to find his web site, and you'll have all you need to move to the better three-dimensional interactive viewing of weather and weather charts.
I also recommend Understanding Weatherfax
A good little book.......2007-03-15
A very handy book for "instant" weather forcasting. Interesting to read and written with a bit of humor. The only shortcoming is the arrangment of the photographs of the different clouds, they are not in logical sequence.
for newbies to weather .......2006-06-27
OK book for newbies or beginners to this interesting hobby(uninteresting if in Michigan)
Small Gem of a Book..........2006-06-18
This small hard to find book (unless you order it online) starts with a basic premise: to predict the weather you need to do 2 things-determine the direction of the wind and identify the clouds currently in the sky. That being said, I would consider this book a great primer for anyone interested in naked eye weather forecasting.
The book includes color cloud charts, discusses weather folklore, precipitation, warm and cold fronts, and volcanic eruptions.
This a general primer. The information is not spoon fed to the reader.
The strength of this approach is Rubin's writing is entertaining and lively, and will enourage you to not only make your own weather predictions, but to also seek more information outside the scope of the book.
The weakness is that some of the material is incomplete. The book was completed by Louis Rubin's children with the help of a meteorologist after Rubin passed away (based on the Introduction), using Rubin's cloud photo collections and his collected writings.
As a result, some of the material is incomplete. For example, Rubin describes the 4 types of clouds and the 10 specific clouds most associated with weather changes. You then have to search all over the book to find those 10 clouds, and even then, you're not sure (based on the prefixed names) if you're looking at the right photographs. I suspect at the time of his passing, Rubin's cloud photo collection was far from complete.
That being said, I still liked the book, consider it a keeper, and respect Rubin's work in this area as an amateur meteorologist.
Great Book.......2005-09-13
If your into forcasting weather, or just want to know how to, this book is for you.
Book Description
Those who believe wizards began with Merlin and ended with Oz will be astounded and delighted by the journey that lies before them. In The Way of Wizards, author/illustrator Tom Cross throws open the portal to a land of enchantment that we mere mortals have scarcely glimpsed. Cross's incomparable illustrations, aided by the narrative of his inimitable wizard guide, Penelo, transport readers back to the Crossroad of the Realms-the moment of creation itself-and forward into eternity, revealing the presence throughout time of wizardly magic and might. Who are these beings' Where are they' How and why do they work their wonders' This brilliantly conceived and lavishly illustrated book seeks the answers to these questions in history, myth, lore, and legend, and in the process illuminates the traces of wizardry to be found in the sparkle of yesterday's frost and the green-gold of tomorrow's sunset. Cross's recreation of the world of wizards is an act of singular imaginative power. His breathtaking images and rich text will transport and captivate readers young and old-especially those already devoted to the SciFi/Fanatasy genre. The Way of Wizards is spellbinding from cover to cover
Customer Reviews:
Stunning.......2007-01-23
One of the reviewers said this is a kid's book, but that's not true at all. Tom Cross has combined clever, captivating writing with some of the best illustrational magic I've ever seen. Young and old can enjoy this phenomanal book, as even my parents who are into their 60s enjoyed it. It's hard to not appreciate the artwork, and the enviromental message that is subtly but powerfully interwoven into the "narration" by "Penelo". This has been a book I've read over and over, always catching something new in the artwork, and enjoying the sly sense of humour, not to mention the semi-historical, semi- mythological section regarding some famous Magicians, and the history of magicians. If you enjoy fantasy at all, or you know someone who does, and even as a work of art in and of itself, this book is easily going to produce a lot of joy to anyone who owns a copy. Don't wait any longer!
Gotta Love It!.......2005-08-15
My mom bought me this book because I'm a pagan that loves fantasy. She was right that I would love it. The pictures are beautiful, and the writing is just as good. This is the perfect fantasy book! A must have for all fantasy lovers!
