Computerized Accounting and Quickbook 2000 with CD and Student Data

Book Description

This hands-on, applications-packed guide explores the latest version of the popular and user-friendly QuickBooks accounting software—QuickBooks Pro® 99. It emphasizes QuickBooks' innovative approach to recording accounting transactions based on business forms, rather than the traditional journal format. Covers all the exciting new features of the updated software. Provides hands-on training in working with actual accounting software used in business. Presents accounting concepts and their relation to QuickBooks throughout. Incorporates all recent tax table changes. Instills confidence in recording business transactions using a real commercial program; upon finishing this book, readers should be able to use QuickBooks in daily life. Perfect for accounting professionals who want to brush up on the latest version of QuickBooks, or for anyone who wants to learn more about handling their own finances and taxes.

Customer Reviews:

Disappointing effort.......2001-01-26

I found this book to have many typographical errors, which made following the tutorials and working the problems in the book very frustrating. It's difficult to know if you're using the program correctly when the text and the illustrations don't have the same numbers. If these errors were corrected, it would be a much better book for the person wanting to learn Quickbooks.

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AI Source - a collection of important papers

OD perspective on AI case studies, relevance, and future

Appreciative Inquiry: Rethinking Human Organization Toward a Positive Theory of Change

Manufacturer: Stipes Publishing, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
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Look Inside Business Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
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Appreciative Inquiry: A Positive Revolution in Change

The Power of Appreciative Inquiry: A Practical Guide to Positive Change

Appreciative Inquiry Handbook: The First in a Series of AI Workbooks for Leaders of Change

Appreciative Team Building: Positive Questions to Bring Out the Best of Your Team

Thin Book of Appreciative Inquiry (2nd edition) (Thin Book Series)

ASIN: 0875639313

Customer Reviews:

AI Source - a collection of important papers.......2001-06-10

The method of appriciative inquiry is something that any organisation should envisage. The idea of focussing on the positive aspects and to grow from the is very powerful (in fact, I spent the last issue of my 7EQ newsletter on this topic). The number of awards won by authors and projects described in thsi book only confirms this statement. This book will explain you the why's of AI, give you some cases and show its relation to other large scale methods. It's not meant as a book you'll read from coer to cover, but rather as a resource from which you'll get what you need. The 18 chapters of this book are in fact 18 papers, some are written especially for this book, some have been published elsewhere, starting with the original "Appreciative Inquiry" Paper by David Cooperrider and Suresh Srivastva (1987). Many of the other papers have been published in the OD Journal and the OD practitioner between 1995 and 1998.

OD perspective on AI case studies, relevance, and future.......1999-11-16

This is a concise book filled with practical AI examples from manufacturing, finance, academia, and not-for-profit organizations -eighteen short chapters that get to the point. It does an excellent job emphasizing strengths and weaknesses of the AI approach in Organization Development (OD) work. This provides readers with AI insight on theory, application and results from recent fieldwork. Experienced AI readers will enjoy the new empirical work and extensions of the AI approach to new applications. Previous AI books, such as the Thin Book of AI, and the Field guide to AI, focus more on methodology and process. Cooperider, Sorensen, Whitney and Yaeger's book has three key parts: theory, application (case study), and "what's next" for AI (new horizons). The book really shines in Parts II and Parts III where it provides condensed field research with organizations such as Wendy's International, Commonwealth Edison, Benedictine University and Chicago area gangs. Two strong chapters are David Jones' empirical work at Wendy's international (ch. 13) and James Ludema's chapter (ch. 18) on "hope". Jones' chapter provides some strong empirical evidence supporting AI's value. Ludema's chapter lends value by illustrating AI's contribution to a better world through a relational construct such as "hope". Finally, OD'ers should read Ch. 14, which tests AI within traditional OD interventions as well as suggesting its' merits under positivistic inquiry. Just under 300 pages, the book is an easy read an provides a little something for every reader. It presents AI through the OD lens, and does a nice job strengthening AI's relevance in the field through empirical case work and future implications. Reader's may find they want to know more about particular case studies or concepts presented, for the book's chapters are short -especially in Parts II and III. Some of the chapters would be good books in themselves. Overall, it is great read for those who need case evidence of AI and want an overview of theory and application, as well as intermediates (students, consultants, managers/leaders) who are looking for empirical research, new applications, and a status report on this powerful Organization Development approach.

