This is a well-written, well-organized guide to the practice of data base administration. Unlike other books on general database theory or relational database theory, this book focuses more directly on the theory and reality of database administration as practiced by database professionals today, and does so without catering too much to any specific product implementation. As such, Database Administration is very well suited to anyone interested in surveying the job of a DBA or those in similar but more specific roles such as data modeler or database performance analyst.

Yet, even with that direct focus on database administration, the author succeeds in covering a great deal of ground and cutting a rather wide swathe across the database spectrum, doing so with rigor and expertise and the benefit of experience. While the book will not and is not intended to serve as a reference substitute for product documentation, it will nonetheless enhance your knowledge, and I find it of such quality and utility that I recommend it to anyone in the database field in general. Consider it a base text to serve alongside Date and Codd.

Among the nice touches, the author includes discussion of database denormalization, often missing in discussions on database design. Chapters end with both a set of review questions and a Suggested Reading section, and I find myself in agreement with most of the suggestions. An excellent Bibliography section follows the text. I would have liked to see some discussion of the difference between relational domains in theory and their implementation in practice, particularly as it impacts the design of integrity constraints. Even so, Database Administration is an excellent book and I highly recommend it.

- Sal Ricciardi

1.This is one of very few titles on general database administration. Most other similar books focus on particular DBMS products.
2.It has a very comprehensive and broad coverage on the subject. The table of contents speaks for itself. Due to its extensiveness, the coverage by and large stays at the strategic and conceptual level, which serves its purpose very well.
3.It compares features of major database products on handling similar jobs.
4.The author clearly has extensive real life DBA experience with different DBMS products and has shared that with a very easy to understand language.
5.It has good resource links.
6.This book would be a great introduction and reference to those who are not only interested in a particular DBMS product but would also like to have a holistic view of database administration.
7.Finally the book has 660 pages before the index rather than 352 pages as stated on this site.

This book has three things going for it:
(1) It describes the DBA function as it exists in the real world. More importantly, it breaks the categories of "DBA" out into specialities, such as system DBA, data architect, analysts and modelers, developers and data warehouse DBAs - each speciality is vastly different in practice - and provides skill profiles and roles and responsibilities for each.

(2) Proposes an organizational structure in which all DBAs, regardless of database (DB2, Oracle, SQL Server, etc.) and skill. As a consultant who specializes in IT organizational management and processes I heartily endorse this structure. It's also consistent with recommendations made in "IT Organization: Building A Worldclass Infrastructure " by Harris Kern, Stuart Galup and Guy Nemiro, and "Building Operational Excellence: Strategies to Improve It People and Processes" by Dale Kutnick and Bruce Allen.

(3) A complete and comprehensive listing of tasks and responsibilities for DBAs, ranging from creating the database environment to data warehouse administration, and everything in between (data modelling, performance and capacity management, tuning, back-up and recovery, etc.)

While achieving the recommendations for organizational structure is a daunting and complex task, assimilating the extensive list of tasks and recommendations can be accomplished quickly. One way to attain immediate value from this book at the organizational level is to derive database administration policies and processes from this book, and refer to this book for the procedures.

The ideal audience for this book includes IT managers who need to understand the complexity and scope of the DBA function under their cognizance, senior DBAs who want to implement consistent procedures, and HR specialists who develop job descriptions and recruit DBAs.

I recommend all of the Dictionary of ... books by IVP. They have done a great job on the articles. The price is reasonable for what you get.

The 'Dictionary of New Testament Background' is actually the fourth volume in a series that includes:

'Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels'
'Dictionary of Paul and His Letters'
'Dictionary of the Later New Testament and Its Developments'

While part of a series, each volume (including this one) is largely adequate as a stand-alone reference. This volume has taken a much different approach to the subject matter than previous volumes. 'It attempts to situation the New Testament and early Christianity in its literary, historical, social and religious context. This volume is concerned with archaeology, geography, numismatics, related writings, various historical figures, political institutions, historical events, peoples and culture. It is not tied to specific writings of the New Testament, as is the case with the three previous dictionaries.'

