"Prescription for Success" not only reviews the industry of network marketing itself, but it spotlights the industry's leading frontrunner: the preventative healthcare/natural medicines division of the well-known original Rexall Drug Corporation, Rexall Showcase International.

This is a great "behind the scenes" look by an unbiased, well-informed and savvy observer of both the industry and what it is that makes a network marketing company GREAT. The testimonies are captivating and the success-track of the company is portrayed in a story-like, yet business-oriented fashion.

The information is factual and down-to-earth, and makes the book an easy read. I thought I already well-understood Rexall Showcase International's background and strengths, since I'm an "insider" of sorts, leading (with my husband) one of the fastest growing RSI independent distributor organizations in the country--so I expected to be a bit bored. However, I was delightfully surprised and continually fascinated by what I learned from this book. If you want to understand the industry and the mechanics of what may end up to be the most successful MLM of all time, don't pass this one up--whether or not you are a current distributor, or care to become one.

Mr. Robinson gives a peek inside one particular company in the industry called network marketing. His experienced comments combined with those of several leaders in Rexall Showcase Intn'l. combine to really let one see what goes on, how it's done, and why. I found it to be a portrait of a group of very diverse individuals who have discovered a common way to do more good than they could have, by branching out into this type of business. The enthusiasm revealed is similar to that in the autobiograhical book by Mary Kay Ash.

This is a well written account of the rise of Rexall Showcase International and the vision of the people who made it work. Distributors stories are inspiring and encouraging and reveal that with the available tools and support, it's up to each individual to determine how far up the ladder he wants to go. Robinson presents some pros - and some cons - of network marketing in general and the entepreneural opportunity of Rexall Showcase International in specific.

I have always been amazed at the work of Meatyard. I gained more respect for his work and understanding of the man behind the camera in the work published by James Rhem. To know the feelings of all involved in the creation of Meatyard's work adds a greater understanding of this complex man. James Rhem has gone the step beyond to make all who read the book understand the creation of the Lucy Belle Crater Series!

EXCELLENT!

In James Rhem's book Meatyard's well-known Lucybelle Crater photographs are reproduced in the family album setting that the photographer himself planned they should have, but never got during his lifetime. The photographs are printed on black pages, with handwritten captions underneath; the images are arranged in groups, & the groups are themselves sequenced. For those who like Meatyard's photography, or acknowledge his significant position in American photography, this new presentation is reason enough to want this book.
But there's a lot more being offered here. First, in an authoritative introduction, Rhem presents an overview of all of Meatyard's photography. This essay is a prelude to and a setting for Rhem's real (and groundbreaking) work: thoroughly researched, original & penetrating elucidation of Meatyard's Lucybelle Crater photographs.
Personally I have had difficulty in understanding what the Lucybelle Crater pictures were about since first seeing them in an earlier version 25 years ago. From comments by friends & other photographers I realized that I was not alone in having this difficulty. We faced page after page of photos of two people, one wearing a hag's mask, the other a mask of an old man. These figures are posed most often against suburban backgrounds that are familiar and mundane. Some pictures are visually interesting, others dull. As you turn the pages the images accumulate, asking be "read". But how? "What's going on here?" was my nagging question. I knew I was missing something important about these pictures. What was it?
Rhem's essay is valuable in answering that question. And what's striking is how he does this and how well he does it. Not with scholarly jargon (though he has the thorough-going mind of a scholar). Not with flights of imaginative "interpretation" based on his own subjective feelings and opinions. And certainly not by calling attention to himself as a critic, biographer or insider (all of which, by the way, he is).
James Rhem works from a dense gathering of factual information about Meatyard--some unknown until now (thanks to Rhem's wide, and thorough investigations into primary sources.) This factual information provides the basis for a conceptual approach to the Lucybelle pictures that is both lively with anecdotes and rich with insights. Rhem has a sincere desire (you can sense it in his sentences) to tell you what he thinks Ralph Eugene Meatyard's photographs are about. He approaches the photographer not as a subject for a thesis but as a man whose pictures continue to have something important to offer us. Rhem has taken up that offer and made it his job in this book to understand and interpret it, using the considerable (and considerably generous) means that he's accumulated for that very purpose.

27 oct 2002

At last someone has written an extremely intelligent, well researched, and accessible book on Meatyard. Rhem takes on this complex and poignant piece of art, and reveals its mystery to us. As an artist, tired of reading badly written criticism and art-writing, I found this book to be a real gift. I've read most of the available writing on Meatyard and nothing approaches this. A must-buy.

