Radio has become such a background part of our lives, we forget just how astounding an impact it has had on our culture and psyche. Susan Douglas brings it all back to the foreground in her book "Listening In." This is not just a chronicle of the development of the media, this book takes us deep into the social impacts of radio, and how it changed how we react and interact with each other. Douglas has perfectly captured the feel and "tone" of different periods of radio listening, and explores a lot of the psychological aspects of how radio let us sample and explore different parts of our American cultue in a safe and nonthreatening way.

As a present-day radio fanatic, the book gave me hope: hope that the medium hasn't been corporatized into complete blandness. Radio will continue to evolve, just like our American culture.

Whether your're a radio technology type, an old time radio fan, or just a student of American history, you'll find something to love in this book.

Please take note that Susan J. Douglas' (Times Books, 1999) is no mere history of radio. It was triggered by a request from the Sloan Foundation that was preparing a series of books on technology and American culture; and the emphasis is not on the details but on the general effect radio has on us from its beginnings. And take another note. This is too enjoyable a read to be considered a textbook.

My favorite chapter was the one called "Radio Comedy and Linguistic Slapstick." Here only a few comics are used as examples to support her several theses, one of which is the emasculation of the American male by the use of such high-pitched speakers as Jack Benny and Joe Penner. Of course there is lots of room for argument, but she does let the facts speak for themselves (pun intended).

The other chapters are "The Zen of Listening," "The Ethereal World," "Exploratory Listening in the 1920s," "Tuning In to Jazz" "The Invention of the Audience," "World War II and the Invention of Broadcast Journalism," "Playing Fields of the Mind," "The Kids Take Over: Transistors, DJs, and Rock 'n' Roll," "The FM Revolution," "Talk Talk," "Why Ham Radio Matters," and "Conclusion: Is Listening Dead?"

Which of us has not been affected in many of the ways Ms. Douglas points out in this book? Therefore, which of us can afford to miss being shown how radio has helped make us what we are? And I do hope she produces a similar book about television.

I've got Douglas' book today for her take on ham radio (I'm part of the Amateur Radio community) and I was very impressed with the rest of the book. Though I wrinkled my nose at the over-emphasis on the gender conflict in radio, Listening In reminded me of a time when people participate in a common culture instead of idly sitting by listening to the umpteenth Top 40 hit made by over-commercialized "plastic" bands.

The ham radio chapter was simply great and I give Dr. Douglas her due for mentioning the American Radio Relay League as the national association for hams. From this chapter, I can see why hams have a nurturing touch in their approach to life! The section on radio comedy is well done (the comedy bits are good for a chuckle or two). I recommend it to those who have a deep affinity for radio and communications.

As Siskel and Ebert would have said, 2 thumbs up. It's a great book to learn about the "shores" of Alaska. WTG Dr.Mason

2 thumbs up....... A book worth it's wait in gold, its a must for readers who want to learn the truth about the "shores" of Alaska.........WTG Dr. Mason

2 thumbs up....... A book worth its wait in gold, its a must for readers who want to learn the truth about the "shores" of Alaska.........

LOOKING FOR PA is a wonderful story that will capture the attention of young readers from the opening pages. A brother and sister, Jacob, 11 and Jessie, 8, are distraught, as they watch their father depart to fight with the Confederate forces. The unexpected death of their mother becomes a compelling reason for the two children to set off to locate their father. As the two travel by foot, accompanied by their pet goat, pig, and cat, they encounter some frightening obstacles, several fascinating people, and many disappointments. The satisfying conclusion will make all young readers feel proud, as they witness Jacob's and Jessie's tenacity, as they adapt and solve problems through the worst of times. The author, Geraldine Lee Susi, successfully combines the story of a desperate search with historical information and interesting details about the Civil War. The book provides many opportunities for children to gain insight into the issues and emotional turmoil surrounding this very difficult period in our history.

