I just finished reading this book cover to cover and feel very confident about moving on to the next stage of my CCNA preparation, practice tests and simulation! I've been using the CCExam software from CCStudy.com as well as a few other practice tests and am amazed how easy a lot of the questions were after reading this book. Just an indication of how comprehensive this book is.

More important, in my opinion, is the book's "readability"! I'm sure there are numerous books that cover the exact same information as this book yet might not be written in a manner that is clear and simple to understand, especially for Cisco newbies like myself. This book is just a lot of fun to read.

Finally, I really enjoyed the "real world" tone of this title. It isn't written for someone who's bound for the testing center, but rather for someone who needs to apply the knowledge at work in the field. I'm certain that I'll constantly be using this book as a reference even after passing the exam. Very cool.

All in all, I'd like to recommend ICND to the Cisco neophyte who's looking for that great "First Book" to start off his or her Cisco library. I'm really glad I got this book and I'm sure you will be too.

Good luck on your CCNA!

I read ICND by Cisco Press before. I found this book used on Amazon and bought it just because it was cheap. Now I can not put it down. This book is far better than Cisco Press' ICND. It has about 100 more pages than Cisco's. To me it is worth every minute spent to read this book.
I passed CCNA in December. So, I don't have the exam pressure. I am reading this just for fun and enjoying it.
I strongly recommend it over Cisco's ICND if you intent to take CCNA test.

I pass ccna2.0 with 935/1000 today. All I have is this book and Boson exams. I've read my friend's Todd Lammle book. I think this book is much better than Todd's. Todd's is written for passing the exam. For the ICND book, you actally learn the CCNA stuff in depth. I strongely recommend this book for everyone who want to pass the CCNA2.0 with FULLY understanding.

The 5-minute pediatric consult is written in an easy to read outline format. The writers have eliminated unnecesary obscure data and offer a concise outline of all major pediatric diseases. The topics are designed to be read in 5 minutes or less and all the up to date information to diagnose and treat a specific illness is included. The topics are alphabetized, so they are easy to look up. The writers are accomplised experts in their fields and the book has been edited by the distinguished Dr. Schwartz, at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As a professor of Pediatrics, I highly recommend this book to practicing pediatricians, family practitioners, nurses and students.

when will the CD be available? I travel to several schools providing healthcare to uninsured children and would like to use this valuable reference. (a PNP)

love the format. listed alphabetically, the items are presented in a easy to read format. Just about all I want to know about the problem when working in a busy office. I can read more later but this gets the job done. an excellent 90's type of book. where is the CD?

This is an excellent commentary, easy to read, full of encouragement and analysis. It has a superb emphasis on contemporary application. Not to be missed.

uh huh huh huh "peter" uh huh huh uh huh uh huh huh huh huh uh huh peter.

this nicely printed book contains several essays by peter and other authors. in this book, peter goes beyond DIAGRAM DIARIES to focus on the blurring process which materializes the figural from the diagram, to explain why and how to destable the relationship between the diagram and the figural. it is not only an extension of DIAGRAM DIARIES, but also self-systematic.

other authors' essays refleted his idea in other veiwpoint. very helpful for understanding his theory but also inspire your own idea.

this book contains several essays by peter and other authors. the book goes beyond DIAGRAM DIARIES to focus on the blurring process of materialitizing the diagram to figural. it is not only a very helpful additional reading to the DIAGRAM DIARIES, but also explains his idea self-systematically.

other essays by jeffry kipnis, micheal hays and other authors reviewed his idea in other viewpoints, also helpful to understand his writing and inspire your own idea.

This book is just really the best I've ever seen of its kind. Workout books never really did much for me in the way of motivation, but this one truly did/does.

The book is full of easy-to-follow writing that provides good information both for the workout and about our Marine Corps. With full and detailed walk-throughs of both enlisted and OCS physical training courses, the book covers just about anything that anyone considering the USMC would want to know.

The workout itself is clearly laid out with pictures of each exercise being executed with proper form and with schedules that work for beginners and advanced alike.

If you want a general information book about physical training in the USMC or if you just want a solid, easy, all-over body workout...you have GOT to look into this book.

