Customer Reviews:
A good book for any class........2007-07-07
If it where just a collection of magic items, then this book would still probably be worth it, but it also introduces several new concepts in magic items that can allow DMs and players new avenues to explore.
The first is a new concept of charges-per-day. Magic items with charges, like wands, and use-per-day items, like virtually everything else, have existed since the beginning of DnD. Charges-per-day is an item that gets a specific number of charges per day for use with a special power. What makes it different is that spending more charges simultaneously increases the effect. This is great for little effects you wanted more than once a day, but sometimes wish where a little bit stronger.
Next up is the runestaff. The runestaff is a new must-have for any spell caster with a static spell list, such as sorcerers, warmages and divine souls. They allow these magic users to sacrifice their own spell slots to cast the spells imbedded in the staff, essentially expanding their spell list, almost exactly like a cleric spontaneously casting cure spells. Each spell can only be cast this way a limited number of times per day, but it allows a magic user to increase their flexibility in varying situations.
Augment crystals are next. The easiest way to think of augment crystals are like slotable equipment in video games like Diablo. These relatively cheap crystals give minor bonuses to your weapon or armor and are swappable, allowing you to change them when the situation does. Unfortunately, the requirements for the highest-level crystal are a little over the top, making them for more expensive than their little price tag indicates.
Finally introduced are item sets. If you have ever played World of Warcraft or Diablo, you know what an items set is. Each component of an item set is its own magic item, but if you own more than one piece of the system, you start acquiring extra bonuses as the items resonate with each other. Some of these bonuses are very powerful and useful, some not so much, but it is a nice option for DMs who give their player planned out loot.
Being a compendium, several items in it came form other sources, such as Eberron or Faruen. Many of these items where changed in the transition. Some of the items become more powerful, others cheaper. This makes some items that where nice concepts, but priced out of the range of players that could use them, possible. Monks and spell casters should check out the re-priced DR shirts!
Also included in the book are new options for stat booster placement, item synergies, good art, and a wonderful chart for all magic items from the compendium, and the DMG!
ONE OF THE BEST WIZARDS SUPPLEMENTS IN A LONG TIME!.......2007-07-06
Dunegons & Dragons players today just don't know how good they have it. Back in the ancient days of the late 70's and early 80's, we AD&D players had the DM's guide and that was about it. Sure, the Dragon Magazine always had new magic items or you could create your own but those were not "official". Today, however, Wizards of the Coast is putting out a veritable dragon's horde of new supplements regularly and among the best of the recent releases is The Magic Item Compendium. Over 100, magic items are packed into this gorgeous 286 page, hardcover tome. Everything from minor magical trinkets to artifacts and relics are included in a well organized, and wonderfully written book that is a must have for players and DM's alike.
The book is organized into six chapters on Armor, weapons, clothing, tools, magic item sets, and using magic items and is bolstered by two comprehensive appendices listing magic items by price and random treasure. One of the things that I really like about the new magic item system is the infusing of normal armor, shields, swords, with magical properties that don't necessarily make them unique, one-of-a-kind items.
For example, in the Armor/shield category, there are over sixty different magical properties that can be added to the item (as long as it is already at least a +1 item or better) to enhance its qualities. One such property is Healing. This property will heal 2d8+5 points of damage automatically when the wearer is brought down to -1 to -9 hit points...i.e., rescue from death! The Speed property allows the user to produce the effects of a haste spell 3 times per day. All of these properties can be added to armor or shields. Next, there are over 25 unique armors and shields.
The Weapons chapter is similar to armor in that it first lists all of the different properties that can be added to a +1 or better weapon, as well as the price, caster level, aura, and activation required. Again, there are dozens of different properties listed with their full effects leaving it to the DM to decide what they want to create. There are some great unique items in weapons as well. These all include full descriptions of the appearance and powers, and most of them have a drawing that accompanies the weapon as well.
The items in clothing are all unique items and run the gamut of everything from amulets and boots to gloves and rings and everything in between. Chapter four is really a hodgepodge of everything else not included in the first three chapters. Here you'll find items such as bags, orbs, musical instruments, rods, runestaffs, tomes, and more.
Chapter five's subject is magical item sets. These are groups of three to six unique magic items that provide extra bonuses and abilities when worn together. What I love about these is that they will make great items to set about on separate quests to find and locate. And it had better be pretty hard to do so because they will make for some pretty powerful characters should all the items be found.
Finally, chapter six covers the usage of magic items...where to buy them, how to craft them, where to place them in a dungeon, etc...
It felt like the good, old days again just browsing through page after page of this treasure trove. The art is fantastic as usual. One of the best Supplements to come out in a long time.
Reviewed by Tim Janson
A DM's Crowd-Pleaser........2007-07-06
I've been a DM in one capacity or another for 27 years. This product got me excited again to run a game. The pictures are outstanding and plentiful. The people at Wizards of the Coast should be proud of this one. It is obvious from page one that a true gamer oversaw ever aspect of the product. This book, along with the Spell Compendium are like a one-two punch for the same, boring, treasure trove. A few new spells on scrolls, a new item here and there with never before seen effects and the players catch the excitement as well. The only issue I had against was that the beautiful drawing of the item in question was rarely on the same page as the description, but in a way, it added to the experience of flipping through the book to get ideas. Highly recommended!
