I read this book many years ago, when I was in Junior High, and had no clue it was the same Jack London that wrote "Call of the Wild". The book was that timeless, I thought it was a contemporary writer. I have been looking for it for years and will definitely get another copy to read again. If you're a SciFi/Fantasy Fan looking for some thought provoking, but "light" reading, this is a great book.

While I'm not much into reading fiction or Sci-Fi type books; I have to say, this is probably one of the best books, I've ever read in my life. ( and I'm an avid reader)

Jack London has a way of really pulling your mind into the picture. ( Or putting pictures/stories inside your head)

If you're looking for a book to take your mind of things, or want to live a vicarious experience, I can think of no better book than this one.

This is one of Jack Londons stellar achievements. The ending will surprise you.

An awesome book, that you'll have trouble putting down, until you're finished.

Nightmares plague the narrator's childhood. In these dreams he relives the pre-stoneage life of one of his proto-human ancestors. Each night is a different episode from his ancestor's life, and the episodes are lived and relived in a jumbled, non-chronological order. The narrator places the episodes in chronological order and tells his ancestor's biography. What emerges is an action-packed, engaging saga of adventure and romance at the dawn of humanity.

London got the science of genetics wrong as he tried to explain how the narrator could have such memories, but he seems to have gotten one thing right. Modern paleo-anthropology posits that for most of prehistory, the earth contained several coexisting species of hominids. London peoples his world with three hominid species. His description of the interaction between these species probably gives an accurate depiction of ancient man's inter-species interaction.

Adam Phillip's chapter stands out in this valuable book. Finally, advice from a real professional(Disney) animator. Well respected as a character, special effects and Flash animator, Adam's advice is invaluable to anyone seeking to animate in Flash.

i fenk tihs bok is so kool 4 sk00l i giv fiev starz cos it iz good.

i aelso fink flash iz fuhn + awsum x 9

<3 (osupsons)

- mucks

This book has got eight chapters in it, and I've been through four of them so far and am really enjoying it. I bought it because WideGroup wrote one of the chapters and I saw the Sofake site on FlashKit featured site. It's great to see how their Flash files are built and yuou can get all the files for the book on the web site. I made the MP3 player which is great as I've been looking around for tutorials that show you how to do this in Flash MX for ages.

Having just finished reading this helpful work on forgiveness, I can attest that it clarifies many difficulties that modernity has caused in viewing the problems of sin, personal offenses, and reconciliation. I certainly did not agree with everything he wrote--he distinguishes punishment of sin from ongoing consequences in a way I don't believe the Bible teaches--but overall he has written a very straightforward, helpful book. The chapters are brief, the language is easily understood, and his thoughts progress in a logical fashion. Recommended.

God forgives us conditionally, upon our repentance. God does not hold us to a higher standard than he holds himself. We forgive others in the same way God forgives us.

The authors do a fine job of discussing the many questions raised in our minds about forgiveness, and they look at the whole of Scripture to find answers. Unlike some books based more on pop psychology, this book is true to the Word. God's way is a lot more freeing than the "pretend you've forgiven when you haven't in the name of love" approach often advocated today. The best book I've found on forgiveness.

As a pastor of 22 years, I have preached and counseled these principles. Guilty consciences have been relieved and offenders have truly repented and became willing to re-establish credibility. American evangelicalism needs this book! A must for anyone who ministers to people--including dedicated laymen.

This is the very best book I have ever read about forgiveness. For years I stuggled with forgiving people who did not think they needed forgiveness or who would not ask. I did not see anywhere in scripture that I must forgive before others ask for forgiveness. Finally, Jay Adams writes a book that reveals everything I believe God tells us about how we are to forgive.

Every pastor and church leader should read this book. I have not met a pastor yet who teaches the things Jay Adams reveals in this book. True forgiveness is powerful and must not be given lightly. Few people understand this. True forgiveness does bring healing, but few people understand how to get or give true forgiveness. This is a MUST read book for every Christian, even if you have read every book available on this topic. If you want justice and true reconciliation but have been told you are unloving and unforgiving, read this book. I finally have peace knowing that I do not stand alone in my beliefs about godly forgiveness.

