I hate math. Memories of trying to understand long division in fourth grade can still make me squirm. Algebra was a lost year of my life - I had no idea what the teacher was talking about. Wouldn't you just guess I'd end up with a son who could add two digit numbers in his head before he started kindergarten? (I'm over 40 and I still can't do it very well) He even thought it was fun to do so.

You can probably guess that the normal elementary school math curriculum did not thrill him. Fortunately, early on, his kindergarten teacher lent me her copy of this book, and suggested that it might help him get started on understanding some higher math concepts, while still being age appropriate. The words "higher math" were not exactly music to the ears of a math phobe like me. But within a couple of weeks, after trying out a few games, I was hooked, and bought my own copy.

During the time he was in elementary school, I think we did at least 3/4 of the activities in the book, not because I thought he should, but because he wanted to. And, to my enormous surprise, so did I. The games and activities in this book are so intriguing that even I began to develop a sense of what it must feel like to really love math. (And, amazingly enough, I even got a little better at basic arithmetic.) Several of the games were so much fun, they became obsessions. We played them day after day.

My younger child, who recently finished kindergarten, doesn't remotely share her brother's love of numbers, but this year I dug out my old copy of the book to see if it might get her more interested. Sure enough, it worked. The games of logic and the games designed to develop rapid mental arithmetic skills that so fascinated her brother don't really interest her. In fact, most of the book is still way beyond her skill level. But I've found quite a few games that are appropriate for a child still struggling to add and subtract single digit numbers. (She says they're more fun than the math games they play at school). And there are several activities (Tangrams, and Color Designs, for instance) that take advantage of her love of art to help her understand math better. At the end of kindergarten, my daughter told me that her favorite school subject was math. I have no doubt that her exposure to Family Math games had a lot to do with that. And I have no doubt that we'll be using this book more and more over the next few years.

This book is great for teaching kids math. We have used it at home and while traveling. Learning math has been fun for the whole family. The exercises are fantastic, the instructions clear and the learning stimulating for everyone.

We highly recommend you buy a copy and use it with your children.

Order your copy today!

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FAMILY MATH is one of the best resources for elementary mathematics! The activities are excellent as part of workshops designed to involve parents in the math education of their children; for homeschooling families; for use in classrooms; and for having fun with math in any setting.

You must get this book!

This is my new fertility dictionary! I can look up all the technical stuff that I need to know while trying to conceive (ttc). It has given me a 'game plan' for what I need to do next. I have used this book to figure out the RIGHT questions before my doctor's visits and understand all that he said afterwards. I also really appreciate the personal stories. I have gotten down and out (even though I've only been trying to have a baby for six months) and worried about what it will take to get pregnant and hearing about other people the same as me has been kind of comforting. I have read some of the stories and suggestions about relationships to my husband as well. He and I have been at each other's throats during this process and at least it has given us some things to laugh about as well.

More so than any fertility book I have read so far, this book combines all the technical information with the emotional side as well.

Fertility for Dummies has become my new fertility dictionary! I have been trying to conceive (ttc!) for 6 months now and this book has helped me form a 'game plan' for what I should do next. I check this before and after my doctor visits to figure out what to ask and then understand what he told me! I also appreciate the stories inside. I have been down and out (even though it hasn't been as long of a struggle as some people have described, so far) and worrying about what it will take to get me pregnant and it helps to hear about other people the same way. Also, my husband and I have been at each other's throats during this procedure and it helps to read him parts of the book that talk about dealing wtih relationships too. If nothing else, it lets us laugh together again.

This has been the first fertility book that I have read that gives me both the technical view as well as the real life emotional stuff.