Great Book.......2007-06-30
As a long time DM I find the quick and dirty method of item levels to be a very nice tool. Plus the full reference to all the items towards the rear of the book is great for quick look ups. All and all a great book for a DM and a pretty decent book for players. The new skills that you can apply to weapons was a nice addition.
I'm a sucker for options..........2007-06-28
This book has more weapon and armor enchantments than you'll ever use! On top of that, they added relics, artifacts and armor sets. All of which are very useful. They have things for all levels of all power levels.
This is a very useful book, because it adds to every aspect of the magical or legendary equipment. If you game has a lot of magic items or even just one or two items, this book will help you expand that.
The only downside is that your next game will have way to many magic items!
Average customer rating:
- Fantastic book!
- Stats and Andy Field
- Easy Read and Comprehensive too
- Outstanding Source for SPSS
- Better than any graduate level statistics course I have taken
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Discovering Statistics Using SPSS (Introducing Statistical Methods S.) (2nd Edition)
Andy P. (Peter) Field
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ASIN: 0761944524 |
Book Description
Get the Statistics Book That's Sweeping the Nation!
Appropriate for All Levels--Undergraduate to Doctorate Programs in Every Discipline!
This new edition of Field's bestselling textbook provides students of statistical methods with everything they need to understand, use and report statistics - at every level. Written in Andy Field's vivid and entertaining style, and furnished with playful examples from everyday student life (among other places), the book forms an accessible gateway into the often intimidating world of statistics and a unique opportunity for students to ground their knowledge of statistics through the use of SPSS. The text is fully compliant with the latest release of SPSS (version 13).
Key updates in
Second Edition:
- More coverage with completely new material on non-parametric statistics, loglinear analysis, effect sizes and how to report statistical analysis
- Even more student-friendly features, including a glossary of key statistical terms and exercises at the end of chapters for students to work through, with datasets and answers to chapter exercises on the accompanying CD-ROM
- A larger and more easy-to-reference format: notation in each section identifies the intended level of study while the new 2-color text design enhances the features in the book and, together with the larger format, provides extra clarity throughout
- A companion website is available at
www.sagepub.co.uk/field, containing resources for both students and instructors: a testbank of MCQs for students to test their own knowledge; online glossary in flash card format; multiple choice questions and answers to use for class assessment – available on restricted access basis to instructors via entry password; and PowerPoint Slides of all formatted artwork in the textbook for instructors to include in their own lecture slides.
Andy Field is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at The University of Sussex, U.K. where his success in making statistics accessible was recognized with a teaching award in 2001.
"The Second Edition of Andy Field's
Discovering Statistics Using SPSS is an excellent book and a valuable addition to the teaching of statistics in the behavioral sciences. The title of the book accurately reflects the approach taken. This is not simply a primer on how to use SPSS, but is a very good statistics text using SPSS as a vehicle for illustrating and expanding on the statistical content of the book. At the same time it also serves as a manual for SPSS, and has taught me things that I had not known about the software. I find this flexible approach to the blending of content and software to be an effective way of teaching the material. It is impossible to review this book without commenting on Andy's particular style. I enjoyed it immensely and think that it would appeal to both students and their instructors. It is refreshing to see someone who doesn't take himself too seriously."
-- David C Howell, Professor Emeritus,
University of Vermont
Customer Reviews:
Fantastic book!.......2007-09-30
I could not have lived through my dissertation without this book. It finally helped me to conceptually understand statistics.
Also,(many of) his jokes are belly-busting funny. I used one humorous musing in my oral defense about Fisher's alpha levels:"I wonder how different my career would be if Fisher had woken up that day in 90% type of mood."
Stats and Andy Field.......2007-08-19
Andy's book is an excellent aid in learning statistics. If you want the executive summary (aka cliff notes), Andy provides sections where you can get a quick overview of a specific test. If you want the details, Andy provides those also in his book.
I used his book to help me in my doctoral quest, when I was in my second statistics class as a supplemental text. However, it is of a quality that any person seeking to learn more about stats will come away with knowledge of how stats can help us know more about the world in which we live.
Easy Read and Comprehensive too.......2007-08-04
In my job, I often train others how to use SPSS. This book comes up in conversation a lot. It is outstanding. I have come to the conclusion that if a serious user of SPSS's statistical features is to get only one reference; this is it. Something I have noticed is that when I meet someone that has spent time with the book, the are invariably quite good at SPSS. Even if they may not have mastered all the techniques in this large book, they know their stuff.
The Pallant book SPSS Survival Manual, which I have also reviewed, is designed to help survive a first course (and presumably last) in basic statistics. The Field book, however, could be revisited again and again, each time reaching a deeper understanding.
I already know the statistics in this book well, so I can't claim that this book has taught me the basics, but it simultaneously covers all the major topics of interest while keeping it as simple as possible. I wish I had existed earlier in my career. The main advantage to users of SPSS is that all of the examples are SPSS examples. However, make no mistake, this is a serious introduction to statistics, not merely a point and click guide. It is not current with version 15.0, but I don't think this is a major strike against it, given the excellent review of theory. If, however, you really need to keep up on the current features like I do, you will want to consider books in addition this one. Consider one or more of the three Norusis books depending on your level and needs.
