This book is an absolute must for those seeking to find a gift for the ones who have everything. To be well appreciated, one must have a sense of humor. This book is informative, fun, and gives the reader a wee bit to think about while doing their business. It is also the ideal book to read on airplanes because of the ease with which one becomes absorbed in the articles. Airplanes are not the easiest places to read, as you well may know. All in all, it is an excellent book.

I love this book. At first, I just read it on the john. Now, I read it whenever I'm bored! By the way, people used to call the 'John' the 'Jake' in the mid 1500's. That transitioned to 'Cousin John' which later shortened to just 'John'. No, this book is not just limited to captivating info on the chair that doesn't recline but has a handle, it also divulges Mel Brooks' REAL name. I guarantee, this book will enlighten you beyond your current enlightenment. Enough shameless plugs, just buy the book. (save...using Amazon.com)

For the man/woman who has "everything", who couldn't use an easy-to-read, easy-to-pick-up, easy-to-put-down compendium of fun and fast paced antecdotes, amusing stories, and interesting(and generally useless) facts??? This book has brought me considerable entertainment and a few out right belly laughs during my past visits to the throne. Well worth the investment. It doesn't cost too much, and the time you spend is "free time" anyway!!

My wife and I have been to Walt Disney World 3 times in the last 4 years and it's getting tough to explain to our friends and family just why it is we spend money and valuable vacation time at the same place. In a word, it's: MAGIC. Walt Disney World is so much more than an collection of amusement parks filled with thematic attractions interspersed with gift shops and restaurants. Walt Disney World is a study in customer service excellence. It is one man's dream come true. We go as much to be inspired as we do to relax and have fun. This book was an excellent companion to our visit providing insight into just how Disney consistently delivers a quality experience.

So why is Disney flat-lining? Well, this is off the book, but if Michael and the gang are listening- in a word it is "Saturation". In Disney's effort to "be everywhere" the magic wears off. Disney stores in the mall, all over radio and TV, and in many ways becoming omnipresent, they are going to pull a "Planet Hollywood". They need to keep a healthy distance- not chasing people everywhere for fear the competition vying for their time and attention will somehow win out. Just keep doing the basics well and let the customers come and find you.

I highly recommend this easy-reading book for three reasons. First, it helped me understand and appreciate how Disney continues to deliver the highest quality products and services year-in and year-out. Secondly, it clearly described many proven ways and concepts to improve my organization's customer service. Lastly, this book gave me a lot of practical lessons that can and should be adapted to fit into most management or leadership situations.

I read a couple of outstanding books by Disney-outsiders ("Built to Last" by Jim Collins and Jerry Porras, and "The Disney Way" by Bill Capodagli and Lynn Jackson) about how and why they were so impressed with Disney. I wanted to read a book about a Disney-insider's perspectives on what Disney does to impress everyone and exceed all expectations. This book showed me the "what" of Disney's practical magic of customer service: a full-time business of shared values, enforced standards, focused work, self-discipline, and attention to detail that is virtually transparent to all Disney guests. I got all that I wanted and more from this outstanding book.

After I finished reading this book, I read through my highlights and realized that the following paragraph from the introduction perfectly previewed the book:

"In this book, we take you behind the scenes to discover Disney best practices and philosophies in action. We provide you with an insider's glimpse of quality service principles in action both at Walt Disney World, as told from the perspectives of cast members [Disney-speak for "employees"], and in other organizations, as told by executives who have participated in Disney Institute programs. Walt Disney's fundamentals for success still ring true. You build the best product you can. You give people effective training to support the delivery of exceptional service. You learn from your experiences. And you celebrate success. You never stop growing. You never stop believing."

Sharing the secrets behind Disney's 'practical magic' in this book is yet another example of Disney's commitment to exceptional guest [Disney-speak for "customer"] service. Read this book and enjoy being Disney's guest.

As the Director of an Entrepreneurship Program at a private University, I have found this book to be a valuable teaching tool. Students at all levels of learning enjoy the book because it connects practical stories that students can understand to important aspects of customer service as well as employee management. As recent visitors with our two young children, my wife and I enjoyed the book purely from a "guest" perspective. You can really appreciate all that goes into the magic of the Disney parks by reading this book.