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Professional Responsibility Standards, Rules & Statutes 1995-96

Manufacturer: West Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Law | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0314067884

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Professional Responsibility Standards, Rules & Statutes 1995-96
John S. (Editor) Dzienkowski
Manufacturer: West Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000L53DX0

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Professional Responsibility: Standards, Rules & Statutes 1995-96

Manufacturer: West Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0314068392

Book Description

The most sought-after "answer man" for astronomy takes us on an all-new excursion to the always exciting, frequently sobering, world of the deep cosmos in search of answers to popular questions.

How fast does gravity travel? When will the sun go nova? Who invented the light year? Will we ever travel to the stars? These are just some of the unusual and popular questions NASA astronomer Sten Odenwald answers in Back to the Astronomy Café, based on his award-winning website "for the astronomically disadvantaged."

Since his acclaimed earlier book The Astronomy Café published in 1998, the space community has been turned on its head with entirely new discoveries: ion propulsion, dark matter, gravity and magnetic reversals, the Cosmic Dark Ages, and over 100 new planets. In the all-new Back to the Astronomy Café, Odenwald answers the latest and most-asked questions relating to these recent discoveries. His highly personal and authoritative style makes understanding the cosmos less intimidating, exciting, and fun.

Since he opened his website "The Astronomy Café" in 1995, Odenwald has answered over 50,000 e-mailed questions. His individual answers have been downloaded over 7.5 million times, making him the most sought-after "answer man" for astronomy in human history.

Customer Reviews:

This science teacher's new best friend.......2007-01-10

Teaching astronomy is not easy when you know nothing. This book asks all the questions I have and my students have. It has fairly technical language for my 7th graders, but I can get the main ideas and relay them.
How old is the solar system? (I forget) Will the sun go super nova? (no)
There is an awesome time line which goes way back, and then tracks events predicted by science fiction authors. (fun!)
There is an excellent website too, but I had to buy the book because the web site wouldn't give all the answers - it said to buy the book!
I did and I am not sorry.

All kinds of astronomy questions answered........2004-02-26

Due to the fact that this book is written in a question and answer format, its easy to read a little at a time as your schedule allows. It covers a broad range of topics related to astronomy with very understandable answers. The author isn't afraid to admit that scientist often don't know the answers. This type of honesty is refreshing in that you feel you are being leveled with as opposed to being given an answer that is intentionally over the layman's head to avoid admitting ignorance. On the other hand, sometimes the author presents theories as if they are established facts. I think that a lot of scientist do this (perhaps unintentionally) because they are putting forth the explanation that is dogma in the scientific community and forget to remind the reader that other possibilities may exist. Overall, this is a great book and is certainly worth your time.

Back To the Astronomy Cafe More Question

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Back To the Astronomy Cafe More Question
Sten Odenwald
Manufacturer: WESTVIEW PRESS @
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000Q2YL6G

Customer Reviews:

Valuable Process Safety Resource.......2007-02-15

Clear, straightforward textbook describing quantitiative methods to evaluate a range of process safety issues. Appropriate balance of theory and application. Real world examples with solved problems. Not a coffee table book, but a valuable reference for process engineers and enviromental, health, and safety professionals.

Good Place to Start.......2002-02-19

While lacking in detail, I have found this book a good place to start when it comes to safety equipment and strategies for handling other problems with volatile organic chemicals. In this industry specialization is rare. Engineers need a place to start so that they can get the language right before proceeding to the internet and vendors. The worked-out problems are good but you will find you need to go to the source for details. As I said, a good place to start.

