I love the IMPAX process! I was first introduced to it a year ago. Since then I have used it to make over a dozen sales presentations, with fantastic results.

I was excited when I heard that Shonka and Kosch were writing a book as I was looking forward to a refresher and a chance to get a deeper understanding of the IMPAX process.

The book exceeded my expectations. There were new stories, additional insights into the philosophy and practice of the IMPAX sales process. A plus were the examples and checklists designed to kick start the readers thinking. I found it an easy read, the chapters are short, focused and kept my attention.

Beyond Selling Value has all the details stories and logical flow that will make it easy for someone new to the IMPAX process to very quickly begin using it to improve their sales. It also makes a great refresher for people who have seen IMPAX before. I thoroughly recommend it.

Most companies are under incredible pressure to join the herd, and "your product is a commodity" is a mantra on the lips of many of our customers. Beyond Selling Value delivers the tools and processes that your company needs to set it apart from the crowd. Chock-full of stories that illustrate each key concept, this book lays out a step-by-step roadmap that will help you win customers for all the right reasons.

Unlike many similar books, Beyond Selling Value has a nice balance of material - conceptual explanations, stories, and clearly-written how-to instructions. You will find this book both readable and useful, if you are in sales (or run a business, as I do).

This is just a super book - as I read it, I found myself saying "I can't wait to do this!" Not only are the concepts and processes laid out elegantly, but the highly relevant stories do a great job of supporting the key points. I will definitely be sending copies of this book to my clients!

I have just finished reading Beyond Selling Value and I loved it. It is the first book on selling that I have read that really got beyond the high level strategies and brought it down to the "how-to's". I really appreciate the sound logical thinking and the easy to follow tactics. I also appreciate the interesting anecdotes from their customers real-life experiences in applying the IMPAX Sales Process.
This is a process that will work. I encourage you to read it and to start winning more business today!

Think of your image of "volunteer." Now disregard it and check out "Chicken Soup for the Volunteer's Soul." Volunteer authors describe their experiences volunteering, and the variety and creativity of their work is truly amazing and inspiring. I loved the variety of volunteer stories in this book. It made me realize that if I don't have a lot of time or there's no big disaster around at the moment, there are zillions of ways that I can contribute to my community and the world, so I'm dumping my guilt and getting creative. . . . A big thank you to this great crew of authors and editors!!

Have you ever read a book that actually inspired you to contribute to the world..........to make a change? This book will do that. The authors have put together a tool for transformation..........helping others brings more love to everyone.

Sheltered by the walls of academia, I had forgotten that the writing process itself is a mantra of social change, that our awakenings lead to a more united world. Reading the poignant and inspirational stories submitted to Chicken Soup for the Volunteer's Soul reminded me of the many people who give selflessly of themselves, who teach us that heroes are everywhere we cast our eyes.

Janet I. Buck, Ph.D.

Believe the hype of the reviews of this book! If you are an independent filmmaker, or want to know what it takes to get a film promoted, distributed and sold, you must have this book. Street level instruction on every aspect of film promotion such as getting media attention, finding a distributor, selling copies of a film to Blockbuster and even how to begin thinking about web-based promotion of your movie. Details on how to approach, place the initial call and follow-up with distributors is most valuable, as is the way Bosko clearly describes the very intricate path a film takes from finished product to sitting on the video store of Best Buy shelf. Anyone even thinking about making an independent film needs the informatio in in this book to save time, money and headaches.

With the information I gleaned from this text, I can now rival the Hollywood marketing machine in promoting my movie! I learned how to research, contact and get results from the media best-suited for my independent film, as well as what NOT to do when working with these people. Also, the book taught how to move around the traditional distribution system and get copies of my movie into video stores, libraries, Best Buy and others. Good stuff!

This book is so great! I got a copy after reading a review and it lived up to every claim. The techniques in the book's "Self-Distribution" section showed me how to set up regional sales for a film that otherwise has not made any money up until this point! I can now proudly say that my DVD is available in 17 video stores in Pennslyvania and New York thanks to the tips in this book! Get Bosko's book if you want to sell your film - it is that simple.