Wisdom on the Green is what Six Sigma is all about, or at least what it should be about. It is an improvement strategy that can be applied as easily to a golf game as to a business. In Six Sigma too much of the time the emphasis is placed on the tools, rather than on the strategy. The same is true of lean, and this book intgrates the two with a focus on the philosophy rather than the tools. It is significant that the principals in the book are the leaders of their organization, because that is where the strategy of business improvement needs to be understood, not down at the middle management or technical level.

This book should be required reading for all senior managers in all organizations.

I finished this book in one day - like "The Goal", I found myself caught up in the story line behind the message. And the message is substantial - bottom line profits accrue to those who wisely apply the Six Sigma methods described in the book. For those new to the Six Sigma improvement approach, I highly recommend this as the first book you read on the subject. It provides the information necessary to understand Six Sigma and Lean Production in non-technical everyday language. The book also provides the reader with an example of a typical implementation of Six Sigma to help understand what it may look like in their own company. And for those already knowlegeable in the subject, it provides a deeper understanding of how the different quality approaches, e.g., TQM, Baldrige and Lean, compare and contrast to the Six Sigma approach.
Truly enjoyable.

-Book is as insightful as it is easy to read!!

-Excellent job of contrasting Lean,TQM, and Baldridge to Six Sigma and why Six Sigma is different (and in fact works!). I always suspected the things you elegantly described in the book as each of the four golfers described their experience. It is so clear after you understand Six Sigma (why it works that is), yet so elusive if you don't.

-I always suspected that simple control charts are an effective way to track an organizations performance of high level metrics (Satellite Metrics as described in the book ). Thank you for confirming my suspicion and crystallizing the concept!

-The type of infrequently sampled metrics for control charting (described in the book) could further enhance our Project selection process and help the organization recognize improvement over time at a level higher than the Six Sigma Project KPOV.

-Thought you did a great job encouraging DOE in transactional & Business projects. I think we have been too dismissive of DOE in these type of projects and resort to something we call "piloted solutions"..which have their place but lack the power of DOE. I guess the one fear Ive always had is the discrete nature of the KPOV's in such DOE's, and if treating count data (like the mailers you described in the book) as continuous data is appropriate. Certainly discrete data can be used..but usually requires a pretty hefty sample size. The other concern we have had is the ability to control noise in such an extended time frame needed in Sales/Marketing DOE's. I think you are right and there is much power in a balanced and orthogonal approach to such projects.

After reading your book..I understand perfectly why you have a concern about absolute focus on short term process capability analysis in all Six Sigma Projects. It has its place in some projects (like PC boards)..but in others it can be totally misleading depending on definition of opportunities (read..too much non-value add time spent trying to determine what an opportunity is). I agree with you 100%!. Im actually feeling good now that Ive seen someone say that in print!

This book IS a reference. The author assumes you already know how to do your basic return and he means this by barely giving any introduction. The author wants to help maximize your deductions by having you reference individual sections on how to report those deductions. It's massive and it contains all kinds of tips on what to do on your return under certain conditions. It follows this type of convention: 6.21 Reporting Gambling Losses or 7.5 Deducting Mortgage Interest. Therefore you don't read this book front to back, and people filing 1040EZ's or (unless it's complex) perhaps a 1040A won't use very much of this book, only certain parts relevant to them.

This book has some great information. I located where I needed to send my return in a matter of seconds with this book as opposed to the IRS pamphlet which I still haven't found the address. In addition, it creates a great, one-page table to help you decide what return to file (1040, A, or EZ). It was the first thing I had seen that conclusively summed up exactly which one I should file.

In a one sentence summary, if you are dead set on doing your own taxes, the more complex your taxes are, the more you will use this reference book.

The professional edition is a hardcover copy of the regular edition plus a second professional section that includes an additional 100 pages or so of citations to the code, the regs, rev ruls, letter rulings and cases that support the text in the first section; this is very well done and very useful. for instance: in the main section 19.24 discusses Deductible Investment Expenses; if you want to know more, the professional section in the back refers you to IRC 212 and Reg. 1.212-1(b) and journal article that discusses the topic generally; then there are two columns of citations dealing with very specific topics in this category; for instance, on the topic of deductions for investor's home office expenses it refers to IRC 280A and Joseph Moller, 721 F.2d 810 (fed. Cir. 1983).