This is an important book. Written not by a reporter or bystander but by the person who had most to lose, who risked jail and financial ruin to defy the government's harsh and illegal attempt to destroy his small business. Philip Harvey's story is a terrifying one in many ways, a particularly appropriate reminder, especially now, that our first amendment rights are under clear and constant danger when big government does not approve of our actions, legal though they may be.

We learn that while it would have been easier to capitulate, Harvey refused to accept that alternative, and the resulting court battles are described with passion and insight.

Read this book. You will be by turns outraged and inspired. Phil Harvey has done us all a service with this fascinating story of right vs might.

I started reading this book because a friend insisted. I finished it because I couldn't put it down. I laughed, became mesmerized, got angry and celebrated with tears of joy Phil Harvey's triumph in court. George Washington may have been the father of this country but it is courageous individuals who are committed to the Constitution even when that commitment gets difficult or even unpopular, like Phil Harvey, that keep it great. It's worth reading this book just to be reminded of that fact.

Anyone who is looking for a compelling tale with heroes and villains, a superb overview of First Amendment issues and/or just a great and easy read should read this book. Anyone who thinks the freedom we enjoy is precious should read this immediately and then send a Thank You to Phil Harvey.

As timely as tonight's evening news. An examination of what Ashcroft-type first amendment views can do to the individual, free enterprise and the very fabric of society. Harvey's insightful views on everything from organized religion, big government, pornography, to the corporate soul will interest a diverse group of readers including political pundits, free speech advocates, students and corporate players.

This is not some passive academic examination. Instead it is the first hand account of an entrepreneur whose livelihood, beliefs and very right to freedom are challenged by an attempted modern day witch burning.

All the read of a super thriller. Plus the reality of the governments ability to unleash their unlimited resources and threats of long prison sentences with the scantiest evidence. Few of us have the spiritual, physical, fiscal, emotional or intellectual stamina to stand up for what is right under those conditions. Harvey did it and won...making him an unlikely American folk hero.

An extraordinary insight into the possible American landscape when we surrender our liberty to self-appointed/government appointed (and anointed) arbiters of the public taste.

Intriguing, insightful, and imperative!

In writing a book review, it's important to realize the importance of "cover previews." In essance, the cover previews provide a contract for either what a book is about or what information the book will provide.

For instance, the back cover of the book On Game Design posits: "How do you turn a great idea into a game design? What makes one design better than another? Why does a good design document matter, and how do you write one? This book answers these questions and stimulates your creativity?"

It is important to note that the book does not limit itself to console video games or computer games. The essence of the rules discussed in this book are those of creating any type of game. Right away that should tell you whether or not you're going to find the book useful. Are you looking for a book that tells you, in general and abstract terms, what concepts are involved with creating a game, or are you looking for a book that actually works examples of concepts?

While this book does a good job of providing many checklists for consideration, advice for certain conditions, and a dictionary of possible ways to view game design, the writers do not follow through. There are few solid examples of checklist scenarios or of worked-through versions of a game scenario which a game designer would find helpful. Without a practical means to an end, there is little purpose in reading these examples except for reassurance that you're facing the same problem that other people have faced. There are many psychology texts available for that situation already.

If you're used to reading programming books, like I am, you're probably aware that they follow a standard format: Propose a problem, choose a method of solution, work through several to many versions of the solution, solve the problem. With only a proposal, it is rather unhelpful to not see why one solution is better than another when it comes to game design. For that matter, as you might have guessed, the level of abstraction to design presented in this book leaves no space for any code examples.

While the advice given in certain situations might be helpful to someone who knows nothing about game design, it is highly likely that whoever reads this book will have little need of it since the advice is so much common sense that a gamer of several years would already be aware of much of this. It's like a senior in college having to take freshman seminar.

But, aside from this little discussion of fault, there is much to be savored in this book. Don't let this review scare you off! Get a copy of the book. Read it. Keep it as a reference for when you might need a more formalized way of presenting a problem you face in game design.

And as I'm sure you know, once you've found a way to state a problem, you're almost ready to find a way to solve it.

This is one of the better books on interactive game design, and makes a good introduction to the subject. The authors are familiar with a wide variety of game genres and discuss them intelligently.

