I have read tens of thousands of books, but most especially science fiction. I can only attribute my love and fascination for sci-fi to this wondrous work by Piers Anthony! This was my first sci-fi book, but it has not been my last. Anthony's extraordinary ability to describe the incredible alien environment, the beauty of the background and it's entitled creatures was so amazing that I am forced to renew it's wonder regularly. I highly recommend this to all readers!

A cyborg is sent to investigate the activities of three scientists on the planet Nacre. As he questions them, he hopes to find out the secret of the Mantas, creatures brought back from Nacre. The alien world covered by fungoid live forms is a truly unique creation. An excellent Anthony foray into science fiction.

The beginning novel in an excellent trilogy. Well worth the read; it's a shame we lost these characters.

This book is one of a series on OPEN (Object-oriented Process Environment and Notation). Unlike the other books in the OPEN series, this book is independent of any methodology and can also be used in non object-oriented environments.

The title is appropriate: this 426 page book and accompanying CD ROM is a toolbox of techniques that can be applied in any environment or within the context of any methodology. It is, literally, an encyclopedia of techniques that consultants and business analysts can use to perform a variety of tasks or produce associated deliverables.

If you are using this book as a generic compendium of tools and techniques, or you are not interested in OPEN, you can safely skip the first chapter that is an overview of OPEN. If you work within an object-oriented environment you may find chapters 2 through 4 useful. These chapters describe OPEN and how it relates to other O-O approaches. If not, you can also skip these and jump to Appendix A, which is the heart of the book.

Appendix A is a collection of core techniques in alphabetical order ranging from abstract class identification to workshops. There are over one hundred core techniques, each of which is presented using the following format: Technique Name and Star rating - 1 star = well tried, 2 stars = reasonably well validated, 3 stars = experimental. Focus, typical tasks for which the technique is used, related techniques, entry criteria and underpinning concepts. This header information is followed by: Technique description Technique useage Deliverables and output

The CD ROM contains additional techniques that make this one of the most comprehensive resources available to a consultant. The content on the CD ROM is in PDF format and is divided into three additional appendices. Additional techniques are in two of these appendices, with the third covering supporting reference material.

What I like about this book is the wide coverage of techniques. All of the standard fare is covered, and a lot of esoteric ones are also included. I use it as a memory jogger or idea book when I an trying to find that "perfect" approach to performing a task or creating a deliverable. Some minor irritations include the star ratings - I found them to be somewhat ambiguous, and the fact that the techniques are presented in alphabetical order instead of grouped by class. A cross-reference in the front of the book would remedy that complaint.

However, this book deserves a solid five stars because it is comprehensive and packs a lot of information into 426 pages and a CD ROM. If you are a consultant or analyst this book is money well spent, and will make a great addition to your short list of everyday tools and references.

This book contains lots of interesting techniques, many of which are essential to the business of software development. Excellent value for money.

If you are serious about the actual business of developing OO software, don't go past this book. Have one on your shelf, although mine doesn't stay there very long.

Painstakingly compiled by Anthony Quain, The Political Reference Almanac 2001-2002 Edition is a thorough, comprehensive, 1,038 page fact-filled reference and resource on the current political system and the elected men and women who serve it. Listing information about state and local governments, all three branches of federal government, political parties, other nations and their leaders, international organizations, state and local governments, political documents, economics, statistics, mission statements, black-and-white photographs of featured individuals, and much more, The Political Reference Almanac 2001-2002 Edition is the core source to consult for quick, useful information on just about any important and influential political figure.

This guide has everything the policy analyst or 12th grade civics student needs, but the international data is where it really shines. If the county has a government, all the relevant data's included. Even if you don't pay attention to politics, having this guide on your shelf will (1) make you look smart, and (2) help settle countless arguments and bets. Trivial Pursuit doesn't stand a chance.

Also, make sure you pay the extra to get access to the Internet site. It includes updated information and a great search function.

This is an excellent reference tool for students and professionals. I use my almanac regularly for national and state information. As a consultant in the field, I find that I can answer questions and find the information I need quickly and efficiently. In addition, the layout of the book makes it easy to use as a teaching guide for students and interns. I look forward to the new edition.

