Great and complete book but under the Mi-2 Hoplite it says that the US Army uses it. Also under the Mi-24 and Mi-8 it says similar statements. Maybe in fact the US Army does use these three russian helicopters but not likely we are a license user. Probably captured aircraft, during the gulf war the US captured a Mil Mi-24.Anyway great book and i encourage everybody interested to get one.

I am an aviation enthusiast and I am quite happy with this book. This is the fourth Jane's guide I own and I must say it fulfilled my expectations, even though I would have liked a little bit more detail on each model discussed.

This pocket reference is very detailed with all of the latest military helicopters in service around the world. From the Alouette to the Rah-66 Comanche, this is the latest up to date book that you can buy on military helicopters. This book is for anyone who likes to read a little about their favorite military helicopters that are in service anywhere in the world!

This is a fantastic book on using S-Plus. I would have given it 5 stars had its treatment been given in a more clear way. Nonetheless the S language is well presented and many statistical analyses are sampled using S-Plus. In fact, this is also a strong applied stats book, with S code given for each topic.

This is an *essential* tool for anyone using S-Plus. The book is well laid out, supplementing and complementing the manuals. In addition, the authors provide libraries that expand many of the routines in S-Plus. If you use S-Plus and do not program directly in S yourself, this book should be on your shelf.

this is the 'bible' of numerous statistician using Splus or R. Ripley and Venables are two of the builders of S/Splus and they're still involved in many projects regarding this topic. The second edition is very complete and make Splus computing easier.

I totally loved this book. If you love books about New Orleans, the history and people who live there, this is a must read!!! Ripley has put so much detail in this book I could not put it down. I really felt like I was right there. Mary (the herione) is a STRONG women not the usually "WIMPY" women that are in romance books. I have to agree with the reader from Tuscaloosa, this is one GREAT BOOK! Read it over and over again!

History, love and adventure are held within the covers of New Orleans Legacy by Alexandra Ripley. She combines her talent for fiction writing and the history of one of the nation's most mysterious cities to entertain. Imagine being a 16-year-old girl without a family and only a small box filled with various family heirlooms as a link to the past. After graduating from a convent school, and learning of her father's death, Mary MacAlister sets out to learn about her family and heritage. Her quest for knowledge leads her to New Orleans where she meets an array of characters ranging from a madam to a plantation owner to a Voodoo queen. Her adventures and troubles start on her journey down the Mississippi. She encounters illness, trickery and loneliness. But there are good times too. Mary becomes part of a family, independent and a heroine to many. And of course there is romance. Mary learns that sometimes a man's intentions are not all that innocent and love is not all that easy. Mary MacAlister's story is not the only great thing about this book. Ripley researched the history of New Orleans and its people to be able to honestly depict the city. At the end of the book she places a disclaimer about one inaccuracy. Ripley's portrayal of New Orleans, the people and the history is superior to any other. New Orleans Legacy is for anyone who wants to curl up and get lost in a good book.

Ripley doesn't just write about the South; she takes you there. Her descriptions of New Orleans, homes and even the shops are so vivid one can truly live in each moment along with Mary MacAlistair, the lively character the story evolves around. Her life takes so many twist and turns it's amazing to realize that it all happens in the space of a year. From the age of sixteen to seventeen she's experienced more then most would over the space of a lifetime. She jaunts through the adversity in her life with a very uplifting attitude until she briefly determines it's a dog-eat-dog world she resides in. However, events unfold and she again finds the 'chin up' frame of mind that has made her the delightful character that is Mary. I enjoyed this book as much or more as "Charleston" and "Leaving Charleston". I did feel that the ending unfurled a bit to quickly and lacked the build up that other important parts of the book offered. Overall, it was a most enjoyable read and I highly recommend it.

The writer, who has obviously worked at creating a breezy, humorous style, has created a fun read. His hero is entertainingly dangerous and the dialogue sparkles. The ending is somewhat of a let down, but I'm going looking for his earlier efforts anyway.

You can't put this one down. As funny as Robert B. Parker (whose blurb graces the cover) and as gritty and real as Elmore Leonard with dialogue that crackles and action that sizzles. Cole Springer, a new and enigmatic tough guy, holds off the bad guys while protecting himself and mob money-launderer, Max Shapiro, from mob-killers and the FBI. How he manages to pull this off makes for a slam-bang ending. Hard-boiled and fast-moving, this one fills the bill. Very satisfying. Aspen, Colorado makes for an exotic setting for thugs, unethical feds, and a mob hitman with a mid-life crisis who is one of the most unique and complex fiction characters of recent years. 'Gambit' contains two unwittingly hilarious thugs (Auteen and Ray Dean) a couple of tough guys who are the Abbot and Costello of the underworld and will have you laughing (and cringing) at each appearance. A must read for any serious crime fiction fan. This is the start of a series and is set to be released by MGM as a motion picture starring Kurt Russell. You'll find this ride a roller coaster of danger and laughter. Ripley is fast becoming one of the best mystery writers around. You'll be glad you picked up this one and will look forward to the next installment (Due out in February 2004).