In this sequel to Palace (written jointly by Mark Kreighbaum & Katharine Kerr) Mark Kreighbaum goes solo and brings this tale to it's long awaited conclusion. I definitely recommend your having read Palace prior to starting Eye of God as the book leaps right in where Palace left off and doesn't waste time explaining back story to those who don't know it. In fact, even if you have read it a re-read is a good idea, as you'll find many themes and hints followed up in Eye of God that you may have forgotten.

Without spoiling too much of the story and the surprises I'll give you a small overview. Rico and Vida are still in love and struggling to cope with her marriage and Rico's investigations into Riva, which have disastrous consequences with a surprising twist. Cybersorcerers after all? The Peronida family continue their political machinations, against each other and anyone in their way, regardless of the possible consequences. Dukayn's instability, only hinted at in Palace, comes to the fore when Sister Romero discovers Karlo's deceit. Dukayn's obsession will not allow his 'God' to be threatened, by anyone. Jevon's misery is compounded and brought to an ugly conclusion and to top it all off the secret Lep movement guided by Riva achieves it's horrendous goal, bringing the Map to it's knees and endangering the lives of everyone on Palace.

Eyes of God has a much faster pace than Palace, it's riveting with so much intensity and build-up putting down the book is something of a struggle! You discover so much more about each character and all the skeletons come tumbling out of those closets! Not a book to pike out with a syrupy ending, Eye of God isn't afraid to kill off characters for realism, even the ones you really liked! I found this added to the drama and enjoyment, nothing like the odd tissue moment in a good story. It becomes a real thriller with a gripping conclusion that satisfies all those hanging ends. I still feel vaguely abandoned though, as while that story is over there's still so much more, the Garang Japat for instance. There's a story there and what happens with the saccules? Mark Kreighbaum may have finished up one great story but he's definitely left the door open for more. I'll be keeping an 'eye' out for future novels from The Pinch.

Mark does a wonderful job in his book "The Eyes of God". The story continues on from the events of "Palace", we see Vida and Rico develop a more meaningful relationship. While Vida grows her political powerbase and Rico takes on mastership of his cyber skills the story unravels to expose the secrets behind Riva.

The book is well written with respects to both plot and characters. What is surprising though is the amazing improvements in dialog since "Palace".

This book is a must read for anyone who would like to see a well rounded extrapolation of where our current information age will lead us. This book does to the internet what Asimovs "Robot" series did to computers.

After waiting almost two years Mark Kreighbaum's book was finally available in Australia, much to my delight. What a blast! I finished it in one day, then went over my favourites bits to relish and adore the characters, structure and plot. Frankly, it was well worth the wait. Vida, Rico et al were very real. Mr Kreighbaum is on par with William Gibson. The story was alluring and exciting. His explanations of cyberspace and the Map mysteriously exciting, making me wish I had neural jackins and other glorious things that may free the mind and flow - The Map moves. It left me wanting more. I am, however, grateful that Mr Kreighbaum chose to explain the story in two books instead of a long drawn out saga which normally results in a frustrated reader. The book was spellbinding and enthralling. I cannot wait for his next one. Congratulations Mr Kreighbaum

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Mark Renz' fossil guide from the standpoint of one who is just approaching the subject of amateur paleontology. Being a diver and not an historian or scientist, I was curious about fossil hunting, but not enough to make a life's work of it. This book bridges the gap, and makes the study of fossil bones interesting but not intimidating to those of us who want a brief lesson in paleontology, with detailed information on what we are actually finding in Florida's creeks and rivers. Renz' humor makes the science user-friendly; and with foreword addresses by such highly-regarded individuals in the field as S. David Webb of our Florida Museum of Natural History and James S. Dunbar from the state's Bureau of Archeological Research, I was reassured that Renz' scientific knowledge is solid. Not the "coffee-table" book some may expect, this field "Guide for Diggers and Divers" is designed to go with you as a hands-on manual. I like that it leads you to the best spots to find fossils, describes likely spots to find the bones, and offers photos of some of the common (and even those more unusual) items you'll find. Most of all, having read the book a number of times, I have proof the author's knowledge is legitimate. Being a Floridian, I had the opportunity to join Mark Renz on one of his fossil expeditions. I not only found bones and artifacts, but I also received a lesson in the identification and history of each fossil, along with information on reporting my finds. This book is definitely not for those that already know it all. But for those of us just starting out, or developing an interest in fossil bones, it's a great reference and a wonderful beginning.