Taking full advantage of major strides in research, particularly in the areas of archaeology, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and linguistic and cultural studies, this work incorporates essays every major topic, and most minor topics, that have to do with formulating a greater understanding of the cultural, societal, economic, religious, linguistic, and historical background of New Testament times. This is a pivotal time in the history of the world, regardless of one's religious interest or orientation, and this dictionary covers topics that will be of interest to the scholar without theological interest as well as those who are looking to increase their background knowledge for purposes of reading the New Testament.

The editors are Craig Evans, professor of religious studies and director of the graduate programme in biblical studies at Trinity Western University, Langley, British Columbia, and Stanley Porter, research professor in New Testament at the University of Surrey Roehampton, London. Together these editors bring a background of scholars from Jewish and early Christian studies , as well as classical history and scriptural/textual studies. These editors led the team of over 200 scholars from around the world to put together this 1300+ page collection of essays and articles.

The articles range in length -- some no longer than 500 words to others of 10,000 words or more. The length is determined based upon the complexity of the subject and/or the relevance for New Testament research. Each article includes bibliographic information for further research, and most are cross-referenced for further reading within this volume.

Perhaps the best use of this text is in addition to bible study or education planning -- this is not a narrative, sit-down-and-read-it kind of text, although I have found myself many times picking it up for a quick reference, only to find myself an hour later still reading through the links to other topics.

Because this is part of a multi-volume set, the reader may be disappointed occasionally if one looks for certain topics (for instance, 'Gospel') and finds there is no such listing. This would be because the topic is covered in other volumes.

I would have argued for a bit different organisation -- inclusion of non-canonical writings under their titles, for instance, just as Dead Sea Scolls are included (for instance, there is an article of general introduction to the Dead Sea Scrolls, but also some 36 other articles on specific Dead Sea Scrolls included under their title names, whereas the article on 'Apocryphal Gospels' includes reference to many of these gospels, but none merits its own article later).

This is a very minor criticism, however, of a generally excellent book.

The importance of a work such as this one cannot be stressed enough. In order to truly understand the New Testament, one must understand the world into which it was born. The Dictionary of New Testament Background gives the reader a comprehensive survey of the historical, social, religious, and literary context of the New Testament documents in a single volume.

Like the three previous dictionaries in the IVP series (Jesus, Paul, Later NT), this one is arranged alphabetically by topic, with plenty of cross-references. Most articles are 1,000 to 7,500 words in length, although a few contain 10,000+ words. In addition, each article is supplemented with a bibliography to guide the reader into a fuller treatment of a given topic.

The scholars who worked on this project are first-rate, most of them having published extensively in their field. Students of the New Testament will undoubtedly recognize the names of many of the contributors. The editors, to their credit, also drew from scholars in other disciplines such as archaeology, history, and classics, therefore ensuring the high quality of scholarship that the reader finds in this work.

The amount of information contained in this one is tremendous, but not overwhelming, and always relevant. It is also clearly written and up-to-date. All students, from the beginner to the scholar, will find this dictionary to be a useful resource in New Testament study. There is nothing negative that I can say about it. Sell your shirt and buy it.

Empowering Adolescent Girls is a "must-read" for anyone who has an adolescent girl, knows one, teaches one, counsels one, works with one, is one, or is in any way curious about what makes them tick and how to more successfully communicate with them. This is an intelligent, articulate, compassionate, and realistic approach to a very difficult and important social phenomenon. Daley in particular is masterful at connecting clinical theory to everyday application, and does so in prose that is both concrete and clear. She manages to seamlessly blend tough-minded seriousness with humor and empathy, revealing both extensive experience with and a natural feel for her subject. Do yourself a favor and put Empowering Adolescent Girls, and the accompanying Go Grrrls Workbook, at the top of your summer reading list!

This is a "must-read" for anyone who has an adolscent girl, knows one, works with one, is one, or is in any way curious about what makes them tick and how to communicate more successfully with them. An intelligent, articulate, compassionate, and realisitic approach to a very important and difficult subject. Daley in particular is outstanding at connecting clinical theory to everyday application, and does so in prose that is both concrete and clear. She manages to seamlessly mix tough-minded seriousness with humor and empathy, revealing both extensive experience with and a natural feel for her subject. Do yourself a favor and put Empowering Adolsecent Girls and the Go Grrrls Workbook at the top of your summer reading list!

