As of late, political consultants have become convenient boogeymen. It seems whenever the American people decide they'd rather be apathetic than devote a few minutes out of their day to voting or whenever a politician is caught breaking the law, it somehow turns out to be the ultimate fault of political consultants. And so, every few months or so, we get a lot of people demanding a lot of new laws and vague terms like "campaign finance" get tossed around by commentators who obviously haven't got a clue as to what they're actually talking about. Yet somehow, nobody ever seems to really bother with, say, investigating what campaign consultants actually do. Luckily, veteran consultant Dennis W. Johnson has written "No Place For Amateurs," an inside look at campaign consultants that manges to avoid the anti-consultant hysteria of most recent insider books while at the same time never embracing the shallow arrogance of the "how-to" books of consultants like Dick Morris (who is featured in the opening chapters of Johnson's books and -- no great shock -- comes across as an egotistical cad). Chapter-by-chapter, Johnson explains, in detail, what pollsters, direct mail consultants, and advertising gurus actually do. He also explains how political consultants came to be so powerful in American politics and shows that the situation isn't quite as bad as we might think. At the same time, Johnson doesn't allow himself to be a shill for his fellow consultants. He does highlight some trouble spots and the reforms he suggests manage to be both effective and fair without resorting to the hysterical fearmongering of so many other reformers. As well, Johnson's book is also full of several entertaining anecdotes from previous campaigns and it should be a lot of fun for people with a taste for political trivia.

This is a great read - especially for news and politics junkies. Johnson writes with authority, candor and humor about real people involved with real campaigns and facing real ethical issues. Not only does the book describe the tools and techniques of modern campaigns, but it provides real insight into their strengths and weaknesses when used in varying situations.

I have to admit, though, the best part of the book is the anecdotes. You get a sense of the decision making speed required in the chaos that surrounds candidates and staffs. In fact, you may actually gain some sympathy for the people who choose (or are driven) to enter the political arena.

If you liked The War Room or Primary Colors, you'll love this book.

Both my 9 year old daughter AND I loved this book. This is a wonderful story, appropriate for all ages. It is a story of healing, understanding, and of course CROCHET! If you are a crocheter, give it to the person who taught you how to crochet - she can be your "Irene" as in the book. Highly Recommended - it is quick and easy reading, too.

Any one who is -- or is related to -- a Holocaust survivor, any crocheter, anyone who has lost family treasures: all will regain perspective, hope and insight from this inspiring, healing story. Faye, any chance Mia would share the pattern?

This book will make you remember why you wanted to begin painting. It's beautifully written, with words that uplifting and inspiring. It has instruction that would be considered the nuts and bolts of a good painting, though you won't get real step by step how-to's. He paints beautifully and in the truest sense, you feel that you are witnessing a true artist and teacher and that this can't help but inspire you to greater and more rewarding work. This is NOT for beginners by any means. I was slightly disappointed that there were not real hands on exercises on anything, rather more like discussions of what is right or wrong in a painting or method. All in all, an incredible book by a very talented and gifted man. It will make you feel like you are being transported to the threshold of the old masters's world.

After having received the book I feel that I got more than I
paid for.
This book is a wonderful addition to anyone's "art collection".
If you collect art, are an aspiring painter or an accomplished
artist...this book belongs in your library!!
Thanks Robert!!

Here is another best book of Operations Research (OR) application with theory. Even though this book was published in 1974, it's quite comprehensive. The fundamental with extension are shown with example -as necessary. The title shows "production planning", "scheduling" and "inventory", but the contents are more on "inventory system". The fundamental of inventory system is the basic idea to apply further analysis of quantitative supply chain system. This book is a valuable resource for anyone who's interested in Inventory system, Production planning and OR application.

i want information about simulation of an inventory model. in this model amount demanded is change form priod of time to another period of time. at any period we have a new setup cost and a new holding cost . we want to find the optimum amount and cost.

This was an excellent book, not only from the stand point of the information and content, but delivered in such a way that it was a great read too! When I first got the book I was a little intimidated by its size but I flew through it. A great book; well researched and well told! I hope Hillary takes on some more timely and stirring subject matter!