LET IT TAKE YOU TO A MAGIC PLACE......................2005-02-07
If you love fantasy and wizardry, this is a MUST HAVE for your collection. Every time I read this book I feel as if I've been swept to another realm filled with magic, whimsy, and beauty. One of the reasons that I love this book is because not only is it very intersting to read, but it has just as much....if not more, illustrations-artwork, as it does literature. The artwork in the book has so much detail that I notice something new everytime I read it. This book breaks down every aspect of a "wizard". Anything that you every wondered about, or wanted to know about a wizard is in this book!
The book it's self is a piece of artwork, and I highly recommend it.
Fantastic and beautiful, artistic and poetic.......2004-08-30
This beautifully illustrated, poetically imaginative book will delight your mind and your eyes. Tom Cross uses his great skills as an illustrator and his deep imagination to create a work that is fun and enjoyable. With staff in hand and tongue in cheek the author takes the reader on a journey of beauty, reverence for nature, history, fantasy, and every other place you'd like to go with a genuine, down-to-earth, honest-to-goodness wizard as guide. One of the best books I've read, pure delight.
Tom Cross's work is full of magic........2003-03-19
I have actually met the artist and viewed his original works at a gallery in Germanton, NC. Although the book cannot possibly convey the beauty and artistry of his magical vision that is captured on canvas, it is still a feast for the eyes. And, since his original pieces cost a good bit more than my average monthly salary, this is one great way to enjoy his imaginitive pieces without having to fork out a lot of cash. I also reccommend his other books, especially the Fairy Garden.
Although this book is worth owning just for the beautiful pictures, I have enjoyed the writing as well. As a student of magick, myself, I can appreciate the story of the Wizard's training and details about the elemental magic he practices. Good for young and old alike, it will inspire you to seek out all the bits of magic in your own life.
Book Description
Investment secrets from the millionaire venture capitalists of Silicon Valley. Venture capital plays a significant role in launching the technologies that continue to redefine our work and life. Alongside the innovators who dream up the ideas, VCs contribute the tactical brainpower that fuels Silicon Valley. And it is through this process of high-stakes investing that unbelievable fortunes are made. The clubby world of big-bucks venture capital is of considerable interest to investors and entrepreneurs alike. The VC Way is the first book to take readers into this private world of extreme investing. For those who want to invest like the best, it reveals their unique strategies, sectors they are tracking, screens and criteria, best and worst investments, and how individuals can use the lessons they've learned. Packed with insider's advice and fascinating stories, The VC Way contains accounts from some of the most influential and noteworthy venture capitalists in business today--Ann Winblad of Hummer Winblad, Neil Weintraub of 21st Century Internet, and dozens of others. The VC Way is an invaluable resource for anyone who wants to match strategies with these master investors.
Customer Reviews:
Gain insight into how investors think.......2005-04-06
"An entrenched enterprise usually doesn't have much incentive to change the world, because it has so much staked in the world as it is presently ordered."
The VC Way shows the true nature of Venture Capitalists. Zygmont explains how Venture Capitalists offer more than just money, they offer expertise and connections. Starting off with An Adventure Capital Story, the author quickly gets to the point - Venture Capitalists are interested in rapid growth companies with potential for high impact, lifestyle companies need not apply.
Venture Capital is more than just about money. It's about changing the world we live in. Through money, experience in building companies, and cross-industry connections, VC's are able to bring to bear a tremendous amount of energy to effect change.
If you've ever wondered what Venture Capitalists really do, The VC Way will give you the insider's view. And if you're serious about transforming your ideas into market reality, you'll most likely need external funding from investors. The VC Way and Confessions of a Venture Capitalist (April Byvation) will help you gain insight into how investors think. With this knowledge you'll certainly be able to put your best foot forward when asking for money.
Michael Davis, Editor - Byvation
Useful, though limited in scope and somewhat dated.......2004-08-06
This is a decent first book for those trying to get into, or familiar with, the VC field. It contains behind-the-scenes stories of what makes a VC successful. It also contains different viewpoints from a variety of individuals; this bandwidth is good to provide the reader. The author is obviously a fan of venture capital, but he provides ample justification for his view by presenting numerous tales of the important role VCs play in entrepreneurship in this country. This book can be highly useful, as long as the potential reader is aware of what this book does and does not discuss.
