Fanfares: Programs for Classrooms and Libraries

Customer Reviews:

Great Story.......2007-06-08

This is my favorite graphic novels. Marv Wolfman and George Perez did some excellent work here. The story has several great twists. Terra is a Teen Titan who really is a spy, Robin decides to take up a new identity as Nightwing, and Deathstroke's past is revealed. Any fan of comics or superheroes should have this.

The high point of the entire New Teen Titan series........2007-01-05

This is the series that introduced me to the New Teen Titans. Being a Robin fan, I was interested in the story of his decision to give up being Robin (Yes, HE WAS NOT FIRED BY BATMAN REGARDLESS OF THE RECENT REVISIONS) and his evolution into Nightwing. Oh, yeah, it also introduces a new character, and gives the origin to Deathstroke, the Terminator, the New Teen Titans best "villian." I have the original issues, but flip through this version to have it all in one collection. There will be an animated movie based on this saga, but this is the ultimate comic saga!

Sweet, sweet Terra.......2006-01-10

One of the best and first teen titans books I have ever read! In this adventure we learn how Slade got his powers, and that he has a son well another son called Jericho. Jericho is mute but he's a mutante err I mean meta-human that can jump into a persons body and take over them. Jericho for some reason seems to have a uncommon effect on people, this effect is to make people around him, trust him! For some strange reason, the writers never took advantage of this and they actually made the character trustworthy. Slade himself, vouches to BeastBoy that his son is on the up and up.

The story starts off with the Teen Titans kicking butt, The butt of the previous Brother Blood (There is a new one now) while unbeknowst to the Titans. One of there own is recording there every movement. The cute Terra who is about 14, I think, ... oh and by the way, she has an inappropiate relationship with Slade! Not like in the cartoon, where Slade is taking advantage of her. She is working with Slade, because Slade is ... well I was going to say bad guy but Slade isn't really evil here. (He's really not) She working with Slade because he is going to take down the Titans and she wants to join him, just for the fun of it. Unlike in the cartoon, Slade doesn't really have anything against the Titans; Brother Blood is paying him to do it, so that is what he's going to do.

I got to mention, that we see how powerful Terra is. She gives Slade a run for his money in like the second chapter of the book and then what really warms my heart is that we get to see BeastBoy almost take Terra down (Combate Training). Yes, BeastBoy! He's not the buffon Teen Titans: The TV series makes him out to be. BeastBoy while he has a sense of humor, just like in the TV series. Here, he combines his levity with a little bit of wit and abit of lasivousness. I'll just say, one particular joke has to do with snakes and kisses! HAAHAAHAA.

Let's see what else, Robin quiets and becomes NIGHTWING in this book! Becomes a full-fledged superhero with no batstrings attached! Jericho joins up! Kid Flash leaves to go to college! Seen in the first four chapters I think and is not heard of again.

The reason this book doesn't get four stars is because I feel they left it incomplete. BeastBoy really liked Terra, even when she tried to kill all of them BeastBoy still defended her. Saying "Slade was controlling her!" To be honest that isn't so far-fetched not in his world anyway. SuperMan gave BatMan Kryptonite just in case something like that happened to him, as an example. However, and sadly for BeastBoy, Terra was doing everything according to her own freewill. I'm a stickler!!! until the matter is completely closed, the Judas Contract for me was not yet over! Luckily, I was able to find out what happens to BeastBoy and how he was able to come to terms with Terra being evil. So for those of you who are like me, and there's not many of you (I'm Weird, and damn proud of it!) Here is what happens next and how BeastBoy gets over Terra!

BeastBoy, in the next couple of issues plans to get Slade Wilson out of jail and the same time he learns that Jericho is Slade son and starts to hate him. The Teen Titans captured Slade and he is now on trial for being the Terimantor! BeastBoy uses an ingenious method to make the court doubt that just Slade is the terimantor plus he also tries to beat him up right in front of the judge. The Titans are all appalled by BeastBoy's behavior, little do they know he's acting out because he has a plan. A plan to kill Slade Wilson and if he's behind bars, then killing him will be much harder to do! So, he needs him to be a free man. BeastBoy fails at this and Slade Wilson is sent to jail but BeastBoy breaks in and tries to kill him. He's so mad at Slade that he yells at him, just so he can know that our hero wants to kill him. Slade is released because a meta-human is trying to kill him in prison. Slade not wanting to fight BeastBoy gives himself up! Foruntately, BeastBoy can't go through with it and the two of them end up having coffee. The Judas Contract is now said and done for me! I end there because, if you were ner ... err curious enough to read this far then you must want to know too and I don't feel that I can give that part good enough justification for you anyway, so your'll just have to read it. The issue has the Title "BeastBoy V.S The Terimantor!" Which is after the trial of the Terimantor.