As a fromer Marine, I like to keep up with Marine Corps PT. This is a great book for anyone who wants to workout like a Marine or someone who is getting in shape for boot camp or OCS. These are the same workouts that Marines use daily and while on sea duty. The rifle PT section is excellent and you do not need an M16 to make full use of this workout. The book explains more than just workout routines. It does have other information that one may not use. Semper Fi

If you've been out of shape for awhile or you have never been in shape then this is the book to get. The workouts start you off at a low pace that increases it's cadance as the months roll on. The "Daily 16," in itself, is a great workout that you can perfrom ANYWHERE. This, along with the rest of the PT ideas, will give you a great amount of variety in your workouts - hence - no boredom. No equipment needed! Just your desire to get in the best shape of your life!

For the most part, I am enjoying this book. The diet is based on the food pyramid, and the exercise program has do-able daily choices. My only complaints are the following: First, the page quality is very poor. I felt like I had to be really careful turning the pages or they would tear. Second, some of the exercise photos show very poor form, like knees extending past ankles is lunges. All in all, it's a good book.

Based on official guidelines from the Surgeon General and CDC, Combat Fat! by fitness, diet, and exercise authority Andrew Flach is a solidly written, "user friendly" guide to healthy eating, proper exercise, and a medically sound weight loss plan to improve personal overall fitness and health. Body-mindful recipes, stretches, workouts, and more fill the pages of this handy and very highly recommended informational resource.

This is an awesome program. I have been confused by the complexity of other programs. I read the entire book in one day and found the advice straightforward and easy to implement in my everyday life. I am losing weight and getting fitter than I have been in years.

This is one of Hill's better Dalziel and Pascoe novels, marred only by the author's continued insistence on showing off his extensive knowledge of the English language. It may be heresy, but I rather prefer the TV adaptations, which tighten and speed things up a bit while keeping the essence.

Ever wondered why Dalziel's name is pronounced "De-ell"? It's a Scottish surname. At one point in the series we are told he was born and brought up in Yorkshire of Scottish parents (now there's a nature-nurture mix to conjure with - growing up in Scotland I was told that a Yorkshireman was really just a Scotsman with the generosity removed!). In the original Gaelic the name has a character that early typographers though looked like a "z" and rendered it so in print, even though it was not pronounced like that. Other Scottish surnames have undergone a similar fate - Menzies should actually be prounced "Ming-iss" and still is, in Scotland.

It is so great to pick up a modern mystery from Hill that has current problems mixed well with the British linguistic skills and which returns to the lucid story-telling origins of British writers of this particular genre. After all, for most intents and purposes, the British were the ones who invented and solified this genre, and who have provided the best examples of excellent writing in it. Hill will probably have his name added to this distinquished group. Other reviewers have complained about Hill's tendency to 'show off' his language skills, but it is not really about showing off. It's about the quality of education that is achieved for many (if not most) in England in comparision to what we achieve here. I suspect if educators (I am one) in the U.S. spent as much time on increasing the reading and writing levels of our own students, the other subject matters (science, math, history, geography) would be easier to reach literacy skills in. An author of the level of Reginald Hill indicates that reading is a skill practiced way beyond that required in the states...to the point that reading becomes an essential part of the life, so this type of language useage comes naturally to Hill. If only we could achieve this in the U.S.!

Lately, I've been coming across many books, both fiction and nonfiction with information concerning World War I. I get the feeling I'm being pointed in this direction, and I am not sure why. I always thought from my previous historical research that the Civil War in the U.S. was the bloodiest and most disgusting war...all this input concerning WWI is rapidly changing my mind. This is one of the first books that have brought the political climate of that time period (as well as the political/social feelings towards WWI currently in Britain) to the fore. I agree with Hill that the mindset of the politicians and generals who manipulated the young men and media at home for their own purposes, belong up there with Hitler and other tyrants who used their own people for the wrong reasons. I think at this point, I can safely add to this group of despicable people, the corporate monsters from ENRON, WORLDCOM, and other American corporations who put profit and greed, before moral standards.

Actually, we do Hill's story a disservice when we only include Dalziel and Pascoe as the main protagonists in Hill's plot devices. I am finding out that the sargeant, Wield, is equally as necessary in many of the stories and he provides great insight into his boss and his friend, as well into the regular folks he has more direct contact with. Ellie, Pascoe's wife, seems to be becoming more important in some stories, and she definitely is involved in this one. Her insight as a woman with social causes provides not only background, but also provides a touch of relative normality for Pascoe. Her insight into his mind and his obsessions, allows her to provide tidbits of information that he can use to make informed decisions. Even Dalziel grudgingly admires her input in certain cases.