Thus, the reader should be aware that this book is almost completely focused on communications and high-tech industries - primarily the internet, software, and IT. There are exactly four pages total devoted to two other major areas of VC interest and investment: healthcare and the life sciences. Although these areas take much longer to bear fruit, they can provide longer returns - often due to the patent protection they provide - compared with the areas discussed in this book. Such companies have longer life-spans before they have revenue, generate a product, or are a candidate for a liquidation event. The skills necessary for this type of investment are not directly addressed here. Finally, the author is somewhat dismissive of these two areas since they are rarely the billion-dollar deals he tends to dwell on. Consequently, the directory of firm provided at the back of the book are absent of the major players in healthcare and life sciences - such as MPM, which is a billion-dollar fund.
The book was published in 2001, and that could explain why it is so consumed with communications and high-tech. The past few years have been very difficult for those starting and funding new companies, and readers limiting themselves to this book will get somewhat historical - rather than current - information.
Finally, for some reason, the author occasionally drifts into social commentary, as when he describes one company located in a not-so-great neighborhood. He describes the music playing in that area as "some variant of trailer trash rock or hip-hop."
Venture Capital 101 (Not Suitable for Individual Investors).......2001-07-08
In The VC Way, Zygmont delineates the common character traits of venture capitalists. In that task Zygmont does a credible job, having interviewed a number of well known VCs such as James Swartz (Accel Partners) and Donald Valentine (Sequoia). His prose is well-balanced between commentary and primary data, and this book will serve as a good primer on the VC world for those that are seeking either VC cash or employment.
If you fall in either category, you should consider purchasing the book. Among other things, you'll learn the following:
(1) Venture capitalism is a competitive industry where VCs are effectively "money salesmen" selling money in exchange for a equity stake
(2) The Internet is not a technological revolution but simply a new communications medium. In that way, it was appropriate that there were a spate of ideas generated by MBAs with no technical background, because the Internet is a marketing revolution rather than a technical one.
(3) The personality of the entrepreneur is critical. In particular, VCs look for energy, conviction, and above average intelligence ("smarter than the average bear"). Educational pedigree matters because it's just another filter the person has gone through.
(4) VCs are willing to step in and make changes. Zygmont cites the common example of Donald Valentine (Sequoia) replacing the founders of Cisco with more able managers.
(5) VCs have specific domain expertise (the "big picture knowledge" about an industry including the trends and competitive pressures that an entrepreneur might not be aware of.
(6) VCs market themselves as well as the companies that are parts of their portfolio. Zygmont raises the example of Ann Winblad's Tuesday Madness college business plan competition.
(7) Entrepreneurs must be optimistic. Izhar Armony (Charles River) in fact equates optimism with entrepreneurialism.
Unfortunately, the book does not target itself to the proto-venture capitalist or entrepreneur but instead the individual investor. Zygmont touts the book as a "precious resource for anyone who wants to imitate the strategies and successes of these money masters." I believe that this was a marketing mistake that was driven by the need to differentiate itself from the myriad VC 101 books on the market today and capitalize on the personal investment boom.
Be forewarned: VC investment strategies cannot be profitably be applied by the individual investor. By the author's own admission:
(1)"A venture capitalist is closer to the mutual fund manager than he is to the pick-your-own stock shopper, especially if you're talking about the manager of a focused fund." Only those with sufficient cash basis can afford to spread their money across the recommended 10 minimum investments.
(2) "Involvement and participation in the companies they invest in is key to top-shelf VCs". However, unless you are Warren Buffet, it is highly unlikely that you as a individual investor will be able to cajole your way into a company's board room.
Ergo, if you want to learn more about VCs and know very little about the industry, buy this book. If you are individual investor, however, I would find very little in this book to recommend.