The High Point For Perez and Wolfman.......2005-05-01

Viewed by many as DC's X-Men, the New Teen Titans surpassed their Marvel rival and this book is the proof. Less wordy, better artwork and fuller plots and characters, Wolfman and Perez created something that has not only defined their careers, but has been a benchmark for all comic creators. The story is actually the culmination of 4 or 5 years of Teen Titan comics, starting with #1, but "The Judas Contract" is only the last year or so. Wolfman's writing appealed to his target reader, young adults, as their inner conflicts about fitting in, unrequited love or growing up was reflected in the heroes in the Titans. Looking back 20 years later, it may seem quaint, but it holds up, as does the main action and storyline. As for Perez's art, it is his finest. Not only is he able to create a different, unique look for each character, he was able to do it every month, plus provide inks for the first 3 chapters. It is true that the New Teen Titans never was as good a book afterwards, and near the end was embarrassing for all involved, but how many years did Claremont get out of the X-Men after John Byrne left? "The Judas Contract" ranks just below "Watchmen," "Dark Knight," and "Batman:Year One" as 1980s' DC product, and is still in the top 10 or 20 of all time.

A MUST READ CLASSIC.......2005-02-04

The Judas Contract is the pinnacle of the Wolfman-Perez era of the Titans, thats all there is to it. Action, adventure, betrayal, and tragedy are all enveloped within some of Perez's greatest work ever. I would recommend this not just to any Titans fan, but any comics fan at all, and you couldnt ask for a better introduction to the Titans if you've never been a fan. If you didnt like The Judas Contract, you just dont "get it" and never will. Its easily one of the Top 20, maybe Top 10 stories ever told. Forget Crisis, Identity Crisis, and Avengers Disassembled, if you want an "epic" story arc or an "event", this is it.

Complete Idiot Letters: One Man's Hilarious Assault on Corporate America
Average customer rating:

laugh while you wait

Hit and miss

HYSTERICAL...HYSTERICAL...HYSTERICAL

Complete Idiot Letters as reviewed by complete idiot

Inane and boring

Complete Idiot Letters: One Man's Hilarious Assault on Corporate America
Paul Rosa
Manufacturer: Regnery Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Idiot Letters

Wilber Winkle Has a Complaint!

The Lazlo Letters

ASIN: 0895264048

Book Description

A hysterical collection of Rosa's letters to well-known corporate giants, and their attempts to give a candid reply.

Customer Reviews:

laugh while you wait.......2001-11-12

My plane was delayed, and most passengers were upset, including me. After all, we all had places to go and people to see. I sat on the floor, against the wall, and began reading Paul's book. My anger quickly faded into laughter, and then a happiness came over me. I found myself laughing out loud. I realized how much a little laughter can change my mood, and I felt sorry for everyone sitting there reading the bad news in the newspapers. I wanted to read Paul's book out loud, but instead I held the book up and proudly laughed so people could hear me, in the hopes that they would in turn read Paul's book one day, and realize that a little laughter is good for the soul! I was glad my plane was late, because I learned a valuable lesson that day! Thanks Paul!

Hit and miss.......2000-05-22

This book is pretty much hit and miss. Rosa writes stupid (although often amusing) letters to various companies and organizations. The fact that these companies respond (usually with an impersonal form letter) is the punch line of this book and this one-joke premise wears thin pretty quickly.

For example, regardless of the company he's writing, Rosa ends every letter by asking for a complementary t-shirt, thereby tipping his hand that it's all a joke. It's this approach that differentiates a so-so book like his from a truly great one like those by Ted Nancy (or even Don Novello). Nancy's letters are both hilarious and outrageous, but they also always have just enough plausibility that his targets ignore them at their own peril. It's the walking-on-eggshells responses Nancy gets that are (almost) as much fun as the letters he writes. By contrast, Rosa tries to carry his book solely on the humor of his letters and, although there are many bright spots, he often fails in the attempt.