If this review was helpful, please add your vote -- Thanks.

introduction.......1999-04-15

introductio

Chemical Process Safety: Fundamentals With Applications

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Chemical Process Safety: Fundamentals With Applications
Crowl Daniel Et Al
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall Ptr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OHC9B2

Book Description

In a book that will profoundly alter the modern discourse on mind and influence the practice of neuromedicine, neurobiologist/neuropsychiatrist, Richard M. Pico unveils a revolutionary new approach to understanding consciousness that pinpoints its origins in the brain. Called Biological Relativity, the approach combines the laws of physics--especially Einstein's laws of relativity--to the latest breakthroughs in neuroscience, molecular biology, and computational theory to create a coherent four-dimensional model for explaining the origins of life and the emergence of complex biological systems--from the living cell to the thinking brain.

In a fascinating, ambitious narrative that draws upon a lifetime of experimental and clinical work, Dr. Pico tells a riveting story that begins in the imponderably distant past, with the first proto-cell that endured long enough to become its own frame of reference--both structurally and temporally--and culminates with the most complex biological referent system known to science, the human brain. He then elaborates his groundbreaking theory through discussions of such things as the origins of language, music, and mathematics. He explains why he believes consciousness is uniquely human, and explores the causes and potential treatments for a variety of thought disorders.

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In a book that will profoundly alter the modern discourse on mind and influence the practice of neuromedicine, neurobiologist/neuropsychiatrist, Richard M. Pico unveils a revolutionary new approach to understanding consciousness that pinpoints its origins in the brain. Called "Biological Relativity," the approach combines the laws of physics-especially Einstein's laws of relativity-to the latest breakthroughs in neuroscience, molecular biology, and computational theory to create a coherent four-dimensional model for explaining the origins of life and the emergence of complex biological systems.

Customer Reviews:

Thank goodness for my PIMs.......2004-02-03

What a great book!

I have never seen so clear a presentation of the mechanics of consciousness. Don't expect an explanation of qualia, but everything but that is included in this book.

Actually, the book is more original than I made it seem above. Pico makes an analogy between Einstein's allowing us to better understand gravity via his theories of relativity in 4 dimensions and the ability to see how our consciousness works by viewing the brain's functions in 4 dimensions.

His main point, I believe, was that unless one understands the proper frame of reference from which to view and analyze phenomena of consciousness we will not understand why the human brain so differs from the brains of even our nearest relatives. Further, we will not understand the narrative that we maintain that allows us to have a self. Certain brain changes have allowed a necessary holding space for afferent input (from senses and from memory stores) that holds info just long enough to allow efferent response that allows us to plod moment to moment in a line, so to speak.

One very interesting point that Pico makes is about a distinction between ape and human consciousness. He believes that the human brain alone has this ability to create a narrative, and that this new function is a SMALL change from ape brain structure. While apes may not have this similar ability to have the narrative, they almost certainly sense the qualia of the world in a way that is very similar if not identical to that of human beings. It is just that there is no moment to moment story in the ape brain. The only way that a moment to moment story to be allowed to nonhuman brains is when there is some aspect of the environment that, because of its properties, holds the context constant. Apes that know sign language, or African grays that can identify colors -- these can do these things only if there is a constant environment that can maintain a place holder, so to speak.

But the human brain has such a place keeping ability without needed a constant context.

READ THIS BOOK. NOW.

A Good Theory.......2002-04-05

Pico's book is a welcome addition to the growing body of literature on cognative studies. He is very clear about what he proposes and what he doesn't think we know at present. His work is a good complement to approaches from evolutionary approaches. His writing is engaging - you will have to stick with it if you aren't a medical person (I'm not - physics and theology are in my background). It helps to read this over a few days so you get the whole argument at once. He did a good job of calming our fears that we are losing something by not having an elan vital.

A New Day has Arrived.......2001-12-22

The Brilliant Doctor has done it! No single philosopher, scientist or mathematician could have pulled together all the pieces that this book does. Consciousness as a frame of reference equivalent to what Einstein described for the space-time continuum. This new view will change the way I think about alot of things including where we are going in human evolution. I want more! Thank you!!