A superb Book, ideal for the beginner through to advanced collector, a wealth of high quality images and a very readable and interesting narrative on German military history. A Very detailed history of the regimental stein that is unsurpassed. This is a must have for any Regimental stein collector. Also very nice quality paper, printing and binding, seldom seen in modern books.

Regimental stein collectors whether new or well versed will benefit greatly from this book. Mr. Heiligenstein has laid the information out in a logical and orderly fashion. Making it extremely easy to use. The manner at which Mr. Heiligenstein has chronologically presented the history of the regiments, and the principals involved was fantastic. The person purchasing this book will quickly be assisted by years of research and experience put to print by Mr. Heiligenstein. In addition to all of this. The stein illustrations with their double view frames is a novel idea. The stein collector who attempts to collect steins without this book in his reference library is in trouble. Trust me on this, I was there!

I have read Mr R. Ron Heiligenstein's book Regimental Beer Steins. As a regimental stein collector I find that his book gives great insight to the origination and the on going understanding of the regimental stein. His individual photographs and comments on each allow the collector to seek out and gain an understanding of their own collection visually. Mr. Heiligenstein does not spoon feed the reader but he does supply the information that the collector needs to advance his knowledge of rgimental stein collecting. The book is not only educational but is attractive to display for all to see. It is my opinion that Mr. Heiligenstein's book with it's wealth of knowledge should be an addition to all stein collectors reference material.

Having visciously ensnared every opinion as yet posted upon this board, I am inclined to agree.

I also am of the opinion that this is the greatest book that I have ever read only just after the beastly beatitudes (also by JPD). And, I too wanted to be like Mr Smith the thought that he can have everything that he wants was at first, inconcievable that JPD can have created a character who can be capable of all success and ambition, so unlike Balthazar B.

So I pondered, what does he want and can he have it?

What does he want? He wants Miss Tomson and gets her in a way. He wants to be able to handle himself and he gets this. He wants to feel power and will once he dies but until then, he has to make do with the sound of thirtyfive thousand cheers.

So, yes I now agree that he can have most all which he desires. Naturally one wants to feel welcome, now I feel awkward Sorry for spouting I feel;

all dog all dead

I wish I had written this book, but I didn't, so I'm glad he did. On the rare occasion I bring the title up I am not surprised to find that no one's ever even heard of it's author. I wish someone had so we could say to eachother "god, that's a freakin great book. Straight right man." and laugh inside our souls.

It's a perfect story, but not the kind I would read to my nieces or buy for my grandmother. I still recommend it to anyone who has ever thought that something's not quite right and they can't decide if the people they meet are really as convoluted and arrogant as they think, or if maybe it's just them.

Anyone wants to read the greatest book of their life, well this might be it, so don't think too hard and try it.

Hail to the King J.P. Donleavy

Donleavy's humor insists there is something to laugh about in this world, but then you realise that what you are laughing out-loud at is, at best, something disgusting, or rude, or utterly insane... chicken soup for the soul.

I saw Herbert interviewed years ago and always wanted this book. Just found it used. He was a decorated veteran from Korea. He was one of a few survivors from his company in Korea. He felt he deserved to die in 1952 and considered his life after that a bonus.

I read this shortly after its release and was moved by its honest assessment of the war. Lt. Col. Herbert stands in the ranks of Civil War's Col. John S. Mosby (see Ranger Mosby by Virgil Carrington Jones) to understand the correct tactics of guerrilla warfare. But of most importance, Herbert had the guts to tell it like it was at the time. It's time for our Government to tell it like it was and apologize to the Vietnamese people for the atrocities created by poor leadership. It was this leadership that tried to silence Lt. Col. Herbert at a military trial in Georgia. With the new revelations surrounding Sen. Bob Kerry, this book elevates itself to a must read.

I served in col. Herberts batt. while he was our 6.The 2/503rd was not doing much until he arrived.He really shook it up from top to bottom.I read the book when it was first released in 73,or74 and it is very true.The army railroded him. He wouldn't tolerate My Lai type sitituations and was hurt when he stopped them from being apart of his command. He was the best 6 I ever served under.He actually participated in company,platoon and squad size operations while our 6.He gained all of the grunts trust and respect by doing so.A must read for any soldier.

Excellent for Bible College Students or Reviewing certain times in Biblical History.

