For me, the best thing about this gawd-awful little book is the fact that I borrowed it from the library. Had I wasted so much as a ball marker I would have felt ripped off.

Was this a quick hack job? Or what? The author, Mark Shaw, is apparently a successful writer. I wondered, reading "Nicklaus", if this book was a rush job, the Domino's of biography. If you don't know anything about Nicklaus and you don't know anything about golf (not the sort of reader Shaw intended for the book I presume) you still need only stay awake, if you can, to notice the sloppiness.

One example out of many, from p. 243: "By the time he reached the seventh hole, Nicklaus had collected four more birdies, coming at four, five, six and seven." Trust me. When Nicklaus "reached" the seventh hole he had not yet birdied it.

As I say, this is only one example of many. Even more annoying is Shaw's inability to note contradictions within the text. In two consecutive

paragraphs, p. 175, Shaw quotes Nicklaus on the subject of pressure. In the first paragraph Nicklaus says: "There are not degrees of nervousness. I'm as nervous over a $5 bet as over a tournament prize." In the very next paragraph Nicklaus says: "I don't get nervous unless I'm in a major and in a position to win."

I suspect the first quote was from early in Nicklaus' career and the second quote from much later in his career. But who knows? There are no footnotes so how can you tell? The various contradictions in this book, back to back or separated by many pages (e.g. Nicklaus takes golf advice from no one/Nicklaus was always good at taking advice or Nicklaus hates the limelight/Nicklaus loves the limelight) might have been interesting to explore. But Shaw doesn't seem to even notice. It's like he's got a pile of quotes and shoves them all into the pot indiscriminately.

On top of all this Shaw is, simply, a terrible writer. A minor irritant is that he seems not to be a 'word person', committing such sins as confusing 'regiment' with 'regimen.' The big problem is that he strains too hard to write like a good writer. Instead of making it look easy Mark Shaw makes it look hard.

A sand wedge becomes "the club Gene Sarazen invented." Wait - let me pick a page at random for another example. Here we are, p. 233: "Somehow, through pure resolve and fighting spirit, Nicklaus dislodged his ball from its nasty spot and sped it towards the green." Did his publisher lay off all its editors?

On a more general level, if this book has anything new of any significance I couldn't find it. And I couldn't find the point of the odd way he organized the book, as Shaw mysteriously returns to bits and pieces of Nicklaus' outstanding 1972 season. Plain old chronology still hits the spot.

Unless and until a professional biographer, with plenty of time to read what he has written comes along, if you want to know about Nicklaus you should read his own books, starting with the 1968 "Golf - The Greatest Game of All." When Nicklaus refused to cooperate with this project was he just lucky?

Jack Nicklaus is the greatest golfer who ever lived and this book tells everything about him. I especially like the comparisons with the rest of the great golfers and the author's insight into Jack the family man.

Mark Shaw has done a superb job in describing the greatest golfer who ever lived. Filled with little known information and exciting anecdotes, the book chronicles the life and times of Nicklaus as never before.

Badly written & BORING!

I really enjoyed this book. I stayed up all night to read it

This is a really good read. He has found some incredible stories about some of the most mysterious shipwrecks on the Great Lakes. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys nautical history. It is well written and illustrated, and has handy maps.

This was my first "Jack Welch" Book/CD purchase. I bought this based on the first two reviews and was very disappointed. Reasons: 1) Way to short. 2) Nothing here that I didn't know or for most management types wouldn't already practice based on common sense. 3) I felt this CD was really a product plug for other Mark Thompson, Richard Wilson products. Especially at the end of the CD when they plug their stuff. 4) Jack is hard to understand, his voice is rough and his pronunciation is not clear. It is probably worth 2 stars, but I had to try and off-set the over-rated reviews. Are the first two reviews by the authors?

Forget everything you've heard or read about Jack Welch. This is by far the best way to capture the freshest insights from the man himself all in under an hour. One-on-One with Jack Welch is like getting the best of your MBA over lunch.

People either seem to love or hate Jack Welch. I happen to be a fan. He built GE into world power house and in this interview he gives most of the principles that were his foundation.

I greatly preferred this audio book over the others I've heard. Instead of someone else talking about Jack, or him reading his book to you, you actually get to hear him talking and telling his stories in a realistic conversation.