Finally, a physicial model of consciousness!.......2001-11-15

This book is the first of it's kind to actually define the physical nature of consciousness - it's evolution, limitations and uniqueness - without equivocation. From the underlying principles to the profound implications, the author presents his model with clarity and rigor. He introduces us to the principle of Biological Relativity, a seamless extension of Einstein's powerful vision of the universe, penetrating the biological world. With this insightful 4-dimensional frame-of-reference perspective the author sheds new light on the evolution of life. WITH NEW EYES we are shown the development of cellular life in terms of spatial order and time; the evolution of cellular life to multicellular organisms and the specialized cells that compose our nervous systems; the higher order functions of mammalian brains; and, finally, the development of consciousness, again, in terms of spatial order and time. A fascinating tour of our natural world! In the final chapters of the book, the author reflects on the consequences and implications of his model. Unlike most books on consciousness, the conclusions follow naturally and logically from the model and draw clear lines through age old debates about free will, animal consciousness and artificial intelligence. This work sets a new standard for books on consciousness. Finally.

A QUEST FOR LIFE AND THE ANSWER TO THEM.......2001-11-14

THIS BOOK ALLOWS YOU TO OPEN YOUR MIND AND SINK INTO A WOUNDFUL UNIVERSE, THAT LOOKS A LIFE AND ALL THATS IN IT, IN A HOLE NEW PERSPECTIVE. IT READS CLEAR AND TO THE POINT.
A MUST READ IF YOU LOVE SCIENCE. YOU WOULD OF WISHED YOU BOUGHT THE BOOK THE FIRST TIME YOU LOOK AT IT. WELCOME TO THE FUTURE AND A GUIDE TO LIFE AND YOUR CONSCIOUSNESS!

Book Description

The field of vacuum arc plasma physics and technology is undergoing a renaissance, and this book describes novel applications of plasmas and ion/electron beams formed from vacuum arc discharges, especially in less conventional or emerging scientific areas such as new perspectives on vacuum arc phenomena, generation of high-charge-state metal ions, heavy ion accelerator injection, multi-layer thin film synthesis, biological applications, generation of high-current / high-density electron beams, and more.

Emerging Applications of Vacuum-arc-produced Plasma, Ion, and Electron Beams.

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Emerging Applications of Vacuum-arc-produced Plasma, Ion, and Electron Beams.
Efim Oks And Ian Brown
Manufacturer: Kluwer Academic Pubs.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000N6CUC2

Book Description

No one can understand the complete tragedy of the American experience in Vietnam without reading this book. Nothing so underscores the ambivalence and confusion of the American commitment as does the composition of our fighting forces. The rich and the powerful may have supported the war initially, but they contributed little of themselves. That responsibility fell to the poor and the working class of America.

Senator George McGovern

Customer Reviews:

Insight on the first review by brazos49.......2004-03-07

Just a little info on the National Council of Churches. They are a communist appeasing left leaning organization. Don't let their name fool you. This is the organization that was used as a front by the Congressional Black Caucus and NAACP when they put a white female representative out in the public eye to recommend that Elian Gonzalez, who's escape was embarrasing the Castro Regime, be sent back to Cuba.

So when they "estimate" that 49,000 suicides occurred you can bet it has every intention of making this country look bad. The fact that Mr. Appy can't do subtraction is a whole other issue.

Author credibility issues turned me off; book not all bad.......2003-06-25

This book turned me off early when, in the Introduction, the author states: "No one knows how many veterans have committed suicide as a result of theeir wartime experiences, but most specialists who have worked closely with veterans believe the number of suicides far exceeds the number of men who died in the war itself." That seemed wrong to me, so I followed his supporting footnote which stated "As early as 1971 the National Council of Churches estimated that 49,000 veterans had died from various causes after returning home." Since 49,000 is less than the more than 58,000 who died in the war, and since there's no indication that a majority of the 49,000 committed suicide, I thought the author had already lost his credibility. I also had to wonder about his academic advisors who were supposed to be overlooking this doctoral thesis at Harvard. Based on this, I decided not to read the book line for line, but to simply skim it to find areas of interest.

And, I did find some. The chapters in the book that dealt with direct military experiences in basic training and in the war were pretty good. They are worth reading. But, once you drift into the author's interpretations, I'd recommend you skip or read with skepticism. I think the author has a clearly antiwar, liberal viewpoint and is willing to embellish to help express it.

