is determined to have her in his life. But Casey is not comfortable with life in a fishbowl or with the reaction of his fans to their relationship and when her former in-laws visit, even more complications arise. But you'll root for this terrific couple to overcome all of there obstacles and have the happily ever after they deserve!
My only issue with the story was with Alessandro's passive attitude toward the actions of his fans and the press, but I guess there really is only so much one can do in that situation. Anyway, I loved it and recommend it highly!

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Casey Hatter thought Turin would be a peaceful reprieve, time to heal from her loss. She'd study art, learn Italian, maybe even learn to cook. Meeting a man was the farthest thing from her mind. But when her tyrannical ex-boss Greta pressures her into interviewing the fabulously wealthy and charming Italian soccer sensation, Alessandro Sottini, sparks fly.Alessandro's nothing like her first love, a gentleman with tame ambitions. He's vibrant with unruly passions, quixotically philosophical, desperately sexy. . .in a word, Italian. No woman alive could say no to him. And the woman Alessandro wants is Casey. . .Review quotes for A Grand Passion by Samantha Winston". . .Readers who enjoy hot and passionate physical contact will enjoy A GRAND PASSION. This reviewer, however, enjoyed the emotional content even more than the erotic scenes."~Faith V. Smith, Romantic Times ". . .Winston spells out the details in glorifying descriptive passages. The passages of time within the sheets are steamy. . ."~Brenda Ramsbacher, Scribes World Reviews Five Roses! ". . .". . .I found myself enjoying this story immensely and will be digging up the author`s other work quickly. . .You won`t be disappointed!" ~Lucy, A Romance Review

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Monks and Motorcycles: From Laos to London by the Seat of my Pants 1956-1958 Review

Monks and Motorcycles: From Laos to London by the Seat of my Pants 1956-1958
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When I finished reading Franklin Huffman's travelogue--with a whole section of interesting pictures, albeit a bit faded and just black-and-white--the first thought that came to my mind was: It is hard these days to conceive of a young American traveling as freely through the world, particularly in Asia, as this author (also well-known linguist and accomplished diplomat) did in the fifties. All the more reason to do it vicariously, by reading it, chapter by chapter, one more interestig than the other, and enjoying funny happenings, cross-cultural misunderstandings, lessons in ethnolinguistics, and lots of geography--the last maybe more needed now than ever. The style is direct and highly accessible; the lessons are far-ranging and memorable. For the impatient reader: Each chapter can be read separately, like a short-story taking place in a different place.

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In 1956, 22-year-old Frank Huffman embarks on a journey that will take him from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia to the exotic Orient, and eventually around the world. In this fascinating tale of adventure, Huffman shares his experiences and emotions during two years as a French interpreter for a community development team on the Plain of Jars in Laos, Indochina. At the end of his tour in Laos, he buys a motorcycle and sets out for Europe, with only a National Geographic map of Asia and the optimism of youth as his guide. He takes us along for the ride as heclimbs the fabled Angkor Wat in Cambodia, cycles up the road to Mandalay in Burma, floats up the Chindwin River on a river boat, is chased by a motorcycle-hating cow near the Taj Mahal, participates in a mutiny on a ramshackle bus in the Pakistani desert, thumbs his way across Iran to Turkey, and carouses through Europe in a Simca with pilfered sleeping bags and C-rations.Throughout this marathon, Huffman offers keen insights on the culture and society of Laos and the some 25 countries he passes through, and also provides trenchant commentary on subsequent events in those countries. Huffman's self-deprecatory humor and his undisputed mastery of the English language make Monks and Motorcycles a delightful read.

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How to Get a Job in New York City and the Metropolitan Area Review

How to Get a Job in New York City and the Metropolitan Area
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If you are looking for a basic book on the job process, such as interviewing, writing resumes, networking,and self- exploration, then this is the book for you!
Although I have experience in writing resumes and interviewing, this book gives the readers detailed instructions on finding the right job for them. I truly enjoyed the small section on self- exploration and networking. I never knew the process and protocol of networking. The authors' advocate stringently on this needed part of the job hunting process. After reading that chapter, I was impressed, eager, and informed.
Sanborn and Lederman gives the readers tools, such as trade organization addresses, directories, web sites, and a step by step process to finding and getting the right job. The authors specialize in the New York area, thus they provide updated and specified information that only true New Yorkers would have. They share with the reader testimonial-like experiences. They help you throw away job hunting myths.
Overall, they provide the neccessary links,and inside information to motivate the job seeker to have success in the hectic and chaotic atmosphere of New York city.

