A dated, although highly intersting and entertaining account of the author's experience of learning to fly private airplanes in the late 1950s. For the modern pilot, it provides a great sense of perspective on the simpler days of aviation, and a wonderful reminder of why many of us learned to fly in the first place. For the individual considering taking flying lessons, while much of the technical information is outdated, the book's anecdotes and narrative still serve as a solid primer of what to expect as you become a private pilot.

I was 9 years old when my dentist gave me this book to read. I remember laying on my bed at home and reading, mapping, and plotting out his aviation happenings. Such excitment... This book helped me earn my Private Pilots License in 1968...It gave me dreams...goals... and a passion. I have now passed the 14,000 flight hour mark and am a Captain with a major airline. A tad different way of flying now-a-days.. I have this book on my shelf to remind me how I got here.
Thank you Mr. Smith. :)

This is a wonderful book written in the late 1950's about a businessman looking for a hobby, who instead finds a lifestyle. Yes, the avionics are a little dated, but this charming story will lure you to the skies by helping you to understand fears and misconceptions about general aviation (small planes). I know, because I got my license after reading this book in 1984, and started a successful aerial photography business. If you're thinking of learning to fly you'll have a hard time putting this entertaining and well written book down.

This inspiring book features some of the worlds greatest athletes and what made them the winners they became. The threads that weaved through all of these champions seemed to be visualization of the achievement of goals, commitment and focus. This is a great book for anyone that is looking to achieve greatness in any area of their lives.

This is a great Book! It is full of fun stories about great athletes & Coaches. It is easy to read, with many short chapters, each containing a story. In my opinion, this book is good for just about any age: teens through seniors. It is both inspiring and motivating. It really is a "WINNER" of a read.

I'm very proud of this book. We have discovered that it touches all of our lives. It is not just a sports book, but rather sports is the metaphor for living. Winners have the mind set to win, even when everything seems to be going wrong, they still figure out a way to win. It is fascinating how their minds work. I think you'll really enjoy What Makes Winners Win. ---Charlie Jones, author

Both sides of the issue of God's place in the events of 9/11 and in history as a whole are handled compassionately and civilly. The agnostic point of view is somewhat overshadowed by the Christian view in terms of sheer volume of commentary; however, this makes sense, since the pastor was actually ministering to the victims in NYC and has more first-hand experience with the disaster. Clearly, the two men like and respect each other, and neither shows disdain for the other's positions. Rather, both seem to exhibit a bemused lack of understanding for how the other could hold a view that is so out of touch with reality. It's pleasant to hear opposite poles behaving respectfully -- if only our politicians showed this sort of tolerance. This is a book that's inspirational without being Pollyannish. Even the agnostic position seems uplifting -- it's spirituality without religion, a sort of secular humanism without the snottiness that so often infects that position. And the priest manages to be a Christian without being an intolerant fanatic -- also more spiritual than religious. All and all, a refreshing experience.

This book is a conversation between two intelligent, sincere people, one who has faith, and one who has skepticism. They work together well, asking each other quesstions that are hard to answer. They both bring understanding and a desire to connect with others to the question of huge catastrophe. How could this be allowed; what possible good can be seen in the WTC disaster?

3000 people died, but 26,000 were saved, and there was great heroism. More than that, people helped each other through hard times. This book helps us see the perspective of nine months later. It is great.

Imagine two kind, thoughtful, intelligent people sitting in your kitchen with you and trying to make sense out of a senseless event. This brief and moving book invites you, the reader, into the conversation of two such people, one of whom believes in a Christian God and one of whom does not. Science writer John Horgan says: "I can't accept the idea that there is some kind of divine intelligence underlying the way blessings and suffering are meted out in this world." And pastor Frank Geer says: "From my earliest memory to this day, I have always believed in Christianity. My faith says 'It's not luck. There is a God out there who's watching out for us.'"
These two compassionate men do not try to argue each other out of their respective beliefs, but rather try to find the comfort in the values that each holds to offer to those who have suffered in the terrorist attacks on September 11--and in other tragic events. So, readers with a range of faiths can find some words here that will evoke responses of agreement, empathy, and even comfort.
The book reads quickly and merits rereading. The format is that of an erudite conversation, and I found myself wanting to be a part of it. I found this to be a good book that also does good.