I just finished reading empowering adolescent girls and I am going to start over at the beginning. This book contains a wealth of information. It is encyclopedic in scope, but offers specific strategies for working with real girls. The curriculum that is included in the book is really helpful as it lays out exactly how to conduct a group meeting. It even has evaluation tools and a companion parent curriculum to use. It's like getting three books in one. The workbook is a perfect tool to use with girls. It incorporates fun and informative activities in an interactive format that I know my clients will love. I'll be using this as a reference for years to come, and expect to order several more workbooks for clients to use.

This book is astonishing! It is a simple masterpiece. The author has given an amazing account of different types of psychopaths in the short, but oh so sweet, book.
Guggenbuhl-Craig should write more books. His style is amazing- it is easy to comprehend and extremely intelligent.
I applaud this book and its author. This is one of the best books on the subject I have ever read. Should get 10 Stars!!!

This is a good start! I hope they get together for part two! Mr. Hillman I enjoyed this tape verymuch! But It stoped in the middle of a thought. One tape is not enough!

Five tapes would just scratch the surfice.

I run a website about this disorder, so anything on psychopathy is always of interest to me.

I would recommend that before reading this book, however, the novice should start off with Dr. Robert Hare's book "Without Conscience..." and go on from there.

Guggenbuhl-Craig's book is marvelous. A small gem (and a great price for such illustrious thoughts) of a book, and easy to read and digest.

He speaks not only of the psychopath, his traits, and so forth, but explains to us the deeper mysterious of the psychopath's behaviours and thought processes.

I thouroughly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in psychopathy, psychology, or just wants to learn more about this very much ignored disorder (every three out of ten men are estimated to have psychopathic personality disorder).

I encourage all women to study psychopathy, and to visit my website and the support group on the links page as well. See my profile for the link.

An absolutely marvellous work in Thermodynamics basics for all ages to come!

This book cost a lot more than it used to, and hasn't been updated since 1977. But the information it provides and the readability that it offers cannot be beat. The presentation given on the first law along with the statistical insight offered on the second law, are among the most readable. Real world examples that are clearly described present insight into applications of the first and second laws. Illustrations and phase diagrams are given for each example, and the effect of different parameters along with results are concisely discussed. Equation of state information is clear and insightful. Overall, it is an excellent text on engineering thermodynamics. The only thing that I would improve (if the authors ever updated) would be the nonreacting mixtures chapter. As a final note, which I add after trying to read another Engineering Thermodynamics book is "what is mechanical work?" and "what is heat?". If a thermo book can't explain these concepts how can you rely on it for anything else. And also, let's say you have a valve, turbine, or heat exchanger for example. If you go to a book's index and can't find these devices listed, your SOL. Fortunately, Reynolds and Perkins lists them along with many other applications.

The best part of this book is the examples. There are plenty of examples to teach you the process. The exercises are well designed. I've used other thermo books, and I always come back to this one.

The book is laid out so very well. First it teaches control mass applications, then moves on to control volume. It is a damn shame that the book has not been updated since 1977, but then why ruin a good thing?

Eugene Bullard was an African American man who was born in 1895 in Columbus, Georgia, and lived a really fascinating live. After leaving the U.S. in 1912 to escape the existing suffocating racist oppression, he stayed first in Britain, and then settled in France where he lived as a boxer, entertainer, jazz drummer, was a war hero in the trenches in Verdun, and become the first African American combat pilot in 1917 (in French service: the U.S. would allow black combat pilots only in 1941...). After the war, like so many other African Americans, he remained in Europe. He become a well known entrepeneur in the Parisian night club life during the 20s and 30s. At the German invasion in 1940, and after a brief stint in the French army, he went back to the U.S. where he died in New York in 1961. Revered in France as a national hero during is life, and completely unknown in his country until more than twenty years after his death, the life of this extraordinary man has in this book a much deserved homage and, probably, its definitive biography.

