If you don't have the latest Newton's, you're not doing telecom.

If Amazon had a 20 star rating system, that is what this book would get. I keep mine located between my PC and my phone in the office...which is where I use it the most. And I use this book, literally, every day. I have only found one item I have looked for that I could not find between the two covers (a FHSS encoding method at 1Mbps). I emailed the author and it is due in the next revision. Most of all, don't let the title decieve you! This is NOT a straight telecom book. Need info on cellular, paging, wireless LANs, data networking? It is ALL there. This is the most used book I own and I own hundreds. The best investment in a book you will ever make!

How do you improve on perfection? Hard work and new content. We may be in the middle of a once in a lifetime industry downturn, but Ray Horak and Harry Newton certainly haven't been laid off. They're busy getting us reading for the next innovation wave with the 19th edition.

I give copies of this book to every student who attends TrainingCity.com Voice & Data training classes, and everyone loves it!

...but were too afraid to ask.

Or, like the inside book cover says "the Strunk and White for the next century".

Or, sometimes it's square to be tooooo hip with language and it's uses. Correction: MOST the time it's square to be too hip with language and its uses. (Can we talk, can we e-chat or are you going to be too, too obscure? In order to pose as some unapproachable form of hipness, nowness?..but that, my friends is another issue.)

Ms. Bruder says that success in life--career advancements, material gains, even love--is associated with how well and accurately one uses the english language. Knowing the when to use lay and lie, knowing correct spellings of words, knowing not to say "between you and I" and when, if ever, it is correct to use sentence fragments...these are just a few of the topics she writes about in this highly entertaining book. Throughout the book are deliciously funny malaprops sent to her by her reading audience called "Goofy Goofs" and "Typos of the Weak". These are Dilbert-like faux pas which find their way to print and into the corporate offices, the newpapers and other official documents which may only require that one last person to double check before sending out--oops! Too late. Some may say that is the case for some of my written work here. At least I am aware of my need for improvement and I am attempting to be better at the game...Ms Bruder indicates we all could stand some improvement.

One of her pet peeves is how Valleyspeak has filtered into the spoken language arena. We are not just talking about the totally tubular slangswages, but when, like when someone is talking? And they sound as if everything they say? Ends like a question? Do you see?

Also, she says that grammar teachers in grade schools across the USA are being unproductive teaching sentence diagramming. This is a complete waste of time. Something akin to a phonectic type of recitation--thinking or speaking to oneself about what would be the subject, verb, modifier(s) in sentences--and always, always working to identify them (even waaay beyond the grammar school years.) seems to be the way which is more effective for learning.

There are "Worrysome Words" sections which gives simple, straight ahead definitions of those bugaboo words we have trouble with whenever we see them in print, you know? The ones we 'kinda, sorta' remember learning the definitions of in an english class once upon a time? Ms Bruder also throws in a bunch of punctuation and spelling quizzes, the infamous "its versus it's" usage and the ways our popular culture has affected the language. (Yeah, she gets on ads like "good like a cigarette should" and "nobody doesn't like SL" AND the politicians who should know better not exactly being up to par.)

The upshot of all of her cheerleading for the proper uses of the language is that she is called "the Grammar Lady" or the "Miss Manners" of the language. I know I always appreciate a little help with grammar use, here and there, as I make my way up. (Although many of my critics may disagree.) This is one of the sources I use from time to time. Bruder's style is light hearted and easy to digest, and very easy to enjoy. And, with apologies to her, my humble endorsement of this work will be: "You are gonna luv this".

I just read the excerpt and ordered this book. I learned English in Germany, and we had to go through the grueling and rather boring grammar and sentence structure drills (in German it's subject-object-verb). Yet, had I not had this foundation, I would have drowned in American regional slang such as "I says", brrrrhh! - I want this book because I'm sure I'll learn a thing or two without falling asleep over it.

I've considered myself a scholar of this amazing language for the past 19 years, but it's never been a drudgery as long as I had the right tools. From what I've read so far, this book might just rank in the top five.

