If there is one standard handbook for cartridge collectors as well as for "everyday" users, this one should be named foremost. It covers a very large range of current and obsolete cartridge both from the metric and the "imperial" (read: British and American) measurement systems, civilian and military alike. A number of the better-known wildcat and proprietary cartridges are also treated. Almost all cartridges are illustrated (though mostly not with measurements, which are confined to some cumbersome tables at the end of the chapters). While this book is not "the bible" and still contains many (often just minor) errors and inaccuracies, it is infinitely useful, and the well-known new editor, M.L. McPherson, has already made improvements over the previous (7th) edition. I strongly recommend this book as a "must buy" for even a very small firearms reference library - you will end up using it daily.

I bought this volume with the intent of studing old and obsolete british big bores from the "golden era" of africian hunting. I was a little disipointed with the completness of the section, but i realize at the same time that the author cannot realisticly cover every possible cartridge ever made in a rifle....All in all it is a title proud of the unofficial title given to it by those in the gun industry....."the cartridge bible". It also has many corrections in this volume that needed to be made because of past editions. The extra tidbits that the author makes in the different sections of the book about the history and the power of the cartridges make the book more than a reference book but makes it a great reading book also......i look forward to upcoming editions.....

A well written, comprehensive, and fun to read book. I have gleaned much information from this reference which goes beyond standard lineup of cartridges presently encountered by North American hunters and weekend warriors. Anyone interested in history of small arms ammunition (pistol and rifle) should do themselves a big favor and read this book.

This is a the book that made a difference in my lfe. Because of it, I spent vacation time on the Eastern Shore and even made a pilgrimage to Tangier Island. I have become fond of the little critters and am really fascinated by their life cycle and habits. I wish the author would write more books like this. I can't understand the one negative review in this series unless the reviewer has a hidden agenda.

I have treasured this book that was a gift from my late grandmother who was a native of Norfolk, Virginia and lived along the Chesapeake Bay during her entire life. Beautiful Swimmers is one of the finest books in my library. I have both a hardbound and softcover copy. This book brings "The Bay" to life in a very rich and abundant way. Warner has accomplished a perspective that places you comfortably among the waterman and the life of the Chesapeake Bay. Having grown up in coastal Virginia, this book allowed me to gently return to my childhood and my times spent in pursuit of blue crabs to sell to neighbors for pocket money and for my family's dinner table. A fine read! I highly recommend this book.

This book is so easy to read and so full of information that I have an absolute craving to revisit it every year or so. I have never read a book so often (and I read and reread constantly). Having spent my summers on Maryland's Eastern Shore and having visited Smith Island, this book absolutely takes me home to a wonderfully simple and fascinating way of life. Who would have ever thought that the common blue crab was so eloquent a creature...I'm sold!

A Review by Anna

Two seventh graders from Pasadena, CA have a friendship they think we'll last forever, but Cady and Nana have to face something someone their age should never have to. Nana has cancer, and whether or not Nana or Cady want to believe it, Nana will die from this. It shows the journey in Cady's mind and get to expierence these long months ahead of her and all the triumphs and setbacks the two of them have to deal with.

For me, this book went kind of slow, it took quite a while to get into this book, and like the title says it was very predictable. Although I think someone the age of these girls could relate to parts of this story and how Cady feels. In this book, it shows that every young girl goes through times where they don't get along with their moms, and so does Nana! I thought that this book was alright. I recommend Sort of Forever for someone around the ages of 13 or younger. One more thing was it was easy to read, and you could understand the vocabulary well.

I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone over the age of 14, because it would be too easy of a reading. But if there was a death surrounding your life, it could maybe help you cope with the tragedy, especially if you're young like Cady.

If you like to read books of friendship, and reality you should try this book. In this book you will see two very loyal friends deal with life and death. Nana is dealing with cancer, experiencing all of the emotions that go with a life threatening situation. Cady, her best friend is staying by her side, helping her cope with her illness. Cady and Nana show what true friendship is all about, helping each other through profound difficulties. Luckily I've never had to deal with these problems. I felt their friendship helped me see what it would be like to deal with a sad situation. Even though this was a sad book, I really enjoyed it.