The rapport between the interviewer and Jack was good. The informal style made it quite listenable. The short segments made it easy to listen to while I commute.

Overall an excellent choice.

The entire idea behind "The Path" is cool, and Ron Marz is up there with Chuck Dixon as on of the best writers around but the real turn-off for "The Path" is the art. Crossgen Comics has,until now, been using artists who usually make all the books look like the're done by the same artist, but for some reason crossgen decided to fix something that isn't broken and it has floped in my eyes. The artists give no hint of a third demension and the characters look like paper dolls. The reapeted use of browns make the book dull and less appealing to the eyes. I read other comics from crossgen and will continue to do so but The path will never be one of those comics.

The Path- Crisis of Faith has been the first book I have read so far from the Crossgen universe. A samurai story is what motivated me to pick up and buy this book not being familiar with the artists or the writer before. But from the little knowledge I have about comics and comic art, it is delightful to see art work here that is a pleasant deviation from usual western comic art work. There are images within this book that seem inspired from Japanese comic art - especially the images of raindrops creating ripples on puddles of water distorting reflections. The comic script is also very intriguing. Feudal Japan has invoked strong visions among many artists and writers, as is also evident in The Path. Clearly, this factor is responsible for setting the tone for a wonderful manner of storytelling.

The story of Obo San, and his companions - each bound by their honor and the decisions that they have made in the face of difficult choices, makes for a very intriguing story indeed. Even more intriguing is the treachery and the conniving that exists behind the facade of honor within the nobility. And as Obo San suspects, possibly within the realms of the Gods themselves. Obo San and his companions search for answers and truth behind that facade, despite the fact that they have incurred the wrath of their mysterious Emperor, and imminent war threatens their people. Whether the path they have chosen leads them to truth and discovery, or death, it promises to be a very eventful journey.

Also eventful is the comic book itself. And I use the term comic here strictly in ways only a comic book reader would understand. If anything, 'The Path' only illustrates how the medium has grown far beyond the irrelevance of being called comic. 'The Path' will leave you wanting for more about this strange journey. A superbly crafted journey that won't disappoint anyone.

If you're even reading this review you probably already read comics. This is one of the most interesting approaches out there. Sears and the rest of the art team are creating a new language for graphic storytelling here. Most comics (at least Western comics with which I am familiar) try to trick the reader into forgetting that he's observing a series of static images. The Path revels in this -- most pages are constructed around a single central image or event which may be depicted in multiple ways, and time does not necessarily progress across the page from left to right. Other pages might be constructed of a dozen tiny panels, none of which make much sense individually but which, when taken as a whole, give the reader an almost visceral insight into the chaos going on in the characters' lives. The book simply presents these images and the reader fills in the intersticies. This allows the story to bypass all the analytical tricks readers have developed to help them understand "what's going on"; instead, the story aims its way directly into your head. The excellent and surprising script by Ron Marz complements this presentation, and the static graphic presentation is echoed in the stubborness of the each of the characters.

Some may worry that a reader of "The Path" will miss out if he doesn't get all of the other CrossGen books. While I recommend each of them as worth at least sampling, "The Path" is totally different than any of the others (even the Marz-written Scion and Sojourn) and stands on its own. Yes, the main character of "The Path" is marked with a sigil, a mysterious symbol which gives the bearer great power, just like characters in other CrossGen books, but that's really all you need to know about those other titles. (As to the sigil's origins or purpose, this hasn't been revealed in any other CrossGen book either.) Ultimately, there is considerably less connection between most CrossGen books than there is in a typical month between Spider-Man, Daredevil, and the Avengers. "The Path" is not what you are expecting, but you owe it to yourself to give it a try.

I have rarely been as disappointed in a book as I was by this one. The book abounds with errors of fact, misspellings and boring retelling of stories well known to any baseball fan. The only thing perfect about this book is that it's perfectly dreadful.

Baseball books are a dime a dozen, but the story of Don Larsen's remarkable achievement is outstanding. Author Shaw captures Larsen's voice and the miracle that occurred on October 8, 1956. This is a must read for any baseball fan.