After waiting over 10 years since the publication of the classic "Florida's Fossils" by Robin Brown, amateur paleontologists in Florida now have another excellent reference book. Geared for the beginner to intermediate amateur, "Fossiling in Florida" is destined to also be a classic. The book contains 21 chapters, a 34 page identification section, a list of Florida fossiling clubs, a bibliography, and best of all, is dedicated to amateurs. Throughout the book there are 250 black and white pictures, mostly of fossil specimens. These pictures vividly display a well-rounded cadre of vertebrate fossils from a variety of localities. The pictures are clear enough for anyone wishing assistance in identification of their specimens. Also peppered through the book are over 20 illustrations by the author's wife, Marisa Renz. The majority of the drawings are light-hearted looks at Mark's adventures and ideas as an amateur collector. However, there are also several excellent line drawings of fossil specimens and serious recreations of prehistoric life. The combination of photos and illustrations provide the reader with great visual supplements to a comprehensive text. The author uses clear and concise language, explaining technical terminology in an accessible manner to the non-professional. Renz not only places various extinct species in their prehistoric context, he also uses modern analogues to speculate on their behavior. Sharks, mammoths, sloths, horses, armadillos and glyptodonts, saber cats, dugongs and manatees, alligators, bison and more are covered in detail. Stories on how Renz found his specimens are juxtaposed with vignettes on how the author speculates those animals lived and came to be fossils. This makes for fun and informative reading for beginner to veteran alike. The creative writing and story-like format should catapult "Fossiling in Florida" to an audience that transcends Florida state lines. A must have book for anyone interested in fossils.

Here in Florida we are lucky to have a how-to book like Fossiling in Florida. Renz not only has in insatiable drive for exploring the past, but his writing is professional and the scientific information he disburses is accurate, presented in a delightful, down-to-earth style. This book is easy to understand-even for those without a modicum of knowledge about fossils. Renz has the expertise to write clearly, with candor and good humor, as well as an uncanny ability to make whatever he is writing come alive for the reader. He magnetically pulls the reader from page to page. The book is awash with photos, in fact, it is a fascinating photo ID book, all through the over 200 pages. Renz's wife Marisa is a creditable photographer and illustrationist as evidenced by the wonderful work she contributed to this project. With pure dedication, Renz shares his aura of romance as he walks and writes his readers through the "how-tos" of fossiling, covering what, where and when to look, as well as how to preserve your finds for another million years. In the epilog, the author writes: "There is nothing as therapeutic to me as fossil hunting. It doesn't matter how stressful a week I've had; when I take to the bone beds, it's all behind me. While I'm out, I'm not just looking for old bones. I have come across owls, otters, bobcats, manatees, alligators, snakes and the tracks of the endangered Florida panther. I've been frightened a couple of times, but mostly I have been in awe of the beauty of nature as it appears to have unfolded over the eons--and here I am in the midst of it."

Where was this game when I was a kid? I bought this for a recent long car trip with the kids and we all had a great time playing it. Now even if we are driving thru town someone will call out items that they have found. It is entertaining for the whole family!

Don't think Rubber Neckers is just for kids during family vacations. I own a business and a job required us to send four employees to a customer's site, 3 hours away. I left Rubber Neckers on the dashboard. I can't tell you the laughs and fun my employees had on this trip. It built comradery amongst them and they arrived at the job site eager to work efficiently so they could hurry back to the car. Now they want their children to play. It's addicting.