I am very glad that I decided to purchase this book. The bible can get very repetitious and confusing. This book helps bring the history and chronology on the bible into place. It isn't cheap and isn't the easiest to read but I'm glad I have it. It's bulky so it's not the easiest to carry around. This is not meant to be a bible that you take to church and use when you want to follow along in scriptures. Though you could use it for that, but you'd go crazy.

A chronological look at the scriptures and a comparisson of the various tales that different biblical writers told. it's nice to see the stories of Moses and Jesus, as told by different books, side by side. Comparing how the gospels differ in style is really interesting and you really get a feel for the writers. This is original King James, so the writing can be difficult to get through at times. The year is mentioned at the beginning of each story. This bible is very easy to follow through and easy to navigate. there are numerous indexes so you can search by year, bible chapter, or story. This is a great bible that I'm glad i have as a resource and highly recommed to others.

This book is a necessity for Chronolgical Bible Storying.

While recently on a retreat to the Abbey of Gethsemani in Trappist, Kentucky, I visited the guest library looking for some heavy-duty theological works. Quite by accident, I happened to notice this cute little book that someone had left laying out on a table. The full title reads: "Serenity: A Companion for Twelve Step Recovery." I'm personally not involved in any of the twelve step programs, but I know a few people who are, and they have nothing but praise for how well they work.

The Serenity New Testament comes complete with the Twelve Steps made famous by Alcoholics Anonymous. However, it just does not reiterate them, but cross-references every single step with multiple biblical references that speak about the particular topic. For instance, Step Two: "come to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity" is cross-referenced with a passage from the Gospels: "Everything is possible for him who believes" (Mark 9:23).

The format is very simple, and extremely easy to follow. The Twelve Steps are listed in the very front of the book, with a short commentary and a long list of verses (with page numbers!) that you can look up. Or, you can go directly to the New Testament, Psalms & Proverbs, and read the various books in a normal fashion. But unlike a typical Bible, the authors have highlighted all the verses that speak directly to the Twelve Steps, and have placed the step numbers next to the verses. For example: when you read the ninth chapter of Mark's gospel, you will see "Step 2" placed next to Mark 9:23.

There is also a chain reference system, so that you can go through the New Testament, Psalms & Proverbs reading all the verses that pertain to the particular step your interested in. So when you read Mark 9:23 there will be a note in the margin telling you a page number where you can find another verse reference for Step 2.

The authors wisely chose the New King James Version for the basis of their work, which is far easier to read and understand than the early 17th century English of the old King James Bible. There are also lots of helpful notes spread throughout the Bible passages, helping the reader to understand the close relationship between the Steps and Word of God.

While I have more than enough Bibles in my home, I've never come across one as fascinating as this little gem. I seriously considering buying a case of Serenity New Testaments to have on hand for giving to people who could use a little encouragement.

An outstanding New Testament. Highly recommended, whether or not you're in a Twelve Step program.

When I first got into the 12 step program in 1990 12 step literature only took me so far in my program and I needed more or else I was in danger or returning back to active addiction. In 1993 the company I worked for went out of business and we had to take all of our personal items from our office. In my office were certificates of awards,personal and family pictures gifts from friend and many others items of importances. The only thing I made sure I took with me the day I left was this book. Without Serenity and the divine inspired wisdom that it imparts I know I probally would have returned back to active addiction and would have died. If you are in the 12 step process get Serenity it will give you a true picture of what recovery is all about and like me it might save your life.

I will never again think that AA is a program for recovery apart from God's holy word! This Bible makes it so very clear that God directed Bill Wilson and the founders many years ago (1934) to be instruments of healing power. God is the Healer, Jesus the Great Physician and the one in recovery stands in awe of miracles in his or her own life. That is of course, if one follows the Steps "one day at a time". I will always be a recovering co-dependent. Pleasing people was what I was taught to do from childhood. I thank the counselor who guided me right down the Twelve Step path. Please add this book to your library. Everyone needs healing from time to time. God bless you.

This was one of the most captivating adventures I've read about in a long time. I'm a slow reader, and enjoy savoring the details of a good book, but still surprised myself as I finished this in (for me) record time. J. A. Thom's intensely sensitive portrayal of the conflicted and insightful soul of Lewis and Clark's half Shawnee, half French communicator and hunter, George Drouillard, made the details of two-year expedition come alive. Other accountings I've read of the Lewis and Clark Expedition left me dry, but Thom fills in the facts with riveting narrative and anchors it with fascinating historical journal entries. A thoroughly good read. Thank you, Mr. Thom.