Then there are an additional 100 pages or so of narrative on tax authorities, praciticing before the IRS and preparing returns for estates. Overall, very useful.

This is one the best tax guides and will assist in clarifying any tax questions you may have. You can easily navigate the book and zero in on the sections to help you figure out how much you owe and even how to reduce your total tax bill. The recommendations here have been right on target and I'm glad I bought this book. This book has helped me understand the somewhat incomprehensible tax laws. The layout of the book is nicely done with large easy to read print. The table of contents is a great starting place and while the book is not intended for the complete idiot, ANYONE with a modicum of intelligence should find the book easy to use. You will find the volume to be large and very comprehensive ( as it should be ) and a great value considering amount of information contained within those pages. I have used this book every year and as my situation has grown from simply to more complicated this book has always provided me with the necessary information. Whether you are single, married or own a business, I recommend the book. It is very fortunate that this classic series exists -- I guess thats why its the #1 guide to understanding taxes.

I know this subject -- this book is in a class by itself... basic music theory isn't that difficult... but explaining it is! The authors have actually gotten it right. They balance clarity thoroughness accuracy and practicality. This isn't 'rocket-science' type theory, and it isn't baby-stuff either... it's directed at the musician who's playing popular music (from blues and rock to sophisticated jazz) and who wants to understand basic notation, chords, fitting scales to chords for improvisation/soloing, modes, and chord substitutions. If it has a weak point it's in explaining how chord progressions are put together, but in fairness that is a _huge_ subject... and this book is _great_ on everything else. Other books on this subject are typically miserable... this one even has excercises and an answer key. I'm reccommending it to all my guitar students... this book is an answered prayer.

I had some music theory before I picked up this volume, but had not studied it in a comprehensive manner. This book took me through the basics in a step-by-step fashion. As a result, I feel I have a firm grasp of scale structure, intervals, and chord forms. The exercises (with answers in the back) are very useful and enable you to ensure that you have understood the text. I spent two weeks with this book this past summer and am delighted that I did. Strongly recommended.

This book gives you the "nuts and bolts" of music theory using a logical format, and content that is presented in an easy to understand manner - even for beginners. I highly recommend it. If you are intimidated by the thought of learning music theory (like I was) then you ought to consider this book. There are plenty of written excercises contained in each chapter to help make sure you understand the concepts presented (and the answers are in the back of the book). In essence, each short chapter offers an opportunity to gain a sense of accomplishment before you move on to the next concept. Even my favorite music teacher, who has over 35 years of teaching under her belt, was thoroughly impressed with this book and plans to buy a copy for herself. By the way, this is the book used for a music theory class at Musician's Institute in Southern California (a music performance school).

The Institute of HeartMath is at the cutting edge of systems theory research as it applies to human physiology and behaviour. Their ideas challenge many old belief structures in science. As such their views form part of a much broader and rising awareness amongst scientists that the old assumptions on which much of science and medicine is based requires a significant review. The HeartMath Solution is perhaps their clearest exposition to date of their views, and is rightly supported by their own research. The books is perhaps insufficiently supported by the sizeable body of evidence which indicates that emotions are critical to health and in particular positive emotions can play a very significant role in enhancing health and well being. As an MD and HRV researcher myself I welcome HeartMath's attempt to promote this understanding. If only more scientists would concentrate on what human beings can do to help themselves rather than chart the detrimental impacts of poor health practices and disease we might be further forward in our fight to promote a healthier and more balanced world. I recommend this book to all open-minded scientists and clinicians.

The heart is at the very center of our being. It has more control over the body than previously thought. The heart puts out more current than any other system in the body. Our society relies to much on the head, and not enough on the heart. This book is an eye opener.

This book is a synthesis of all I have learned, known, and intuited throughout my 30 years in the mental health field, including over 20 years as a psychotherapist.

