This book came out in 1980 at the start of the Chili Craze. Contests were being held all over the US for best chili. Every weekend you could find a Chili Cook-off or Chili Tasting anywhere from hot-pepper-hating New England to 12-alarm-fire-chili-loving Texas. Even the Simpsons ended up doing a chili cook-off spoof (The Guatemalan Insanity Pepper episode is really great animation and very funny, too.)

I have made many of the chilis in the book, going so far as to buy the required chili pequenos, chili colorado and other special chilis in the recipes. Yes, they make a difference. And the book even has Cincinnati 5-Way Chili, which purists will scorn as "not REALLY chili" but which is addictive and great for guests who hate hot spices. (5-way chili is a slighty sweet, cinnamon spiced chili probably influenced by Middle-East immigrants in Cincinnati. It is served 2-way, 3-way or 5-way with onions, beans, cheese, and spaghetti. It's fun for kids, who can make up their own garnished dish.) The Texas Style hot chilis are really gorgeous. This is one of my all-time favorite books and I don't think in 20 years, anyone has really written a better book on chili than Jane Butel.

In addition to the great recipes, this book gives you some history of chili along with some great black and white pictures.

I've taken pride in my chili for 50 years. These are some of the BEST recipes I've ever tried. Kudos to Jane Butel Ginger Hamilton Westminster, Colorado

In his book, Norman James has exhasutively searched the Scriptures for clear and accurate answers to the fundamental questions of the Christian faith. This book is not only a necessary part of the Bible-believing Christian's library, but also a useful guide to the lost soul. It will guide the one who is seeking truth step by step to a knowledge of Christ in a way that anyone can understand.

Whether you are a new believer or a veteran of the faith; this book is not merely one for the coffee table or the book shelf... It is a book which equips each Christian with the living truths of God's Word and Biblically answers the fundamental questions which face each of us in our walk with God.

I found this book to be a very useful and practical guide for understanding the Christian walk. Its question/answer format made it easy to read and comprehend. The book was also packed with scripture references, so I could follow up with Bible study of my own. Great reading!

The USS Macedonean (originally HMS) is largely forgotten today, but her legacy is intertwined with the early days and wellfare of the young American republic. She was the first English warship to be captured by the American Navy, and was instrumental to putting an end to the Barbary pirates, and even had a hand in the reopening of Japan to the world.

It is only fitting therefore that a book would be written about her. De Kay's book, "Chronicles of the Frigate Macedonian" is an extremely entertaining read, one that well worth the time. There aren't many single ship biographies out there about the American sailing navy, which makes this book a solid gem.

Chronicling the Macedonean from her construction in a shipwayd in england, to her (What was left of her) final destruction at the hands of a fire in 1922, De Kay weaves a entertaining account of the ship, her glories and her more tarnished incidents. The true cast of character is diverse, ranging from the honorable John carden, who lost the Macedonian to the USS United States and never commanded a ship again, to Commodore James Biddle, who's own tenure as captain was filled with sickness and death on the ship, to "Commodore George DeKay" who successfully used the Macedonian to bring much needed relief to an Ireland suffering from famine.

The Macedonian's history was filled with political intruige, madmen, jealousy, courage, an death. De Kay chronicles it all in vivid color. If you enjoy C.S Forester, Patrick O'Brian, or Naval History, I'd strongly suggest this book.

You don't often find a biography of a ship. Especially a ship which has a history as rich and varied as this one. The lives, careers,countries this ship saw. Wonderful history. It ties time together and does what few teachers can, makes history live. With a broadside!

Fascinating account of how the capture of one ship from the British during the War of 1812 boosted national morale and elevated the United States in the international arena. De Kay skillfully illustrates how the US's leaders shrewdly manipulated the Macedonian's psychological power by sending her on highly visible missions. As a result, the Macedonian was there for over 100 years' worth of some of the US's most fascinating history, and captained by some of the most colorful officers in the United States Navy. De Kay masterfully ties the Macedonian's history with our history. Excellent!

I agree with the guy above, claiming the Gangrel were more than feral animals, and did more than growl and bark. Anyway...