Having just hit the 2 year mark in trying to conceive this book is long overdue. One of the authors is an IVF nurse and the other is a 3 year infertility success story. They cover everything from starting out naturally through the whole IVF experience. They captured so many of my feelings and experiences, from being the human pin-cushion with endless dr appts to dealing with those difficult baby showers. It also has a great Cheat Sheat that covers common terms used on all the fertility message boards, the 5 most important tests, and normal blood test results during a cycle. It is filled with personal stories and I came away from it knowing once again that I'm not alone. I'm thinking about getting it for all of my friends and family members who have shared my experience so they can have a better idea of what it is all about. My last two years encapsulated in a Dummies book. Thank you Jackie and Sharon for taking the time to write such a comprehensive and important book.

My first favorite television show was "Twelve O'Clock High," the story of the 918th Bombardment Group of the U.S. Eighth Air Force, stationed near London during World War II. I read the novel by Benrie Lay, jr. and Sy Barlett on which the series was based when I was in the sixth grade but did not seem the movie with Gregory Peck until years later. Because of this television show I fell in love with the B-17 Flying Fortress bomber. When we were driving from California to New Mexico I saw a B-17 outside of Modesto and for years kept hoping we would travel in that direction again so I could see the plane. But it was about a quarter century before I actually got to see a Flying Fortress up close and climb up inside and see how small those "giant" planes really were. And, of course, when I finally drove through Memphis I made a point of going out to Mud Island to see the "Memphis Belle" (41-24485), which was the only model airplane kit that I bought twice.

All of the above should explain why I picked up "Final Cut: The Post-War B-17 Flying Fortress: The Survivors." The point of this book is simply to acknowledge that the era of the B-17 is finally drawing to a close over fifty years after the Boeing Model 299 first left the drawing board. After decades of combat, military, and civil use there are but a handful of Flying Fortresses still actually flying. "Final Cut" accounts for virtually every B-17 still left intact on some corner of the globe. It is not only a compilation of what B-17s can be seen where, but also a record of the diverse uses these airplanes were put to after World War II. After proving itself as a the heavyweight bomber of the war it segued into roles such as air-sea rescue, weather and photo reconnaissance, test-beds for engines and electronic equipment, cargo and administrative transport, drone and drone controller use, covert CIA activities, and airborne radar platforms. That was just in the military. In civilain use surplus B-17s were put to wide use as air tankers, sprayers, transports, test-bed, and, of course, film production.

"Final Cut" is a fascinating record of these planes, even flagging certain planes with asterisks because these are incomplete or badly damaged airframe that are still identifiable and may be eventually used to build up complete aircraft. That is the sort of attention to detail that you have to admire. Scott Thompson's book is divided into six main part: (I) The Dust Settles talks about the end of the war; (II) Post-War Military Use of the B-17 covers the use of reconfigured and redesignated Fortresses; (III) Civil Use of the Flying Fortress, including a chapter devoted specifically to Motion Picture and Television Use; (IV) The U.S Survivors which lists 33 complete aircraft and five partial airframes; (V) Other B-17s in the World, listing another dozen aircraft from New Guinea to the United Kingdom; and (VI) Appendixes providing Serial Listing of All B-17s Produced, PB-1W and PB-1G Serial List, B-17s Surviving Through the Post-War Period Including Civil and Preserved Examples, B-17s Issued Civil Registrations, Air Tanker Serial/Civil Registrations, and Selected Post-War Foreign Military And Miscellaneous Listing. There is also a Bibliography and Index in the back of the book. The book is richly illustrated with black & white photographs of each plane at various points in its history (there are some color plates in the front of the book). For those who consider the Flying Fortress to be a very special aircraft, "Final Cut" would be a welcomed addition to their library (and, yes, there is a picture of the bomber that played the "Picadilly Lily, N3713G).

There have been many books published on the legendary B-17 bomber. But most of them cover the combat history of the plane, devoting only a chapter or less to the post war use of the planes and to the surviving aircraft. "Final Cut", on the other hand, is different. The book focuses solely on the non-combat use of the fortress, in roles Boeing designers never imagined the aircraft would do. Uses of the planes in the military such as target drones, air sea rescue and experimental work are shown. Civil uses include fire bombers, air mapping and transports (One plane even served with the CIA). There is also coverage of the planes that weren't so lucky and even discussion of Hollywood movies featuring B-17s such as "Twelve O'Clock High" and "The Best Years of Our Lives".