Outstanding Source for SPSS.......2007-07-15
This is one of the best statistics and SPSS guidebooks that I have seen. I believe that it can be very useful for novice to expert. It is both technical and conceptual and can function as a textbook for statistics as well as an operational handbook for navigating through SPSS. Although it is based on SPSS 13.0, I have found it to be quite applicable to the SPSS version 15.0 that I am using. This book is an invaluable source for the completion of my doctoral dissertation and I would highly recommend it for the student or advanced statistician! B. Cliff, PhD Candidate, Western Michigan University
Better than any graduate level statistics course I have taken.......2007-06-14
I am a 4th year PhD student and wish I had discovered this book earlier. It is far better than any of the graduate level statistics course I have taken, and definitely better than any of the textbooks I have seen. In fact, I have thrown out all my other statistics textbooks - this is the only one I need. Aside from explaining the theory in an easy to understand way, Andy Field provides the practical aspect that no other texts or courses do (or, if they do, they fail to link it to the theory). Field shows you how to use SPSS to implement the theory in an easy, step by step way; he even tells you how to report the results in APA format. Don't waste your money on any other statistics textbooks!
Book Description
Ruby is an increasingly popular, fully object-oriented dynamic programming language, hailed by many practitioners as the finest and most useful language available today. When Ruby first burst onto the scene in the Western world, the Pragmatic Programmers were there with the definitive reference manual, Programming Ruby: The Pragmatic Programmer's Guide.
Now in its second edition, author Dave Thomas has expanded the famous Pickaxe book with over 200 pages of new content, covering all the improved language features of Ruby 1.8 and standard library modules. The Pickaxe contains four major sections:
- An acclaimed tutorial on using Ruby.
- The definitive reference to the language.
- Complete documentation on all built-in classes, modules, and methods
- Complete descriptions of all 98 standard libraries.
If you enjoyed the First Edition, you'll appreciate the expanded content, including enhanced coverage of installation, packaging, documenting Ruby source code, threading and synchronization, and enhancing Ruby's capabilities using C-language extensions. Programming for the World Wide Web is easy in Ruby, with new chapters on XML/RPC, SOAP, distributed Ruby, templating systems, and other web services. There's even a new chapter on unit testing.
This is the definitive reference manual for Ruby, including a description of all the standard library modules, a complete reference to all built-in classes and modules (including more than 250 significant changes since the First Edition). Coverage of other features has grown tremendously, including details on how to harness the sophisticated capabilities of irb, so you can dynamically examine and experiment with your running code. "Ruby is a wonderfully powerful and useful language, and whenever I'm working with it this book is at my side" --Martin Fowler, Chief Scientist, ThoughtWorks
Customer Reviews:
Good, but far from perfect........2007-08-27
This book is a great reference, but the tutorial is somewhat confusing. This has two main reasons:
1. Ruby itself is a somewhat confusing language. Really. Don't believe all the hype surrounding it. I'm not saying it isn't good, but it uses lots of concepts which aren't that common in other languages and the syntax is unnecessarily bizarre sometimes. Python has everything Ruby has, but it's *always* legible, clean and - let's face it - beautiful.
2. The top-down approach of the tutorial isn't efficient if you've never programmed before. I have a good deal of experience with other languages, so it was quite straightforward to me, but if that wasn't the case - and this book is also targeted at the newbie audience - I'd probably be lost sometimes.
That said, this is still THE book to get if you're interested in learning Ruby, at least until someone writes a better one.
Not for a Java programmer.......2007-07-26
Information is set in a haphazard manner. Cannot get a clear picture of how a Ruby program is structured.For ex: Chapter 4 is on "Containers, Blocks, and Iterators". Chapter 7 "Expressions" again has different information on Loops, Iterators, For ... In, Variable Scope, Loops, and Blocks etc.
Great book!.......2007-07-24
I decided to learn Ruby on my own and I'm glad I picked this book. It's very easy to follow and the instructions were very concise. If you're new to programming like myself, this book will be a great help in getting your feet wet.
A classic, a must-have for anyone learning Ruby.......2007-06-27
This is the book which made Ruby popular in America. I like the way they start out talking about blocks and closures early in the book. As the book notes a reviewer said about blocks "This is important!"
You must have one.......2007-06-21
Dave Thomas is surely one of the best writers I've ever seen. He doesn't treat you like an idiot, so it's perfect for experienced programmers to learn very fast many aspects of the Ruby language.
Book Description
This self-study guide for the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exam from the Project Management Institute contains everything project managers need to pass the PMP Exam, including 44 processes, and 592 inputs, tools, and outputs. Exam topics are covered and insider secrets, complete explanations of all PMP subjects, test tricks and tips, hundreds of highly realistic sample questions, and exercises designed to strengthen understanding of PMP concepts and prepare managers for exam success on the first attempt are provided.
Customer Reviews:
Passed easily!.......2007-09-14
Not sure whether this book was the reason for me passing or the PM PowerTrac CBT tool by Management Concepts (the company I work for has multiple licenses for this). I didn't really do much of the sample questions, I left that to PowerTrac; the content is pretty good though and is readable. I think the key to passing is to understand the structure of the questions and do a few example exams. All in all, my preparation for the exam was about a month, and I wasn't very disciplined either!