Quienes son considerados CLANES dentro de WOD: Tremere, Assamite, Brujah, Ventrue, Lasombra, pero vamos... Gangrel???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? GUAFGUAFUGUAFUGUAFUGUASFU Realmente afrontemoslo, QUE te van a decir de un Clan, que no tiene objetivo alguno, que no se podria llamar CLan; un Clan que se rebaja a hablar con los seres inferiores, los animales,convive con ellos y disfruta de esto al maximo... No hay mas que decir salvo.... Guaf Guaf Guaf Guaf Wolf Wulf Miau Miau, Miyagi, Miau (lexico Gangrel)

One of the improvements of the new CLAN BOOK series over the original is consistency between the various installments. The new books all seem to include discipline variations and merits and flaws tailored to specific clans as well as all new sample character templates. (MIND'S EYE THEATRE stats are now always given for much of this) Often extensive sections on notable clan members are included in all of them. The only standard feature missing from the new CLAN BOOK: GANGREL is the sample coterie- too bad, because if there ever was group that tended to hang with their own (if anyone), it would be the Gangrel.

Overall, however, GANGREL is an outstanding addition to this series. The mostly new text (part introduced as a response to the narrator of the original) covers (as usual) the title clan's view of vampiric history and opinions of other clans and WoD creatures. The Gangrel are presented as a diverse group, often defying stereotypes but generally highly inquisitive and, of course, prone to wander. It deals with subjects like Gehenna, the political ramifications of Xaviar's recent break with the Camarilla, conspiracy theories and even Gangrel opinions about suburbs and the internet- in addition to the expected material on environmentalism, Lupines, etc. There is a very good section on the impact of the Gangrel weakness and some hints at larger mysteries, too.

Happily, there's also lots of Sabbat material- including how Sabbat Gangrel regard different Paths of Enlightenment. A follower of the Path of the Feral Heart is included in the character templates- the first template on a Path follower in the new series. (Wrong virtues, tho!) This is part of an examination of Gangrel bloodlines including some of the exotic and lost ones from DARK AGES. WOW!

No other book gives a more effective treatment of the subject. A thorough explanation of the basics followed by a stepwise approach towards advanced topics. Thanks Kang and Leblebici for coming up with such a great book.

This book introduces CMOS digital IC at a introductory graduate level; good reference for Electrical Engineers in the memory business.

I own the book... in fact, I took the class Leblebici wrote the book for! Leblebici is a very good teacher and the book is a must for all EE students studying VLSI design. It teaches concepts well without wordy, hard to understand passages. The useless "paragraphs of eqations" found in other engineering books are replaced with meaningful examples.

Critics have often named Saul Bellow and Faulkner in the same laudatory, esteeming sentence. This juxtaposition is most correct in its comparison of the respective artistry of their short story craft. Bellow is a superior novelist and writer.

This is a superb collection of short stories. The Preface is finely and charmingly written by Janis Bellow, which allows us a brief, intimate glimpse of Bellow the writer.

This anthology includes: "The Bellarosa Connection," "Looking for Mr. Green," "Zetland," "Mosby's Memoirs," and "Something to Remember Me By," among others.

Long live the urban Jewish intelligentsia. I also highly recommend Bellow's novels, esp. Augie March, Humboldt's Gift, and Ravelstein.

Those who have enjoyed Saul Bellow's great novels over the years will rejoice at this excellent collection of his finest short stories. Spanning decades, they resonate with much joy and understanding of the human condition, vividly portrayed by Bellow's graceful, erudite prose. Most of the tales are set in Chicago, describing the lives of an intriguing assortment of Midwestern characters, ranging from con men to businessmen. It's hard for me to choose one story as a personal favorite, though the last tale, "Something To Remember Me By", is a hilarious look at Prohibition Era Chicago, replete with speakeasies and references to mobster Al Capone. Without question, Saul Bellow remains one of North America's greatest literary treasures. After reading "Mr. Sammler's Planet", "Seize the Day", "Herzog", "Henderson the Rain King", or the rest of his great literary works, you'll surely want to read "Saul Bellow: Collected Stories".