Class and the Burden of Fighting the Vietnam War.......2000-06-17

The main premise of this book by Christian Appy, AssociateProfessor of History at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is thatthe burden of fighting and dying during the Vietnam War fell disproportionately on young working-class and poor men. According to Appy, "2.5 million young American enlisted men" served in Vietnam, and "[r]oughly 80 percent came from working-class and poor backgrounds." It is Appy's view that "[c]lass, not geography, was the crucial factor in determining which Americans fought in Vietnam." Appy goes on to state: "Vietnam, more than any other American war in the twentieth century, perhaps in our history, was a working-class war." That is a provocative thesis.

In the introduction, which is centered on the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C., and the 58,191 names inscribed on the wall, Appy asks: "What sorts of people were they? How did they come to fight in Vietnam?" According to Appy: "[T]hose who fought and died in Vietnam were overwhelmingly drawn from the bottom half of the American social structure." Appy explains that "[p]oor and working-class soldiers, whether black or white, were more likely to be trained for combat than were soldiers economically and educationally more advantaged." In particular, Appy examines a white, working-class section of Boston, about which he writes that "boys who grew up in Dorchester were four times more likely to die in Vietnam than those raised in the fancy suburbs." Appy also identifies East Los Angeles and the South Side of Chicago as "major urban centers...[which] sent thousands of men to Vietnam,"as did Saginaw, Michigan; Fort Wayne, Indiana; Stockton, California; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Youngstown, Ohio; Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; and Utica, New York. These facts are compelling. So is the poignance of the bitterness which resulted. For instance, Appy quotes a firefighter who lost a son in Vietnam: "I'm bitter. You bet your goddamn dollar I'm bitter. It's people like us who gave up our sons for the country." If Appy had proceeded to develop these points and to analyze their social consequences more fully, this would have been a marvelous book. However, only Chapter 1, entitled "Working-Class War," and Chapter 2, "Life Before the Nam," are devoted to information and insights about the role of the working class and poor in this conflict. According to Appy, most Vietnam-era draftees and volunteers "had no real or attractive alternative" to military service because "[p]oor and working-class youth - those most likely to be drafted - were least able to secure stable, well-paying jobs," in the mid-1960s, and "[c]ollege was not a realistic option for most working-class men." Appy also writes: "The draft determined the social character of the armed forces by whom it exempted from service as well as by whom it actually conscripted or induced to enlist....From 1964 to 1973, 2.2 million men were drafted, 8.7 million enlisted, and 16 million did not serve." According to Appy: "The student deferment was the most overtly class-biased feature of the Vietnam era draft system." For instance, according to Appy, "working-class men saw military service as a natural, essentially unavoidable part of life, one they believed would at least maintain their social and economic standing, whereas "men from wealthier families were likely to view the military as an agent of downward social mobility." Appy argues that "the fundamental factors moving people into the military were economic and institutional." According to Appy, many working-class men enlisted during the Vietnam War-era because, "[w]ith the prospect of a dead-end job, little if any chance for college, and the draft looming on the horizon," most "saw enlistment as a way of `getting over' the unavoidable." Appy proceeds to explain that "white, working-class men did not regard military service as an opportunity so much as a necessity (nothing else to do, draft pressure, duty, job security) so much as a necessity (nothing else to do, get away, leave school)." He adds: "For black volunteers, economic and social improvement often were decisive motivations." These facts and analysis are invaluable. Much of what follows, however, is familiar, and some of it is, frankly, tedious. Appy spends seven chapters answering these questions: "What was the nature of the war they waged? How did [the working-class and poor soldiers] respond?" For instance, Appy devotes several pages to the hazing and physical abuse which were typical of Vietnam-era Marine Corps basic training, but we're already familiar with this from a dozen books and movies. Similarly, virtually all readers, other than newcomers to the literature of the Vietnam War, know: "Attrition was the central American strategy; search and destroy was the principal tactic; and the enemy body count was the primary measure of progress." I do not mean to suggest that Appy's insights are inaccurate. He writes, for instance: "For soldiers, war is a directly confronted reality, not a theoretical abstraction," and "[s]oldiers in Vietnam were preoccupied with survival." But those observations lack the sharp focus on working-class and poor military men in Vietnam which I had expected. And, when Appy does focus on working-class and poor military men, much of this book is anecdotal, drawn from interviews the author conducted between 1981 and 1987 with approximately 100 Vietnam veterans. In my mind, there is a genuine issue as to whether this is a sufficiently large sample from which to draw conclusions.