HYSTERICAL...HYSTERICAL...HYSTERICAL.......2000-03-16

Paul Rosa has a sense of humor that is out of this world. I love his letters! I actually read the book and tears streamed down my face from laughing so hard! I definately recommend this book to everyone! Kudos Paul! (Hey, can you send me an XL t-shirt for my eloquently written review?)

Complete Idiot Letters as reviewed by complete idiot.......1999-12-17

Even funnier than the original Idiot Letters; Mr. Rosa strikes fear into the hearts of Corporate America, and giggles in their mail rooms.

Inane and boring.......1999-10-06

Hoped it would be funnier! There have been many knock offs of Don Novello's (sp?) letter campaign book, and although this had a few funny ones, it wasn't as political as Novello's or downright sidesplitting as Fred Grimes' "Dear Ernest and Julio." Seems he had a few good letter ideas, and then had to fill in the rest of a very slim book. Also--the formula is very similar to Grimes. Good for a few--emphasize FEW--laughs.

Book Description

This chart contains 87 tunings (47 for guitar) for various common and hard to find instruments. The accompanying CD has all the tunings played on the actual instruments. Many tunings are offered for most instruments. Instruments include guitar, mandolin, banjo, dulcimer, bass, harp guitar, balalaika, oud, charrango, bouzouki, tres, ukulele, bajo sexto, dobro/lap steel, vihuela and requinto. Included are the most common tunings as well as many exotic tunings, especially for guitar.

Customer Reviews:

A good addititon to your Mystara collection.........2000-08-05

If you are a fan of fantasy games and the world of Mystara this book will be one of the most important pieces of your collection.It contains everything you want to know about different cultures and lands of Mystara.A famous traveler and adventurer,Joshuan Gallidox tells you all important facts.Although the book is very detailed, in my opinion it could be a little bit longer.However,this is no hinderance to the efficiency of the knowledge it contains.

Book Description

In the Simplicity Survival Handbook: 32 Ways To Do Less and Accomplish More, Bill Jensen, author of the best-selling Simplicity, offers step-by-step techniques to running your business more successfully and getting more accomplished in a shorter amount of time. In today's extremely fast-paced world, Jensen's user-friendly-and often hilarious-survival guide is an indispensable guide to workplace survival.

In a world of more-better-faster, the challenges and stresses in the workplace have never been greater. The new rules seem to be too much to do and not enough time. Time is at a premium and the pace is always increasing. And in an economy where worker talent (things like know-how, energy, attention, commitment, and creativity) is at a premium, everyone is trying to maximize personal productivity.

In The Simplicity Survival Handbook, Jensen offers the antidote you're seeking: a practical guide to doing less in a world of more. He also demonstrates how to make your time count. A few of the daily struggles that Jensen addresses include how to:

* Deal with Bosses Who Don't Get It
* Delete 75% of Your Emails
* Clarify Your Goals More Quickly
* Decide: Stay or Go

From "How to Write Shorter Emails for Better Results" to "How to Use Your Mentor to Help You Do Less," Jensen offers proven strategies for communicating more effectively, setting priorities, and balancing the competing demands on your time, while avoiding the time-sinkers. He also takes on corporate foolishness, walking you through how to be more productive and take greater control of your workday and, by extension, your life. The Simplicity Survival Handbook is an indispensable tool for anyone struggling to succeed in today's take-no-prisoners business climate.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Book to save time.......2006-12-23

This is a must read for anyone who uses a computer for their work. The book suggests the reader skip to the summary in the back and save even more time by not reading the book - great idea. Since what Bill Jensen has to say can be said in so few words because he know what he wants to say, how he feels about it and what he wants the read to do.
Read it or at least the summary; then just hand it to a co-worked, family member or anyone you just want to help out.
I have deleted more e-mails without opening them then ever in my life. Since I read this book it has handed back hours a day to me that I was wasting on work and e-mails.

The original "Simplicity" is a must-read companion.......2005-09-26

Bill Jensen's ideas and tactics have crystallized my ability to be effective. I read "The Simplicity Survival Handbook" before reading Jensen's original "Simplicity", and for me, "Simplicity" is superior because (1) it explains the rationale behind Jensen's ideas and (2) offers invaluable guidance on effective presentations. "The Simplicity Survival Handbook" 's examples were not as helpful to me as the initial wisdom and suggestions in "Simplicity". Read them both!