I am fourteen years old and have been reading avidly since I was ten. I go to the bookstore everyday and I came across this Collection of Stories on the Staff Recommendation shelf.I had no clue who Saul Bellow was, but the cover looked very intriguing, due to my infatuation with oldies cars and Black and White photography. So I had the book held and the next day I came back with my allowance and bought it.On my way home, I had a haircut. Two people in the barbershop said something vague about the author. I didn't take too much notice. When I finally arrived home, I showed my parents the book, and the applauded, explaining that all on my own I had picked out one of the best American authors this century has known. That night I went to bed early and sped through the first two stories; 'By the St. Lawrence' and 'A Silver Dish'. They were both some of the best mixtures of the English language that I have ever read.
I am a writer and so I am very serious when I say that this book is one of the best examples of written art ever painted. If I could, I would give it six-stars!

James Gardiner's fantastic debut takes us through the world of high class politics. We delve into the corrupt political climate that makes up the life of Secretary of State, Sarah Lander. The novel opens with a fierce run-for-your-life scenario as Sarah thwarts a terrorist's attempt on her life. While in hiding, she learns that she is not the only target for this unnamed militant group. The assassins had also blown up the United States Capitol Building, eliminating almost the entire U.S. Government, including the President of the United States, the Vice President, the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate, leaving Sarah Lander, by the Law of Presidential Succession, next in line for the Presidency. But the title is bittersweet. Unless she can make it home alive, through the treachery and deceit of those who wish her dead, she can't assume her rightful place in history. Capitol Chill is a study in political chaos. A country in turmoil, a woman on the run to stay alive and a twist of an ending that will astonish you. It is a must read for anyone who loves the excitement of politics and the exhileration of being in power.

James Gardiner did a masterful job with this book, weaving a complicated subject and multiple viewpoints into a easy to follow story. The action kept my attention throughout, and the ending was nothing but spectacular, a real thriller.

Capitol Chill kept my interest throughout! All the senators and Congress people are there in the Capitol Building, and a pair of missiles changes the occupants' destinies not to mention the country's.

This book made me think even as it made my heart race. I haven't seen such a dramatic end in a while. Gardiner really knows how to spin a tale.

A very moving book. The book was written 50 years ago, and it sounds as current as if it had been written today. A mother's feelings are timeless.

"The Child Who Never Grew," by Pearl S. Buck, is the true story of the struggle of the author after learning that her daughter Carol, born in 1920, was mentally handicapped. The 1992 Woodbine House edition contains a foreword by James Michener, an introduction by Martha M. Jablow, and an afterword by Janice C. Walsh, who was Pearl's daughter and Carol's's sister.

Jablow notes in her intro that "Child" first appeared as an article in "Ladies Home Journal" in 1950 and was shortly thereafter published in book form. Jablow notes that the book is "a landmark in the literature about disabilities." As such, I consider "Child" a fitting companion text to a book like Helen Keller's "The Story of My Life." Jablow notes that mental retardation "carried a shameful stigma" when Buck first had this story published; Jablow provides further useful historical context for the main text.

Buck writes very movingly of her heartache at the discovery of her child's plight. She documents her awareness of the stigma against people like Carol, and also tells of her search for an institution where Carol's special needs might be met. Buck passionately defends the humanity and worth of the mentally retarded, and tells what her experiences with Carol taught her: "I learned respect and reverence for every human mind. It was my child who taught me to understand so clearly that all people are equal in their humanity and that all have the same human rights."

Walsh's afterword continues the story of Carol. She fills in some of the very obvious gaps in Buck's story. Walsh's contribution to this book is very moving, and includes photos of Carol.

In addition to being a work of historical and sociological importance, I found "The Child Who Never Grew" to be a moving and very personal piece of American literature. For another good companion text, try William Styron's "Darkness Visible," in which the distinguished writer tells of his battle against clinical depression. Also, try "On the Way Home," by Laura Ingalls Wilder; this book has additional material by Laura's daughter, Rose Wilder Lane, and like "The Child Who Never Grew" is thus a sort of mother-daughter literary collaboration.

I cherish this book. I am the mother of a wonderful little boy with special needs who is also terminal. I could never put into words all my thoughts and feelings. Ms. Buck did that beautifully and with heart. I reread it often and share it with other parents needing the encouragement that she bestows with her wonderful writing. Thank you!

"You think I am weak and must submit
Yet I but scratch you with this poisoned blade,
And you are dead as if I clove with it
That false fierce greedy heart.Betrayed!Betrayed!"