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Europeana: A Brief History of the Twentieth Century (Eastern European Literature) Review

Europeana: A Brief History of the Twentieth Century (Eastern European Literature)
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Europeana -Patrik Ourednik
At the end of Europeana Ourednik observes that, "memory is renewed wheras history removes the legitimacy of the living past by fixing it in time." I say observes because hardly in this unique work could I say that Ourednik writes, yet, at the same time, his observations have such ringing aesthetic dignity to them that this is undoubtedly a work of art rather than a textbook or any other expository chuck at history. Ourednik has created a memorial rather than a museum, living in the flux of memory rather than the stronghold of history. His observations are so quick and poignant that they are more caustic than nauseating (MTV) and more unsettling than tedious (CNN). I compare him to television not because he resembles it, but because he comes close to what in television is possible yet rarely attained.
Ourednik attends detailed horrors and tongue-in-cheek sidebars with the same cool, glib composure, for example, "Above the entrance to the Buchenwald concentration camp was the sign EVERYONE GETS WHAT HE DESERVES." A note that is read so quickly and so deeply ensconced in a two-page paragraph that it is almost glossed over. But it's not. Rather than glossing over these thousand and one facts, it is the unpartisan details that gloss over the reader, showering us in horror and humor alike. The potency of the Buchenwald sign is given no precedence over, "And no one wanted to be poor anymore and everyone wanted to have a refrigerator and a cordless telephone and a dog and a cat and a tortoise and a vibrator and take part in sports and attend psychoanalysis."
or,
"And young people looked toward the future and the wind ruffled the ears of corn and the sun rose on the horizon."
And the book reads in about two maniacal hours.

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Taking Out Your Mental Trash: A Consumer's Guide to Cognitive Restructuring Therapy Review

Taking Out Your Mental Trash: A Consumer's Guide to Cognitive Restructuring Therapy
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Dr. McMullin has written a valuable book for individuals who have been, are, or might someday be in therapy -- as well as for those who want to learn on their own to have an emotionally healthy and satisfying life. Through the use of humor, metaphors, examples, exercises, and tips, he teaches the reader to identify their thoughts and beliefs, to examine them, and to change or "trash" the ones that are inaccurate and/or harmful to one's mental health. He guides the reader through a structured process of cognitive change in this well-organized and user-friendly book. "Taking Out Your Mental Trash" fills a void in the cognitive therapy literature by offering a step-by-step approach to those motivated and interested in making lasting and beneficial changes to their thinking -- and therefore to the whole of their lives. I highly recommend this book to therapists for use with their clients, to clients, and to anyone who wants to learn to think clearly and to feel better.

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How can you take control of your life?
Why do negative thoughtssometimes predominate, despite your knowledge that they're unfounded?Why do your best efforts to stave off these negative thoughts so oftenfail? What can you do to identify your core beliefs?For the first time, there is a book that offers the consumer and thepublic what has previously been available onlyto professional audiences. This book is alayperson's version of Dr. McMullin's successful professional book-The New Handbook of CognitiveRestructuring Therapy (2000)-and his otherprofessional works. Written by one of thefounders of Cognitive Restructuring Therapy(CRT), Taking Out Your Mental Trash offers thekey principles, techniques, and exercisesnecessary for a solid foundation in CRT. Itincorporates Dr. McMullin's three decades offull time clinical practice with many thousandsof clients, from many different cultures, withmany different problems. The book is written inan informal, personal style and presents reading guides, copious real life examples, step-by-stepinstructions, picture-forming stories,illustrations, and 53 exercises and 23worksheets to help the reader. To date, it isone of the most accessible, reader friendly, and up-to-date books for the public on CRT. Packedwith problem-tackling strategies on how to useMcMullin's own Cognitive Restructuring Therapyto overcome phobias, social anxiety, stress,relationship difficulties, and more, thisinvaluable workbook promises to help you dumpeven the most stubborn negative thoughts.McMullin then helps you adopt fresh beliefs and, in doing so, reclaim meaning and control overyour life.