WOW! Buckle your Seat Belts. .......2005-05-13

What I like about this biz book:

1) Its fun and challenging "If your boss doesn't get it, and has a high likelihood of never getting it... time to say "goodbye". Pretty simple right?

2) Attitude of "You don't have to be a victim of corporate crap"... reminds me of a refrain I have heard from my husband when he talks about his day job "They can't even run their own life, I will be damned it they run mine"

3) Respect yourself more. Your time is valuable. Push back.

4) The complexity starts from within. From within my own company, within myself.

The How To Section(s)
Email
Scan incoming subject and author, if not relevant hit "delete"
Scan email for 1) action to take 2) deadline date.

In sending messages use the 3"x5" space constaint.

If it is simplier it is more likely to be done. Make it easy.

Remember the key: what do you want them to know, feel and do!

Presentations:
Turn the one point you want people to know into a question. Provoke conversations. Give everyone handouts. Use of Stories is a good thing.
1 hour presentation = 20 slides MAX!

Meetings Big Idea!! When you agree to chair a meeting approachit as if you have just been handed a portion of someones life. Because you have. Run a meeting like one that you wish you had been invited for.

Helpful hints 1) get only the important people 2) get the right people 3) define what success looks like 4) Mentally see the successful meeting 5) Put the objective of the meeting up front
6) Be passionate about the people and reason of the meeting.

Fix my job......please!.......2004-05-15

With a title like this, Jensen's book should be flying off the shelf. I know it caught my eye when I first saw it. We all want to "do" less and "accomplish" more and there are some excellent ideas in this book to help you do just that.

Nothing in this book is easy, though. Someone as inclined to follow the rules like myself will find it difficult, if not impossible, to implement the more demanding recommendations. This is a shame, as these people are those who would probably benefit the most.

Even if you don't think of yourself as a rabble-rouser, you should still read this book and take heart that there are some possible methods of extracting yourself from business situations that leave you feeling busy, but not very productive. There are ways of escaping the bureaucracy and yet keep your job.

The cutest, yet still effective, idea in the book is the "Less-O-Meter" associated with each chapter. These graphical gauges give you an "at a glance" reading on how much Courage you will need to put this tip in place, how difficult it can be and the possible yield to your productivity and happiness.

You may be ready to take on your whole company and engage in full-scale "pushback", but implementing even one idea from this book could do a world of good for you, your job and your career, while helping your company, as well.

Excellent Book.......2004-04-03

I think this book is the best book ever written for dealing with the business world today. I feel like it was written for me. I wish I had access to this book 5 years ago, I could have used it.

Thank you for your contributions for helping to make a healthier more informed work environment and employee for those who take a long time to get there.

The Simplicity Survival Handbook ; 32 Ways to do Less and Accomplish More
Average customer rating:
The Simplicity Survival Handbook ; 32 Ways to do Less and Accomplish More
Bill Jensen
Manufacturer: Viva Books Private Limited
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 8176498793

The Music of Silence: A Memoir
Average customer rating:

Andrea

Touches your innermost heart

Bocelli's written voice

Andrea angelic voice childish memoir

Interesting

The Music of Silence: A Memoir
Andrea Bocelli
Manufacturer: Harper Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Composers & Musicians | Arts & Literature | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
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Andrea Bocelli - Amore

Andrea Bocelli: A Celebration

Andrea Bocelli - Tuscan Skies (Cieli di Toscana)

Andrea Bocelli: A Night in Tuscany [Region 2]

Andrea Andrea

ASIN: 0060936983
Release Date: 2002-10-08

Book Description

You don't have to be an opera fan to appreciate this beautifully written memoir by world-famous tenor Andrea Bocelli. Born among the vineyards of Tuscany, Bocelli was still an infant when he developed glaucoma. Music filtering into his room soothed the unsettled child. By the age of twelve he was completely blind, but his passion for music brought light back into his life.

Here Bocelli reveals the anguish of his blindness and the transcendent experience of singing. He writes about his loving parents, who nurtured his musical interests, the challenges of learning to read music in Braille and of competing in talent shows, his struggles with law school, and his desire to turn an avocation into a way of life. He describes falling in love and singing in piano bars until his big break in 1992, when a stunned Pavarotti heard him sing "Miserere." The international acclaim and success that have followed Bocelli ever since have done nothing to dull his sense of gratitude and wonder about the world. No classical music fan can afford to be without this engaging and humble memoir of a fascinating and triumphant star.