"Even if she does pass away, she'll still be your friend. Even in the weakest condition she always has been," Cady's mother said. "Your right, she will be my friend forever. Sort of forever," Cady mumbled under her uncontrolable tears. I'll never forget the time I read those lines. Tears started to trickle down my face. This is no joke. Sally Warner writes the perfect dialouge to make you sob every time you read. When you start reading everythings allright. Nana and Cady seem to be the complection of perfect friends. But then Nana gets weaker and weaker. Warner puts you right into Cady and Nana's minds. She takes you through there lives step by step without skipping one single part. You can easily tell that she carefully took her time to detail and write this book.
Directions in reading:1.get book 2. find a spot to read 3. turn on light 4. grab a box of tissues 5. open book and read 6. have tissue ready! You may need to follow these steps when you read this book. Sally Warner brought into this world a great book that will bring a tear to your eye. It is definitely worth your while to read this book. Even if you don't care to much for sad stories this will teach you why having a friend to lean on is so important. SUBMITTED BY ... A 12-YEAR-OLD READER.

An excellent account of the destructive war between Athens and Sparta from 431 to 404 B.C. The book details three theaters of war--mainland Greece, Sicily and Asia Minor. Thucydides is probably at his best when he details speeches given by various statesmen or generals (even if they are most probably fictitious or highly suspect). This book is, in my opinion, much more engaging than Herodotus' "Histories". I would try to convince anyone to buy this book. Read it!

It is always fascinating to pick up what is regarded as a classic and read through it in a naive manner, not as a specialist but someone who just wants to learn. There are always surprises.

In contrast to the looser Herodotus, his near contemporary, Thucydides sought to record an "objective truth" of the great war between Athens and Sparta, in the 5C BC. He consulted multiple sources and carefully judged what to include and what not to include, in accordance with his evolving idea of what really happened. While some of the forms, such as made-up speeches, differ from what we would do today, he set a new standard for accuracy. THe result is a work of genius, the first serious attempt at writing history rather than merely storytelling.

Reading this is not always fun. There are long sections that are lists of occurences, with references to individuals who appear and disappear without followup. But there are also penetrating analyses of remarkable characters, such as Perikles, Alcidiades, and other great generals, who became reference points to the present day. Thucydides also covered political science - how institutions actually functioned - in new ways, with demonstrations of how the unleashing of passions led to their corruption or distortion. Finally, there are chilling sections with timeless insight in human conduct in war, with the full horror of the breakdown of all order and law.

THis translation is also emminently readable, far better than the rigid and more literal one I first read in college. THucydides is quite eloquent in this version. There is also a good introduction to put the work in perspective.

Thucydides, half a generation after the "father of history" Herodotus, is an amazing, analytical, concise (though side tracking) trip through one of the most interesting ancient wars.

Historical arguments run as to the exact order that the text should be presented in, but this appears to be the excepted norm. A thoughtful and deep look into the war that tore apart the ancient Greek world, this is the original "Clash of the Titans."

Thucydides employs the use of rhetorical and artistic forms to put forth major speeches and to give us a glimps into selected sections and minor scirmishes that led to the war between Athens and Sparta.

Rather than the traditional Homeric theory that Wars happened because of the actions of a few people in high places, Thucy. looks to larger social and international reasoning. There is no "it's because of the gods," but instead a deep look at human nature and the way that we behave.

A general in the war, and later this historian and writer, Thucy. looks at the human condition logically and uses a medical perspective to break things down as if war, and even human nature were a disease that we have yet to cure. This is genius.

He begins with the theory that the only important things are: men, money and ships. This returns again and again throughout the entire work until we see how ironical this statement was, and that he has been slowly dragging us along to follow his theories.

Wonderfully writen and amazingly ahead of its time, this history should be on everyone's shelf; after they have read it at least once.

This book is hilarious! It's so much more than just run-of-the-mill political humor. This is smart, biting and just plain funny. The cartoons add a whole new dimension to the humor and this Bush is so much more entertaining and likable than the guy in office. I particularly enjoy his fascination with baseball and comic books. Finally, a politician I can relate to.

Modern Humorist for President!!