If I had used this book first time I would have passed at frst try........2007-09-05
Yes I passed the exam at second attempt. One reason the exam has gotten tough do not expect the question to be as easy as those that are in exercise or simulation exam. For every question you really need to know the fundamentals(as per PMI principles!!). That leads to my second reason for failing, I used much popular Rita Mulacahy's PMP exam prep book. The real problem started when I used the even more expensive PMP fast Track by RMC, each simulation test question answer confused me further. I took the PMP exam and I answered most obvious question with wrong answer. My friend suggested me to forget all other material and focus on this book. This book clearly explains the fundamental behind each knowledge area followed by Input - tools & technique - output of process within this knowledge area. If you understand and remember these gudelines thoroughly you are ready for the exam. If you are lucky and get many math questions you can score up to 70% easily. One more book which helped me was Paul Sanghera's PMP in depth, if you are an IT professional then you may find reading paul's book quiet enjoyable. Good luck.
PMP Reference.......2007-08-26
A great resource for explaining why the answers chosen in their sample exercises are correct or incorrect. This book help to solidify the readers understanding of the PMBOK.
Great book to pass the exam.......2007-08-17
I took PMP earlier this week and pass on the first try. This is a great book, easy to understand but it has its own drawbacks. My exam was really tough. I hardly had any math questions and all the exam questions were really lengthy with lengthy answers unlike the practice questions that appear as excercise and final exam. It was like mini reading comprehension on each question. So expect to see much harder questions that what is in the book. Good thing is that with PM experience and reading this book from begin to end, it will not be a problem to pass eventhough there will be many questions outside of this book. I don't know if the exam is getting tougher day by day or it was just my luck to see those kinds of questions.
Passed the PMP on the 1st try.......2007-07-28
A well organized book that will indeed prepare you to pass the PMP the first time. I reviewed this book from cover to cover twice. I took each chapter test two times and the 200 question test at the end of the book until I scored a 89%. Worth the money if your serious about being PMP certified.
Book Description
This book is your indispensable guide to cutting-edge CSS developmentall you need to work your way up to CSS professional. You'll learn how to:
- Plan, organize, and maintain your stylesheets more effectively
- Apply the secrets of liquid, elastic, and hybrid layouts
- Create flickr-style image maps, remote rollovers, and other advanced CSS features
- Lay out forms using pure CSS
- Recognize common browser bugs, and how to fix them
While CSS is a relatively simple technology to learn, it is a difficult one to master. When you first start developing sites using CSS, you will come across all kinds of infuriating browser bugs and inconsistencies. It sometimes feels like there are a million and one different techniques to master, spread across a bewildering array of websites. The range of possibilities seems endless and makes for a steep and daunting learning curve. By bringing all of the latest tips, tricks, and techniques together in one handy reference, this book demystifies the secrets of CSS and makes the journey to CSS mastery as simple and painless as possible. While most books concentrate on basic skills, this one is different, assuming that you already know the basics and why you should be using CSS in your work, and concentrating mainly on advanced techniques. It begins with a brief recap of CSS fundamentals such as the importance of meaningful markup, how to structure and maintain your code, and how the CSS layout model really works. With the basics out of the way, each subsequent chapter details a particular aspect of CSS-based design. Through a series of easy-to-follow tutorials, you will learn practical CSS techniques you can immediately start using in your daily work. Browser inconsistencies are the thorn in most CSS developers' sides, so we have dedicated two whole chapters to CSS hacks, filters, and bug fixing, as well as looking at image replacement; professional link, form, and list styling; pure CSS layouts; and much more. All of these techniques are then put into practice in two beautifully designed case studies, written by two of the world's best CSS designers, Simon Collison and Cameron Moll. Summary of Contents:
- Chapter 1: Setting the Foundations
- Chapter 2: Visual Formatting Model Recap
- Chapter 3: Background Images and Image Replacement
- Chapter 4: Styling Links
- Chapter 5: Styling Lists and Creating Nav Bars
- Chapter 6: Styling Forms and Data Tables
- Chapter 7: Layout
- Chapter 8: Hacks and Filters
- Chapter 9: Bugs and Bug Fixing
- Case Study 1: More Than Doodles
- Case Study 2: Tuscany Luxury Resorts
Customer Reviews:
Fantastic real-world solutions.......2007-10-03
I had originally thumbed through this book, subtitled "Advanced Web Standard Solutions" in my local bookstore and shrugged it off as covering pretty much most of what I'd already digested from other popular CSS books. It wasn't until a friend showed me some cool techniques from the book that I properly read though it and regretted not buying it sooner!
Though it's aimed at the intermediate web designer, it is well written and I would certainly recommend this as an essential buy for all web designers. The book begins with Clear:Left's Andy Budd provides most of the content starting with a chapter about well-structured and meaningful mark-up. It's these best practices that will help catapult you into the realms of CSS Master! It then recaps on the box model, positioning and floats, making it easy for a beginner to pick up this book and run with it, before moving into the techniques, with clear and concise examples, including a couple of good chapters on bugs and hacks.