I teach in a district in suburban Chicago (Maywood) that saw many of its young men go off to the Philippines in the early days of WWII when a local National Guard Unit was sent there (Co. B, 192nd Tnk Bn). Needless to say, after the combat, death march, hell ships, etc. most did not return. Our community was devestated, and they remember Bataan still. I am currently doing a research project with some of my students at Proviso East High School and have done alot of reading on the subject. Mr. Czerwein's books is one of the very best in the whole genre. Its a quick, yet graphic and disturbing read. Another good book is My Hitch in Hell by Lester Tenney, who was a member of the Maywood unit. I met Mr. Czerwien, and Mr. Tenney, a few weeks ago at a Bataan event here at the high school. He is still going strong and told me he is now writing his 3rd book. God Bless Him.

In a very straightforward fashion, my uncle tells his story of Bataan and of being a POW. It is a very moving piece of history which should never be forgotten. I strongly urge anybody who has even a passing interest of the Second World War to read this work.

I have found this book to be very interesting and to the point about a mostly unknown tragedy of world war II. Mr. Czerwien gives an indepth look at mans inhumanity to man. Not only about the death march but about the ship that took him to Japan, that in my opinion was worse than the march itself. To survive this ordeal is in itself a miracle. I highly recommend this book to anyone that seeks the truth, from a man who was there.

I never realized how I referred to past experiences to respond to life now. Tony helps you see that, and motivates you to change your view.

A great book. I enjoyed it.

I thoroughly enjoyed this tape !

You'll love how Tony explains what references are and how to create them in your life using NAC. NAC stands for Neuro Associative Conditioning.

He has a person you can model every month in each of his tape series. Want to know who he's interviewing this month.

Buy this tape! Good tape from PowerTalk Series!

Before this information, I was little aware at best that my brain was constantly referring to past experience, to try and help me perceive the present, nor did I understand how poor references made for poor outcomes. A must for those interested in self-awareness.

Marrianne Williamson's work is both real and honest. Rather than couch things in a concepts that are alien or extremely religious, she talks to you about the realities of existing. Of how things will not always be easy, about how you will lose your way, and honestly how to see people clearly. Growth is messy, it's not neat, maturity is not easy, nor is spirtiuality delicate work, but with assistance from a tape like this you can see yourself clearly and how to bridge yourself from concept to human to spiritual being.

This was my first Anthony Robbins cassette, and I really enjoyed it. I am looking foward to all his others. A lot of 'get rich, be smart, etc' motivators lack belivablity and energy. Tony certainly doesn't. Great for mom's who need a little encouragement. Great for everyone. And the interview with Covey is just excellent!

Tony describes how to anticipate success in all areas of your life. Learn successful strategies about the 7 habits from Steven Covey.

One may imagine learning something new in a whole new way about the Power of Anticipation, now.

I thoroughly enjoyed the ways to start anticipating more success with this tape!

"Prayeraphrases is uniquely done, uniquely printed, & uniquely presented, & deserves all the appreciation & commendation that anyone could command."

"You will find reading this book a great delight.
Your soul will reverberate with these phrases, & your prayer life will be greatly enriched. ...This is one of those rare volumes that will become a precious companion."

The introduction speaks for itself. I would urge the reader to spend a worthwhile 5 minutes to read it (the introduction), which will give the distilled essence of the book's main purpose. This book, prayerfully read, will help to develop your personal prayer life. The prayers are paraphrases of Scripture, Charles Spurgeon and many other well known men of God from history past to present. It can change the way you pray, and develop a love for the Word at the same time. I heartily recommend it!

For anyone like me who grew up in New Jersey, this book will touch special buttons that many readers elsewhere won't feel as deeply. Yet to truly understand what life was like in this part of the country during a particular time period, no one should fail to read this book -- for it captures a sense of then and now like few other books on New Jersey can, dealing with the minute details most writers miss, playfully mocking the silly routines our generation adopted, painfully expressing the great sadness for an innocence lost.
As a journalist covering people and events in New Jersey, I have written about the outside of such events, Buccino gets inside of them and makes the reader relive those moments through his senses and memory.