Modern Humorist will make the next 4 years so much more bareable. Especially with My First Presidentiary. I love the letters to Hector, (especially the one with Bush telling the stories of when he got 'busted' by Laura and that was a hard time in his life, just like Hector is having now. "I didn't know that someone could walk so many miles to school each day without shoes. Maybe we could move a shoe factory in there, and you could work there, and they could pay you in shoes for making shoes!") the letter to 'Mr. Castro', and The Exectutionator. Thank you Modern Humorist! (I wonder if Bush has read this book... and if he's watched SNL lately?"

Did you know that George W. Bush draws infantile versions of Marvel Comics characters like Mr. Fantastic and The Thing? That he scrawls moronic rebus puzzles to help him remember the names of his staff? That he's a mentally impaired stooge of big-money Republican Party puppet-masters? Okay, maybe you already knew that last one, but the first two and many other startling revelations are contained in this laugh-out-loud funny offering from Modern Humorist, the funniest humor machine in the world today. This book shows you everything that's going on in George W. Bush's mind, so not only is it funny, it's really short. If you like The Onion, Saturday Night Live, Conan, South Park, or Al Gore, you will love this book. Buy it TODAY -- or, if you're really busy, TOMORRROW!

The TEA exam is not easy, it will test your ability to read, solve math story problems, and complex investigations. I took the exam this morning and I have to say that this book is by far the best out there. Many of my questions were very similar to ones in the book. I wish I would have memorized every tip in this study guide before I took it because I probably would have aced it. For a tough exam it's the best available.

If you are serious about passing the test, buy this book and find a high school algebra book to study. The math section is the hardest section to master. Spend most of your time doing sample word problems and reviewing how to set up the equations. With the aid of this book and an algebra book, I passed the test recently. Relax when you take the test and remember the study tips. This book is the best that I have seen to date.

I checked out both this book and the Learning Express 'Complete Preparation Guidebook to the Treasury Enforcement Agent Exam' and can honestly say that the level of difficulty in the Steinberg book ('Special Agent Deputy US Marshall..) is more in line with the actual exam than the Learning Express book. I only had the better book for 2 days prior and the amount and depth of material it covers regarding the most difficult parts of the test far outweighs that of the Learning Express book, (the math and investigative portions). Also, the Learning Express books sample test questions do not even compare to the actual exam; they are simply far too easy and can give one a false sense of confidence. In some instances, age might make time an issue because one can only take this exam once per year, as in my case (there is an age max for the TEA position of 37 by certification). I used the better book for two days and passed the exam the first time! Don't be fooled; do it right the first time.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I truly admire Kurt Warner conviction to his Faith, his family and perseverance. Kurt seems like a down to earth guy who has a strong support system. Kurt was given an opportunity and he took full advantage of it. In truth, this book is about an Every Day Guy who makes it to the Big Time and hasn't forgotten who he really is. Nothing out of the ordinary here, very easy to read.

The one thought that kept coming to my mind as I read about Kurt's circuitous path to NFL stardom and the various setbacks along the way was: "Man! THIS is where I would have given up!"

This inspiring first-person account of Kurt's high school and college career, the rejection by the Packers, the humbling supermarket job to make ends meet, the Arena League, NFL Europe, the last-place Rams, and finally the "Story Book Season" was amazing enough. Intertwined in Kurt's amazing story is the equally amazing story of Kurt's wife Brenda and her children, her son's freak accident, her divorce, meeting Kurt, living on food stamps, the death of her parents.

Through it all, they grew in their faith in God. If ever there was a story that validated Romans 8:28, it would have to be this one.

Kurt represents all that is execellent in the NFL today. The NFL needs more Kurt Warners!

An easy and enjoyable read; not a Hemmingway or Vonnegut by any stretch but it certainly tells a compelling story. I told people to draft Kurt Warner for their fantasy teams when he became the starter for the Rams because I had seen him play (in person) for the Iowa Barnstormers and his accuracy was unreal. I already knew a lot of his background but the book really examines in detail the hardships Kurt faced and the perserverance and faith he possessed on this wild ride. Simply put, Kurt Warner's story is a story for the ages and possibly the greatest underdog sports story of all time. What he did in 1999 and early 2000 is almost incomprehensible but he did it, and the NFL will never be the same. Plus, he is a genuinely nice guy. Sometimes nice guys do finish first.