This is a detailed, encyclopedia of knowledge pertianing to the history of CFIDS, including it's recognition by the CDC, and the doctors who have dedicated their lives to people with this illness. This is a must have for anyone with CFIDS. Osler's Web provides information about mismanagement of funds by the CDC, the common misdiagnosis by Mayo Clinic, and other important facts for anyone seeking treatment.

PAIN AND OTHER PETTY PLOTS TO KEP YOU IN STITCHES is an amazing, visually delicious book. The authors and artist have created a wildly eccentric universe where bizarre is normal. Only with creativity freewheeling at its fastest could these images and stories emerge.

In Pain and Other Petty Plots, Alan Clark has created a masterpiece of biological and psychological dysfunction that will leave the reader's relationships with hospitals forever scarred. Through a stunning array of paintings and stories, some written by collaborators, Clark guides the reader on an unforgettable journey through his sly and cruel mythos about a medical facility staff in the service of pain. Surrealistic torment and human folly serve as the foundation for a unique vision that disturbs while it amuses, and ultimately serves as a warning on the limitless possibilities for self-destruction in all of us.

Perfect company for those long waits in doctor's offices or hospital clinics. A must for ER visits.

-Gerard Houarner, author of THE BEAST THAT WAS MAX; ROAD TO HELL; VISIONS THROUGH A SHATTERED LENS

My boss has this book to get ideas for designing custom homes for high-profile clients. I have read the book from cover to cover but every time I open it, it seems like I discover anew more pictures & details of these beautiful homes. These Palm Beach houses were built as if they were competing with one another for the title of 'most splendid work of art'. Most are not sprawling mansions or overly complicated expressions of the wealth of their owners. They are, however, fine examples of the architecture of Palm Beach summer homes of the 1920's priveleged upper class.

I love this book. Of course It would be nice if there were floorplans. And as usual one closes the book wishing he could see more photos of each of the houses. But there are many stunning photos. Kudos to the photographer. It is well worth the money and I will get it someday if I can no longer borrow it from my boss.

This fine coffee table book is filed with wonderful photographs of a small selection of some of the finest mansions in the country. The ranges of houses from Adam and Regency, to simple clapboard, to Spanish/Moorish is excellent. The text is informative, accurate and well written. If interested in South Florida fine architecture, this book is a must.

In People in Quandaries, Wendell Johnson presents Korzybski's system of general semantics in an engaging and easily followed way. He takes a step by step approach to explaining the formulations so that someone with no prior knowledge of the system can understand it. Johnson concentrates on applying the system to solving personal problems, and has produced one of the best 'self help' books ever written.

In "People in Quandaries," the speech pathologist Wendell Johnson describes the causes and effects of the IFD cycle. In this series of reactions, I, unrealistic expectations and ideals, lead to F, frustrations, which discourage us, and may delude us with even less realistic expectations or ideal; the IFD can quickly become viciously circular.

Probably the IFD cycle affects almost everyone to some degree: who doesn't have some ultimately frustrating expectations? But instead of letting our frustrations discourage or delude us, we can and should learn from them; some mistakes may prove worth making for the sake of the discoveries they lead to.

"People in Quandaries" includes some semantic exercises with which we can learn how to learn; by recognizing the limitations of our expectations and language, we can learn to see beyond them.

Having just finished Destiny's Godchild, I was eager to read Diana Johnson's sequel. Her knowledge of history and love of her subject is remarkable. This book is a fictional story that brings to life many characters from history who helped to form our destiny long before Charlemagne's reign. One of the most heartwarming characters is Charles Martel (Charles the Hammer). Ms. Johnson takes you from his unwanted birth to the heart stopping war where his army of foot soldiers defeated the well-trained Muslim horsemen under extremely unequal circumstances, thus saving Europe for Christianity.  You will marvel at the fictional character Egar's wisdom and insightfulness as he mentors Charles' wife throughout her life. Charles' strong character and unyielding integrity will give you a real-life hero taken from the pages of history. Definitely a must read!!! Val Middler Middlebrook, author of "Val's Victory: Defeat was NEVER an Option."

Diana Johnson does a great job of blending history and fiction in this book. She has brought Pepin de Vain's family tree to life and has woven the events that surrounded these lives into a story line with lots of intrigue and excitement. Anxious for the next book!!