Despite the continuing problems with everything from content to the protocols, there is still no question that the wireless transfer of data has a dynamic future. Incorporating wireless equipment into your operations is a significant decision and it is incumbent on all managers to learn the rudiments of what wireless technolog\y is and what it can do for you. If that is your goal then this is the place to start.
Designed for the non-technical person, the approach used in this book is right on that target. All of the general principles of what wireless is and what it is supposed to do are explained. The problem is of course that the gap between what it is supposed to do and what it can do has not been closed. These problems are mentioned, but not to as great an extent as they could have been. I subscribe to several trade magazines and it has been some time since there has been an issue that did not contain an article describing some problem with wireless.
Another concern is in the citing of statistics. While the source is cited when a data point is given, there is no mention of the range of estimates. As a new technology, the range of estimates for the monetary value of wireless is quite wide. Simply citing one of the more optimistic estimates does no justice to the extensive debate regarding the actual value of wireless in the future. As befits an overview, the authors include a large number of print and online references. While no such list can ever be complete, they are certainly the first step to a complete one.
Overall, I found the book to be satisfactorily simplistic in tone, neither too simple or too hard. As long as you read it with the knowledge that no one statistic concerning an emerging technology can be trusted, you will find it of value.

About two years ago I had the pleasure of hearing Frank Coyle speak at an industry conference. Frank's talk at the conference was primarily on XML (Extensible Markup Language). During the talk I was very impressed with the breadth and depth of Frank's knowledge. He traced the development of XML from its origins in GML (Generalized Markup Language) from the 1970s to SGML (Standard Generalized Markup Language) to HTML and XHTML, touching on a variety of important issues along the way.

In parallel with the development of XML Frank outlined the development of programming languages, describing them as code- or data-centric and traced their influences and progress from procedural-oriented to their eventual support for objects and components. Frank then showed the relationship of markup languages to the world of components and how they all fit together.

Frank's talk wasn't a history lesson, but an in-depth examination of XML technology along with the how, what, where, and why it is important. It was a tour-de-force presentation that finally allowed me to see and appreciate the context and proper application of XML.

I am happy to report that most of Frank's XML presentation is included in his book, "Wireless Web - A Manager's Guide." Frank's ability to distill and explain is extended, in the book, to all things wireless and the convergence of wireless with the Web. Frank covers the majority of wireless technologies from the perspective of three evolving forms: the cell phone, the personal digital assistant (PDA), and the portable computer, within a larger context of the wireless advantages, including localization, personalization, and immediacy.

Separate chapters are devoted to wireless devices, Bluetooth, WLAN (wireless LAN), 1G, 2G, and 3G networks, WAP (wireless application protocol), XML, Java, and security issues.

Managers, programmers, and consultants who are looking to understand and implement wireless applications will find this book essential. It is the only book I have found that provides the in-depth coverage combined with the necessary touchstones to guide your journey. It is a smart book written by a sharp author who understands technology is best considered in context and converging influences. After reading this book you will not only understand the current wireless landscape, but also be in a position to make intelligent judgments on its future directions.

Wireless Web is an effective technology primer for managers. It provides a well-illustrated introduction to the applications, devices, networks, and standards that drive the wireless Web. The greatest strength of this book is Dr. Coyle's impressive use of analogies and executive summaries. For example, he uses the analogy of all the conversations that are carried on in a busy restaurant as a way to explain how multiple 'conversations' can take place simultaneously over a CDMA cellular network. The analogies and side bars makes this one of the most readable technology books I have come across.

The author covers the important current wireless Web standards - WAP, Bluetooth, I-Mode, etc. with enough depth to show you where they fit into the puzzle. He also devotes chapters to XML and security. While you might question whether these topics belong in a wireless book, they are pervasive standards that are integral to other wireless standards. I would like to have seen more coverage of the Java 2 Micro Edition, but given the length of the book this would have been difficult. The chapter on wireless networks is excellent because it provides a realistic analysis of where we have been and where we are going is this highly dynamic area.

All in all, this is a well rounded book written for an international audience. I found it a great starting point for learning about the wireless Web.