This is a great game to have for car trips (especially the long ones)! Plus, I've found that my kids (ages 4 & 6) are even learning new items... things they didn't know before, now they do. To make it simpler though, we just made it team game, instead of indiviually. And we don't keep score (so there are no hard feelings). We just have a great time finding things together!

For family fun in the car... buy this game! It's great!!

Zorachus is one of the finest novels I have ever read (and believe me I have read a lot). The imagination and excitement that is put into this book is amazing. The story is fast paced, the characters well thought out, and the settings are absorbing. If you like a thought provoking, original story this is one for you. Also, follow it up by reading the others that come after: Nightmare of God, The Expected One, The Devouring Void, The Riddled Man, and last but certainly not least, the newly released, Blood and Pearls (Zancharthus Book 1). They are all well worth whatever it takes to get them. It is a truly epic series and I can't wait for the next book to follow.

The chilling details of Zorachus' fall from Grace and decent into madness are well thought out. The magic system that is used is very fresh and original. The dept of 'darkness' and depravity is unlike anything I've ever read in a fictional book before. It's real close to reality and that's the frightening part. Read just the first 5 pages and see if you can put it down. The story concludes in The Nightmare of God, but Mr. Rogers decided to take us on a completely different trip with the next 3 in The Blood of the Lamb series. Get them! Read Them!

I read Zorachus 16 years ago. I just re-read it again. Zorachus is still leading the pack of imaginative fiction and no contenders are anywhere in sight. The youngest Grand Master in the history of the Sharajnaghi, Zorachus, is chosen for a grave mission to save countless lives, but in the end can he save his soul? If he can be corrupted is there hope for anyone?
The writing is well paced, the atrocities gruesome, the pervasive erotic assault stimulating, all of it shows us the temptations Zorachus faces daily, while the constant cruelty of Khymir stokes his downfall.
This book poses moral questions, exults in erotic scenes, examines ethics and offers a great ride through Mark E. Rogers' twisted world. I am so glad I found him. If you want a fresh perspective on fiction and aren't afraid to open your mind, then Zorachus is a book I highly recommend.

A high quality glossy 200 page large souvenir book that tells the background to the making of the Spider-Man movie. Complete with an alliterate and eloquent introduction by Spider-Man creator Stan "the Man" Lee, and nine chapters of interesting text and richly brilliant and colorful glossy photographs from the movie, including the final version as well as pics taken during its making, samples of old Spider-Man comic strips, storyboards (including three that were left out of the movie), artwork of the characters that shows the examples of what they started with, what was rejected for the film, and how the final characters evolved, and lots of little tidbits, like backgrounds of the cameos, and lots more. Great book. I bought it right after seeing the movie, and it was a great extension of the experience of the film, but it doesn't give away the story - you'd be fine to get the book before hand. ...

BEHIND THE MASK OF SPIDER-MAN by: Mark Cotta Vaz is one of the best "making of" movie books I have ever read. Fair warning though, this book is so thorough that if you have not already seen Spider-Man then DO NOT READ THIS BOOK! Upon viewing some of the great color photos and reading the indepth information, you'll be completely robbed of any true movie surprises.

With that said...

In 205 pages, Vaz manages to provide tons of background on the characters, history, and production stages of Spider-Man. You'll find everything from pictures of original comic page art to step-by-step photos on the various concept sketches of both Spider-Man and the Green Goblin (Goblin in particuar is all over the place in the various designs). Vaz clearly did his homework as there are numerous interviews and sound bytes from everyone from Stan Lee to Sam Raimi to Willem Dafoe to producers, stunt people, and FX coordinators.

Rarely do "Behind the Scenes" books read as fast and as enjoyable as this one. Now granted, I am a HUGE Spider-Man fan, but I believe that anyone who enjoyed the movie will find lots of insight to be gained from this informative and entertaining book.