I am a Loudoun County 4th grade teacher. Three years ago I was looking for a novel to read to my class that would characterize the Piedmont Region of Virginia! I was fortunate to find the charming, historical fiction book, "Looking for Pa" by Geraldine Susi. Mrs.Susi's writing is vivid, descriptive, and a wonderful example of great writing for her young readers. Reading this novel is always a highlight in my school year. My students beg me to read this book each day! In 4th grade we have a great deal of Social Studies material to teach in a school year (Jamestown-present day). Unfortunately, I don't have the luxury of spending a great deal of time teaching the Civil War. By reading this novel during my Language Arts time, I can spend a more in depth time on this period of history. Through this story she is able to present a vast knowlege of the Civil War Battle at Bull Run and the Piedmont region of Virginia. You feel like you are traveling along with this brother and sister caravan on their journey to find their Pa who is fighting for the Confederate Army. This novel gives my students an opportunity to internalize this period in history. I am so happy that my school ordered this novel as one of our 4th grade novel sets. I also highly recommend the teacher's guide that accompanies this book. Mrs. Susi, who is a retired reading teacher from Fairfax County, Virginia, has done a marvelous job suggesting various activities which stress vocabulary and reading comprehension. I can't wait to read Mrs.Susi's upcoming book. I am sure the sequal will be equally as exciting and educating as the first novel. Susie Geurin, Sterling Elementary School.

"Looking for Pa" is a wonderful historical fiction book that brings the Civil War to life for readers young and old. As a Language Arts and Social Studies teacher candidate, I have found multiple uses for Jeri Susi's book. She raises issues of the early Civil War in Virginia in a subtle way that allows excellent thinking and discussion opportunities for 4th grade through high school students. Well worth the price and highly recommended for pure entertainment. Superior maps and illustrations greatly enhance the dialogue rich text.

of jokes...
And my 3 brothers too...
EVEN DAD READS SOME OF THEM AND LAUGHS

porque mi hermano ya tenía el número uno...
Los dos están padrísimos...

My parents buy me one of this collection for my good grades each month... I have eight, and don't know which is the best one because all are soooo good !
I spend a lot of time coloring the drawinks and memorizing the jokes...

and drawings for coloring.
A real fun book

for my seven year old child !
WOW! He went head over heels with it!
It's a marvelous book for enhancing the sense of humor and practicing Sánish in a playful way..
The jokes are clean and good..
And it has many drawings that the kid can color...
REALLY GOOD !

y siempre que me invita a su casa, quisiera tener todos estos libros que el tiene, porque me gustan montones... A ver si convenso a mi papa que me los compre...Este es superbueno...pero todos son buenos y entretenidos...y eso que ya soy grande. Ayer cumplkí 18

From the narrative perspective to the superb story-telling style (a lost art), to the imagery, to the beautifully rich characters, this book was absolutely incredible. I have never before seen such an original novel that forced you to pay attention (rather, made you want to read closely) but didn't come across like the writer is showing off. There seems to be a trend toward "cleverness," or writing as confusing a novel as possible thinking that makes it brilliance. Marcia Douglas reminds us that brilliance isn't forced. Madam Fate makes you question and think, and is amazingly and beautifully written.

Her novel feels like an afternoon in the sunshine. The warmth and its memory and effects stay with you long after you've finished it...and you find yourself wondering how Ida and Gracie are doing...

"madam Fate" is not any other book that will only make you have a good time reading it. It has a rare quality of authenticity that takes you at the roots of reality and yet, in a most subtle and minute way, has the "capability" of transferring the reader into a more exclusive and profound realm of magic and jamaican mysticism. The thin line between natural and surnatural becomes porous and one is experiencing a thrilling jolt at the realisation that, in "madam Fate," all the ingredients are at last exposed to allow the reader to peep directly into the magic reality of life. The emotions that are involved in this book are no stranger to such a liberating and revelatory effect that is conveyed onto the reader. Marcia Douglas has a gift of power and a keen sense of the beauty of life when it is approached properly and respectfully. I highly recommend this book. Since i am french, i also highly recommend this book to my compatriotes who are always on the lookout for "depaysement" and new visions of life. Ce livre est une petite merveille!

I am so glad that I found this book! Marcia Douglas is a wonderful and gifted storyteller. The writing is fresh and innovative and I really like the experimentation with form as well as the lyrical language. This is a new voice we have not heard before. I highly recommend this book.

LO

EL LIBRO COMPLET

LAW /POWER/MAK

I came across this volume at our local BAMM store. I bought the original version of Making a Habit of Success many years ago. It is dog eared and worn out.

This volume is actually two books in one:

Making a Habit of Success and How to Win with High Self Esteem.

Dr. Douglas states that Success is a Habit just as exercise is a habit. Just as anything else is ahabit. It can be learned and it can be achieved by daily, consistent habits.

In this 440 page volume, Dr. Douglas will help you master the tools that will help you:

~Develop a powerful life purpose

~Create and take action on goals in every area of life

~Harness the power of creativity

~Eliminate worry, anxiety, fear and self doubt

~Motivate yourself and others to excellence

~Raise your children to have high self esteem

~Enjoy real love

~Ignite a burning desire to succeed

~Experience a self celebrating life

The volume is 440 pages and 39 chapters chalk full of powerful motivation, strategies, quizzes plus motivational and biblical quotes.