Having worked in medical labs, I am all too aware of the rabid cause of animal rights groups. I was lucky in that my work was done on human cells, rather than animals (I purposely avoided it as I too love animals but I also realized medical strides often cannot be made without some animal experimentation). The plot device in this book where someone sought to make use of animal activism to cover up scandals makes an incredible amount of sense. With all the corporate irresponsibility being shown in the U.S. at this point, it should not surprise anyone to find companies using animal rights and environmentalism to cover up their own wrongs.

This was a wonderful read...thoroughly enjoyable all the way through!

Karen Sadler,
University of Pittsburgh

Reginald Hill brings serious talent to bear on the often-debased mystery genre. His stories never fail to compel the reader's attention and (often) emotion, and in "Fat Andy" Dalziel he has created a monumental (sorry) character. And that's not to downplay Pascoe or Wieldy -- but Dalziel's shadow is a hard one to get out of.

"The Wood Beyond" is a particular favorite of mine. I thought that the WWI and present-day plots were extraordinarily well tied together, not always the case in stories using "time-shift"techniques. It's further proof that Reginald Hill is one of the best writers -- not just mystery writers -- working today.

Rarely has a book so captured the essence of childhood than Andrew McGroundhog and his Shady Shadow. I remember when I was a child and can vividly recall bedtime stories with my parents. The books back then were simplistic and did little to enhance my dreams. But this book, full of vibrant illustrations and a wonderfully woven yarn of a tale, is exactly what a young child needs to read before bedtime. On an educational level, the author introduces Scottish terms and includes a short glossary in the back of the book for easy reference. My granddaughter was enthralled on the first reading of this book (since read to her many more times) and with another grandchild on the way I know the enjoyment will continue. Buy this book for your young loved ones.

One day, Andrew McGroundhog climbed up Hadrian's Heights to go fishing. As he was climbing, he repeatedly heard someone cry out and found that it was his shadow. His shadow was upset about being dragged up the mountain, dunked in the water, and stepped on by a pony. Andrew's shadow wanted the Andrew to hibernate like other groundhogs because winter was too cold for shadows. Andrew then wondered when he could stop hibernating when his shadow said he would gives a "thumbs-up" if it was springtime, or would bonk him on the nose if it was winter. Even now, if the groundhogs don't see the thumbs-up, they sleep for six more weeks. Written and charmingly illustrated by Peter Welling, Andrew Mcgroundhog And His Shady Shadow is a thoroughly entertaining and highly recommended addition to any personal, school, or community library picturebook collection for young readers.

I bought Andrew McGroundhog for my niece of 6 years and she loved it. Not only does the author introduce an intriguing and original story about the origins of Groundhog Day, he also supplies a plethora of artwork on each page that compliments the story. (Many books for children add art as an afterthought but McGroundhog is equally balanced between story and art.)

This is very appropriate for young children who are just beginning to read or enjoy having books read to them. The short glossary at the end of the book is the proverbial cherry on top of this fine accomplishment. Mr. Welling deserves every accolade he receives.

I got this book on the recommendation of a friend who's a children's librarian. At the time, my son was only a year old. It quickly - try, immediately! - became his favorite. I thought it was rather silly at first, but his response was quick and positive, and pretty soon, we all were laughing over the antics of the Pickle and his pursuers! "Stop Pickle Please" my baby requests on a daily basis. Bedtime is not complete without reading it, and now he even anticipates us - as soon as we turn to the page where the pickle escapes, he cries, "Go, Pickle, GO!" and then "Eeeek!" (like Ms. Elmira Deeds!) and laughs at his own joke. And a few weeks ago, he even looked up from his lunch of peanut butter and jelly and said to me, "Peanut butter has great endurance" in his little baby voice - (he's almost 2 years now). I nearly fell in the floor - I couldn't believe it! This book is terrific, absolutely terrific. The children really get into it, and my son has learned a lot of interesting words and phrases! I highly, highly recommend this book for anyone with small children.

My kids (all four of them) love this book. And I never minded reading it again and again. I originally found it several years ago on the sale table of a local bookstore and could never find it again. Happy to see it is available. It is a family favorite.

We took this book out of the library about a year ago. My 3 and 5 year old girls loved it. Every time we return to the library we take it out again at my 3 year old's request. I have recommended this book to more parents and love to tell them the story line. We are buying it today to free up the library copy. STOP THAT PICKLE!