Thom's Sign Talker draws in the reader from the very start. This is an action-packed, intelligent, effective novel that vividly leads you through the trials and triumphs of Lewis and Clark's journey, as seen through the eyes of their Native American interpreter. As always, Thom gives life to his characters with tremendous insight into human nature. A respectable novel I can highly recommend to anyone who enjoys adventure and history.

If you are interested in the Lewis and Clark expedition,
then this is the book for you. It is one of the best books
I have ever read. It brought the expedition to life for me
and made me feel like I was there. My main problem with
the book is that it is a novel. I would have preferred a
biography, even though a biography would not have been as
much fun to read. On almost every page I found myself
asking, "Did Thom make this up, or did it really happen?"
Here are a few examples. Did George Drouillard think of
himself as 100% Indian, Indian and French, or French?
Did Drouillard have a special friendship with Clark's
black slave, York? Was Drouillard so bold as to frequently
pester York for York to ask Clark for his freedom and get
away? Was Lewis slightly crazy at the beginning of the
expedition, or did he go crazy as the trip progressed?
Could Drouillard conduct detailed and complex conversations
with every Indian tribe he met, using only sign language?
Did Drouillard have the wisdom and attitude of a twentieth-
century liberal?

Frequently organizations face the challange of what not to do. They tend to believe in the person presenting the idea, rather then creating a rigorous process for evaluating the options before them. Companies adopting best practices in managing their investment options realize substantial gains in their long term bottem line. This book quantifies this performance difference, and what the best practices are across a range of industries.

Why aren't organizations more rigorous in selecting projects? The book outlines several barriers which are extremely relevent:

· It will make a popular champion look bad,

· Organizational resistance to change, or cannibalization of an existing business for a new opportunity,

· We confuse the urgent with the important,

· Its hard to agree on measures and success criteria

· People are afraid of making the wrong prediction, so they don't make any,

· Its hard to normalize results from different contributors,

· Business plans are not integrated with new project activity,

· Power and politics, a methodical evaluation leaves no room for interpretation and "behind the scenes" trade offs between groups and individuals,

· Lack of strategy.

The best practices outlined in this book are backed by substantial research. I would have like to have seen a few additional chapters on application of best practices in real companies ... a case study of a turn around.

Thank you very much for sending me a copy of The Smart Organization. I have completed only two chapters, but find the book to be thoroughly engaging. Especially, the six dimensions of decision quality.

My current job is proving to be a daily "case study." The ideas contained in the book have come to life, helping me to better understand my environment at work and make better decisions along the journey.

Focusing on large R&D intensive organizations, this book explores nine key principles that make these enterprises effective, such as: open information flow, systems thinking, and continual learning. The author's emphasize the decision making process as a means of changing and improving overall organizational performance. If you are seeking new insights into how strategy is developed, excellence can be achieved in decision making, and organization renewal can be realized, you will find this book enlightening and fascinating reading. The insights offered here are by no means limited to high-technology firms; they apply to any organization seeking to be successful in today's fast-paced markets. This work includes an organizational IQ test (a diagnostic tool) for identifying root causes of the barriers to improving decision processes. There is an impressive amount of knowledge about organization to be gleaned in The Smart Company. Whether you are a technology -based bus! iness or not, you will find many nuggets in this work. We highly recommend it.

This is one of the best books I have ever seen for young children who have either been abused or could be. It alerts young children of the dangers of "secrets" that are hallmarks of child abuse either about to happen or having already occurred. It also provides encouragement to those children who have already been abused to start talking about the abuse with an adult who can do something to help them. I have even see this story provide assistance for adults who have abuse issues to deal with.

I enjoy this stories at the age of 60 plus almost as much as my grandchildren have over the years. Each one of the Serendipity Series has beautiful and imaginative illustrations to go along with tales that always have an important lesson to teach.

Squeekers is an excellent way to start a conversation withchildren about abuse and saying no to peer pressure. It makes iteasier for parents to talk to their kids about a very tough topic.

A survivor of abuse myself I wanted a way to teach my children that I want them to learn to say "no" if they have to. I also wanted to teach them we would support them no matter what. This book is such a beautiful way to do that. The art and story are written for just them. All of the Serendipity Books deal with issues that face children in a way that they can feel safe and stronger for reading them. I strongly urge anyone interested in buying these books to do so. You will not be dissapointed.