Don Larsen's perfect game in the 1956 World Series was a masterpiece, the greatest game ever pitched. This book chronicles Larsen's thoughts and explains why he was the most unlikely candidate to pitch such a game. The Perfect Yankee is a must read for any sports fan.

Im glad Philo is not around to read this bilge. A discography of biased lies

I love this book! It's that simple. Being in the business myself (and was on tour with Lizzy), I can honestly say that what is written here is, by and large, how it went down. I found the candor of the people interviewed refreshing. I don't think it puts Phil down in any way, but, just like Elvis, some people have their ideas of how things were and don't want that picture messed with.

"The Rocker" tells it right from the early days, takes you through all the ups and downs, and leaves you with the feeling that you were there by the time you get to the end. I think Mark Putterford did a wonderful job of putting this book together. He obviously got access to just about anyone who was involved in the Lizzy set-up over the years, and left no stone unturned to bring you every insight he could get his hands on.

Philo/ Lizzy........we're all still in love with you!

Absolutely awesome book--done in true detailed journalistic style with tons of quotes and anecdotes by literally every Thin Lizzy member, as well as managers, roadies, friends and bands that toured and hung with Lizzy. Great read for any Lizzy fan.

If you're looking for a book with pictures of Pin Ups by Vargas, Petty or Elvgren this is not the book for you. It is mostly graphic vintage nudes in black and white. I actually returned it because I was so disappointed.

I first came across this book before at a used bookstore and bought it right on the spot.
Sadly, I lost the book and so have searched for a good while to get another copy of it so I was very pleased to see Amazon offering it.
This book is full of mostly black and white photos and gives the history of the pinup, both female and male. The pics of the men tend to be of famous actors while the women in the pics are largely unknown.
I found this book to be somewhat erotic in nature and would highly recommend it, especially if you are interested in the history of nude photography.

The Pin-Up is a history book with an artistic flare. Through well written text and 100's of photos, Mark Gabor describes the history of a pop icon; the pin-up girl. From Cheescake to fetish it's all described in accurate detail.

A rotten book in and out...shame on me for buying it in the 99 cent rack just to look at his hot ballet body on the cover. By the way...there were MANY copies of this book in the bargain rack...and as I see I am the first one to review this, apparantly I was the only one stupid enough to buy it. But should you find it in a 99 cent rack and like to support the literary dribblings of a self-important egomaniac valiantly trying to make his self-centered life sound interesting; buy all means purchase this tome!!!

I had the opportunity of having the experience of knowing him for short period of time. He is somebody exeptional, He dare to express himself leaving nothing left to hide. truth is raw,and discordant sometimes, but is the truth, If you can't handle the truth? then you shoudn't buy this book. Very Teaching, very meanignful. Dreams aren't always what we dream

4 points concerning this book:1st.,his recollections of life in the "Company"are unparalled.I was at ABT but my association and performing career ended, forever,a few years before Robby joined.Still,I met him in the early 80s through my pal the late (great)Clark Tippet.Robby was then and I presume is now,kind, gentle,giving, and genuine.Truly a sweet soul,and if you read the book, you can find out how he got that way.2nd.,any one interested in dance as it is practiced in the "big leagues"should read this book.If you are expecting some men-in-tights"tell-all dont bother.if you are interested in how this all too fragile art is presented and as necessary, preserved,Robby can tell you.3rd.,if you wish to see choreography discussed in pure form,or simply wish to find some evidence of virtue in an otherwise unvirtouous world, read the book.Robby will make you realize,if you have not before,that dance is the only art-form in which the artist,the performer,is the art.Because the choreographer cannot "direct the performance" to the same degree as a composer, author, conductor,or director,or perhaps to any degree,it is the dancers who are the ballet and thus ,the art.Robby explains this by example and it is both a revelation and a testament to the dancers who create and are that art every night of the season.Finally. if you have ever danced or been privileged"merely"to see one of the performances Robby describes,the book will take you back to that happy time.My own short years of performing sometimes feel almost in my grasp yet forever remain out of reach.Somehow, Robby was able to take me back,to feel the joy of performance he still feels.And,he has taught me to value the dance I have seen,which however "recorded,"is nonetheless gone ,forever.He made me remember Nureyev,and McBride,and Clark,and Robby himself as he died in the arms of his Juliet.Read the book and go back with him.