Paul Erdos
Actually, A Variety of Ways.......2001-04-24
Zygmont offers "investment secrets from the wizards of venture capital" but I think the greater value of the book is the direct access it provides to the minds of various VC decision-makers as they interact with him in casual but remarkably candid conversation. "This book is about their methods." There are no "secrets", per se. "This book also compares [and contrasts] venture-investing rules and principles to general investing practices. The idea is to let general investors mine for insights that might help them when they're putting together their own portfolios." Zygmont organizes his material within 12 chapters and then offers his conclusions about "The Composite VC" followed by a list of VC firms and investor and entrepreneur resources. His formula is really very simple and straightforward: "Ask them." He interviewed a number of the most successful venture capitalists who, at the time of the interviews, were associated with the most prominent VC firms. What do they share in common other than the obvious (intelligence, courage, ability to tolerance risk, high energy level, etc.)? Commitment, idealism, honesty, charm, pride, and reverence (or humility). This book will be of greatest value to those who are preparing to seek venture capital, obviously, but can also be of substantial value to senior-level executives who ask this question: "What would a venture capitalist have to say about my company?" Although the responses from those whom Zygmont interviewed would probably vary, perhaps significantly, all would probably ask essentially the same questions before making an evaluation. If you share my high regard for this book, I urge you to check out Done Deals and Inside the Minds.
Book Description
The author of the bestselling Ageless Body, Timeless Mind presents his latest work, a guide to using 30 simple principles to bring back the magic in everyday life. Simultaneous hardcover release from Harmony.
Customer Reviews:
from what I hear..........2005-07-07
from what I hear, this is a great book. However my puppy pulled it of the counter the day I got it and chewed it into a million pieces. Once I order another I will give a better review.
A captivating way to open the skeptical mind to the spirit.......1999-10-10
I found myself relating not only the symbolism of the Arthurian Lengend to my own real life in this time, but also other symbols that had been in my life but without interpretation until after listening to the book version of Chopra's "Way of the Wizard." So much more of my life became clear to me. I might have preferred another reader (perhaps I will read the written version). Nonetheless, I found the book quite inspiring and highly recommend it.
Excellent Metaphysical message.......1999-02-10
Wizardry and sorcerory have had negative conotations. Carlos Castenada helped to portray sorcerors in a better light. This reveals Merlin as a Seer (like the prophet Samuel). This book is filled with terrific insights. It may be the universe teaching us about the next step.
Book Description
Under the nom de guerre of Gar Pike, renegade psychic wizard Magnus D'Armand travels the stars fighting injustice and oppression, like his father, Rod Gallowglass, the Warlock in Spite of Himself. But unlike his famous father, Magnus refuses to play by the rules, sowing the seeds of freedom and revolution throughout the galaxy.A Wizard in the WayWhen his longtime traveling companion settled down and got married, Gar Pike-the Rogue Wizard-had thought it would be even better to work alone: no distractions, no disagreements, no one to care about but himself. But he wasn't alone for long. He recently managed to saddle himself with a new companion: Alea, a young woman with a certain amount of psychic ability and a heavy dose of attitude to boot. The funny thing is, he's beginning to like having her around-particularly when they land on the planet of Oldeira.The problems Gar and Alea encounter on Oldeira include not only the tyrannical Wizard Lords who rule the provinces, but also the attitude that has been beaten and bred into their serfs. To complicate matters, Gar and Alea adopt two desperate peasants who are perfect examples of the mind-set of the entire lower class. How to raise morale and shape these people into a force that will overcome their oppressors while not getting caught or killed themselves-these are all questions that Gar and Alea must answer fast. And the only way to do it is: The Way.
Customer Reviews:
Fun fantasy writing with good foundation.......2006-05-16
Excellent plot, characters, and even a bit thought provoking. This was a great weekend reading project for me. Well worth reading at least once and likely will make you want to read the whole series.
The Cat is getting in the Way... slipping focus off center.........2001-09-13
Magnus D'Armand,AKA Gar Pike, is the son of Rodney D'Armand, the greatest agent SCENT has ever known. He has, or rather he will have with the aid of his family, changed a medieval society of telepaths into the strongest force for Democracy ever known. While Magnus was an aid to SCENT in the beginning, he soon realized that Democracy was not the answer for ALL cases... and with this point in mind he left SCENT under rather poor circumstances... this is Magnus' mission. To reform oppressive societies using that system which will most benefit the people of that planet.