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Coming Apart: An Informal History of America in the 1960's Review

Coming Apart: An Informal History of America in the 1960's
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O'Neill's Coming Apart was written in 1969 -- a fact that would seem to disqualify it as cultural history. But in fact the author's closeness to the zeitgeist, as well as his freewheeling willingness to speak his mind and waffle around with mummified standards of "argument" and "evidence" make for a truly good narrative. The author is an extremely smart, well-informed person who writes equally well about politics, diplomacy, the drug scene, Vietnam, and everything else that seemed to define the decade, and does so with a verve that makes you feel like you are there -- or at least there with the author. It is brilliantly informative, and funny at times. Deserves the Parkman Prize if there were any justice in the world.

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William O'Neill's masterly chronicle of the twentieth century's most confounding decade is an immensely readable book that combines wit with learning and seriousness with entertainment. Its emphasis is inevitably on politics, but it offers a brilliant yet balanced portrayal of the New Left, the counterculture, the civil rights movement, the plunge into Vietnam, the crisis in the universities, and the freakier aspects of the popular culture. It has endured as one of the great interpretations of the sixties.

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PR Therapy: Ignite Your Passion for Promoting Your Products, Services, and Even Yourself (Books To Build Your Career By) Review

PR Therapy: Ignite Your Passion for Promoting Your Products, Services, and Even Yourself (Books To Build Your Career By)
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Just finished Robin Blakely's book PR Therapy and I now know how to promote myself. In the past I would just "Blast" my information out there and hope "Someone" might respond. Robin Blakely walks you through how to find your key "Target Market". This book is my new reference guide...

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Overflowing with field-tested entrepreneurial know-how, this informative guide decodes the intimidating world of promotion while addressing the questions that most often paralyze those new to publicity—What if I am too late? What if no one likes my product? How can I start networking? Can I get by on a shoestring budget? With an eye to identifying the internal conflicts and emotional roadblocks that keep success at bay, this insightful handbook explores the importance of harnessing personal energy before, during, and after embarking on a promotional journey. From identifying market segments and picking the right promotional strategies to booking live events and designing branded communication tools, this fresh look at public relations offers a variety of easily customizable promotional strategies for any type of organization.

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A History of Cannon Mountain: Trails, Tales and Ski Legends (NH) Review

A History of Cannon Mountain: Trails, Tales and Ski Legends (NH)
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I got this book today from Amazon, and proceeded to read it obsessively in one sitting interrupted only by dinner. What a great book! My hearty congratulations to Meghan McCarthy McPhaul (that's a lot of Mc's for one name) on a really superb, well-done book. A History of Cannon Mountain does a remarkable job of conveying the spirit, atmosphere, and joy of what Cannon Mountain is for those of us fortunate to have skied, hiked, or otherwise recreated there. As someone who has skied Cannon continuously since 1978, I have to say that it was a lot of fun to read the history that I knew, and the history that I didn't know.
And there is a lot of history worth knowing. Cannon has always been regarded as a special place, and to this day it still retains very special qualities that you won't find at other ski areas. Aside from the remarkable setting, with the imposing Mt. Lafayette range across the notch, there is a lot at Cannon that is unique. And the author successfully captures that and conveys it. She is a great writer, and she obviously knows (and loves) her subject.
I've read other books of this sort and most are nowhere near as good. If you are even a little bit interested in Cannon Mountain and its history--and even if you haven't skied there, its history is well worth knowing--then this is a book you will want to read. And the collection of pictures in the book is especially great too, they tell a significant part of the story. I really enjoyed this book, and I'm sure I will be reading it again.
This book comes out at a time when Cannon is being threatened by foolish, short-sighted state legislators in NH who want to sell off--oh excuse me, "lease" or "privatize"--the crown jewel of the NH State Park system. In order to save a few measly dollars, they want to leave it to the private sector to rape and pillage Cannon Mountain, which will destroy the essence of what makes this place so special. The question that needs to be asked is, what kind of legacy do we want to leave to our children and grandchildren? Do we want to leave them an intact and beautiful State Park that is lovingly cared for by long-term employees who to a person see themselves as stewards in a long line of citizens protecting our common heritage, or do we want to instead leave our children and grandchildren the beauty of condos as far as the eye can see, crass commercialism, and perhaps even a "charming" and "quaint" village built at the base of the ski area, where the elite can go purchase the latest ski fashions from Europe, get facials, and then after dinner the whole family can go to the IMAX theater to watch a film about bears and other wildlife that used to live in the park and on Cannon Mountain. Is this what we want?
The reason why we have government is to protect the common good. This book does a wonderful job of explaining what the common good is in this situation. I hope that NH finds the wisdom and courage to do what's right for all of us, rather than in the excuse of "budget cuts" giving to the few that which rightfully belongs to all of us.