The title of this book really caught my eye when I was perusing store shelves this evening and I ended up in a cozy chair in the back of the bookstore totally absorbed in this fantastic read. Mary Newton Bruder is a natural at writing about the importance of grammar without making the reader feel like a big idiot for not knowing all there is to know. She provides humour, like "Typos for the Weak" (those little weirdnesses that happen with spell-check;-) and she helps the reader strengthen their chops by featuring fun quizes throughout the book. The bottom inch or so of almost every page is dedicated to a Weird Word: a word that a reader didn't know the correct spelling, meaning, or pronounciation of and had to ask the author to clue them in on it. I enjoyed Mary Newton Bruder's style, it was very laid back and humourous, forgiving and understanding, while that it IS important to have decent grammar in today's world. I admit, I need this book! I don't think anyone will feel they are being lectured or put down in any way, or made to feel stupid. This book embraces people at all levels of skill and encourages all of us to make an effort to improve communication and honor the English language while keeping the tone light and fun.

I thoroughly enjoyed the on-the-edge quality of Unusual Destiny.
I read it in bed with all the lights on, and my 38 special under the pillow. Reading between two worlds is the kind of experience devote's of this genre will enjoy. I have only one question for Ms Newton: When can we expect a sequel?

A must read for the serious mystery fan. Anna is a tough talking, street smart investigative reporter with a demanding editor who wants everything yesterday. She refuses to be intimidated by strange people and strange events, which interfere with her getting the story. Along the way she meets a handsome stranger who makes her heart flutter and an elderly lady who warms it. A rich feast for lovers of suspense.

I was captivated by the adventures of Anna Freeman. The paranormal activity in this page turner kept me in suspense until the last page. A GREAT read.

I sing and Amazing Grace is one of my favorite hymns. I'm also a nontheist. I'm pretty comfortable with those two seemingly incongruous facts, but I thought I'd read Steve Turner's book Amazing Grace to see if other folks like me had made it into the text. I'm also an Arlo Guthrie fan and I figured I'd do some fact checking on the version of John Newton's story Arlo tells when singing Amazing Grace in concert. Folks like me show up towards the end of the second part of the book and Turner indicates that Arlo is aware that his version is condensed and inaccurate.

The first part of Amazing Grace is the story of John Newton and how he came to write the words to what is now America's favorite hymn. I learned a lot of history, especially of the slave trade in the 1700's, while getting the non-Arlo, complicated version of Mr. Newton's life. The second part of the book follows the history of the hymn post-Newton. Turner has done his homework and I especially enjoyed learning about the history of the hymn in the 1800's, including how Amazing Grace picked up the tune we now sing it to.

I highly recommend Amazing Grace to fans of history, music, and, of course, the hymn Amazing Grace.

I just led a church service about "Amazing Grace," and Steve Turner's book served as my main resource. I read it cover to cover during the process, and found it highly intelligent and interesting, with far too many "tidbits" that I wanted to include in the service and couldn't! I encourage the reading of this book AS a "pleasure read," not just as research material.

I particularly appreciated the section on contemporary versions of "Amazing Grace" and its impact on the secular community. As a Unitarian Universalist, I was greatly cheered to find one of our ministers quoted on the impact of the hymn on those who don't necessarily believe in a divine presence.

The discography of AG recordings included as an appendix was also hugely valuable, as I compiled a CD of recorded versions as a "party favor" for my (small) congregation. Turner's correct when he says it's a "select" discography, but he got most of the really good ones!

I love Steve Turner books, and I love the song Amazing Grace. What a combination!...a work of history that reads like a good mystery novel! I couldn't put it down until I'd read it from cover to cover. This book has everything...a great redemption story, both for the man, Newton--and his song, which didn't really take off until someone put the perfect tune with it a hundred years later. Turner manages to present the context of Newton's theology in a scholarly way that will be informative, but not off-putting to those who are not into reformed theology. The secular life of the song is fascinating...to see how this song was popularized, and now touches millions. To me this song has what we wan't all music to have...something that touches our insides in a way we can't describe, but we know that it makes our lives more complete. And the biggest surprise of the book?...Newton became a slave-trader AFTER his conversion, and only opposed slavery much later in life. Considering how slowly America has repented of it's historic racism, there may be a lesson for us all as we see the sanctification that occurred over time in Newton's life.