A very well documented biography on a genuine American and French hero. Unfortunately he was born during the Jim Crow era in the south (even though the constitution which was written over 100 years before his birth mentions "all men are created equal", this did not include any non-caucasian's or women, did it? Did not use the word minority since it denotes less than some majority, there are more non-caucasian's in the world anyway and what is really meant by that word is just that, non-caucasian. I find it odd that the USA was founded by European descendants like the English, French and even though the country prided itself on it's progresive nature, it did not include equality, even though Europe itself did not practice racial discrimination). He was born the seventh child of a large family and his father always had a premonition of a very distinguished future for him and let it be known to him when he was young. Talks about his travel through the south after he left home and was told early by his father of a country (France) where all men are truly free. This had a profound effect on him because he eventually made it to France via England first.

He began his livelyhood as a theatre performer and boxer; two opposing and similar avocations. He joined the military and became the first Black American and Black Frenchman aviator and was awarded medals for his bravery, dedication and skills. Very well liked, he had a contagious personality and started working at a famous Paris club later in life and eventually became a club owner himself. He met the famous of the day like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Langston Hughes, Bricktop and many others. This biography also got me interested in Jazz age Paris to request both autobiographies of Hughes and Bricktop.

Slowly (too slowly) more is being known about this man and his acomplishments and contributions to the human race.

You won't be able to put it down. Jack Johnson's autobiography "In the Ring and Out" is another good bio of that era too.

I had earlier learned of some of Eugene Bullard's exploits, but Craig Lloyd's book spotlights an endless list of amazing achievements that seem unbelievable for any man to accomplish in just one lifetime. It's a shame Bullard's life has been up to now unexplored and uncelebrated. Hopefully this extremely well-researched biography will fix that.

Craig's insights into the Spiritual nature of the heart is like a fresh breeze blowing on the soul. Five Secrets to Unlock Your Soul's Energy is a true love song from his heart to your heart.

"Craig Fuller's discovery of his original essence, love, and the logical revealing of the process provides a "love" primer for everyone, from children through those who are in their last days. The steps in the uncovering of what love is are so sensible and easy to understand that I recommend What if we are Love be required reading for everyone, 6th grade and up, senior citizens, and all new parents. I suggest one goes home with every parent of a newborn in the US. Can you imagine if our entire country began to discover their lost selves beginning at age 10 vs. trying to be what society says they are to become. I loved this book."

One of the joys of working at a bookstore is that I often get to take review copies home. I am a huge self-help fan, but I might as well throw every self-help book I've ever purchased in the trash. Five Secrets to unlock Your Souls Energy covers every aspect of human relationships and unconditional love, and outshines everything that has ever been published about personal relationships, religion, finances, and life in general. This book has to be the most wonderful find of my life!

I am a very avid King's Quest player. I own King's Quest 1 through 8 and I love every single one of them. When this book came out I immediately had to go out and buy it. Now I'm not much of a reader, but I absolutly loved this book! It is one of the best I've ever read, its way up on my must read list along with: A Clockwork Orange, The Dragon Lance Series, and other fantasy works. This is a book that will be truly enjoyed by King's Quest fans as well as anyone who enjoys reading for simple pleasure.

I thought this was a marvelous fantasy tale; it was portrayed just like the computer series. Like the games, this book has alot of interesting characters each with a different personality. This book also has an interesting plot involving Prince Alexander on an adventure to retrieve his father's sould from the evil mage, Telgrin. I thought this book was the best one of the 3 part volume .

All was calm in Daventry until a drifted in. Unusal events started to take place and the mighty King's Graham gatheres his bravest knights to dissucus the issue. A stranger stormes in attacks Graham. In effort to save his kingdom Prince Alexander goes after this wizard and must try to defeat him in, "The Floating Castle". Any fan of King's Quest would love this book with a catching story is a hard to drop book and excelently written.

As a new Fly fisher I bought this book when it was first published. This book has become an indispensible guide for my fly fishing. Recently I used the information for a stream in the Jemez Mountains and had a very productive day. The maps are very good. The information is right on as well. If you come to New Mexico to fly fish this is the book to have to increase your enjoyment!