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Cannon Mountain's history is steeped in skiing legend and lore. Rising at the western edge of New Hampshire's magnificently beautiful Franconia Notch State Park, the granite-domed mountain has been the playground of skiers since the 1930s. Here, the country's first down-mountain ski trail was cleared in 1933, the first aerial tramway was built on the mountain and the first professional ski patrol was established. More than a dozen members of the U.S. Ski Hall of Fame--whose contributions to the sport include historic racing feats, the development of ski techniques and designing countless ski areas across the country and around the world--have called Cannon their home hill. Join author and longtime Cannon skier Meghan McCarthy McPhaul on the slopes of this historic mountain.

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Lonely Planet Nicaragua & El Salvador Review

Lonely Planet Nicaragua and El Salvador
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This guide to Nicaragua and El Salvador isn't great, but if you're traveling to El Salvador, this is all there is.
The book would benefit from better organization, better maps, and less snarkiness. (and why did they put Nicaragua and El Salvador in the same book -- the two countries don't even share a border!) Alas, no other publishers offer a current El Salvador guidebook, so you have no other choices.
When Moon publishes an El Salvador guidebook, I'll be the first in line to buy it...

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Forged by the spirit of poetry and revolution, Nicaragua and El Salvador are Central America's hot up-and-comers, offering volcano treks, rip-roaring surf spots and tons of seldom-visited cultural and ecological treasures. Now, years after the guns were silenced, both countries are opening their doors to the world. And packed with expert advice, this comprehensive guide is your key to discovery.Get Out- Special outdoor adventures section brings the waves, dizzying treks and wildlife hot spots to lifeThe Road Less Traveled - Get off the Gringo Trail with informed do-it-yourself content to some of Central America's best-kept secretsFind Your Way - Custom-tailored itineraries make planning a breeze. More than 80 maps mean you won't get lost along the way.Safe & Sound - Thorough safety and health sections provide top tips to ensure many safe returns

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How to Climb Series: Climbing Anchors Review

How to Climb Series: Climbing Anchors
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The big problem with Chockstone/Falcon's "How to rock climb" series is that too many of their books, particularly those written by John Long, seem to contain huge sections cut-and-pasted from other titles in this series.
Alas, "Climbing Anchors" is no exception. If you have a copy of the book "How To Rock Climb", you already have about 50% of the matter covered in this book. What remains is useful, but hardly justifies the cost of a full book.
If this book contained a section on setting up pulley systems, it might be more worthwhile.

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Includes complete instructions on placing and configuring solid secure anchors in a variety of situations.

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Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships Review

Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships
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Lending libraries catering to travelers in general and the elderly who appreciate cruises in particular won't want to miss Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2008, a survey packed with independent reviews of cruise companies based on personal experience, not advertising or hearsay. Chapters do more than offer reviews of nearly three hundred cruise ships: they discuss what to look for in a ship and crew, how to compare the major lines for pros and cons, and where to find the best among different types of cruises. Simply packed with essential 'know before you go' detail.


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As new ships are launched and cruise lines compete even more fiercely, passengers can find the choice bewildering. This authoritative and impartial book answers all your questions in detail, whether this is your first cruise or fiftieth. Written by the world's foremost cruise expert, Douglas Ward, this is the bestselling guide to cruising in the UK. The key features include: independent assessments of 280 cruise ships; new ships set to debut in 2008; details of refurbished ships that have launched in the last 12 months; brand new feature on spas; top tips on how to get the best value for money; what to look for in a ship and crew; at-a-glance charts which compare the major cruise lines for cabin facilities, food and service; expert advice for singles, honeymooners, families and the physically challenged; expedition cruises, tall ships, and freighter travel; great pictures to bring the cruise experience to life; and, full-colour maps of principal cruise destinations.