It reads well and is quite comprehensive, and the fact that the authors are clearly familiar with many recent games, and use them as examples, makes the book stronger.

I'd suggest someone interested in this career get this book, along with Eddie Dombrower's "Art of Interactive Entertainment Design" as two good choices to understand the issues and processes involved in putting out games.

Having read "Game Architecture and Design", which I consider the best game design book written, I was anxious for the follow-up from Andrew Rollings. I was not disappointed. Overall, this book covers unique material, but is aimed more toward the less experienced game designer. It's a great companion to his first book.

I highly recommend both books, and I suggest reading this latest book, co-authored by Ernest Adams, first, and then follow-up with the larger, more advanced book co-authored by Dave Morris. Together, they provide a comprehensive guide to making fun, successful games.

Scott Miller, CEO
3D Realms

This collection of hundreds of Dilbert reprints provides anybody with a cubicle view or anyone who'd like to know the ins and outs of the buisness world with a collection of insightful comics. These comics follow the odd world of Dilbert, his dog, Dogbert, and a host of colorful characters including Ratbert and Wally help show just how zany corporate life can be. Also, it shows that although buisness is professional stuff, it sure doesn't look like it from any realistic perspective.

In this book, Catbert makes his first appearance as HR director of Dilbert's company. His casual day policy is insane, and so, casual day will always be a strange day. Dilbert knows the feeling of going to work on a casual day, and wondering "Has it gone too far?" Besides the histerical Catbert jokes, there's jokes on company takeovers, futile projects, team building excersises, and much more! So join corporate America's truly relatable office crew in these insane misadventures of white collar workplace life.

Another great book in the Dilbert lineup. Although I had already seen all of the cartoons, either in my calendar or the paper, they make me laugh everytime I read them! I think Scott Adams is a spy at my company and everyone else's!!

There's nothing on the cover to indicate that this is anything but a fun, creative children's story with beguiling illustrations. But it soon takes a hard right turn into religious propaganda, very heavy handed and manipulative. Only for those who are trying to make their kids grow up fundamentalist. Whatever happened to stimulating youngster's imaginations and letting them think for themselves?

Adam Racoon and the Flying Machine is a good adventerous book that relates to the lives of children. Sometimes it's hard for children to do what may be best in life. I think this book helps children have a better understanding about their relationships with jesus and the adults around them.

Another great book in the Parables for Kids series. It is wonderful to help children see that in every instance, the Bible really does show us the way to go. This book helps children realize that to go the right way, they need to keep the right focus throughout life. And, that focus should always be on God and His Word, the Bible.

The book is interesting and quite well written, if you don't mind the non-chronology of it. I just came away thinking even less of Mr. Adams than I did going in and that was a let-down for me. I think some of his photographs are very pretty, but I would never call them art! They don't "move" me and neither did this book.

I thought it was very interesting it was of thought and simplicity it had lots of interseting perspectives about one's own life....

Rarely do I start rereading a book immediately after I finish the last page, and it is even more rare for the book to be a biography. Mary Street Alinder's biography of Ansel Adams is one of these.

I have studied and admired Ansel Adams' photography for many years: his mastery of composition and virtuosity in the darkroom are unrivaled. His books on photographic and darkroom technique are well read and have a prominent place in my technical library. I did not know anything about Ansel Adams the man.

Mary Street Alinder was Adams' assistant during the final years of his life, becoming a close confidant and co-authoring his autobiography and later collecting and publishing his letters. In that unique position she had access to almost 70 years of correspondence, tens of thousands unprinted negatives, and more important of all close access to Ansel and his family.

The image of Adams that develops through the pages of the book is a difficult one to interpret. His friendships with other photographers, naturalists, and numerous female assistants were deep and life long (though in the case of the latter never intimate). His relationship to his family was a different matter, and this is where the difficulty lies: Ansel was first and foremost dedicated to, if not obsessed by, his art, at the expense of his wife and children. In this he comes through as less than likable. But it also becomes clear that inside Ansel was always a child, excited by all around him and exuberant with life and a single self-centered focus towards doing what he could for the places he loved.