I suppose I should start off by saying that this review does NOT contain any spoilers about the movie. If you want to know the plot of the film, then by all means, buy this book or the novel based on the script by Peter David (now available). My review only covers aspects of the production and the book itself. I have to admit that I couldn't wait until the film opens. As soon as I saw that this was available, I had to get it. These kind of behind the scenes books always facinate me. From the time I was 10 years old, I knew I wanted to make movies for a living. I graduated with a film degree and have made small films of my own. Given those facts, I can tell you that I have read a lot of books like this, some great others not so great. I am happy to report that author Mark CottaVaz's book about the making of SPIDER-MAN belongs in the "great" catagory.

The book takes you on a guided tour of the movie It is divided into three parts. There is also a forword by Stan Lee, the man who created the character, in the 1960s Having read comics in my childhood and into adulthood that was a real treat, hearing from him The introduction discusses the rocky history of how the film made it to the big screen. The book is very well written. The best parts of the book are those that deal with the F/X The author makes even the most complicated explanation of "how they did that", easy to follow. I felt as though I was right there on set. There are some cool on set interviews with the cast and crew (especially learning about the casting process) There is also a section of cut scenes from the film The book has some excellent photograpy-wow This book was so enjoyable that I could not put it down. I read it in just 2 days. I am so excited to see the movie now. I know I will be in line waiting to buy a movie ticket in May As Stan Lee, Spiderman's Creator might say, EXCELSIOR.. A most exellent book indeed.

I think this is one of the coolest Chicken Soup books. Its 101 stories to heal the heart of our nation. Right when I saw it at Shopko I wanted it. I just got it for my birthday and I have started to read it. So far I really enjoy it. My Mom has read some of it and also liked it. It has sad stories in it like one is about a person whos reltive died in the Twin Towers. there great stories about September 11, 2001 The chapters are

September 11, 2001
Amarica Responds
The World Resonds
Renewed Patriotism
United We Stand
Reflection
Wheres next?

All the Chapters are fulled with good stories

When I was shopping in Sam's with my mother and nephew and fiance I was looking for a dvd. I found nothing I really wanted to buy. Seemed to me I can no longer really buy a good flick these days. So there I was walking the aisle getting bored out of my mind when I stumbled on this book. At first I was a bit angered that the Chicken book series would sink so low to print a book about the September 11, attacks to make a quick buck. I started to read just to see what they printed and I came across the poem "I AM THE AMERICAN FLAG", by: Howard Schnauber on page: 206. There I was reading and feeling some pride about to burst through me and I wanted to cry. The partiot in me shed some tear. My fiance asked me what I was reading that was making me cry. I showed him. In turn he asked me why not buy it. I did. It'll be worth it. Some of the stories are beautiful and some will make you grateful we live in the greatest country in the world. But this patriot who believes in God and Jesus is proud to say that I am proud to be an American living in the Republic of United States of America.

I picked a great one as the first "Chicken Soup" book to read from start to finish. I read the majority of this uplifting book as a metro train commuter to and from my duty station, the Pentagon. Having known three of the victims of the September 11, 2001 attack on the Pentagon, I had personal reasons to read this book. I found the many short, direct, and moving stories from common people, and their sharing of their deepest emotions, very comforting. I consider this book to be another step in my continuing personal program of coping and healing. I believe many others would also find reading it a great spiritual and emotional experience.

The only flaw with this outstanding book is that it is almost exclusively devoted to or focused on the World Trade Center heroes, victims, survivors, and volunteers. The book has very few stories about what happened at the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania. I commend the authors for their tremendous job in compiling these great stories from the thousands received and for publishing such an important book in such a short time to help so many. Tragedy and devastation were equally shared by friends, family, and acquaintances in New York, the Pentagon, and Pennsylvania. I believe this book should have included a few more Pentagon and Pennsylvania specific stories since the book's cover proclaims, "Stories to Heal the Heart of Our Nation."

I picked up the Job Vault, hoping I might be able to glean a bit of information. Not only was there EVERYTHING I could ever hope to wonder, there were even useful bits of information you never think to ask about until it's too late. I would very much like to talk to the authors of this book--to express the praise they so rightly deserve.

Just got a copy. It's the best job book I've used so far.

Finally, a really useful job book. I've never seen anything quite like it. Very "insider."