When America declared war in 1917, Carl A. Brannen was an 18-year-old freshman at Texas A&M. He finished out the fall semester of his sophomore year and then enlisted in the Marine Corps in January 1918, reporting for boot camp in February. Immediately upon graduation, he was shipped overseas to France to join the American Expeditionary Force under Gen John Pershing's command. After more training in Europe, he moved to the "front" to join the 6th Marine Regiment under the Army's 2d Division as a replacement for marines killed in the first 48 hours of the battle of Belleau Wood. Brannen kept a very good diary. We discover that he is not a heroic figure-just a marine trying to stay alive. He knows that a foxhole or trench is a valuable piece of real estate in face of murderous machine gun fire. Brannen understands and appreciates the difference between his gas mask and those the French have (they are better), so he watches for a spare one. He knows what hunger is and how much a hot meal means, when he can get one. He also knows what thirst is and how uncertain resupply is in a combat situation. Brannen quickly learns the difference in the sound of the explosion of a gas, shrapnel, or high-explosive shell. He stayed in Belleau Wood until it was captured on the first of July, a great morale victory for all the Allied armies. Brannen wasn't relieved until 16 July 1918. Instead of receiving a period of rest and recovery, he and his fellow marines were trucked to the battle area of Soissons, where he participated in an advance led by tanks. The Germans countered the attack with near-point-blank artillery, killing Brannen's best friend. It took only 40 minutes for his regiment to be nearly annihilated. Brannen, however, is a survivor. He participated in battles in Saint-Mihiel, Mont Blanc, and the Meuse-Argonne. Following the armistice, as a member of the 2d Division, his unit became part of the Army of Occupation. Pershing kept the army sharp by means of a rigorous postwar training program. Brannen writes about how morale plummeted in this situation since most soldiers only wanted to return home. Just when Brannen began to feel down, he was selected to join the ranks of a regiment referred to as Pershing's Own. He had fought with the 4th Marine Brigade in every major battle and had survived-a claim few people could make. The 6th Regiment, composed of three thousand men, suffered 1,161 killed and over 4,656 wounded for total casualties of 5,817.

Over There is a very moving book. Brannen, who knows he was lucky to survive, is a quiet man in a heroic way. If it were not for his son and some dedicated scholars, the papers, photographs, and diary entries that tell his story would have been lost. This book, together with Robert Asprey's At Belleau Wood, provides a poignant reminder of just how terrible war really is.

Carl Andrew Brannen died the year I turned 18. The same age he was when he began his journey through the Marine Corps, into France and back home to Trinity County, Texas. I have visited his battlefields several times and have used "Over There" as a field reference guide. In the summer of 1999 I stood in the Soissons battlefield with my 4 children as they lay in the same road in about the same place their great grandfather clutched the earth for a dozen hours or so waiting for the German counter attack or darkness or death which ever came first. He with a couple of dozen Marines were all that stood between the German line of defense and the rear echelon for most of that fateful day. I read his account out loud to them as we walked down the road and know that it brought insight and meaning to them as it would any American. Knowing that there are thousands of decendants of war veterans with stories untold, I highly recommend this book as a way to begin your own personal journey to discover the trail, Washed with Tears, as my Uncle Joeseph Patrick Brannen, C.A.Brannen's son, and one of the authors of this book, might say. C.A. Brannen's point of reference for his experiences was that of his uncle Eaph Dial, a Civil War veteran of Hood's Texas Brigade, who from 1862 to 1865 fought in most every major engagement his brigade was a part of. Like Eaph Dial, my grandfather was also a part of every action the 2nd Division participated in between June of 1918 and the end of the war. His war decorations include 5 battle stars all of which are featured in this book. C.A.Brannen's dash across no man's land at Soisson's and Blanc Mont Ridge was often described to me as child listening with great awe, as similar to the Confederate attacks at Gettysburg. There is a bit of every American in his story and ought to be read. It is a quick read, complete with historical research to confirm his accounts and is perfectly suitable for readers of every age.

These memoirs have been quoted in Toland's book on WWI and now in Farwell's book. It was good to go to the source because of the writing of the Carl A. Brannen, the editorial comments from the editors, and then the addition of the excellent view of the son in 1990. This should be a must read for every Marine and for anyone who wants to know about war.