The book is written by the CEO of IMG, a company that manages international stars and athletes. The book is supposed to be about selling however I found it too specific to sports marketing and IMG. For example he talks about taking time, sometimes years to close a deal. He talks about large customers who expect you to "entertain him and his people...at least once a month". There are many salespeople out there who cannot relate to these scenarios. Many have only one shot to close a deal. Many don't sell to the type of clients who need to be wined and dined.

There are many more examples in this book of situations which I feel are not widely applicable. In many senses it is not so much a book on selling as a manual on how IMG conducts its business. There are some useful sales tips inside the book but they are interspersed between largely irrelevant anecdotes.

Although it can be said everyone is in the marketing game, not all of us can say we sell for a living. Mark offers some great insights into an area that I have limited experience. From a 20 year veteran, I could see where this book presents a very high level view. However, for myself, the book is a great tool that can be applied to any selling opportunity. The insights and stories bring the examples to life and can be easilly be applied to my own situation. Business reading can be boring and uneventful, but Mark has the ability to create a scene where I can place myself sitting right next to him. Nodding in agreement to the client. Visualization is powerful tool and everytime I listen to his tapes I'm there selling my heart out. Hmmm, I wonder where my commission check is?

The only book of Mark's that I have not read is the one on communication and I have already purchased it.

Mark offers an experienced view on sales. He uses many real life experiences to give the reader a good overview. Although this book offers many experiences there is little organization. Mark is attempting to tell as many stories as he can within the confines of a few hundred pages. This style is similar to his earlier book titled "What they Don't Teach You at Harvard Business School" which was full of many great stories, but in the end there was nothing solid to refer back to. However, I would still recommend Mark's book On Selling to anyone in the sales game. It is a valuable source of information on high end sales and it is written by a great salesperson.

There's a bombing downtown and Tom is one of the victims. His lover Scott is frantic and begins his own investigation into the catastrophe. Was it random, or aimed at the clinic where Tom was volunteering, or was it aimed at Tom himself? After Tom wakes from a coma, the duo find even more clues pointing in many directions. And when a drag queen friend of Tom's is killed, they know they're targets themselves. The plot is action-packed and hardly gives the reader time to breathe, and yet I never felt involved in the story. Of course, this is the first Zubro I've read, so that's part of it, but each book in a series ought to bring the reader into the series and entice. The solving of the bombings and murder was well crafted and believable, and Zubro certainly is a great writer. This just may not be his best overall, so.

I liked the idea that Zubro shifted the focus of this novel from Tom, ex-marine superman, to Scott, the "sidekick". Unfortunately the plot in which Zubro involves Scott on his first outing (no pun intended) is rather weak when compared to previous novels ("Why Isn't Becky Twitchell Dead?" is one of my favorites). A good read for fans of the series, but it needed more meat. I am not sure if the subject (the bombing) was thought to be too sensitive for a real murder mystery; if that was the advice given to Zubro, he shouldn't have heeded it, because it provides a sub-par novel.

They have been a happily married, faithful couple for years. Scott Carpenter is a well-known professional baseball pitcher while his spouse Tom Mason is an English teacher. They hid their sexual preference and their relationship out of fear for their careers, especially the athletic Scott. However, unable to hide any longer, they reveal their relationship to the world and to their sock and joy, most everyone supports them.

Tom and Scott begin to openly support gay rights, but soon become symbols and targets of the opponents. Things begin to turn ugly forcing Scott to hire bodyguards. Scott assumed that he, being the more public figure, would be the target if tragedy struck. Instead, while Tom is at the Human Services Clinic, a series of bombs go off destroying a whole block, killing many people. Tom is lucky to survive, but is badly injured. Scott wonders if Tom ultimately was the target. He begins his own investigation that will lead to a dangerous person with a deadly goal who will do anything to attain it.

ONE DEAD DRAG QUEEN is as much a relationship drama as it is an amateur sleuth mystery. The tale stars two heroic, realistic males trying to make the world a better place. Mark Richard Zubro has written a mystery inside the mystery. The technique can slow down a story line, but works extremely well in this plot because the author never loses sight of the main theme and ties the subplot back to it. By providing color and insight, the secondary characters are vital to the beat of the tale and lead to a special treat for readers.

Harriet Klausner