The material is presented in a concise, readable manner, and the HeartMath exercises are simple and easily learned, especially Freeze Frame.

I am personally utilizing the Freeze Frame and Cut-Through exercises and am amazed at how quickly one gets to the"heart" of feelings, problems, etc. Although I have been a meditator for 17 years, the methods described in this book have opened up new and creative aspects of myself.

My clients have experienced equally exciting and insightful results.

I would unqualifiedly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in stress reduction, better health, personal growth, and a more peaceful way of being in this increasingly complex and fast-paced culture.

Earlene Miller Sneller, MSW,CSW, Certified Body/Energy Practitioner.

When writing for television and film some people may think that all you have to do is come up with an idea and write the screenplay. The reality is that there is a lot more to it according to Dona Cooper, the author of the best-selling book, Writing Screenplays for Television and Film. The major theme that she continuously uses throughout the book is the two-dimensional roller coaster theme. The roller coaster analogy is to help "capture the sense of thrust, power, build, and intensity that a good story experience must have." This book targets readers who are more advanced and are ready to market their screenplays as soon as everything is together versus a beginning writer who wants to learn the basic steps of writing a screenplay. The majority of this book is written with strong structure. She develops key concepts and backs the structure of the different types of roller coasters that can be incorporated in many story elements. She writes with the idea of not telling the reader first you need to do this step, instead she lets the reader explore the different possible directions they can take. Her advice allows the reader to develop their own way of writing and their own sequence of writing. Beginning writers may want to gear away from this book. For the more advanced writers this would be a great book to purchase.

You should definitely own a copy of this book. While it is not aimed at total beginners, intermediate and advanced writers will find it invaluable.

If only every book was as well written as this one.... This book is one of the best books on screenwriting I've ever read for one simple reason: Clarity. The material in this book is presented in a wonderful "reader friendly" streamlined structure. Full of useful information yet straight and to the point. A great read for the beginning screenwriter.

As a Southerner who enjoys our heritage in cooking, I ordered this book eagerly, based on prior reviews and the description.

This book gives a somewhat cursory history of Tuskegee Institute, along with some photographs. Included are recipes from Dr. Carver.

In my opinion, the greatest disappointment with this book is its incomplete documentation of the rest of the recipes. Where did they come from, or from whom? In a book that blends recipes with history, this is a significant flaw. Certainly, some of the recipes, such as Guacamole dip and El Paso cheese dip, don't sound authentic to Tuskegee. Again, who knows? Historical collections of recipes should credit these recipes to someone, or simply state that a recipe is 'traditional'.

I buy cookbooks to read as much as cook from. This book is organized with narration in italics mixed with the recipes. For me, it makes the book more difficult to read.

(...)

This cookbook is chock full of old time recipes. There are wonderful pictures and pieces of history that are long forgotten and shouldn't be. It is great!!
I originally bought this for a co-worker and since buying the first one, I have been bombarded by others who have seen it. Each person wants one. It includes recipes that anyone who has ever had southern cooking will love! This makes a great gift.....for yourself and others.

The recipe's are fantastic. The cookbook was inspired by people who know what is good; also the stories are most impressive. I love how this book has sat-up menu's for certain holidays and occasions. I enjoy reading this cookbook, because there is a story behind it.

The status of the classic, fascinating Tibetan Book of the Dead, despite its reputation, remains vexed and it is finally an apocryphal and late text in the Buddhist tradition. Travel light and stick to basics.And beware of the associated abuses.
This work by the notorious Gold, a cloned wannabe in this vein, is essentially a pointless text, whose core meaning might become clear if you have read the last paragraph of Gurdjieff's All and Everything. Be forewarned! The 'work' is a false concept, and doesn't mean 'liberation', beware of what you agree to. Don't be caught in the clutches of these operators. It is one thing to groove on Sufi sayings like 'die before you die', quite another to take it as a form of spiritual practice at the hands of those with lunatic thinking in this field. I read an early version of this book years ago while interviewing a few of Mr. Gold's victims in a state of shock (he has plenty of groupies however), whose tales bespeak a singularly nutty versions of Gurdjieff-Sufism mishmashed. I was struck by the especial viciousness of the goings on in this regard, and the symbolic manipulation of the 'book of the dead' archetype. Sometimes posing as a Indian style guru, sometimes the Sufi sheik and/or 'successor' to Gurdjieff, this man with no stated credentials whatsoever, save the clear hints of being no guru at all but a Crowley style occultist, has let loose some stunning and dangerous howlers in this field, and I would recommend staying well beyond his influence. Period. The question of the Gurdjieff 'school'is hopeless at this point. There is no such thing as the 'fourth way' and the ersatz ashram in tricky combinations has drifted down history ad infinitum and this is no exception. You are under no obligation to spiritual obedience to these entrepreneurs. None whatever. Wake up and watch your step.

