Donald Patten relies heavily on Velikovsky's information to arrive at an interesting thesis. The idea of an astral visitor that depositied ice at the poles and creating the two major mountain chains (Pyrenees to Pilipines, Terra del Fuego to Japan) expands immensely upon a theme that V. first suggested. His explanation of the "cave men", although possible, isn't germane to his subject. The analysis of our current malaise in the scientific realm stemming from Hubbard, Lyell, Darwin, and others of that era explains how faulty, unchristian, and agenda-driven their "ideas" really were. Highly recommended. I can't embrace totally his mountain building concepts, but recognize the strength of his arguments.

This book is a must read for anyone that is interested in the Biblilcal flood and it effect on the earth's geological structure. He presents the evidence for astromomical catastrophism and its effect on the earth. New theories on mountain building and the ice ages are put forth. He continues where other deluge writers have left off. An excellent easy to understand book supporting the Biblical flood and refuting the uniformitarian theory of modern geology.

This is a really useful book. It's a must if you need to look deep into the Function Point Analysis and get a clear understanding of what this is all about. As a professional and local instructor in Function Point Analysis I've got a lot of inspiration from this book for my course. I believe that beginners would gain even more from this book, however. It covers all topics from the current IFPUG Function Point Counting Practices Manual (release 4.1). It guides you all the way through the whole process and presents a lot of examples and additional explanations on the way.

Beside the operational guidelines this book also describe the Function Point Analysis in the perspective of related topics as e.g. estimation and benchmarking. Those topics are covered very thoroughly as well and the book provides a good insight in how Function Points can be used as a management tool.

In the last chapters "hot issues" as applying Function Points to GUI applications and OO-system development are discussed. Some very useful guidelines are presented here, indeed. But it's my personal experience that mapping OO components to the Function Point concept might be quite more challenging that the book indicates.

This is an authoritative book by two authors who have a published a large number of articles on the subject.

Function point analysis is, in both my experience and opinion, one of the most accurate estimating tools a software engineer has at his or her disposal. I have previously used the constructive cost model (COCOMO) through version 2, Raleigh curves, and hybrids such as Software Estimation Analysis Tool, which computes both COCOMO and function point statistics. Granted, not all of these estimating models are equal - the Raleigh curve approach has a focus on quality and manpower loading that the others lack. But each (and many I have not cited) are estimating tools for software development.

My experience shows function point analysis to be the most accurate - if done correctly. Therein lies the crux of the matter. Function point analysis, in order to yield accurate estimates of effort, needs to be performed by certified counters and the resulting data needs to be properly interpreted. That's where this book comes in.

It starts with an overview that serves as an understandable introduction for someone who is new to software estimation, yet is interesting enough to hold the attention of more experienced professionals. The advice on preparing for IFPUG (International Function Point User Group) certification is a highlight and underscores the fact that FP counting should only be performed by certified counters.

The chapters on software measurement and executive introduction to function points are really extensions of the introduction. I found both the software measurement model in this chapter, and how to establish a world class measurement program interesting and informative.

This segues into three chapters that cover measuring and using function points, and industry benchmarks. Some highlights are the way the authors tie function points to key performance indicators such as productivity, quality, financial and maintenance. I also liked the way that the authors stratify the users of function point data into project managers, IT managers and cross-organizational stakeholders. I was particularly interested in the last group because I am often involved in both service and application delivery projects. The use of function points as a basis for service level metrics and outsourcing is an intriguing idea that I will explore further.

When you arrive at chapter 6 the foundation built in the first five chapters prepare you for a detailed, methodical approach to performing function point analysis. This is straightforward and appears to be completely consistent with IFPUG. All you need to know about function point analysis is, in my opinion, provided in the remainder of the book. The material is augmented by case studies, and also addresses contemporary issues such as applying function point analysis to object-oriented, web, client/server and data warehouse applications. While each of these topics are not given in-depth treatment the fact that they are addressed at all is impressive. The authors end the book with advice on preparing for the certified function point specialist exam, and gives sample exam questions. They also provide sample worksheets in the appendices.

This book merits a solid five stars because it is well written, up-to-date and follows IFPUG recommendations. If you are pursuing CFP certification this book will simplify your life. If you want to learn about an effective software estimating technique this book is a great starting point. To be completely fair, if you are new to software estimation you should also read Estimating Software Costs (Caspers Jones), which gives a complete and unbiased survey of all of the major (and some obscure) software estimating approaches.