As I think of those bone chilling lines they ring ripples of fright and despair through my still salivating soul, because there's a part of me that longs for more. I remember the first time I encounted Mr. Thomson's masterpiece. It was only a few lines, but it left me starving for more. It soon became a small obsession. I had to have it! I read Thomson's "The City of Dreadful Night" and he became an instant favorite for me as far as poets are concerned. I have read Dickinson and Whitman and Poe, but none of them compare in my opinion to Thomson's morbid metaphors and detrimental descriptions of pain and suffering. I could almost feel the words literally penetrate the deepest recesses of my darkest heart of hearts. Emotions are impossible to put into words exactly, but I believe Thomson damn near succeeded in his "melancholia" as he would put it. You almost have to take breaks in the middle of reading in order to gather your now shattered positive emotions and regain a stronger than steel composure to take in just a little bit more. I feel like Thomson is one of my best friends now because I can relate to everything that he's feeling through his darkest times. He totally discouraged me as a poet myself and crushed whatever confidence I had in my own writing abilities. But it's okay, I'll recover and resume my own confidences denial about actually having skills...I think. For all of you who haven't read this masterpiece to mankind, I strongly suggest that you sink your teeth in and experience first hand how words can be daggers in your consciousness by the absolute best there is. For everyone with insomnia, scream loudly with me the words that should be echoed to the edges of the universe...

"A NIGHT SEEMS TERMLESS HELL!"

This late-nineteenth century long poem falls somewhere between "Paradise Lost" & "The Waste Land." It contains enough beauties to be a rewarding read, yet its flaws are hard to ignore. Chief among these flaws is Thomson's readiness to insert archaic words like "doth" and "feign" to fill out his meter & rhyme. In praising the poem I enlist the support of Melville, who admired it, & Eliot, whose "The Waste Land" appears to echo it. Eventually, after taking time to search for the least-flawed section or canto of the poem, I decided that section XIII seemed the least-flawed. Then I wondered if Thomson had arranged it that way intentionally, perversely saving his best work, his im-mutabilitie canto, for unlucky thirteen.

James "B.V" (stands for Bysshe Vanolis, a pseudonym he sometimes adopted) Thomson composed this long poem while wandering the streets of London, tormented by insomnia and what he called "melencholia," what we would probably call clinical depression.

His portrait of his mental state also became a portrait of an industrial society, and the vanity and pointlessness of its various sorts of activity and effort. His City of Dreadful Night, a true city of despair, held up a dark mirror to the urban England of his day, filled with faithless churches, empty and ultimately unrewarding activity, and the despair of grinding poverty.

In an age so filled with self-improvement twaddle and the cult of positive thinking, such a poem actually seems like a breath of fresh air. It ends with a splendid portrait of Dürer's Melencolia.

I read the last half of this book flying from Boston to Phoenix to coach one of my team members in a presentation. I was able to use the framework in this book immediately.

As a result of reading the book, I told my employee that I would be using a new system for coaching and I asked my employee what he wanted to work on and what I should watch for. This gave me a framework for my observations.

I also used the system they recommended to separate what I saw from my inferences.

The resulting discussion was useful for both of us. I was able to say things like "I saw that the audience was leaning forward and nodding. I took that to mean they were attentive. There was one woman who was leaning back and sort of looking around. I took that to mean she was bored." then the employee said that she had seen the presentation before.

I asked for his feedback at the end about my new coaching approach and he was very enthusiastic!

Excellent system!

The Coaching Manager: Developing Top Talent in Business is easy to read and has an easy-to-implement coaching method. It teaches managers to help even excellent employees learn and grow, while developing a supportive relationship between manager and employee. Translation from book to practice is easy and immediate. It also shows how to separate observations from hunches. What a great system!

I have read or seen most of the books written on coaching employees over the last 10 years. This book presents a practical and interesting approach to the caoching and development of your top performers, a group that usually gets ignored. Most books in this area focus on coaching the difficult or problem employees while in this book there is a definite focus on developing the best.
The Coaching manager is very readable and uses good examples and short cases to make the key points. The authors seem well-versed in business which I found refreshing after reading too many coaching books from former or current sports coaches who may have had one or two winning seasons before fading into oblivion.
I plan on using this book in our company's executive development programs. This book has great value for any manager.