The final two chapters are where Simon Collison & Cameron Moll step in to demonstrate these examples in two real-world showcase websites. This book is absolutely the best book currently on offer for CSS web design.
Andy's Professional Perspective: Priceless.......2007-09-29
I am a quick-fix guy. If I run into a problem with my website I look for the 1st script, code, or hack that best fits my problem, then customize it accordingly. Andy is a professional. He is less concerned about the quick-fix than he is about proper code usage and browser compatiblity on a long-term scale. If you are very concerned about the latter, browser compatibility, then this book is for you.
However, be aware, this book was published prior to the release of Internet Explorer 7. So although Andy goes indepth about the compatibility quirks of IE 6 he fails to cover IE 7. The good news is that IE 7 seems to have patched up some of those IE 6 quirks, so if you take Andy's advice and use the standards compliant CSS then you should have no problem adapting your website to more and more standards compliant browsers.
This book also gives some previews of yet-to-be-released CSS 3 as well as proper HTML and XHTML use.
Finally, as an amateur CSS programmer, I felt, before I read this book, that I was not utilizing CSS to its max. My stylesheets were limited to simple layout and typography tags. This book fully explained professional techniques that truly harness the power of CSS.
CSS Takes Practice.......2007-09-28
I found this book to be really helpful, mainly because of its clarity and simplicity. I've yet to do the 2 Case Studies included, but I intend to because reading this book has shown me that you can only master this information by doing it. Andy Budd, Simon Collison, et al, do a great job of giving you good examples to implement.
While this book has not (nor any other source, so far) answered all of my questions in one fell swoop, it has given me a much clearer overall understanding of what I'm dealing with, allowing me to come up with better questions and strategies for solving problems that come up in making a web page work across popular browsers. I highly recommend it.
Gives you control and keeps you standards-compliant.......2007-09-12
Ever tried to tame a 'stubborn' page; Where an element seems to have a mind of its own? If yes, then, Welcome to CSS Mastery.
Do you depend on Javascript to do routine formatting and menu mapping stuff? You need CSS Mastery
Need an effective common set of css methods that work on most browsers? Buy this book and you won't regret it.
Think you still need tables to help with page layouts? Read this book and think again.
Of all the good stuff I see in this book, the most intriguing for me is that HTML can actually be elegant and clean. This is mainly because Andy hand-holds you along a path of logical brevity to 'HTML-reborn': A place where HTML is allowed to do just its originally intended work of semantic markup; Where CSS controls layout and style in an inherently factorable, inheritable and maintainable way.
And hey! Make sure you read Chapters 4,5 and 7, especially.
A 7 stars book :).......2007-08-27
I have read a few css books, not all but few. For now I can only say this is the best book I've read about CSS and generaly computers. Now I'm reading pro css techniques and that book is not nearly good as css mastery even though some people say that this books are almost same.
If you want to learn modern and advanced css on easy way this should be your first choice.
Book Description
A unique blend of fiction, history, allegory, and inspiration,
The Traveler's Gift has motivated tens of thousands since its release in late 2002. Now this wildly successful parable is available in an affordable trade paper edition.
David Ponder's lost his job, his confidence, and his will to live. And just when it seems that things can't get any worse, they do: his only child falls ill, and he's involved in a serious car accident. But a divine adventure that includes encounters with seven of history's most inspirational characters, among them Anne Frank, Abraham Lincoln, and Christopher Columbus, leaves him with a glimpse of life's big picture, and seven bits of wisdom with which to confront his future.
This thought-provoking book encourages readers of all ages to reach their full potential using these simple keys to success.
Customer Reviews:
Won't quickly forget this book..........2007-09-15
My boss at work knows that I devour books, and dropped this one off at my desk a short time back... The Traveler's Gift: Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success by Andy Andrews. I read it straight through yesterday (it's short), and the first thing I'm doing after this review is ordering my own copy. This is a book I'll not quickly forget...
"Gift" is a personal improvement book that's written in story form, similar in nature to a parable. The main character, David Ponder, is 46 and has hit rock bottom (or so he thinks). Deep in debt, fired from a menial job, and concerned over a sick child, he considers taking his own life so that the family can collect on the insurance policy. As he comes to after the car wreck, he finds himself transported back in time, into the office of Harry S. Truman during the Potsdam conference. Truman is the only person who can see him, and Ponder's appearance was expected. Truman's job is to present Ponder with a written "decision", a statement that David must internalize and live out. Once the paper is read, Ponder is moved on to the next person and time. This time travel happens seven times, giving David 7 pieces of wisdom that will change his life if he lets them. Before he's brought back to reality, he's offered a glimpse of the future of his home town, a future that was possible with the seven decisions that Ponder internalized then shared with the world.
The cynical reader will likely see this as a bunch of happy talk fluff that isn't realistic. But I would counter that it's more realistic than most other philosophies and self-help books you'll ever read. The people used in the story are perfect matches for each of the learning points, and you realize that a single decision *can* have consequences that reverberate down through history and time. And the people who make the decisions are often ordinary individuals like you and me. The only difference is that they *made* the decision rather than accept the status quo.
The path to success isn't easy, but it's a matter of decisions you make on a day-to-day basis. Andrews captures this truth in a style reminiscent of Og Mandino's writings. I loved this book, and will be revisiting it on a regular basis...