I was born and raised in belleville. Anthony was able to capture the essence of a belleville childhood in the 1960's and teen years of the early 70's. Times were spent with family and your best friends. There was "nothing like" a saturday football game. I would recommend this book to all belleville high school graduates.... it made me smile..

As an avid reader and writer of nonfiction, I know what I like. I can tell from the first page whether it's a go or a throw-down.
Believe me, RAMBLING ROUND is a go-go-go! Remember the old review cliche: "I couldn't put the book down"? You'll find that happens when you begin reading RAMBLING AROUND. True-life experiences from the everyday rountine to serious matters like marriage and raising a daughter will put you in stitches and keep you there till you begin the next story. The book is a continous joyride you'll find yourself recommending to everybody in need of lots of good laughs and brilliant insights. I cannot say enough in praise of Buccino's new book!

This book is a great read for those of us interested in reef tanks. The illustrations are excellent and leave you longing for more, even though there are a LOT of them. The book is full on valuable information. I had a few types of algae in my own tank which I was curious about, and sure enough, there they were, named and described in the book! There are detailed explanations of creating and maintaining a refugium, deep sand beds, and many more ideas/tips which CURRENTLY are the best ways to maintain a successful reef tank. Bob and Anthony have a wealth of knowledge that comes from their own experiences and are passed down to the reader in this great book. A must have for anyone interested in captive aquatic life.

I am simply amazed at the depth, clarity and insight this book provides. Do not be thrown off by the lack of information on corals and fish. Everything else immaginable is covered. From refugiums to plankton , this is in depth , easy to read sound advice. The authors have two more books in the series that are in the works on fish & corals. This first book is a monster and an excellent reference for those of us who hunger for knowledge in this area. It is packed with in formation, photos and humor!

Do not wait to get this book. Get it now!

This is a great book with scores of wonderful color photos. It is not an encyclopedia of every known marine invertebrate. Rather, it is a practical guide to keeping the non-coral invertebrates that aquarists are likley to encounter & consider for their saltwater tanks.

The book is a sturdy, large-format (81/2 X 11), quality-bound paperback with nice glossy paper and beautiful color pix. It is packed with useful, accessible information.

One of the best aspects of this book is the addition of extensive chapters on natural filtration, refugia, live rock and deep sand beds.

This book is a must for any marine aquarist, not just reefers. Well worth the $.

I am interested in the book Sams Teach Yourself Object Oriented Programming in 21 days by Tony Sintes and Anthony Sintes and I would like to know what the example at the end of the book is about.I also want to know what else I would need, besides my VISA credit card, to carry out a purchase from Amazón. I am from Chile and I don't have stall in Miami.

This book is a lifesaver. If you have done non-OOP development and are trying to learn Java and OOP, this book may be for you.

I find other Java books do not do enough to tie-in the big picture. Even after reading Eckel's Thinking in Java (among others), I found I was not really thinking in OO terms. I still had the procedural mindset. I have looked into other OO/Java topics for help in areas such as design patterns, UML, and unit testing, but was having trouble putting it all together. Too many books and instructor-led courses save these topics for later - after bad habits with regards to Java have emerged.

Even though it is a SAMS book, Teach Yourself OOP in 21 Days does an excellent job of bringing it all together early and often. The author wastes no time introducing the UML and patterns in a clear, easy-to-understand format. He even explains and provides code for unit testing (via JUnit).

This book does not teach Java - but it does teach you how you should think about and implement Java applications. I highly recommend it as a companion text to an "Intro to Java" course - espeically for those with previous non-OO development experience.

Sam's "Teach Yourself Object Oriented Programming" is a welcome addition to your Java arsenal. Whenever I've started a new language in the past, I would start with a Sam's book for an overview on the subject, followed by a Wrox series book to get more depth, followed by an "Unleashed" or "Professional" book.
This Sam's book is more than an overview. It teaches the full scope of OOP which is what Java is all about. If you need a solid foundation in Java, Sam's Teach Yourself OOP is the way to go.