This book gives a quick and elementary introduction to the field of chaotic dynamical systems that could be read by anyone with a background in calculus and linear algebra. The approach taken by the author is very intuitive, lots of diagrams are used to illustrate the major points, and there are many useful exercises throughout the book. It could serve well in an undergraduate mathematics course in dynamical systems, and in a physics undergraduate course in advanced mechanics. The author emphasizes the mathematical aspects of dynamical systems, and readers will be well prepared after finishing it to read more advanced books on dynamical systems.

Chapter 1 introduces one-dimensional dynamics, with the analysis of the quadratic map given particular attention. Called the logistic map in some circles, this very important dynamical system has been the subject of much study, and exhibits generically the properties of chaotic dynamical systems. The author also gives a brief review of some elementary notions in calculus needed for the chapter, making the book even more accessible to a wider readership. The important concept of hyperbolicity is discussed in the context of one-dimensional maps and a good discussion is given on symbolic dynamics. Structural stability, which is really useful only in dynamical systems in higher dimensions, is treated here. The intuition gained in one-dimension is invaluable though before moving on to higher-dimensional examples. Sarkovskii's theorem, which states that a one-dimensional dynamical system with a period three periodic orbit has periodic orbits for all other periods, is proved in detail. In addition, the Schwarzian derivative, so important in complex dynamics, is defined here. The author also gives an introduction to bifurcation theory, which again, is most interesting in high dimensions, and introduces the concept of homoclinicity in this discussion. Maps of the circle and the all-important Morse-Smale diffeomorphisms, are treated in this chapter also. The author introduces the reader briefly to the idea of genericity when discussing Morse-Smale diffeomorphisms. Kneading theory, so important in the mathematical theory of dynamical systems, is introduced here also.

In chapter 2, the author generalizes the results to higher dimensions, and begins with a review of linear algebra and some results from multivariable calculus, such as the implicit function theorem and the contraction mapping theorem. This is followed by a treatment of the dynamics of linear maps in two and three dimensions. Whereas the canonical example of one-dimensional dynamics is represented by the logistic map, in higher-dimensional dynamics this is represented by the Smale horseshoe map. The author carefully constructs this map and details its properties. Then he takes up the hyperbolic toral automorphisms (or Anosov systems as they are called in some books). Both the Smale horseshoe map and the toral automorphisms are excellent, easily understandable examples of higher dimensional dynamics and the associated symbolic dynamics.

The concept of an attractor is also treated in chapter 2 in the context of the solenoid and the Plykin attractor. Both of these are of purely mathematical interest, but by studying them the physicist reader can get a better understanding of what to look for in actual physical examples of attractors (or the more exotic concept of a strange attractor). The author also gives a proof of the stable manifold theorem in dimension two. This is the best part of the book, for this theorem is rarely proved in textbooks on chaotic dynamics, the proof being delegated to the original papers. However, the proof in these papers is extremely difficult to get through, and so the author has given the reader a nice introduction to this important result, even though it is done only in two dimensions. This is followed by a very understandable discussion of Morse-Smale diffeomorphisms. In addition, the author introduces the Hopf bifurcation, of upmost importance in applications, and introduces the Henon map as an application of the results obtained so far.

The last chapter of the book is a brief overview of complex analytic dynamics. Complex dynamical systems are very important from a mathematical point of view, and they have fascinating connections with number theory, cryptography, algebraic geometry, and coding theory. The author reviews some elementary complex analysis and then reintroduces the quadratic maps but this time over the complex plane instead of the real line. The Julia set is introduced, and the reader who has not seen the computer graphical images of this set should peruse the Web for these images, due to their beauty. The geometry of the Julia set and the associated complex polynomial maps are given a fairly detailed treatment by the author in the space provided.

This book covers almost every aspect of theory of discrete dynamical systems and by far the easiest explains and proofs with useful exercises, anyone with solid calculus and linear algebra background shouldn't have any problem absorbing this material and is highly recommended to whom wants to know about the theory of chaos from the scratch.