Having been familiar with the Evans-Wentz translation of the Tibetan Book of the Dead for many years I decided to give this "Americanised" version a try. I was aware that much of the rigid detail and ritual of the original was probably unique to Tibetan culture and I wanted to see how the author dealt with it. Now that I've read this version I'm somewhat conflicted as to my opinion of it. The basic ritual and structure of the original is preserved, but with modern terminology and images substituted. This is an improvement- sort of. However, I'd rather cut through the accrued ritual and superficial detail and get down to the core truths- not just make the dross more modern and "hip." There is truth here, but you still have to cut away the obscuring distortions. First of all, the existance that is being described is both beyond time and beyond conventional aristotlian sequential logic. Think about it, do you really believe memorising this sequence of events- or reading them aloud to the dead on a rigid timetable- is of any real value? The afterlife doesn't run on a bus schedule folks- to use my own little modernism here.

What is truly important are the deep truths and values that you have welded to your spirit before you cross over- memorising spiritual "cheat sheets" and last minute "cramming" just isn't going to cut it.... Though, the state of mind immediately before one's passing is of importance. It isn't the overriding determinate, however.
Still, what is being described here as the "macrodimensions" do exist. I've always been sensitive to them, and you probably have too. And, yes, we do project much of what we are superficially familiar with upon them- as have those who have passed that way before us.

Worth reading, but do so with a discriminating mind- and cross check it with your "inner guide."

DISCLAIMER: This reader, being feeble and infirm of bodymind, is woefully ignorant of both Sufism and the various New-Age paths and practices (and E.J. Gold for that matter).

But upon encountering the ABD some years ago, it seemed an imaginative, clear and well-rendered paraphrase of the Zhi-Tro teachings (Padmasambhava's Self-Liberation teachings), much revered in the Tibetan Nyingma tradition.

Note that this work is not represented as a translation or as an "alternative" to anything, and is thus not bound by language. It's not prose; it's a manual. It's in the application, more than in the casual reading, that one finds the spirit if not the letter of the teaching.

Who knows? Maybe it's terma (revealed treasure).

I've seen it used by Nyingma ngakpa yogis, side by side with chants and mantras during bardo prayers/sadhanas.

Homage to Teachers; to lineage masters and hidden yogis -- may they bless us in the Three Times and between.

om ah hum hri

I was hoping for a book to give me some great ideas for window treatments and this book is full of just plain tacky window treatments. It does make it very easy to make them, but who would want to? The fabrics are cheap-looking and who wants a window with ties connected to potted plants?

The book is also lacking some of the most basic design concepts that I really wanted like balloon valances or just plain old curtains that open along a rod. This was my first return to Amazon. I have no use for this book.

This book is a very diverse look at window treatments with good instructions on how to make yourself. It has many ideas not found in other resources.

This book is absolutely awesome for ideas and instructions. It doesn't matter if you are a beginner or an expert at sewing, this book has step by step pictures so you can see exactly where you need to be in your project. I made a 12 feet long soft cornice that came out absolutely beautiful (with welting that I made and all!) and up until then, my sewing experience was in Jr. High sewing class.

All the projects have complete step by step instructions and photos. There are lots of great ideas for just about any type of treatment you could want. You'll be re-doing all of your windows!

This book is an absolute MUST for anyone interested in saving a lot of money and making their own window treatments. I have yet to find any other book that even compares to this one.