But where this book really shines is in the survivors. There are a few pages devoted to each survivor, with text and photographs explaining about the individual plane. The text of each section details the plane's use during and after its military service and eventual concludes with its current whereabouts and condition. The photographs help cover the lives of planes such as "Memphis Belle", "Shoo Shoo Baby", "Sentimental Journey", "Nine O Nine" and "Fuddy Duddy". Overall, a great source for millitary and avation buffs alike.

all sorts of post-war B-17's - from crop dusters to gas stations to heavily modified B-17's. A Must have for the B-17 fan.

I really enjoyed this book from the begining all the way to the end. The characters were real, the writing was griping and I can hardly wait for the next book in this series.

Donald Thompson's Characters could easily be friends of mine. He brought them to life and made them unforgettable for me. Who would have thought that a science fiction book could also be a romantic novel. I can hardly wait to see what he comes up with next.

Donald Thompson grabs you by the lapels on the very first page and he doesn't let you go until it is over with - on the very last page. Who is this guy and where has he been? I want more!

This book is the best tool I have read to improve upon the game. It provides a valuable tool in the scoring card.
No doubt more poeple would play the game with these well-writtem and truly helpful books.
It is a great companion to the authors' other works, especially Mah Jong Illustrated. SLZ.

After five years of playing this game weekly with the same group of four, we thought we'd covered all the strategic moves possible. This publication has made each of us players rethink our playing styles and open our minds to thinking differently about the game of Mah Jong.

This book is an uncomplicated read for such a complex game. We eagerly await the next publication!

Having a basic knowledge of the game I was looking for a book to improve my hands. This book covers special hands and has great illustrations of each hand which are clearly drawn and easy to read. This book also provided an overview of the differences between the Western and Chinese games. In other books I've found the sections on scoring to be tendious and off-putting, however, this book describes it clearly and gives examples. In summary: A great graphical book for a game that is quite graphical!

James H.W. Thompson was a legend. Born in 1906, he served during WWII in the O.S.S which later became the C.I.A. His real claims to fame however were first as the 'Thai Silk King' and secondly as a missing person rivaling Judge Crater and Jimmy Hoffa for mystery. This book should have inspired several others on Thompson since he lived such a legendary and fascinating life. Sadly, this is really the only authoritative book out there on him. Nearly 36 years have done nothing to dispel the myths and rumors about what may have happened to him during a fateful weekend in the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia (Easter weekend of 1967). For those who love a real-life mystery, tantalizing clues, possibilities, and innuendos keep the reader guessing as to his possible fate. You won't find any definitive answers here, but what you will find is an extraordinary life laid out in the most entertaining of biographical narratives.

Bought this book on a recent trip to Thailand. Have known of the many stories surrounding Jim Thompson and wanted to read the definitive book on the subject. Unfortunately, I'm no further ahead in learning the solution but the book is fascinating and a page turner.

And since the author is a true fan of Jim Thompson, is what HE wrote the truth or is there still more out there?

This book will just make the reader want to know more.

I began this book on Christmas day while visiting Singapore after having spent a few days in Thailand. My son wouldn't give up possession of this book as he was also reading it. It just was made available this Spring in the U.S. I can't wait to get a copy and finish it! It is a great mystery story and also a fascinating account of a man who was instrumental in revitalizing Thailand's silk industry.

I just finished reading C. Bradley Thompson's "John Adams and The Spirit of Liberty," and am in awe; not only of John Adams but of Dr. Thompson's masterful explication of Adams' political thought.

I had no idea what a debt of gratitude I owed to one man, John Adams, who more than any other Founding Father developed and provided the intellectual framework that became the Constitution of the United States. At the very least this book should be required reading for any person who is interested in pursuing a career in politics.