Great Reading for the Dentist's Office.......2007-09-11
This book was given to me as a birthday gift, so it's not my normal reading fare, even though I do like self-help books. The story here is hokey: a guy (David Ponder, can you begin to see the symbolism yet?) is down on his luck, just lost his job; he has no money, a beater for a car, and sick kid; he just wants to end it all. (Can you feel the cliches coming?) Well, as his car spins out of control on a slippery bridge, he goes on adventure in which different (real) historical figures (like Abraham Lincoln or Anne Frank) each give him a message about living successfully.
Why do self-help books always have 7 messages? Anyway, the messages are helpful reminders of living the good life, stuff that probably wouldn't hurt anyone to be reminded of: Remember the buck stops with you; be a person of action, happiness is a choice, that sort of thing. There are no startling revelations, and the book and its messages struck me as self-evident and simplistic. One of the real advantages of the book is that it is short. So, if you are ever stuck in an airport, doctor's office, or somewhere else with poor reading material and you need to kill a little time, you might even enjoy it. Recommended reading by "Good Morning America" if that means anything to you.
I like this book so much; I keep giving my copy away. .......2007-08-29
There is no new knowledge in this book, and there was perhaps a little literary license taken with the historical vignettes; however if the overall objective was to communicate a series of points on how to take control of your life, then Andy succeeded.
The seven things that you need to do to change your life are: Take personal responsibility, Educate Yourself, Be a Person of Action, Make decisions and move forward, Choose Happiness, Forgive others, Persevere without exception.
I can't see any argument that any of these actions, done individually, will help you improve your life. We've all been told these or very similar things since before grade school.
Andy uses an old and quite effective teaching technique. He wraps the information in a story. And Andy is a great storyteller. So while there is no new information in this book, the information is presented in fresh and efficient manner.
I received a gift..............2007-07-14
I was given a gift about 12 months ago, the audio CDs of the Traveler's Gift, and have listened to them countless number of times since. I loved the story so much, I decided to purchase the book to compliment the audio CDs. The Traveler's Gift is profound and thought provoking. The messages are clear if you choose to see them. This story has changed, and continues to change, the way I see myself and my role in this world. If you're asking yourself 'why me?' then read this book.
Reminder that Attitude and Thoughts Change Everything.......2007-07-03
I've been on a reading frenzy lately because I've been in a funk and needed to snap out of it. I had been allowing my mood to let circumstances stop my progress toward my dreams. Then I picked up this book my brother had highly recommended well over a year ago. I had bought it immediately on Amazon.com and then put it on my shelf. Last night I read it. Andy Andrews, thanks for the research on 7 great human beings. Thanks for taking the time to inspire me and I'm sure countless others. You did a great job of waking me up. The buck DOES stop here. No matter how dire our circumstances, we still have the choice of what to do right now, in the midst of it, and that decision will affect our future and the future of others. This book gives 7 secrets to living the life you always dreamed of but kept missing out on. We all have a purpose. Isn't it time we lived it and stopped letting other people and other things give us excuses for anything less than greatness?
Book Description
Create music CDs and photo DVDs or even watch TV
Move your files to a new computer, or get your old PC ready for Vista
The thing that's made Windows For Dummies so successful is that it's packed with the basics you need to make Windows work. This book gets you through all the Windows Vista tasks and tripwires, including starting programs, finding files, navigating the new see-through interface, staying safe while you cruise the Internet, and much more.
Discover how to
- Find files when they're hiding
- Hook up with another computer
- Make Vista work like XP
- Block Internet bad guys
- Share a PC without sharing your files
- Fix problems yourself
Customer Reviews:
Windows Vista for Dummies.......2007-09-27
I had just bought a new computer with Vista as the o/s. Since I knew nothing about Vista and in the world of computers I am a dummy I immediately thought of this series "for Dummies" books.
I puchased it from Amazon and it was delivered within the week...even before the computer which I bought arrived. The book is very useful and Amazon is great.
This dummy appreciates plain talk.......2007-09-18
As with all the "Dummies" books I like the way Andy separates the wheat from the chaff by telling you up front which things you really need to know, and which things are nice to know but not necessary. He presents the information in easy to understand plain language and includes enough humor to keep it interesting. I find myself reading on screen help and then referring to "Dummies" to see what it really said.
Windows Vista For Dummies.......2007-08-24
The book has been a tremendious help in navigating thru the Windows Vista format. without it I was ready to chunk the computer.
A MASTERFUL COVERAGE .............2007-07-19
MOVING FROM XP PRO WAS A DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE FROM PREVIOUS
ONES. ... I AM SUCCESSFUL IN FINDING ANSWERS TO MY PROBLEMS
... WILL TAKE AWHILE TO GET THRU MY DUMMY BOOK, BUT I AM SURE MOST ANSWERS ARE IN THERE.
KEN BRONSON
Vista Vs. XP.......2007-06-12
I was pleased with Andy's xp for dummies so I bought this one mainly for help installing old xp programs on vista ,but found very little help in that department.The rest of the book is very informative,but if you own the xp book you won't be impressed.