Three emerald necklaces cause everyone in Oz to forget all about Princess Ozma, the Wizard, and Glinda the Good and acknowledge instead a king named Skamperoo as supreme ruler! The mystic enchantment is responsible as well for the appearance of the glorious Wishing Horse, the most magnificent white steed imaginable. Only Dorothy and Pigasus, the flying poetrical pig, can save the realm. . .

I hold the Oz books in very high regard among books, and this is one of the best of the series. King Skamperoo is a very well-developed villain, who bears some similarity to other bad-tempered, ambitious monarchs throughout the series, yet is developed better than most of them. Instead of just coming out of nowhere to torment the people of Oz, as some villains do, we learn all about his home in Skampavia, and his reasons for wanting to rule Oz. Skamperoo manages to enchant everyone in Oz, except for Dorothy and Pigasus (who was introduced in PIRATES IN OZ), and it is up to them to save the country. As is usual for Oz books, this one introduces interesting new characters and locations, while still providing a sense of familiarity for people who know the other books.

Ruth Plumly Thompson took the wonderful idea of Oz from Baum & continued its development with delightful whimsy. the place names are always imaginative (e.g. Mudge, Torpedo Town). in this story, Chalk, the talking horse, is always ready with a witty retort. you'll never regret visiting the Land of Oz.

This is a version of the classic story, simplified for kids. (The written version is a little different from the movie.) Although it is simplified, the sentences are complex enough to stretch the minds of younger readers.

The book also has many illustrations (almost every other page is a black-and-white drawing). Unfortunately, the style of the illustrations reminds one of contemporary comic books (not a bad style in itself, but inappropriate for this book, I think). In addition, the illustrations do not always precisely match the description given in the text. Still, they do help to break up the text, and hold the interest of younger kids.

The description says that this is intended for readers at the grade school level, but my three-year-old twins enjoyed having it read to them. (Then again, they have very long attention spans.) I was worried that they would find it too scary (in this version, the tinman kills a bunch of wolves with his axe, and the scarecrow breaks the necks of some evil crows), but they told me they weren't scared, and they don't seem to have had any bad dreams. (Your mileage may vary! ;-)

This is part of a series, "Great Illustrated Classics." Based on this book (which I just happened to run across in a pharmacy), I am buying several more from the series online for my kids.

I got this book when I was a little girl, about the age of 3 or 4, and every night my Mom would read each chapter too me. I loved this story, and I'm also a fan of the movie. I'm 13 now, and I still read the book sometime's (by myself, lol). I can't wait to show this book to my kids when I'm an adult! :)

Dorothy, a little girl with no parents, lives on a farm in Kansas with her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry. But one day, a cyclone comes to Kansas and takes Dorothy & her dog, Toto away from Kansas and dropes them in Oz. The only way she can get home is to find the wizard of Oz. And on her way there, she meets some friends with some wishes of the own.

The book has many photographs an does a credible job of detailing each of them. I found that the book well organized. . I would highly recommend this as an intro to Wright's work. The author tries to touch on as many subjects a possible, as result there are times when it was somewhat lacking in depth. That being said there is a great reference of things Wright in the back of the book that is worth the price of admission alone.

This book takes a look at what makes Frank Lloyd Wright's designs still so popular today. The book itself is so gorgeous, focusing not just on the houses but also on the furnishings, which can be breathtaking! The photos were excellent and conveyed the feeling of really being there.

I read three books about this architect this weekend, and this one was the most complete of them all. It gave me a peek into so many of his uniquely designed buildings and the furnishings and decorative arts that he created for them.

Something I had never seen before: at the end of the book there is a catalog of items that can be purchased from different vendors. These are FLW reproductions, items inspired by FLW, and those "in the style of FLW". These items range from furniture to rugs to lamps to fabrics and decorative items.

On my "tour" of over 40 houses (designed by both Wright and his followers), I saw that all of the designs were simple ones, with natural colors and finishes, the buildings seeming to spring out of the earth. I saw the open flowing floor plans that are sheltered by overhanging, gently sloping roofs. Many of the places I "visited" had built-in furniture and fixtures.