W.L. Ripley is a wonderful addition to the Elmore Leonard school of novels. Great characters, great plot, and a driving pace. Highly recommended.

This would be a great book for a coffee table - except that it is HUGE! It's hard to figure out wherer to keep it. The book itself is good.

All real. Yep.

All believable? Hell no.

That's the point! Gotta love it!

This has so many cartoons and pics and stories, it's really well stocked with fun info. I've had it for years and keep stumbling across new fun stuff!

This book really brought me back to my childhood. Back to the days that my brother and I used to fight over a Ripley's book that we had when we were young. But then again, my brother and I fought over a lot of stuff when we were kids. I enjoy the book much more than any of the T.V. shows they've aired.

Written by the world-renowned correspondent and journalist, Tim Ripley, "SS Steel Storm" is a strictly no-nonsense, chronological account of the major battles of Himmler's dreaded Waffen-SS Panzer Divisions on the Eastern Front from 1943 - 1945, beginning with von Manstein's counter-offensive at Kharkov.
Albeit an interesting and factual documentary that dispells many of the myths surrounding the major Eastern Front battles (for example, the misconception that the titanic clash of armour at Phrokorovka during the Battle of Kursk involved a one-off, set-piece, slugfest between thousands of German and Soviet tanks is set straight in the chapter on the battle),I found Mr. Ripley's treatment of his subject a tad on the dry side. For the avid military enthusiast who relishes a rivetting fast read, this IS NOT your cup of tea! True, the text is laden with facts, figures and useful appendices, as well as being awash with scores of maps and b/w photographs, but it unfortunately reads more like a high-school history textbook than a dramatic treatment of one of history's most gifted fighting formations. The total absence of eye-witness testimonials is exactly what lets down an otherwise informative book. That "you are there" aspect so important for the student of this theatre of WW2 has been gnored for reasons unknown.
If you are a newcomer to the Eastern Front, you may want to buy this book for the wonderful facts and figures it provides so generously - and if you can afford its not-so-generous cost. The expert may want to give it a miss.

while highly recommended, I don't think I'd pay money]. I only paid [money] a couple of years ago. Guess I made a good investment. ... Anyway, since I'm such a die-hard Waffen SS collector, I most likely won't reap the return as I have no plans on selling it.

i consider myself a student of the eastern front wars, and have seen my share of bad books. This book is good about what it claims, ie role of waffen SS in the various eastern front wars. clear and concise with some very good photographs.

I agree with the reviewer who noted that this book gives a different perspective than the typical Cold War paranoid view of Cuba. The changes in Cuba from trip to trip were evident in the author's descriptions. Clearly, the book is slanted toward the Cuban people and away from the Castro regime. However, it did give a nice view of daily life for the ordinary citizen. After a while, though, the book seemed to drag on. Overall, though, it was nice to have a new view of Cuban life, and it clearly showed how the embargo is only hurting the Cuban people.

In a time when US activists will argue that a young boy should not be reunited with his Cuban father, C. Peter Ripley's Conversations with Cuba is an important book. In a distillation of his experiences gathered in multiple visits to Cuba in the 1990s, Ripley introduces the reader to the changes taking place in Cuba. Combining his skill as an astute observer and articulate writer, Ripley challenges the language and imagery long used in the west to isolate and create mistrust of Cuba and its revolution.

Conversations with Cuba makes plain that a diversity of opinion exists within Cuba about the revolution. Ripley discusses the dual problem Cuba faces as it transitions to a capitalist economy while continuing to care for its people as promised by the original revolutionary cadre of Fidel, Che, and others. Ripley learns that the struggle to achieve these potentially conflicting goals creates dissatisfaction for some, while for others an abiding faith in the revolution persists. Through the revolutionary affirming experience of his "fixer", Paulo, Ripley asks the reader to reconsider the long-held, rarely questioned stereotypes of Cuba. Just as Paulo reconsiders his views about the revolution, Ripley offers hope that the US can abandon the negative views of Cuba and consider the island and its people as they really exist.

In a time when US activists argue that a young boy should notbe reunited with his Cuban father, C. Peter Ripley's Conversation withCuba is an important work. In a distillation of his experiences gathered in multiple visits to Cuba in the 1990s, Ripley introduces the reader to the changes taking place in Cuba. Combining his skill as an astute observer and articulate writer, Ripley challenges the language and imagery long used in the west to isolate and create mistrust of Cuba and its revolution.

Conversations with Cuba makes plain that a diversity of opinion exists within Cuba about the revolution. Ripley discusses the dual problem Cuba faces as it transitions to a capitalist economy while continuing to care for its people as promised by the original revolutionary cadre of Fidel, Che, and others. Ripley learns that the struggle to achieve these potentially conflicting goals creates dissatisfaction for some, while for others an abiding faith in the revolution persists. Through the revolutionary affirming experience of his fixer, Paulo, Ripley asks the reader to reconsider the long-held, rarely questioned stereotypes of Cuba. Just as Paulo reconsiders his views about the revolution, Ripley offers hope that the US can abandon the negative views of Cuba and consider the island and its people as they really exist.