Lovett Weems has written a helpful book for leaders who have become frustrated with the authoritarian models of some traditional religious/business writers and/orthose who have become frustrated with the mantra of "if we just go back to...then it will be all right." One might suspect the later from the title of this book, but that is far from his approach. Weems shows that leadership in the Wesleyan spirit is not rote aplication of Wesleys writings and work to conemporary situations. He posits a hermeneutic move whereby we apply the broad general principles of the Wesleyan movement in the context of contemporary society. Generally useful to students of both leadership and Wesley studies. Highly reccomend

I found Dr. Weems explanation of Wesleyan leadership incredibly on target for the needs this century is bringing us.

I was inspired and given a huge helping of food for thought. Ideas that I have never encountered in any other leadership or Wesleyan books. Plus its a fantastic source of interesting and powerful stories and illustrations.

Dr. Weems might be a leadership genius for our generation. One dissappointment I had was that he did get bogged down in an academic catch 22. But that was only once.

I strongly recommend this book for all leaders, secular and nonprofit organizations.

If you're tough, save some cash and read the RFC.

If you want a book which is nicely formatted and organized, get this.

This is a good spec but not too much more. If you're working with NFS much you probably want this.

I saw this book in [local store] and had to have it. For anyone interested in the nitty gritty details of NFS this book is a must! The writer provides a comprehensive and rich discussion of every aspect of NFS 2 and 3 which many environments are still implementing today. Also the writer provides a very detailed discussion of the relationship between lockd and statd and discusses mountd and nfsd in great detail also. For Unix admins who want to become more intimate with NFS I think this is a great resource.

This great little book has been designed to help parents learn to be more effective parents by becoming more effective teachers of their children. This proven program shows parents how to systematically use consequences to teach children in positive ways what children need to learn to become effective people.

Thanks to PARENTS ARE TEACHERS, my children and I benefitted from my improved parenting skills. Today, I am a family therapist and I always recommend this book as a MUST READ for all parents.

I highly recommend this easy-to-read, interactive parenting workbook to parents pulling their hair out, wondering how to achieve cooperation and not struggles between them and their kiddos. I have been using this book in a course I teach for families since it first came out in the '70's. The practical information and easy-to-implement suggestions contained in it are timeless. Although the strategies are entirely uselful for parents of any child, this book is particularly helpful for parents with children whose behavior is difficult to manage, whose children have language processing disorders, or other learning difficulties.

In this excellent book by Randy Maddox, we encounter perhaps the finest attempt to systematically portray John Wesley's unsystematized theology. Maddox is suitably humble in his attempt, not claiming to be completely authoritative concerning Wesley, but recognizing that there is a real need to make an honest attempt at the project. Indeed, the greatest praise goes to the author for even attempting such a daunting project. Any portrayal of Wesley's theology must navigate the shoals of innumerable contradictions in Wesley himself, as well as the simple fact that Wesley expressed his theological convictions in writings that addressed specific situations and circumstances. He never wrote a treatise in line with the theological conventions that dominate the Academy.

All the praise I have for Maddox must be tempered, however, by the observation that he was not able to avoid the inevitable -- a Wesleyan systematic theology that spoke as much about him as it did about Wesley. Maddox over does it when he stresses the importance of Wesley's 'connection' to Eastern Church Fathers whose ideas of theosis are said to have shaped Wesley. This is doubtful to the degree that Maddox portrays it. Wesley was shaped more fundamentally, I think, by Pietist notions of holy living (which resemble in many ways Eastern notions of theosis). Likewise, Wesley was well acquainted with other Western writers who shared an interest in finding the 'way to heaven.' To place as much of the weight of his argument on an Eastern connection is not justified by the evidence that the author gives.

All in all, however, this is an excellent resource for those studying Wesley and his theology. But the reader needs to know that they still need to do more reading elsewhere -- though they would want to make sure not to miss this book along the way!

Randy Maddox has done a great service for all those seeking to have a more comprehensive understanding of John Wesley's practical theology. He uses the key interpretive lense of "responsible grace," meaning that while grace comes to us as a gift from God, we are the ones who must respond in order to fully incorporate it into our lives. Maddox is a superb student of Wesley, demonstrating the ways that Wesley has drawn on both Eastern and Western Christian traditions in arriving at his theological sythesis. He helps us to understand Wesley's various historical periods in relation to his evolving theology and gives rich citations and footnotes to aid the reader in learning more. As a United Methodist pastor, I return to this book again and again, deeply grateful for the insights Maddox offers into a wholistic understanding of John Wesley's theology. This book is so well-written that it is also accessible to the educated layperson. I highly recommend it!