My friend recently purchased a Bible (New Living Translation) and allowed me to exchange my Bible (New King James Version) with hers. I am an instructor in a Seminary and therefore very picky with the versions I choose to read. I usually prefer either the New American Standard or the New Revised Standard Versions. However, I found the NLT to be an inviting one. While I was sharing my experience with the NLT with my other friends, one of them, Karen Davila, who is a popular, award-winning, television journalist here in Manila, Philippines (GMA-Channel 7) mentioned how pleasant it was to read the NLT. It was a '...perfect way to start your day...'

A few of my students who are freshmen enjoy the version too. I will request our Library that we acquire a few copies. A colleague of mine is thinking of purchasing one. Frankly, I probably would go back to NRSV/NASB when I teach or write, primarily for the reason that they are much closer to the original languages. But, for daily quiet time and while keeping my journal, the NLT looks like an appropriate choice. I thank the Lord for all those who invested their time and efforts in giving all of us the NLT. God bless you.

The much anticipated revision of the Living Bible (LB) was just recently released. The new revised Bible is being called the New Living Translation (NLT), advertised as the "publishing event of the decade." Many who have read and used the LB for personal Bible study loved its simple and easy-to-read language. However, the LB, while praised by many, both scholar and laymen alike, for its easy-to- understand prose, had to be checked against and compared with other more stricter or literal versions. The LB was noted for containing errros in certain texts. Kenneth Taylor had used the ASV to produce the highly readable LB. It is not a literal translation, based on the original Hebrew and Greek Scriptures, but a paraphrase of the Scriptures and it tended to reflect some of the views of the paraphraser and not necessarily what the original writings said.

The LB has become a successful and popular Bible version, with some 40 million copies printed by 1996. In order to produce a more accurate translation, based on the original Hebrew and Greek Scriptures, a group of some 90 Bible scholars got together in 1989 to work on a revision of the LB. Their goal was to create a Bible translation that is accurate and yet reads like the LB, a paraphrase of the Bible. Did they achieve their goals? A comparison of the LB and the NLT will answer that question.

The Tetragrammaton :

One major difference between the LB and the NLT is the complete removal of the divine name from the NLT. The NLT says in its Introduction that it was decided to render the Tetragrammaton as "the LORD", following a custom that is practiced by most modern English versions of the Bible. The LB, in contrast, used the divine name, rendered as Jehovah, many times throughout the OT. The NLT, only contains the name in two footnotes in Exodus 3:16 and Exodus 6:3. The footnote reads "Hebrew Yahweh; traditionally rendered Jehovah." The name YHWH, translated in English as Yahweh or Jehovah, appears over 6,000 times in the original Hebrew Bible. However, the translators of the NLT decided to follow the custom of completely removing the Name from the Bible substituting it with the title "LORD", and confining the Name, which appeared over 6,000 times in the Hebrew text, to mere footnotes in Exodus 3:15 and Exodus 6:3. When it comes to the test of accuracy, this translation has failed by replacing YHWH (JHVH in latinized form) with a title instead of the name Yahweh or Jehovah. In that regards, the LB is more accurate than the NLT.

Interpretative Verses and Footnotes Removed: The LB has been criticized for containing interpretative verses and footnotes for selected Bible texts. For instance, the LB paraphrases Psalms 115:17 as follows: "The dead cannot sing praises to Jehovah here on earth." A footnote to the text mentions that "here on earth" is implied. However a check with more literal translations gives a different view.