The introduction and first two chapters of this book are superb, but I was disappointed by much of the rest of it. There is still plenty of room for research and analysis of the role and experiences of working-class and poor men in the Vietnam War.

Power/Knowledge and Irony in Appy.......1999-05-30

Christian Appy seeks to present a picture of the social history of the American Vietnam veteran, to, as he puts it, reclaim and interpret the illegitimate knowledge that veterans voices can bring to bear on the war. The problem is, he doesn't. Using an extremely small sample, mostly based on a PTSD rap group in Dorchester MA, Appy uses faulty statitistical inferences and highly selective choices from the literature of memoirs and fiction to puff up what could have been a good small study into a biased and inflammatory picture of the Vietnam experience.

This book will no doubt please those who have a predetermined picture of what the "answers" and the "truth" are. And, indeed, there are some interesting insights that partially redeem the book. But one must ask how it is at all of Appy's voices are homogeneous in their basic viewpoint. Does this sound like recovering the voices of veterans, or merely using a segment to reenforce Appy's theories?

The invocation of Foucault's Power/Knowledge in the introduction is truly ironic, for it is Appy that attempts to use the power of academia to "interpret" the veteran and to make "illegitimate" any dissenting views. While Appy does present a wide variety of topics, there are better works out there in each, and readers with a limited background in the field would do well to avoid this work.

Insightful, well documented, the real story.......1998-12-22

Starting with the boys from Train street Dorchester - they never had a chance - Appy weaves his own brand of emotion with the facts to put us back in time- to see the unfairness of the "conflict" - the futility. Historians, former military and just plain folk will find this an entirely readable book of about 320 pages. It brings a unique focus beyond the nightly news version we remember. At the surface level it tells a story of the working class at war, like a history book, well documented with many facts. I was more facinated with the underbelly - the moral issues raised - the judgements exercised by leaders - the way the draft realy worked and how in the 60's the world became so small. I was touched, because; although my cousin is not mentioned, he came from Train Street Dorchester and he came back in a box. He didn't have to, now I know he never had a chance. Maybe we will learn from this historians story. Thanks Chris.

Customer Reviews:

An epic worthy of a towering leader.......2007-01-17

Sadly, this work is out of print. But if you can find a copy, it is well worth your time, particularly if you enjoy epic poetry. While it is not equal to Homer, Virgil, or Ovid, Emperor Shaka the Great: A Zulu Epic is easily superior to such works as The Song of Roland or The Nibelungenlied, and it deserves a much wider audience.

The introduction provides an informative summary of Shaka's life, ambitions, military innovations, and political achievements. It also provides a brief discussion of the Zulu oral tradition in transmitting stories. Unfortunately, the introduction lacks a technical discussion of Zulu poetry. For example, we don't know how the original epics were constructed. Where they songs, rhyming couplets, blank metered verse, or what? It would have been nice to learn how the stories were structured in their original language, how Kunene rendered them into Zulu, and what challenges the he had in translating them to English.

The story itself covers Shaka's entire life, including the prophecy of his birth and rise to greatness; his illegitimate birth; his lonely childhood in exile; his rise as a creative and innovative soldier; his eventual kingship; his numerous battles to rid his lands of outlaws, to build an empire, and to stabilize Zululand; his dealings with white settlers; his internal struggles with jealous familial rivals; and his tragic assassination.

Kunene's language is superb. It is artful, colorful, and lively. The imagery is always strong, and the characters are vivid and memorable. Kunene is as his finest when he meditates on the nature of ambition, power, obligation, and doubt. These reflections on human nature are what elevate the poem from a cultural artifact to a story of universal importance. Kunene really knows his craft. Like all good writers, he shows us that people have the same cares and motivations everywhere, regardless of time, place, and culture.