Book Description
As anticipation of the final Harry Potter book intensifies, a debate is raging among fans about what’s in store for Harry and the rest of the gang at Hogwart's. In this book, the experts at MuggleNet.com present a wide range of hard facts and bold predictions about the most popular storylines, favorite characters, and final outcome of the Harry Potter saga. Drawing on their intimate knowledge of the previous six books, as well as tips and suggestions made by millions of MuggleNet.com fans (not to mention a personal interview with J.K. Rowling), the authors offer answers to the burning questions of Harry Potter readers everywhere: Will Hogwart's School be open for Harry’s final year and will Harry even be in attendance? Will Harry’s quest for the remaining Horcruxes be rewarded? Where do Severus Snape’s true loyalties lie? And, most importantly, will Harry survive the final battle with Lord Voldemort?
Customer Reviews:
The right and wrong answers.......2007-09-03
Though admittedly few people see much point in reading this book now that the final istalment of Harry Potter has already been read and is now safely tucked in our book-shelves, I beg to differ. I read Deathly Hallows before reading this book, and so knew all the answers to (most) questions, what drove me to buy the book was my uncontrollable curiosity. Being a fan of the website, I thought I'd help them out by buying the book, but what intrested me the most was the arguments. I don't care whether they guessed right or wrong, but how they came to those conclusions! 9/10 times the right answer doesn't matter, as long as you can back it up with sound reason and judgment, which is why I liked this book, and would still recommend it.
No point in buying it now.......2007-08-30
Not only were the predictions incorrect, Now that book 7 is out who would want to read this?
Must Read!!.......2007-08-27
After reading the final installment of Harry Potter I would def. say this a must read. First, it is a quick summary and primer of important info in the past six books. Plus, unless you are super obsessed or a literary genius there are bound to be a few things you learn in the book.
very pratical.......2007-08-23
it really does help to understand some questions you could have or did not
remember why this is there. Good to have before reading Vol.7
Well Researched Book.......2007-07-31
I bought this book just before Book 7 came out and really enjoyed it. While many of the assumptions in this book turned out to be false once I had read Book 7, it was nonetheless a well-researched book. The arguments for each stance they took - both pro and con - were plausible and quite believable and convincing. You could tell the authors had done their homework and really knew the world of Harry Potter. I think I may go back and read it again now that I know what really happens to see where they were spoton and where their ideas missed the mark. In any case, it is a great resource whether you have been a Harry Potter fan or are just discovering his world.
Book Description
As the Web evolves to incorporate new standards and the latest browsers offer new possibilities for creative design, the art of creating Web sites is also changing. Few Web designers are experienced programmers, and as a result, working with semantic markup and CSS can create roadblocks to achieving truly beautiful designs using all the resources available. Add to this the pressures of presenting exceptional design to clients and employers, without compromising efficient workflow, and the challenge deepens for those working in a fast-paced environment. As someone who understands these complexities firsthand, author and designer Andy Clarke offers visual designers a progressive approach to creating artistic, usable, and accessible sites using transcendent CSS.
In this groundbreaking book, you’ll discover how to implement highly original designs through visual demonstrations of the creative possibilities using markup and CSS. You’ll learn to use a new design workflow, build prototypes that work well for designers and all team members, use grids effectively, visualize markup, and discover every phase of the transcendent design process, from working with the latest browsers to incorporating CSS3 to collaborating with team members effectively, and much more.
Written and edited by Web design and CSS luminaries Andy Clarke and Molly E. Holzschlag, Transcending CSS: The Fine Art of Web Design
• Uses a visual approach to help you learn coding techniques
• Includes numerous examples of world-class Web sites, photography, and other inspirations that give designers ideas for visualizing their code
• Offers early previews of technical advances in new Web browsers and of the emerging CSS3 specification.
Customer Reviews:
I'd Say... this book is wonderfull!.......2007-10-04
I bought this book under an advice I took from a blog... I thought... what the heck... I know CSS, but the plain vanilla... I have read a technical book till the end (took me almost a year) and I need something different.
I was surprised...this one is a blast to read, simply put, a delightful reading, even to take it to bed :) (Depending on the company)
Great visual quality, simple examples, and the usual obnoxious tone I tend to admire in brits, even though they don't really have the need for it ;)
If Andy Clarke is as "direct" in is classes as he is in the book, then his seminars must also be a blast to tend to, the kind of classes you don't take notes...because you don't need to.
Finally I understood what meaningful and semantic CSS are... and found out that I was applying all the technicalities correctly, but skipping the basics of its usage (I tend to confuse this word with sausage) all the way!
Attention: Too many pictures of food... in bed they tend to produce some undesired urges to get up and raid the refrigerator with strange results (Depending on the company)
Great Buy --- Best web design book yet.......2007-09-06
I haven't been involved in too many designs as I am more prone to actual development coding (backend scripting). However after taking a new position that has me waist deep in both worlds I knew I needed to start spending more time understanding design aspects, process, progression, concepts, etc. This book saved the proverbial "day" for me.
Andy Clarke's masterpiece gave me an indepth view of so many different areas of web design it was hard to put down and not re-read immediately after finishing it the first time! I constantly refer back to this book for inspiration. It was written in a way that helps trigger your thought processes about how his examples and concepts pertain to your own work or work you might want to do in the future.
Excellent read and I look forward to reading more work from Clarke.