The NLT gives a more accurate rendering. There it reads "The dead cannot sing praises to the LORD, for they have gone into the silence of the grave." Regarding Ecclesiastes 9:5 which reads according to the LB "For the living at least know that they will die! But the dead know nothing; they don't even have their memories." A footnote regarding that verse and verse 10 says: "These statements are Solomon's discouraged opinion, and do not reflect a knowledge of God's truth on these points!" The NLT translates Eccleciastes 9:5 as follows: "The living at least know they will die, but the dead know nothing. They have no further reward, nor are they remembered." (NLT). The revised version does not contain any footnote on that text. In Matthew 22:32, the LB reads "I am the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. So God is not the God of the dead but of the living." In a foonote Kenneth Taylor interprets that verse as if Abraham, Isaac and Moses were now alive in the presence of God. However, many hold a diffrent interpretation. Since the context is dealing with the issue of the resurrection, some hold that Jesus is emphasizing that they will certainly become alive again in the new age (compare parallel account in Luke 20:27-38 with a strict version ). The assurance that they will be alive again, explains why Jesus speaks of it as an actual event. (compare Romans 4:17). The NLT does not contain an interpretative footnote on Matthew 22:32, allowing the readers to interpret the Scriptures for themselves, and coming to a conclusion that is in harmony with the rest of the Scriptures.

Some other interpretative verses of the LB include texts such as Psalms 9:17 - "The wicked shall be sent away to hell." There the NLT reads "The wicked will go down to the grave," with a footnote stating that the Hebrew word translated grave is Sheol. The LB says in Proverbs 9:18 "But they don't realize that her former guests are now citizens of hell."; there the NLT says "But the men don't realize that heer former guests are now in the grave." The LB paraphrases the last part of 1 Peter 3:18 regarding Jesus as "though his body died, his spirit lived on." The NLT paraphrases "more literally" as: "He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit, " with a footnote indicating that "Spirit" can be rendered with a lower case as "spirit."

Its Language - Definately LB-Like As can be seen from the few samples just cited, the NLT has corrected some of the inaccuracies of the LB. It has also removed most, if not all, of the interpretative footnotes. However, it has retained the much loved easy-to-understand language of the LB. Let's read just one sample of this fast-paced, easy-to-understand version:

Isaiah 65:17-25 "Look! I am creating new heavens, and a new earth-so wonderful that no will even think about the old ones anymore. Be glad; rejoice forever in my creation! And look! I will create Jerusalem as a place of happiness. Her people will be a source of joy. I will rejoice in Jerusalem and delight in my people. And the sound of weeping and cyring will be heard no more. No longer will babies die when only a few days old. No longer will adult die before they have lived a full life. No longer will people be considered old at one hundred! Only sinners will die that young! In those days people will build houses and eat of the fruit of their own vineyards.. ...." Actually, one can just open the NLT in any page and find the Word of God beautifully expressed.

Conclusion: Its Improved in Some Respects The NLT is more reliable than the LB; it contains no interpretative footnotes like the LB; however, since NLT is still a paraphrase, some verses seem to reflect the translator(s) viewpoint (See for example Matthew 7:12 in both the LB and the NLT: both speak of the way to "hell", but in the original Greek, as noted in their footnotes, the word should read "destruction". Also, in the NLT, Romans 8:18-25, in particular verse 23, is apparently interpretative. ) The NLT, nevertheless, has fewer interpretative verses; and the translators to some extent have achieved their goal-maintaining the prose as simple as the LB and remaining as faithful as possible to the original Word of God. The major flaw, I believe, was the removal of a rendering of the Tetragrammaton as either Yahweh or Jehovah. If the name was retained it could have been a version with a very high standard of accuracy and faithfullness to the original text. Since there is no such thing as a perfect Bible version, the NLT can still be compare with other versions, especially the literal ones like the ASV or Darby's version.

The Word of God is to be consumed by His people and this translation satisfies the hungry 'child' in me. I grew up reading the "The Living Bible" but as the the need for a more precise study Bible presented itself, I left behind my 'childhood' friend in favour of more 'accurate transliterations'. To their credit, they served me well, however when attempting to relate intricate truths to others, I found myself sounding pious and scholarly...not a coat I wear comfortably. What a complete joy, then to read the sheer simplicity of His loving missive to me and still know that academics have not been forsaken. This will be the Bible I grow old with...