To all of you who are interested in understanding the intellectual founding of this country I urge you to read this book. You won't be able to put it down.

And to C. Bradley Thompson, I salute you and thank you for your efforts in resurrecting the reputation and honor of this great man.

John Adams and the Spirit of Liberty as a co-winner of the 1999 Best First Book awad from the Foundaions of Political Theoy section of the American Political Science Associatio. The award citation reads as follows: "In John Adams and the Spirit of Liberty, C. Bradley Thompson offers us a thoughtful and compelling revisionist account of Adams's politics and political theory. Thompson begins by showing how Adams's critical rethinking of Calvinism led him to reject it in favor of a Lockean conception of the problem of liberty, social order and political authority. The question of politics and government, then for Adams, was how to protect the natural liberty and rights to which each freeman is entitled through constitutional arrangements that are the work of philosophy, reason, and free will rather than grounded in tradition and common law. By posing the problem in this fashion, Thompson argues, Adams developed the most systematic science of politics of all early American political thinkers. This science of politics is grounded in Baconian principles of science, the lessons of history, and a science of human nature. From these foundations it is possible to identify the distinctive requirements of modern (vs. classical republicanism) and the imperatives and principles of political architecture. In the process, Thompson demonstrates that Adams's prescription for political life was both complex and original. Rejecting both direct democracy and classical republicanism, Adams opted for a republican constitution that would constrain and elevate the passions excited by commercial society. Indeed, it was Adams's belief that a properly constituted public sphere would help cultivate the kind of modest virtues among citizens that were preferable to the vaunted glory of classical antiquity. In demonstrating the complexity and depth of John Adams's politics and political thought, Bradley Thompson provides us with a cogent argument for reconsidering Adams's place in the Founding period and the relevance of his thought for contemporary politics."

In the company of Jefferson, Madison, and Washington, John Adams' significant contribution to American political and intellectual life is often overlooked. This well-written, thoroughly engaging text seeks to put Adams in his rightful place among the Founders of our great nation. Professor Thompson provides a thorough analysis of the development of Adams' political thought: his early philosophical and religious thinking, his revolutionary writings (including the brilliant "Novanglus" pamphlets), and the mature thought of Adams the statesman. Readers will finish this book with a profound awareness of the unique philosophical revolution which fueled the American Revolution, and they will come to appreciate that Adams was (like the author) a brilliant mind. As a former student of Thompson's, I thoroughly appreciate this book.

Uncompromising, fearless, and accurate--this is the one I've waited for. Finally, a Christian who boldly tackles issues like sweatshops, the World Bank and IMF, militarization and its effects on poverty, America's role in arms sales to the Third World, the environment, and world peace. The facts, figures, and graphs are there for anyone who wants them, but it's not a dull government-style book. It's rebellious and astounding, and makes you feel like taking action. It's also loaded with relevant scripture examinations and lists of resources (organizations, books, nonprofit agencies) who attend to the issues Thompson raises.

Enough with silly sunday School classes about stories and opinions; THIS should be the textbook of sunday School classes of the truly justice-minded churches of America.

J. Milburn Thompson's book Justice and Peace is an excellent introduction into current global issues and Christian ethics. It is up to date, very readable and great for anyone who is looking to gain a better understanding of issues like poverty, human rights, the enviroment, weapons & disarmament, the post cold war world and the Christian response. It could easily be used for underclassmen in college or as a book for seniors in high school.

This book by Prof. Thompson fills a gap in Catholic teaching on peace and justice. I would hope that this book gets wide circulation among clergy, especially deacons in the Catholic Church. This book gives a very good historical overview of the wide range of issues that Christian peacemakers face in the world.

As good as this book is as an introduction, I think an exploration of the fundamental principles of Catholic Social teaching would round off the presentation. Also, there is a need to discuss practical application of Catholic teaching such as Princpled Nonviolence and grassroots praxis.