This time Magnus arrives with not only his good friend and constant companion Alea, but an additional stowaway as well. He finds a planet that mirrors the developement of his homeworld in that they have empathic and projective telepathy that reacts to the environment of the planet producing... ghosts. He finds a feudal society that manages it's serfs through fear, and exists solely to grab the land of other lords. The power is either technology mastered through ritualized rote memorization, or low level psionic control of the ghosts. What to do? What is the Way?
This book sees control and creativity begin to seep away from Magnus and Alea, as their "silent partner" gives them subtle urgings throughout the campaign. Magnus fails to see his own manipulation, and that of his travelling companion.Their ideas come to them in dreams... hello? Magnus DID that trick! On the up side, Alea becomes more aware of her attraction to Magnus, while Magnus, always aware of his attraction to Alea, continues to sublimate his own desire. This is well done... realistically. Magnus is repressed, as well as deeply emotionally scarred. He can not easily overcome these scars, and it will take some time for Alea to get over her own scars enough so that she can help meet him halfway. I would like to see Magnus become aware of his stowaway and/or restore Alea's memories... both WELL within his awsome capabilities...
While I did not enjoy this story as much as the last, I did find it less formulaic than some in this series, and because of this it was still an enjoyable read. I will continue to devour anything Stasheff continues to spend some time on producing, and can only suggest that, if confused or dissatisfied by this work, one start earlier on in the series. Please take this as it was meant, a constructive critique by one who enjoys the Warlock series and the Rogue Wizard series... thank you for your time...
Great story!.......2001-06-29
I have been a fan of Christopher Stasheff since the book "The Warlock In Spite of Himself". I loved the story line of this book, and the characters were likeable. The writing, in my opinion, was a little of the bland side for this author, and the characters could have used just a little bit more rounding out. I think the author did a decent job with this book despite the two minor short falls I mentioned above.
Is there an editor in the house?.......2000-10-27
If you've read Stasheff before, you know what to expect. A pleasant mix of science fiction and fantasy, with some philosophy, political science, and religion thrown in. Stasheff has been amazingly productive this year, publishing something like four books in six months. I would say that this is a wonderful thing, since I love his books and always look forward to reading the next installments in all his series, except for one thing...
There were some strange little mistakes the kept cropping up. To tell the truth, they appear to be more in the nature of poor editting than hurried writing. A character would say something, and the other would answer with a phrase that almost fit, but not quite...or the second character would echo the first character, with an extra set of quotes and all, except the first character never said that exact word. It seems like an overzealous editor changed part of a conversation without making sure to keep all the dialogue consistent.
If you're holding your breath waiting for Magnus and Alea to resolve things...breathe. You'll have to wait for at least one more book. A new friend has joined them, and the world they are visiting bears a striking resemblance to Magnus' home planet in many respects...local life forms interracting with human psi-powers, large numbers of local espers.... They use the Tao to help the planet overthrow their cruel overlords.
The story was fun, and I definately can't wait for the next adventure (not the least because I'm waiting for Alea and Magnus to resolve all this sexual tension...), but I was surprised and disappointed to see the strange little inconsistencies in the writing...such things jar me out of the story and ruin my ability to immerse myself completely in Stasheff's wonderful stories.
Light, funny, good Tao twist.......2000-10-04
Christopher Stasheff writes a good light fantasy and the Wizard series (a sequel to the Warlock series with one of Galoglass's sons) is prime Stasheff.
In this novel Gar Pike, with his sidekick Area, land on a planet where psychic magicians rule the serfs with terror and magic. Gar resolves to teach Tao (The Way from the title) to encourage the serfs to try to better themselves. Initially frustrated by the serf's extreme fear, Gar continues the battle.
I would have liked to see more a more direct relationship between Gar's Tao teachings and the rebellion he eventually leads. I think Stasheff missed an opportunity to make this fine book stand out as a unique novel here. Also, Stasheff has avoided the easy happy-ever-after solution to the sexual tension between Gar and Alea. Is he getting close to a stagnant relationship, however?
Average customer rating:
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The Way of the Wizard
Deepak Chopra
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