Having grown up, lived-in and travelled extensively in this area, this book is a must-have for any fly fisherman interested in Northern New Mexico. The maps, hatches and river recommendations are on the mark -- highly recommended.

This is the most comprehensive guide to fly fishing Northern New Mexico. You'll find virtually every fishable piece of water in this guide. The book is divided up into sections concentrating on specific bodies of water. Each section is written by a local expert. There are excellent, easy to read maps for all the rivers and lakes as well. A must for visiting Northern New Mexico

Pinkerton Agent, Gabriel Caine was hired to find a murderer named Ivo Hardwick and return him to stand trial. He ran into a strange group of fortune tellers along the way. He thought little of it until he stopped one of them, Sophie Madrigal, from killing the very man he was sent to locate! t seemed that Sophie had her heart set on revenge and was determined to relocate and kill Hardwick before Gabriel could drag the villain back to what <>he considered "Justice"!

It dawned on Gabriel that Sophie, Aunt Juniper, and Dmitri had connections and he would quickly locate Hardwick if he stayed close. By doing so, he found out that the group were not a bunch of tricksters, as Sophie wanted him to believe. Sophie and Juniper were real!

Sophie wanted only to get rid of Gabriel! No matter how rude she was he refused to leave her alone! Her visions, that seldom happened, increased in his presence. So did her talent. It seemed that Gabriel was a perfect media for her, though she loathed to admit it. And no matter how much she began to like him, she dare not tell him. His fate, according to her talent, was to die during this mission!

***** Awesome story! This is one the reader will be reluctant to put down for any length of time! I sure could not! A major recommended read from an author who has proven her talent many times over! *****

Gabriel Caine was born in a family of revivalists, which he considered in the same light that Emma Craig considers clairvoyants. A strange bond to share, indeed, this disbelief in the gifts and beliefs of one's family. But Emma's prickly and non-trusting nature doesn't allow for men to enter her life, and Gabriel willingly accepts whatever bond he can find. Too bad the only other bond they share is a desire to locate murderer Ivo Hardwick.

With his roguish, dark looks, Gabriel's accustomed to women simpering and smirking over him. But Gabriel prefers a challenge, and Emma meets that challenge perfectly. Beneath that haughty exterior, he believes she has character and heart, which he intends to reveal. He also intends to uncover Emma's carefully guarded secret. He knows she intends to kill Hardwick, but he doesn't know why. Further, his under cover assignment to the Pinkerton Agency requires that he bring Hardwick back alive.

Emma Craig creates a fascinating and daring blend of spiritualism and the occult in GABRIEL'S FATE. By treating psychic gifts as blessings from God, the spiritual battles of these wounded and disbelieving characters lends strong motivation to the tale. The secondary characters, including a tarot card reading aunt, a Russian midget, and a Chinese pub keep the reader entertained with their antics and audaciousness. In addition, Craig's heroine breaks romantic standards with her concern for extra pounds on a figure the hero considers lush. Consequently, with powerful conflict and strong motivation, GABRIEL'S FATE comes very highly recommended.

In the nineteenth century out west, Sophie Madrigal makes a living by telling fortunes, but her real motive is to bring Ivo Hardwick to frontier justice administered by herself for the murder of her son. Pinkerton undercover agent Gabriel Caine also seeks Ivo, but being a quasi-member of the law he must bring the killer in alive.

When Sophie and Gabriel meet on a train, the attraction overwhelms everything else. However, they have nothing in common but the need to find Ivo links the twosome. Still, Sophie's Aunt Juniper decides that it is in the cards for Gabriel and her niece to share a lifetime of love. Using every trick she knows as a spiritualist, Juniper plays matchmaker between two stubborn individuals who fate has deemed belong together.

GABRIEL'S FATE is a refreshing western romance because of the inclusion of the occult in the thrilling story line. The plot is action packed, and the strong cast makes this is a fascinating reading experience. The lead couple disagrees on everything, making them an engaging duet, but it is the support ensemble of eccentrics that allow Gabriel and Sophie to shine as they amusingly enable fate to take its "natural course" of action. Emma Craig provides the audience with an appealing amusing novel worth reading by sub-genre fans.

Harriet Klausner