The range and depth of the book is a welcome addition to a growing attempt by Catholic theologians and ethicists to apply the Gospel to the "signs of the times". Kudos for a job well done ! One will eagerly await the second volume of Christian praxis.

Keith had a fascinating life... although he and I went to the same school, I feel everyone will identify with his message. Read it!

I did not understand nor really enjoy Keith Harings work until I read his journal. His thought processes that develope in the book talk about what he was trying to acomplish with his work. Knowing the angle that he was working from gave me a much deeper appreciation for his work. I think this is a very valuable book in understand Keith's views and philosophies behind his work.

Keith Haring is unbelievably talented. He is one of my favorite artist's--and in his journals I got to understand where some of his compositions came from---If you like his work and you want to know where some of his ideas came from. Check out this book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If, like me, you want to teach yourself Latin so that you
can read the Vulgate and the Breviary, then you have only
two choices of introductory texts that I know of: Scanlon &
Scanlon's "Latin Grammar" and John F. Collins "A Primer of
Ecclesiastical Latin". Both texts are intended for
classroom use.

Collins slowly introduces you to Latin grammar while
building up your Latin vocabulary. Scanlon & Scanlon tend to
push you through the grammar more quickly, relying on
cognates early on to help you cope with the vocabulary.
Scanlon & Scanlon supply accent marks in all their texts and
vocabularies to show you which syllable to accent; this is
very helpful if you are teaching yourself. Collins provides
macrons to mark long vowels in his texts and vocabularies;
these suffice to let you figure out for yourself where the
accent is, and they help you appreciate the meters used in
classical poetry. For those who care about such things,
physically Collins is clearly superior, with larger pages
and larger type and plentiful margins.

My approach to teaching myself Latin is "Teach me the
grammar, give me a dictionary, and let me at the text". So
I much prefer Scanlon & Scanlon to Collins. If you want to
take the grammar more slowly though, you'll probably
prefer Collins.

Honorable mention goes to Gavin Betts who wrote an excellent
textbook, "Latin: A Complete Course (Teach Yourself)", that
is intended for self-teaching. Unfortunately, its emphasis
is almost entirely classical. Still, Classical and
Ecclesiastical Latin are similar enough that it makes a good
supplement to either Scanlon & Scanlon or Collins.

Whichever choice you make, once you start reading the
Vulgate, you'll certainly want Leo F. Stelten's "Dictionary
of Ecclesiastical Latin". Neither the Cassel's nor
Chambers-Murray dictionary is adequate.

This remarkable book is a good place to start for anyone trying to learn ecclesiastical Latin, especially those who are interested in understanding the Mass or the Divine Office. This is the first of a two book series written for seminarians and novices who may have had no previous knowledge of Latin and needed to learn it fairly quickly (the second book is called Second Latin).

This book won't make you an expert Latinist, but it is most useful for anyone who desires a reasonable understanding of the language, particularily if you are interested in understanding the Latin used in the liturgy. Readings from the Gospel of St. John are introduced in later lessons (the second book focuses more on the use of Latin in theology and cannon law). This first book does a decent job of covering Latin grammar completely; although, the explanations of grammatical constructs are a bit brief. It was written in 1944 and so presumes that the reader has had some exposure the the Latin Mass, but it won't be much of a hinderance if one hasn't had any exposure to the Latin Mass.

Overall, this is a wonderful introduction to the Latin used by the Church, and I heartily recommend it to anyone.

This book is excellent preparation for reading ecclesiastical Latin. For reading the Vulgate, the extensive vocabulary at the back makes it a handier reference than a standard Latin dictionary. The emphasis here is on reading: all exercises are Latin into English - none are English into Latin. It lacks diacritical marks, although it does mark the accented syllable. Readers seeking a primer to prepare them to read church Latin appear to have few choices, but this is a good one.