There are a fair number of Newton biographies, this one is the most comprehensive and thorough, with a full treatment of the development of Newton's scientific and mathematical thought. What is remarkable is how rapidly Newton mastered the essentials of the techniques of his contemporaries, quietly reaching the forefront of knowledge, this in a few years, and without much prior training before his arrival in the world of Cambridge, where he flowered at once despite the almost defunct educational status of this university. The myth, however, of the annus mirabilis needs replacement with the reality of the anni mirabili, next to the near abandonment of mathematics for some years as Newton's concerns passed to encompass something broader than pure physics and his deskdrawer 'calculus' still embedded in geometrical formalisms. The final composition of the Principia in the wake of the coaxing forth of De Motu is grounds for thunderous applause for Halley who had the presence of mind to grasp who he was dealing with and the politic manner needed to communicate/negotiate with the reclusive prime mover of theory. His great work complete Newton is off to rescue the coinage at the Royal Mint,thence to the forgettable episodes of the priority quarrel with Leibniz. This work is slow but superb on all aspects of Newton's life.

This is the most authorative biograghy of Newton, the greatest genius of all time!! No need to add more words to praise him. Though the book runs over 900 pages, you would be reading the book breathless until the last page!!! ( similar view from other readers. )

This is in the same class as Ray Monk's Wittgenstein biography or Martin Gilbert's Churchill.

I couldn't put it down until I was at the back page, many dozens of hours after I began!

It left me exhausted but enriched!

This sets a standard by which the modern science biography should be judged.

Westfall says something to the effect that the more you know about a person, the closer you get to them, but in Newton's case, the more we learn, the more mysterious he becomes.

You won't be disappointed.

This is a pretty good book that tells you about how to make a movie without a lot of money. There's a lot of good nuts and bolts info. But if the thought of haggling and begging for everything doesn't strike you as very fun then you might want to look elsewhere. Also, DV film is changing so fast that there's a world of technical info that makes books like these obsolete the by the time they get published. (Props to the authors for noting this themselves)

Collaboratively written by film production experts Dale Newton and John Gaspard, Digital Filmmaking 101: An Essential Guide To Producing Low Budget Movies is a highly practical and informative guide to the creation of low-budget movies utilizing innovative film making technologies and the personal computer. From how to handle digital video equipment, to scripting and casting, production and distribution, to working the film festival circuit, Digital Filmmaking 101 is a superbly organized and presented resource recommended for all aspiring student and independent filmmakers.

This is the book I've been looking for. If you are looking to make your first digital feature or short, this is the place to start. After purchasing 15-20 books on shooting film and video, this is the book I wish I had read first.

The book describes in plain terms (without being patronizing) what is needed to produce a digital feature. From finding scripts, to casting actors and crew, all the way through to post-production and distribution, this book will guide you all the way. It gives examples of special effects, breaking down your script and creating a shooting schedule, sample actor and location release forms, even inexpensive meal suggestions for feeding your cast and crew during production!

Dale Newton and John Gaspard know their craft. They've shot feature films in both film and video formats, and have many essential tips for the low/no budget filmmaker. The book is written with a sense of humor. The authors laugh at some of their mistakes while helping us avoid those same problems.

If you are a novice or budding filmmaker but need a little direction to get started, this is the book for you.

Fantastic photography in another large book from Versace. This book captures the 'rock chic' glamourama which the late Versace excelled at creating. The association between 'Rock and Roll', and art is full indulged here creating a empirical illusion to the Versace dynasty. The glossy presentation of the images also adds to an overall feeling of luxury. The only reason I have not given this book the top rating is for its inclusion of Elton John - who makes me sick. So what if its expensive, luxuries like this don't come cheap. ciao,

Maureen Farquhar (maureenfarquhar@yahoo.com)

Gianni Versace was a designer who loved to push the envelope. His clothes were a mixture of extremes: sexy, sleazy, colorful, tacky, and elegant. One adjective you'd never find in a sentence with the word Versace is "boring." His clothes commanded--and often got--attention, which is why he was such a favorite among celebrities such as Madonna, Elton John, Liz Hurley, Courtney Love, Prince, Jon Bon Jovi and even Princess Diana. This book is a fabulous, eye-opening collection of vivid photographs of models and rock stars in Versace: from Prince to the members of British boy band Take That. Some outfits are more releaving than others, but they're all unmistakably Versace. Diana herself is also included in the book, along with a few words of praise for the designer. Tragically, Versace was murdered in the summer of 1997, but his spirit and influence live on. This book comes highly recommended. Drop it on your coffeetable, and your guests won't want to put it down.