Actually I'd give this book 2 1/2 stars. The settings and everyday details of life in Joseph of Arimathea's world are so descriptive I felt like I was really there. But the author uses coincidence too much as a plot device. She also introduces details that seem unbelievable. Example: Ella tells others that at age 8 (or so) she "didn't know about God"--what? A child raised in a Jewish household two millenia ago didn't know about God? Also, NONE of the Phoenicians Joseph sailed with for years as a young man EVER find out that he has befriended the Celts, for which the (implied) punishment would have been Joseph's death. I also tired of reading about Joseph's sexual (mis)adventures--a lot of that seemed added in for titillation. Read this book for its fascinating historical backdrop, not the storyline.

The first 500 pages of this novel deserve five stars. It tells the story of Joseph of Arimathea, beginning when he runs away from home at the age of 12. His father is a bitter man who wants to keep his son safe on the farm in Arimathea. (His own father had been murdered by the Romans by order of Herod). The adventures of young Joseph as he learns to be a sailor are marvelous as is the background. The Mediterranean world ruled by Rome comes to life and you are absolutely there. Not content with that, we also travel on a secret mission to Great Britain for tin, but the author obviously loves the politics of Rome. I've seen the famous "I, Claudius" and got confused. This novel covers much the same period of time but makes a lot more sense. The rulers of Rome seem like real people, as does Joseph as he rises to power. Joseph wants to beat the Romans at their own game so to speak, following the old cliche that "the best revenge is living well". He works his way up to wealth and power to the point where it seems perfectly logical that that the Emperor Augustus should turn to him and ask how his old friend Herod is! All that is interesting and most novels would end here, once Joseph has made it to the top. However, he is also a religious Jew, or would like to be. Something that gives the novel power is his endless struggle to figure out what compromises he can make and still be Jewish. That's a modern struggle. He never finds an answer. He reaches middle age and feels a little empty and dissatisfied. Then personal tragedy strikes and he becomes desperate to find meaning in a life suddenly meaningless. One of the many strengths of A Love Divine is the way it gives feel of Roman politics and how inevitably they were leading to the crucifixion of Jesus. Unfortunately, by this time, we are at page 516 and suddenly the story speeds up. Joseph becomes a Christian, decides to be an apostle, tries to preach, starts traveling and we rush along not having time to get to know all the new people and new situations that are being introduced. From here to the end the novel is a little disappointing in comparison to the first 500 pages. The story being told is so vast and sweeping that it cries out to be two novels or even a trilogy. Too much is crammed into the final 200 pages so the result is a novel that is merely good instead of superlative. It is still one of the best historical novels I have read and highly to be recommended just on the basis of the vivid picture of the times. It can be read with enjoyment just for the history, although you'll be left remembering Joseph and several dozen of his friends.

This book is a must for people who enjoy historical fiction. Ripley takes all of the facts and legends about Joseph, blends them with the historical context of Israel, and comes up with a beautiful, story that just could be true! I couldn't put it down!

Standard Chart of Account for bussines related to forfaiting trade and balance sheet format and profit & loss statement.

Our consulting staff considers this book to be one of our most valuable resources when clients ask us about receiving accelerated payment for their export sales. We recommend this book for financial and marketing executives, especially those with smaller companies that have a need for a continual cash flow. John R. Jagoe, Director, Export Institute.

I have read this book, checked the examples and the syntax. It should find its place on the desk of every newcomer and professional who wants to be active in this very particular market. The author is not only well known and respected in the market, he is also willing and able to share his knowledge and experience, which he does excellently. This book can definitely recommended. END

While this book seems fairly complete as a guide, it certainly is for total novices, not only to B&Bs but to those running their own business as well. Much of its information is common business sense in its foundation and offers little that one would not realize on one's own-unless they had never run any sort of business in the past. Even an individual who has operated a business for someone else, especially if that business were in the service industry, would know much of the basics found here. Most obviously lacking is any discussion of the value or how-to of Internet marketing, research, promotions, reservations or purchasing. Secondary to that is a lack is discussion on yield management, rate versus occupancy managment and adapting one's room rates to current occupancy and market room-availability and other market forces. The author also provides no discussion of purchasing principles or the advantages of economies of scale that can be gained with co-oped or group purchasing ventures.

Tells the nitty gritty of running the business aspect of a B&B without going into the details of how someone should decorate. With running one so hard it was nice to see the bery clear and well laid plans to help keep an inn running smoothly from taking care of guests to taking care of yourself at the same time. I would recommend this book before someone lays out any money and gets themselves neck deep in trouble from inexperiance.

I just read a library copy of this book, and now I'm buying my own copy for future reference. It was filled with essential information about innkeeping, and not just for those who want to start a two to three bedroom B&B in their house. Most of the information was applicable to small inns and hotels, as well. It is definitely the best book I've read on the subject so far (out of about six books).