There is one thing I didn't like. This is where my cultural bias comes in. To me, the work suffers considerably from its frequent "praise poems." Hardly a page goes by where someone isn't "singing Shaka's epics" or "reciting poems of Shaka's excellence." They add little to the work, except to emphasize their importance to Zulu culture. Perhaps sensing how they bog down the story, Kunene's introduction mentions that praise poems are an essential part of Zulu culture, and their inclusion was necessary to preserve the flavor of the original Zulu oral epics. He also points out that he edited them liberally to make them more accessible to Western readers. Be that as it may, the praise poems easily add 100 pages of filler without greatly enhancing the story. If you find yourself skimming through them, don't worry. You won't miss much. I read all of them carefully, thinking some of them were important to the story. Only a few were, and they were near the end of the book.

A pronunciation guide of some of the key names and places would have been nice, too. I don't know about you, but my pronunciation of Zulu names is a bit rusty...

Even so, this is a marvelous work. It is worth reading simply for the poetic language and the razor-sharp insights into human nature. The bonus is that Shaka is a character worthy of an epic. He was a titan among men. When you read his story, you get a great sense of what the Zulu civilization was like at its peak, under a brilliant, ambitious, and charismatic leader. Read it, and learn why the Zulus still sing Shaka's praises.

Masterpiece!!!!.......2004-12-23

Mazisi Kunene's penchant for history is alive in this collection. As a scholar of Zulu literature, it is no surprise that Kunene is able to present the story/legend of Shaka in poetic language that is both engaging and skillfully constructed. Also, Kunene's brilliant execution of folklore, myths, images and metaphors affords the reader a rare opportunity of experiencing his virtuoso and visionary commitment. Inspiring!!
--Dike Festus Okoro
Milwaukee, WI USA

Excellent Read and Highly Dependable.......2004-02-11

Mazisi Kunene, the great Zulu Poet, relates the story of Emperor Shaka from various oral sources. This is an excellent read and very enlightening account of the Shakan times.

Inside the Time of Shaka.......1998-10-29

This book is unique among many others in African history. This is the story of Shaka translated directly from Zulu oral history into English. I felt as if I were in the time of Shaka in a way that I never felt from reading other histories of Africa. This book made me realized that my perception of Africa needed looking into. I always approached books about African history as if I were going to a place and time that is inherently alien. Then I read "Shaka," and because it was the current events, or at least recent history, to the historians of the day, the events and characters are reported as the stories of men and women, and I realized that I was not reading "African" history -- I was reading World history, and there is only one history.

This story stands shoulder-to-shoulder with other great first-hand accounts of history and warfare for military accuracy (not that I've attempted to re-trace the route of Shaka's campaigns for accuracy!): the Pelopennesian War, the Punic Wars, the campaigns of Napoleon.

This history, insofar as it is verbal and just happened to be transcribed, is also a very long poem, and the instances of poetic adornment are many, but bear them! for they are as much a part of the story as what they describe. And don't skip over the reflections on the application of the power of the king and political philosophy. For the non-African, these are essential to beginning to understand African (or at least Zulu) aesthetics and philosophy.

A must-read (not just a must-OWN, by the way) for the casual student or scholar of history, African or otherwise.

Book Description

This digital document is an article from The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR), published by The Register Guard on June 29, 2003. The length of the article is 957 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Fireworks displays of safety.(Holidays)(Not only pyrotechnicians should take care when lighting up the night sky)
Publication: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR) (Newspaper)
Date: June 29, 2003
Publisher: The Register Guard
Page: A1

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Ball Milling Theory and Practice for the Amateur Pyrotechnician

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Ball Milling Theory and Practice for the Amateur Pyrotechnician
Lloyd E. Sponenburgh
Manufacturer: Bridge City Enterprises
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000KACW9W

Product Description

A 70-page spiral-bound booklet covering theory, mill construction and milling applications.

ll Milling Theory and Practice for the Amateur Pyrotechnician

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ll Milling Theory and Practice for the Amateur Pyrotechnician
Lloyd E. Sponenburgh
Manufacturer: AMERICAN FIREWORKS NEWS
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000UG8GSC

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Weird Careers in Science Pyrotechnician
Mary Firestone
Manufacturer: Chelsea House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000HX459M

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