No matter how many PMA books you have read, you must add this one to your library and most importantly, use it.

Also released as "Success can Be Yours", Dr. Douglas has written a excellent book that will increase your self esteem, self confidence and energy. Dr. Douglas was a great author, but even better speaker. I have several of his cassette tapes as well.

This is actually two books in one. One is How to Make a Habit of Succes and the other How to Win with High Self Esteem.
Some of the sections are about purpose, goals, imagination, confidence, persistance, motivation, burning desire and action.
I thought this was one of the better motivation books I have read. It is an easy to read format, not textbook at all.
He does ask a lot of probing questions.

"Making the World" illustrates the profoundly spiritual connection between all creatures and their living earth, in a refreshingly non-theistic manner. It speaks poetically to children and adults about the interconnection of all things, reminding us of the effects of and our responsibility for the ripples we send into the world around us. With its beautiful words, images and illustrations, this book is deeply touching for all ages, regardless of spiritual beliefs.

Making The World is a beautifully written book. It begins by telling you a secret that you must promise to tell someone. "The world isn't finished yet, it isn't quite complete." The pictures beautifully portray many aspects of the natural world around us. It reads like a ballad, or a lullaby, rather than a story-book. Making The World is inspiring; it tells the reader that they too are helping to make the world. By "making and castle, humming a secrete song, laughing at the rain, dreaming of home, and saying I love you" you too are helping to make the world. The message in this book is so pure and simple. Yet, the moral of this book is sadly forgotten in the swift passed life we all live. We must all take time to enjoy the world around us, slow down and admire nature. We should feel thankful. We should keep dreaming, and enjoying the world around us. We must take time to say I love you, and be happy. This book has the potential for being a tool in helping children to find a cause to help "make the world". This book has helped me through some pretty tough times. It has helped me to a take a breath, relax and think. I too am helping to make the world. My attitude and ways I touch people each day, help to make and shape the worlds of the people around me. When I think in this way, anything is possible.

This book is utterly beautiful, so stirring. Each time we read it, it gets us pondering aloud together about how the world is, things we wonder, things we've noticed, how we are seeing life, and he tells me about how he would like his life to be. It is a stirring book, and perfect for going on then to dream about life's magic.

As a full time QuickBooks instructor for over 10 years, there have been times when I wanted a reference to validate or guide me to the best solution on practical problems that I encountered with a client's company file. This book is the answer. Mr. Sleeter has created a roadmap for both new and experienced QuickBooks accountants, consultants, and power users that can save them from many wasted hours learning QuickBooks by trial and error, or having to go back to re-enter data because the solution they tried does not work.
It goes beyond mechanical matters and deals with utilizing QuickBooks properly from an accounting, business, and technical point of view, for example finding and correcting errors during bank reconciliation. This structured resource covers the best way to work with real issues, some of which are not covered in the instruction manual like setting up customer and vendor opening balances to track aging, warning about memo information in journal entries, adjusting income accounts, and other tricky transactions. Important topics are "Things Accountants Must Know" and "Troubleshooting Data Files".
The Consultant's Reference Guide starts by describing new features of the current edition of QuickBooks, and logically progresses through company file setup and special setup issues. Numerous examples show the reader what action to take to ensure data accuracy when working with complex problems. The easy to read graphics, step-by-step explanations and organization of the contents make it worthwhile as both reference and self-paced tutorial.
Subjects covered provide an excellent balance of information like fundamental details of setting up payroll through advanced issues of networking QuickBooks and QuickBooks Point of Sale. If you are an accountant or provide QuickBooks professional services owning this book will give you confidence that the right answer to many QuickBooks questions is at hand.

A fine guide to QuickBooks consulting. I taught QuickBooks for 2 years for a local organization and this book would have been a lifesaver for many of my students. It goes over many of the features in QuickBooks as well as providing a ton of information on features (and bugs) that aren't documented in the manual. If you use QuickBooks or support clients on the software then you should look into this manual. It covers a LOT of new ground and I'm certain you'll get something out of it.

(...)It is a true mastery guide
designed for the accounting professional that must know the correct
answer to any QuickBooks question. I strongly recommend this guide
for those looking for the one book that addresses all the tough
questions that even the TechSupport guys cannot answer and has all the
tricks and special solution to get the most out of QuickBooks. A new
version is published every year within 6 months of the release of the
software.