A must have book for all Versace fans.

Carol Williams has written a gardening book that is as instructive as it is eloquent, as practical as it is spiritual. I found the book at the library, just after I (nervously) embarked on my first garden. I quickly realized it needed a permanent place in my home, and I bought my own copy. As a rookie, I savored its useful advice and encouraging tone, but with each year of experience, I return to it for so much more. Just a great book.

I've given this book as a gift to three people, each of whom raved about it.

Carol Williams provides a comforting stroll through the pleasures of growing a garden that is a place of comfort and pleasurable change.

She reminds us that the garden we build today will change as we change, and that the changes bring wonderful opportunities. She stresses that we should enjoy the process of planning, building and growing a garden, rather than rushing to a finished product.

This book is more than a "how to" on growing and arranging veggies and flowers in your garden, although there are many great gardening tips and techniques included.

There are many things to be learned in the growing, the germinating, the flowering, the pruning, the harvesting, the compasting, the living, the dying, and most of all the watching. This book is filled not only with practicalities for the gardener and philosophies for the human being, but philosophies for the flowers and practicalities for life.

I read this book when it first was published, so I am obviously not in the best position to critique it at least a couple years later. However, when it comes to James Dean I am an admitted addict and have read almost everything that has been published about him over the past 30 years. What makes this book a standout is that it concentrates on Dean's death as opposed to his life. It provides very detailed information re: his last ride and how his death and the subsequent hoopla surrounding it was handled. It also provides quite a lot of previously unpublished material in regard to the period immediately before and after his death. The author has saved us all a lot of pain and irritation by researching this material in a factual and precise manner.
What makes this book a positive departure from the other Dean book is that there is no psychological stuff about Dean's tortured youth or attempts to affix a death wish to him, just a lot of good hard facts. Joe Friday couldn't do a better job in that area.
The best part of this book? It sticks to the truth and makes for an interesting read.

Beath makes the death of James Dean a very personal experience for the reader. This is not a book one reads and forgets - the reader has participated in the author's passionate search for the substance behind the tragedy and the reader is changed. I'm ready for more from this author.

The most amazing aspect of Beath's book is the original and innovative research. Basically, Beath was the first Hollywood biographer to dig into public records--traffic reports, lawsuit testimony--and uncover facts about Dean's death that had been previously overlooked. If Pulitzer Prizes were not the preserve of Manhattan writers and their pals, Warren Newton Beath of Bakersfield, California would have won one for this book.

Booby Seale's "Seize the Time," though not well written, is essentially a primary source of the Black Panther Party--written by the Party's courageous co-founder. Much of the book focuses on the work and vision of Huey P. Newton. I was very much struck by Seale's unquestioning devotion to Newton. Having read other books by or about Party members, I realize from reading this classic book that Seale was blind to many of Newton's contradictions. At the same time, however, Seale seemed devoted equally to the freedom and self-determination of African people.

Both of these leaders took the African struggle in America to another level. They put into practice what the great Malcolm X said about "making it plain" and to defend one's self. As hard as it was, they worked to simplify the struggle rather than intellectualize it. Unfortuneatly, however, they spent more time having to overcome relentess pressures and attacks by Oakland police, the FBI, the racist judicial system, and the entire White racist society.

Seale's book is not a critical analysis of the Party, like for instance Elaine Brown's book "A Taste of Power," but it does bear witness to one of the most radical organizations ever developed in America.

This book was very, very good. Easy to read, lots of information, flows well. Covers the history of the Black Panthers from their formation in 1966 to 1969, Seale dictated the book while locked up in jail on bogus charges. This book got me interested in the Panthers, I knew almost nothing about them until I read this book, and I stayed up all night reading it, because I couldn't put it down.

Seize the Time shows the true colors of an American life. It not only shows the racial injustice but opens the eyes of the majority in our United States. It gives a detailed account of the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense from its conception to the time Mr. Seales wrote the book. This should be a required text in the American school system to wake those who might think we have equality. The book relates to the lives of all American citizens the same as it did thirty years ago. It shows the institutional racism in its purest form, through the police and the government.