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My Secret Fishing Life Review

My Secret Fishing Life
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Mr. Lyons, whose books (both edited and written) fill a significant portion of my fly fishing library, has written a very personal book.
The title is accurate at many levels. I doubt that many of us
would share so much about our personal lives - or that we would be able to do so with such candor and joy.
Mr. Lyons description of the travels (and travails) of a special copy of Sparse Grey Hackle's Fishless Days, Angling Nights is worth the price of the book.
Fishing in the shadow of the Statue of Liberty between morning appointments is an incredible story (especially to this former New Yorker ... the Hudson off of NYC was dead in the 60's & 70's).
I never seem to find any time to fish. With this little book, I have a guide of how to find (or take) a little time here and there for fly fishing. Thank you, Mr. Lyons, for your guide to blending avocations with vocations.
Mr. Lyons sold his publishing company recently. May he and his family enjoy many years of post-publishing / editing repose and adventure. We may be lucky enough to have a second volume: perhaps a guide for the next twenty years?

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The Xbox 360 Uncloaked:: The Real Story Behind Microsoft's Next-Generation Video Game Console Review

The Xbox 360 Uncloaked:: The Real Story Behind Microsoft's Next-Generation Video Game Console
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Dean Takahashi is a reporter for the San Jose Mercury News. While I applaud his efforts to do the research and leg work to uncover the history, back story and technical details of the Xbox 360, this book just simply is not well written. Dean does a nice job in news reporting related to the tech industry and gaming in general but he is no novelist. This book is obviously not a novel either but you might expect it to be at least a story...In my opinion, it is not- it is a collection of observations loosely tied together, and even then, it is flawed.
As other reviewers have noted, you will find yourself reading the same information, names, and sometimes even quotes in multiple places throughout the book, making it harder to follow his line of thinking clearly. Oftentimes, there is also a bit much of the delineation of who worked for who and who quit the Xbox team when, etc. that does not really lead the reader anywhere or add much to the story. To me, this book feels similar to the previous Xbox book written by Dean in that way- some great tidbits but overall, barely worth reading because of how painful it is to get through it. I've never had this situation happen to me before where I seriously wanted to learn the history and background of building this console, the process that was followed, etc. but was simply not motivated to continue reading the book because of its flaws.
If you are used to reading more professional novels or magazine writing by mainstream writers, you may be frustrated by the common grammatical errors, editorial errors, proofreading mistakes, etc. that pop up in every chapter. They aren't a big deal and you know what he is trying to say but when you pay for a book (that isn't all that cheap, by the way) you expect more. At least I do.
In summary, since I am an IT professional and an avid Xbox and Xbox 360 gamer, I kind of forced my way through the book to learn. You have to take a different approach to reading it, kind of ignoring errors, focusing on the highlights and not trying to tie everything together seamlessly, very differently than you would likely read any other book. If you feel this story is worthwhile enough to put up with these flaws, go for it. Otherwise, you may be disappointed.

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A fascinating insider's look at the evolution of the Xbox 360 and Microsoft's ambitious gamble to become a leading force in the multi-billion dollar video gaming industry. Through extensive interviews and unprecedented access, San Jose Mercury News Technology and Gaming Writer Dean Takahashi takes you behind the scenes as he reveals... The birth of the machine as seen through the eyes of the Xbox 360 engineers who designed it... Blow-by-blow coverage of the heated internal debates as senior Microsoft executives battle to define the future of the Xbox brand... The strategic chess moves as Bill Gates, Steve Ballmer, and company take risk after risk, trying to outmaneuver their archrivals for the brass ring: dominance of the incredibly lucrative video game market... Sony, Nintendo, Electronic Arts, the entire Microsoft Xbox 360 team, and the industry's most celebrated video game developers -- all of the major players are included in this captivating story.

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Body for Life: 12 Weeks to Mental and Physical Strength Review