It was interesting to view all of the things that Wright designed for his homes....besides the items mentioned above, he also designed the windows (art glass), light fixtures, skylights, wall murals, and even the landscaping!

Wright changed American architecture forever, resulting in open floor plans, multi-purpose rooms, naturally-lit spaces--- and showed us a different way of living.

This is a wonderful book: gorgeous color pictures with an informative and most insightful text. Far beyond a coffee table collection, this is a real contribution to understanding Wright, and American housing. Lind discusses the design ideas of a number of Wright's most famous or typical extant buildings. You get a good idea of the exhilarating play of light and space in his houses, and the real significance of such modern cliches as ranch-style, strip and corner windows, patio doors, and built-ins. Besides real insight into Wright's aesthetic, the book is notable for its unique coverage of 12 houses by Wright disciples, and appendices on interior arts and sources of reproductions. (Wright would be appalled, since he saw furnishings as uniquely integral and scaled to particular houses!) A "dangerous" book, it singlehandedly reawakened my interest in Wright's architecture. It may draw you, too, into learning more of Wright, and influencing your choice of home.

Very informative on the stars David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson, also informative on many episodes, also gives mistakes, and dossiers on Mulder and Scully

I bought this book shortly after I began watching "The X-files" during its summer reruns for season three. It was essential in my current understanding of the show. I'm always on the lookout for another X-files book like this one. It offers all the details on only the important things. I bought it ... and have gotten more than I ever hoped or expected out of it. Even now, I still occasionally find myself leafing through it to look up some eposide or mythology fact that has eluded me. I haven't bought another book on he X-files only because I haven't found one that meets my expectations after reading this one.

Having just tuned in to the X-files this summer, I sought HELP in keeping the confusing episode timeline straight. This book has incredibly detailed, fascinating episode descriptions & lots of great trivia. A much funner read than the official website. My only regret is it only goes through Season 3. Highly recommended.

The news is full of stories of Y2K and its potential impact on individuals, businesses and municipalities. The subject is complex enough that it is difficult for the common person to understand how to prepare for the potential problems. I have looked at a number of books on the subject and they are rather complex tomes that have little relevancy to individuals. Ms. Jan's book was perfect. It gave me easy to understand, easy to carry out ideas about preparing for a "Y2K" emergency. Additionally, preparation for "Y2K" is also preparation for a number of emergencies that could potentially impact everyone - including earthquakes or other natural disasters.

My time is valuable and so I appreciate a book that "cuts to the chase", gives me straightforward, easy to follow instructions about Y2K or other potential emergency situations.

The authors have done an excellent job of bringing lots of information in a small package. It is concise and makes preparing a much less overwhelming task. I have purchased and given away quite a number of these to my friends and relatives. I appreciate the workbook-type format - it makes it easy for anyone to plan. There are so many books on the market regarding Y2K, but this one is power-packed with info to help you in an organized fashion, has a user-friendly format and is affordably priced - a combination that makes it impossible to top! Thank you, Darlene & Frank!

Of all the books I have perused about Y2K, this handbook is the most "user friendly, " easy to understand and comprehensive as far as preparedness actions are concerned. We all don't need to know about the technical complications of Y2K nor need to feel the mass hysteria/hype that has been produced. Knowing how I can be prepared for the 'worst' is really what should be at the heart of the entire matter. This book is structured in such a simple way such that ANYONE, regardless of his/her backgound, technical training, geographical location, can be ready for Y2K and then not worry about it and get on with daily life. Thank you to the authors for creating a resource for ALL of us and that can actually be applied in any type of natural or technical disaster. The price is so reasonable and can be given to friends, family members and to colleagues at place of business.

Frank O Conner is one of my favorite Authors of short stories. I enjoyed this book and you would also if you had a love for Irish stories.

Forty-Four Irish short Stories is one of my most treasured books. I picked up a battered paperback copy at a yardsale years ago for 25 cents, and it's proven to be worth much, much more. Every story flows one into the other, entrancing the reader with the otherworldly and mystical Celtic outlook which defines Irish literature. It covers everything from fairies and elves, to the beginnings of The Troubles and the IRA, and in every sense, embodies the stoic, the skeptic and the paradoxically mystical and magical nature of the Irish mind. Buy it!