Just like the first Star Wars cookbook (Wookiee Cookies), Darth Malt is cover to cover fun! The same wonderful, quirky photography style is employed to display the finished cuisine, and the recipes are no-nonsense and easy to follow. Even though I'm (technically) a grown-up, I get more cooking inspiration from this recipe collection aimed at kids than I ever have from other cookbooks.

Great addition to your cookbook collection and Star Wars collection, but if you're like me your collection is big enough already! Book contains a variety of delicious looking recipes from "a galaxy far, far away". Whether it's Boonta Classic Waffles for Breakfast to start your day, Pit Droid Pizza for a party with friends, or Panakacakes for a sweet evening treat for your loved one, you will have great fun cooking away with this book. Even if you are not too experienced a chef, you will have to give it your Jedi best, but try not - DO or DO NOT...there is no try!

I own nearly 80 different quote books--no exaggeration--but this is one of my favorites for two reasons:

1. These really are, for the most part, unfamiliar quotations. It's so nice to see something you haven't read in several other books.

2. Like many of the larger books of quotations, this one has complete sources--a key attribute I always look for in quote books. The source (cite) for each quote tells not only the author or speaker, but also the title and publication or speech date.

So, why only four stars? Again, two reasons:

1. The book's 1500+ quotations are organized into topics. There is a helpful list of those topics at the beginning, but alas, no indexes. Looking for a particular author? You're out of luck.

2. There is no recognizable order to the quotes within each topic. They are not alphabetized by author, and not chronological.

Still, bravo to Wesley Camp for publishing a quote book with fresh material.

These quotations are some of the most interesting, elusive, and meaningful ideas ever penned. The editors have found some of the best overlooked quotes and put them in this book. Bravo! Once again, this is an amazing book that everyone should read!

The central idea of this book is that ebusiness exists on top of a foundation of other software technologies. These technologies are Enterprise Resource Planning software, Supply Chain Management, Selling Chain Management, e-Procurement and Customer Relationship Management software. These foundation software techologies need to be implemented in a company before making the decision to implement an e-business infrastructure ( in a way the core techologies are the e-business infrastructure ). The book focuses each chapter on a core techology and also includes chapters on e-business strategy and tactics. Another central theme of the book is that business strategy and the core business ideas of revenue ,cost and profit should drive the development of e-business in a company. Technology implementation for the sake of techology and without specific business objectives (ie run by the IT department) is strongly opposed in the book. This second edition of E-business extends on the ideas of the first and provides more up to date examples. However, one thing that is missing is more detailed information on the wide variety of software packages that make up the ebusiness infrastructure and then examples of companies using them. For anybody interested in e-business required reading.

I found this book to be extremely helpful in understanding the critical success factors in migrating current applications to the Internet Economy. Working for a large company, I am continually searching for better business processes to manage aggressive fulfillment deadlines and provide better customer care. The book challenges the reader to look beyond technology as the answer to improve efficiencies and focus on identifying the application framework to E-enabling your business.

Killer platforms not killer apps. For a non-techie business manager, E-business 2.0 is a great reference for how to think about application platforms as the basis for constructing corporate infrastructure. The in-depth analysis of different app platfroms highlights the true business benefits that can be achieved across functional areas of a company. The author's have taken their extensive Internet consulting expertise and married that with real-life implementation experience to deliver the premier Internet business transformation reference guide!

This book makes excellent points about the importance of thinking about application frameworks, not isolated apps. The thing that I learned from this book was that large companies need to make their investments in app. frameworks -- integrated set of interlocking applications -- very carefully. This is especially true for companies moving to e-business.

The book does have its flaws. But, all in all as a first book on e-business application infrastructure it is an excellent one. It tells the story extremely well and is a handy reference.

I hope that the authors are going to put out a second edition soon. A lot has changed in the last year since the book has been published. It would be good if the authors updated the book and added more chapters like Application Service Providers (ASP) and also a chapter on implementation issues/challenges. They can title the next edition "e-business 2.0" :-)