Kurt Vonnegut's book Slaughterhouse Five is a unique and interesting anti-war book.There has never been a book written quite like this one. The story doesn't unfold like most other stories. It takes place in a series of different times and places. The places are Dresden, Iliam New York, and an alien planet to mention a few. The main theme of the book is very clear even if the time and places that it takes place in isn't. That theme is war is pointless and so is life sometimes. The constant changing of time and place give the reader a very exciting and adventurous ride through the life of Billy Pilgrim. The story is told in a new way giving it a fresh life. If you ever find the time to read a Kurt Vonnegut book this should be the one. It is truly original and creative with a dark sense of humor that appeals to almost anyone.

I was amazed by the effect that this book had on me,when I read it in order to take an exam on Contemporary American Fiction. At first I thought that this would be another boring book of the Uni's library,but I was pleasantly shocked by this excellent book.It refers to matters of life and death allegorically,but the main message is clearly exposed: PEOPLE SHOULD NEVER STAY "STUCK IN TIME",stuck in their misery and desperation by the tragic events they had to go through,BUT ALWAYS SEARCH FOR THE "PLANET TRALFAMADORE" INSIDE THEIR HEARTS.This means that an inner "revolution" has to take place,so as for people to be free from the nightmares that torment them after the experience of a war or a major destruction,such as the conflagration of Dresden. LIFE GOES ON AND PEOPLE SHOULD FIND THE PLEASURE THEY DESERVE IN IT.

Slaughterhouse-Five is not simply an "anti-war novel," but an intricate masterpiece that not only shows the horrors of war and its effects, but is also a reflection of reality on its various levels. In order to fully grasp every detail's significance this novel should be read various times. It's fun to re-read a book and get something new out of it that first time readers would inevitably miss, due to the book's complex nature. Although it seems to be a collage of random paragraphs at first, if you read closely enough you can pick out completely logical associations that a man like Billy would make. It's a quick read packed with Vonnegut's dry humor and war memories. I loved it!!!

This is the first retirement planning book I've ever read that realistically addresses how much money you really need to save for the lifestyle you want. I now realize that I don't need to save millions, that my current saving plan is perfectly adequate for the lifestyle I want. I can relax, enjoy my life and family, and work on retaining my health.

As someone who will probably retire within the next dozen years, I was beginning to wonder whether the doom-sayers were right: I don't have a million bucks in savings or a fat stock portfolio, so was I being foolhardy in assuming that I'd have enough to live on comfortably in my old age? This book was tremendously reassuring. Some of the author's main points are: (1) The difference between a happy, fulfilling retirement and "waiting for the undertaker" is not money but quality of life -- family, friends, good health, and meaningful activities that give you a reason to get up in the morning. (2) It's possible to estimate fairly accurately how much money you'll need to live on after you retire, and in most cases it's nowhere near the "70% of your present income" that the doom-sayers insist that you need to maintain your present lifestyle. (3) The loudest doom-sayers are the ones who are trying to sell you retirement plans! The author tells readers how to access a free set of "retirement calculators" on the Nolo Press web site to assist them in financial planning, and that alone is worth the price of the book. But what really "made" the book for me was his many interviews with happily retired people from all sorts of backgrounds and economic levels -- just reading about them was a real upper. There are plenty of books on how to provide for your retirement financially, but this is the only one I know of that adequately addresses the REST of your life. Read it!!

Get a Life Stresses the importance of planning ahead.

It notes that older people who have happy marriages, plenty of friends and warm relationships with other members of their famlies live longer than older people who don't. So it tells how to improve family ties, make new friends to replace the ones who die and work at having a happy marriage.

It has a useful chapter about health and fitness which you should supplement with three other books: Fats that Heal, Fats that Kill, by Udo Erasmus; The Healing Nutrients Within, by Eric Braverman and any book by Barry Sears about his Zone Diet.

It tells how to avoid nursing homes or pay for them if you can't avoid them. It has tips about buying used cars and pre-paying mortgages.

Chapter 8 surveys where your retirement money will come from. It tells how to save enough for retirement, even if you think it's impossible. And it presents what it calls the savvy peasant's investment guide. Here it covers bank savings accounts, bank certificates of deposit, money market accounts, U.S. Treasury bills, U.S. Government bonds and notes, municipal bonds, corporate bonds, stock, stock mutual funds, variable annuities, immediate or fixed annuities, real estate and precious metals and exotic investments.