Body for Life: 12 Weeks to Mental and Physical Strength
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"Body for Life" is an excellent book if you're a fitness beginner who's trying to figure out how to get in shape and stay in shape or, perhaps, someone who's been working out and/or dieting for a while and doesn't seem to be making much headway towards losing weight and getting in shape. Phillips does a good job of explaining the basic building blocks of fitness and of debunking a lot of the more prevalent fitness myths. He covers the proper way to exercise, both aerobics and weight training, proper diet, not some fad diet but rather how to eat real food in a healthy way, and how to motivate yourself and keep yourself motivated to stick to your goals.
There are a few caveats, however.
This is a very basic book. Don't think you're going to read this book and then know everything you need to know about fitness. It gives you a good foundation to build on but it doesn't go much beyond that. In my opinion that's a good thing given the book's target audience of fitness beginners. It gives you enough information to get started but it doesn't overwhelm you with data. Be aware that once you get into the program and have a better feel for your specific needs, you may find yourself seeking other books for more information but with the information you get from "Body for Life", you'll be able to make better selections of what type of books to look for. If you're already in good shape, chances are you already know everything that's in this book and if there is something you don't know, it won't be worth the price to find out.
Phillips owns a company which manufactures nutritional supplements. Not surprisingly he pushes the use of supplements in this book. There's nothing wrong with using supplements but they're expensive and not really necessary. They may accelerate the process but you'll still get into shape following the program without them.
Fitness is a lifelong commitment. Don't look at the title of the book and think you're going to get into perfect shape in only 12 weeks. Phillips' program is about using those 12 weeks to develop a fitness program you can stick to for the rest of your life. Ideally, when you finish one 12 week program you'll immediately begin another 12 week program and so on until it's not a 12 week program but a way of life.
If you're a fitness beginner and not certain where to begin or someone who's been working out for a little while but doesn't seem to be making any headway towards your fitness goals, this is the book for you. It offers good solid information on the basics of fitness and how to set and achieve your goals. I highly recommend this book.

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Video Systems in an IT Environment, Second Edition: The Basics of Professional Networked Media and File-based Workflows Review

Video Systems in an IT Environment, Second Edition: The Basics of Professional Networked Media and File-based Workflows
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As a professional who serves the broadcast, IT, and mobile content distribution business, I was already a fan of the first edition of this book, and purchased several copies for my staff and colleagues since its first printing. With the rapid changes in the IT business including storage and networking, this updated (2nd) edition has fresh content that's current with the state of the art in digital media networks.

This second edition is typeset a little tighter than the first edition, which cuts out some pages and weight without sacrificing content. In fact, there's even more content in this new edition -- just more efficiently placed for easier reading. Either way, this is a hefty volume packed with hundreds of detailed illustrations and lots of examples. When it comes to understanding principles of modern networked media for video and audio, this Focal Press work deserves a prominent place in any serious video or IT engineer's reference library.
Although this book is oriented towards the professional media or broadcast systems engineer (as opposed to a video consumer building a home media network), the author does a nice job of weaving together the essentials of networked media from "A to Z" including a handy glossary of terms for those of us who can't keep our acronyms straight. I've known the author, Al Kovalick, who's a well regarded figure in the broadcast community. His breadth of knowledge is evident throughout each chapter, yet he writes in a witty, practical style that's both educational and fun to read (including some pretty subtle humor that will make an engineer chuckle). Without sacrificing depth, this book takes a complex technical subject and brings it down to earth, making it suitable even for less technical (but motivated) readers.

Bottom line, this book is for you if you're seeking a solid overview of key engineering considerations when designing or recommending networked video architectures, including networking fundamentals, virus and firewall protection, video servers, NSPOF (no single point of failure) storage design including RAID and RAIN methods, as well as other innovative architectures. Several real-world case studies complement the teaching benefits including specific examples by leading-edge media companies and broadcasters.
Chapter Highlights:
Networked Media in an IT Environment
The Fundamentals of Professional Networked Media
Storage System Basics
Storage Access Methods
Software Technology for AV Systems
Reliability and Scalability Methods
Networking Basics for AV
Media Systems Integration
Security for Networked AV Systems
Systems Management and Monitoring
The Transition to IT: Issues and Case Studies
A Review of AV Basics


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Audio/Video (AV) systems and Information Technology (IT) have collided. IT is being leveraged to create compelling networked media and file-based workflows. Video Systems in an IT Environment has helped thousands of professionals in broadcast, post and other media disciplines to understand the key aspects the AV/IT "tapeless" convergence.World-renowned educator and speaker Al Kovalick adds his conversational and witty style to this text making the book an enjoyable learning experience. Now in its second edition, this book includes: basics of networked media, storage systems for AV, MXF and other file formats, Web services and SOA, software platforms, 14 methods for high availability design, element management, security, AV technology, transition issues, real-world case studies and much more. Each chapter weaves together IT and AV techniques providing the reader with actionable information on the issues, best practices, processes and principles of seamless AV/IT systems integration..This updated edition contains: 40 new and updated figures, expanded sectionson SOA and Web services, storage systems updates, workflow essentials, data center virtualization, protocol and standards updates, an expanded three plane integration model and much more. .Packed with over 235 illustrations .Supported with 13 Appendixes covering interesting and diverse topics and an updated glossary of AV/IT terms

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