Good book, but frustrating at times........2007-08-24
Altogether this is a great book, especially the design theory, grids, workflow, and css principles, but the part where you jump into the hands on coding is poor, missing files from the download section of the site, plus parts of the coding examples that seem to tell you too input some css rules, then 2 pages later those rules are not there anymore without telling the reader, very confusing, you find yourself searching around the internet for support, but to not much avail, in the end I just gave up on the hands on section on this book, and just read the other parts, but these parts are good enough on there own to stop me from returning this book.. such a shame too, was really enjoying the writing style of Andy Clarke, seems the proof readers let him down :(.
Way more than pretty pictures........2007-08-15
"Transcending CSS" is its own example of the next evolutionary step in writing about web design. Created for designers, by designers, they are not stingy with the code needed to develop the beautiful, functional layouts. I bought this book as a "reward" for launching my first CSS-based design for a client, and it's already paid for itself by showing me how to develop my CSS skill set for current and future clients.
This book isn't really viable in today's world.......2007-08-11
This book I thought was a pretty nice, awesome looking book, and it is...
...Until he starts getting into the new CSS standard, which really doesn't help anyone on today's browsers, therefore isn't a really viable solution for now. This will be a great book in like a year or 2, but for anyone who really wants to be able to design CSS for websites in all browsers (Explorer, Firefox, etc) then this is not your book.
This guy should have stuck to the current standard, he would of been much better off.
Product Description
Hitchhikers do not travel a fixed path. They intentionally wander so they can learn and grow along the way. Embarking on the lean journey is similar, there are many roads on which to wander and no single one is right for all. "The Hitchhiker's Guide to Lean: Lessons from the Road" reveals the most critical lessons learned over the authors' combined 30-plus years of exploring the lean highways. One of the book's lessons from the road is you need to pay attention to where you are and where you are going, just as you do when driving a car. Lean leaders add value by changing things, moving them forward, and producing different results than the day before. To lead, you must go beyond creating a vision. You must develop the vehicle that will deliver it. "The Hitchhiker's Guide to Lean" is the vehicle that will help you move beyond the tools and take lean to a self-sustaining and continuously improving level. The book's 10 chapters cover lean principles and thinking, lean leadership moves, the roadmap for lean transformation, common pitfalls of lean journeys, building an operating system, lean accounting, lean material management, lean in service organizations, and how individuals can apply lean to improve themselves. The book concludes with interviews of lean practitioners on the front lines of change at Chrysler, Ross Controls, DTE Energy, RSR Corporation, and Nemak.
Customer Reviews:
Hitchhiker's Guide to Lean - great read.......2007-07-03
In today's atmosphere to do more, with less, faster, with better quality, this book was a true insight into making an organization leaner.
One of the top five Lean books of all-time.......2007-06-08
This is an excellent book, and essential reading for Lean leadership. It is also a good starting point for any Lean practitioner or anyone taking on a major change effort. Before diving deep into the problem solving tools and systems of TPS, a study of The Hitchhiker's Guide to Lean and the lessons contained within it will give you many tips for your journey. This book is clearly written, and well thought out. Each chapter offers 5 solid things to meditate on and put into practice. The passion and conviction of the authors comes through strongly. What U.S. industry needs are more thinkers and teachers like these.
Must Read.......2007-04-25
This book is a must read for any lean practioner. Jamie and Andy discuss how lean can guide all aspects of a business and the principles behind lean. The book covers every thing from kaizen to strategy deployment to accounting. Jamie and Andy break down lean in easy to understand verbiage while explaing the principles as well as discuss pitfalls and successes they have seen in implementing lean.
I can't recommend this book enough. Whether you are just strarting your lean journey or are well established in lean this book is worth the time.
This is the Lean 101 Bible!.......2007-03-15
I am a lean practitioner and have been for many years. I have been responsible for launching lean implementations in companies and am familiar with many challenges such as leadership, cultural change, company commitment, etc. This book provides all the foundational things one must know prior to going into a lean initative. People tend to think it's all about numbers and metrics. But it's also about the psychology of an organization. This book addresses all aspects! I recommend this book and John Shook's "Learning To See" as Lean 101 guides!
Useful Guidepost to Lean .......2006-10-27
Jamie and Andy have written an easy to read, and clear description of the challenges and excitement of the lean journey. It is much more meaningful coming from real practioners.
I often suggest this book for my clients who want to understand what lean is about.
Personally I often refer back to the 4 Lean Rules from Hitchhiker's Guide in supporting changes during lean kaizen events.
Books:
- Major Problems in African-American History: From Freedom to "Freedom Now," 1865-1990s (Major Problems in American History Series)
- Male Subjectivity at the Margins
- Marijuana Horticulture: The Indoor/Outdoor Medical Grower's Bible
- Moral Panic: Changing Concepts of the Child Molester in Modern America
- Myth and Metamorphosis: Picasso's Classical Prints of the 1930s
- News from Nowhere and Other Writings (Penguin Classics)
- Nixon and Kissinger: Partners in Power
- Nothing's Sacred
- Pawnee Bill's Historic Wild West: A Photo Documentary of the 1900-1905 Show Tours
- Photo by Sammy Davis, Jr.
Books Index
Books Home
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