Alinder's writing is clear and concise. The organization of the book is not strictly chronological. Instead each chapter documents specific events, people, places, or photographs. This can be disconcerting at first, but it is an effective approach that leads to a more interesting read. Chapter 13, "Moonrise," is especially fascinating. It is Alinder's favorite picture, and she was fortunate enough to be in the darkroom with him as he made a print from the original negative. The description of Ansel's process is musical.

Alinder is not an apologist for Ansel's personality flaws: she presents him honestly, though not critically. The book is rife with citations: there are over 60 pages of notes supporting the story.

If you want insight into Ansel Adams the Photographer, the Naturalist, and most importantly, the Man, then I highly recommend this book.

I can't imagine why anyone would give this book as high a rating as it's received from the other raters because this is one of the worst CALR books I have ever read.

You can do much better simply by using the materials available from the online providers (LEXIS and WL).

If you're looking for a book on computer assisted legal research, there are several good ones available on this site. Basic legal research books are also a great place to start. Additionally, the ABA publishes some great books on the subject (and they are available on this site) That said, I'd suggest staying away from any and all CALR books with cute names like this one. If anything, the cute names should be a warning sign...don't go there!

I keep this book next to my PC and use it a lot when I am doing research. It's easy to find quick, consise answers to my research questions using the index. Well organized and thorough.

Comprehensive and easy to read. Even an old pro like me learned something.

Two disclaimers for this review: 1, this was my first P.D. James novel. 2, I believe that Agatha Christie was the goddess of all mystery writing.
I am used to a body within the first few pages, and letting Hercule Poirot deduce things from there until the solution is provided. However, there are no bodies until 80 pages into the book, and most of the discussion includes things that Dalgliesh brings out later with witnesses anyway, making them redundant.
Also confusing was James's apparent escape from reality with character names. Some are completely absurd, like the characters names "Makepeace" and "Gotobed." Combining words into names detracts from the proposed seriousness of the situation.

This book is much heavier than a true murder mystery, and the decision comes down to this: whether you want a true murder mystery, where you follow facts and psychology in the attempt to deduce the murderer, or whether you want a deeper novel -- a P.D. James novel -- where, along with the murder, time is spent reflecting on life and the world in a more philosophical fashion.

P.D. James' work occasionally collapses under its own weight as the author strains to combine psychological novel with crafty murder mystery--but DEATH OF AN EXPERT WITNESS shows the writer at her best, creating a memorable setting in rural England, a host of very believable characters, and a complex plot, with all aspects of the work coming together in seamless fashion.

Dr. Lorrimer is a forensic scientist employed at a police laboratory, well respected by the scientific community and a bastion of authority in the witness box. Unfortunately, he is also a singularly unpleasant man: bitter at being passed over for promotion, petty in his dealings with underlings, vindictive in his personal relationships. So it is hardly surprising when he is murdered--but the circumstances are something of a shock: he is clubbed to death in the middle of his own laboratory, a situation that seems to indicate one or more of his co-workers is involved. And Chief Inspector Dalgliesh has an abundance of suspects from which to select.

James' detective Dalgliesh is a rather dour creation, and in some James novels he can become a tiresome companion--but here James balances his darkness against the demands of the overall novel to considerable effect. The result is a stylish, atmospheric work with an intelligent plot and a satisfying conclusion--a book to keep mystery fans sitting up all night. Recommended.

P.D. James fittingly wears the crown as "queen of the mystery writers"! And in "Death of an Expert Witness" the title is clearly shown and deserved. Again, James brings in Chief Inspector Adam Dalgleish of Scotland Yard, and once again, this venerable, brilliant, and honorable investigator is in good form. James usually presents a model in human behavior--she's good at this--and gives Dalgleish the full run to work out the inconsistencies, the red herrings, and finally the truth of the case. Dr. Lorrimer is a cold, efficient, dislikeable scientist; now he is a cold, efficient, and dislikeable corpse. Dalgleish must find out why he was killed--and it is more than merely because he was disliked. What did he know that panicked his murderer? After all, he was cold, efficient, dislikeable, and very knowledgeable, "an expert witness," as it were. Bring along a dictionary, as James' vocabulary is challenging--but not distracting--and her works are refreshingly intelligent and worth the effort it may take!(Billyjhobbs@tyler.net)