Customer Reviews:

Andrea.......2007-09-07

This book was well interpreted and gives beautiful and interesting insight into the upbringing of my favorite performer.

Touches your innermost heart.......2007-05-12

I Love Andrea Bocelli.His voice is so Beautiful.Anyone who feels like I do should read this book.It is absolutely Wonderful.It shows no matter what the obstacles are that you face that you can become what God desires you to be.

Bocelli's written voice.......2007-01-28

Actually, I found the child-like manner in which this is written to be a stumbling block. Perhaps in Italian it would flow better, but I didn't find it an easy read in English. Sometimes I felt like I was stealing a look into a teen's private diary.

That said, I greatly admire Bocelli's voice and his struggle to share his beautiful gift with the world. I would love to meet this humble but sincere man and hope one day to have the privilege of hearing him in person.

Andrea angelic voice childish memoir.......2007-01-28

Andrea Boccelli's memoir is a must for those who want to enter the world of the blind, and learn firsthand the hardships of being blind. Andrea's book is written in a childlike manner, with the passion for the written word that he displays in his singing. If you want to get a glimpse at this superstar this book is a must! Easy reading, sweet, and passionate!

Interesting.......2007-01-09

If you like Andrea Bocelli then you will find this book interesting and worth reading.

Average customer rating:

The Music of Silence : A Memoir
Andrea Bocelli
Manufacturer: Harper Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OEWC0I

Average customer rating:

The Music of Silence: A Memoir
Andrea Bocelli
Manufacturer: HarperEntertainment
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OF1V5Y

Customer Reviews:

Good "In Action" book........2006-11-05

Typical Squadron/Signal profile on an important aircraft. Lots of pictures and minimal text. Good starting point to explore the airplane!

fox four.......2000-03-07

This is a good book for information on the best aircraft ever manufactured.

B-52 Stratofortress in Action - Aircraft No. 23

Average customer rating:

B-52 Stratofortress in Action - Aircraft No. 23
Lou Drendel
Manufacturer: Squadron/Signal Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000LBSOHY

B-52 Stratofortress in Action - Aircraft No. 130

Average customer rating:

B-52 Stratofortress in Action - Aircraft No. 130
Larry Davis
Manufacturer: Squadron/Signal Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GRCJBA

Average customer rating:

B-52 Stratofortress in Action - Aircraft No. 23
Lou Drendel
Manufacturer: Squadron/Signal Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000JM7MEQ

Book Description

Is economic development conducive to political democracy? Does democracy foster or hinder material welfare? These two questions are examined by looking at the experiences of 135 countries between 1950 and 1990. Descriptive information, statistical analyses, and historical narratives are interwoven to gain an understanding of the dynamic of political regimes and their impact on economic development. The often surprising findings dispel any notion of a tradeoff between democracy and development. Economic development does not generate democracies, but democracies are much more likely to survive in wealthy societies.

Customer Reviews:

Interesting Work.......2004-06-16

I had a love/hate relationship with this book. First, and this is purely a stylistic point, I believe it could have been far better edited. It was an avalanche of statistics, statistical analyses, and presented results without a lot of discussion of why relationships emerged. Their first goal -- showing development does not "cause" democratization is, I believe, a revamp of earlier published work. It is, nonetheless, an important finding that is worth repeating.

More interesting is the relationship between dictatorships and demography, but, again, aside from a little theorizing and a few statistical tests I believe the authors do little to shed much light on why different regimes affect demography differently. They begin to flesh out an argument the crux of which revolves around the ability of democratic polities to "commit" to providing social welfare over the long run, but this seems to run counter to their initial dismissal earlier in the book of the Neo-Institutional economics claim put forth by Douglass North, among others, as to the importance of institutions in "binding the hands of the sovereign."

Finally, their results do show that democracies tend to survive in wealthy states, in essence becoming "unkillable" after a certain level of wealth is reached. They do little to really explain why this is, but the result gives credence to Lipset's thesis that devolpment, at the very least, helps sustain democracies.

Overall I liked to book and would reccommend it as an assigned book in a comparative politics/political economy class.

Monumental Work!!!.......2001-04-24

Too many conjectures and too many theories have been addressed concerning the relationship between polities and material well-being in the world. But they have been raised without a proper test of them, without empirics. This book completely cleans all kinds of intellectual garbages, clarifies the existing arguments, and above all provides a series of the sohpisticated tests. Adam Przeworski and his comrades did a marvelous job.

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