When we planned our cross country move I purchased several children's books that dealt with the subject to read to my two children. This was our favorite. It is a heart warming story about saying goodbye to the house but not to the happy memories. We even walked around our empty house after the moving van had left to say goodbye just as the bear family does in Goodbye House. I am filled with happy memories of our old home every time I read it.

The plot of _Goodbye House_: Baby Bear and his parents have packed up the moving van. Baby Bear realizes he has forgotten something, so Baby Bear, Mama Bear, and Papa Bear venture back inside.

But the house is empty! Father bear then says, "But what about the memories?" Papa then carries baby bear around the house, and they say goodbye to each room, to the walls and ceilings, and in the back yard they say goodbye to the fence, and other objects.

After they leave the house and lock the front door, they get back in the moving van and drive away. Baby bear exclaims that he realizes he forgot to say 'goodbye.'

It's a touching book, and it's easy to animate your voice a little bit to make the book funny and playful.

I know you're thinking there's not much to the plot, but my 2 year old son (he was 20 months when we first started reading this book) just LOVES it. When I tell it, I give papa bear's voice a really rough edge, a deep sound, and a New York accent. My son now joins in with me when I bust out with "What about the memories" like an actor in a gangster film. He roars with laughter. And when we're done reading the book, he usually wants me to read it one more time.

I heartily recommend _Goodbye House_ to any families with toddlers, 18 months to 3 years. I also recommend it to any families with children aged 18 months to 5 years who are moving to a new house.

The paperback version is SO inexpensive. For a few dollars more you can add this to your amazon book order. You won't be disappointed.

ken32.

I read this book back in November of 1999. The co-author Frank Condron did an excellent job with Gordie Howe in putting this historical book together. On top of the simple fact that a picture is worth 1,000 words. The whole book is a Hockey Pictoral Treasure. Mr. Condron did an excellent job of writing this book. What I mean by that is. Simply because you don't feel your reading Gordies words. Its like Mr. Howe is right next to you and he is pointing at each picture as you turn every page. Also it is quite obvious after all the press, awards and fame, Gordie Howe is still a gentleman.

This work represents the finest photo collection of GORDIE HOWE'S career to date. If YOU are old enough to remember the epic battles between the Montreal Canadians and the Detroit Red Wings of the 1950's-60's, YOU can relive these times in photo concepts - eg. Howe's 545 goal in the Montreal Forum eclipsing Rocket Richards's record and the 15 minute standing ovation by Montreal fans; Howe's commentary on the Montreal dynasty once Jacque Plante and Jean Bellevue arrived on the hockey scene; the skilled fis-ti-cuffs of Gordie Howe against bad boy, Lou Fontinato of the New York Rangers; and Howe's best picks of NHL players he most admired! ... BUY TWO AND MAKE A FRIEND!

Moorhouse, better known as a writer of experimental fiction in Australia, takes a stab at historical fiction with brilliant results. The basic story--the education of a young Australian woman at the League of Nations in Geneva in the 1920s--barely hints at all the strange, insightful, and moving places the novel goes. This is a story about idealism and corruption--both personal and on the world stage--that it unlike anything else you've read. It's long and it's very very smart--still the fact that it's not better known and aclaimed is very puzzling.

This novel is about Edith Campbell Berry, a bright young lady who joins the League of Nations and sets about to reform the world. She has a strong, but undisciplined intellect, able to view her mundane tasks, such as seeing that delegates get a pencil holder at a conference, as matters of world shaking importance. She is even able to intellectualize the act of defecation. Thinking herself a modern woman, she engages in lots of kinky sex. In all of this, the author manages to recreate the intellectual passions of the age. Indeed, Edith's superiors do not seem to be any more effective than she is. And then, somewhere along the way, Edith is no longer the innocent Candide, but becomes something much more sinister, destroying a lover without giving him a chance to explain himself and developing a passion for eugenics to reduce the numbers of the "lower classes" (interestingly, she shows no concern with the huge election gains of the Nazi Party in Germany at this time). Yet there is no abrupt transition: Edith, like many 20th Century intellectuals, has developed along logical lines unhampered by morality, a route which leads to tyranny. If you want keen insight into how civilized countries developed death camps and gulags and how leading intellectuals supported them every step of the way, read this book. That the author avoids having his message overwhelm the generally comic tone is a tribute to his skill. This book is a classic. It even has appendices in the back to provide the reader with information ranging from the constitution of the League of Nations to a summary of many of the intellectual developments of the 1920s.

An excellent book. With minimum knowledge and an open mind, you can work rapidly throughout this book. I used it as a reference for some work I'm currently doing on the structure of extremal graphs and it came in very handy. To sum up, it's what you would normally expect from Springer's series on grad math texts.

Almost no pre-requisites are needed for this book, (There is a short section which touches on Linear Alg, and another on very elementary topology) and yet it will take you from the very basic notions, to research level problems in this subject. It covers almost all the major notions about graphs, including coloring, matching, flows... Any reader is bound to find the section on Ramsey theory especially interesting. However, infinite graphs and Algebric graph theory are not covered.

There is a useful commentary on the references at the end of each chapter.

I first read this book in 1980. It was a gift from my best and wisest friend, the hardcover version which I still treasure to this day. I have since probably bought half a dozen copies of this for the distinct reason that I felt someone merited a copy as a gift. This book makes you stop and think about yourself, your life and your expectations. It does not criticize your path nor does it necessarily offer an alternative. It just makes you think....... in an easy, enjoyable manner. This book won't give you the "secret" to a fulfilling life of health, wealth or whatever else you seek, but it will make you think...... and every now and then you may actually catch yourself smiling as you do so. Recommended, highly - but more so, fondly remembered 20 years, university, failed and successful career prospects, failed and successful romantic prospects later. Yes so ever fondly remembered.

Suits' claim that he is not furthering the extensive work done in the field of game theory is correct, but i feel he underestimates his contribution to our understanding of the importance of liesure activities in our lives. i am not so interested in the mathematical proofs provided by Von Nueman and Morgenstern, and how game theory is applicable to life, as i am in discovering why i have such a fascination with games. Suits' Grasshopper, via a Platonic dialogue, examines the nature of the game, what it is, why it is employed, etc. This already effective narrative structure is further enhanced by the Grasshopper's many digressions and introductions of hypothetical characters and situations. Suits has created a meta-fictional forum for both discharging his ideas and entertaining the reader. i found myself compelled forward, relishing every word, and fascinated by Suits' logic process and conclusions. i recommend this title to anyone interested in a hybrid of game theory and actual game play; the book does not reduce games to a mathematical model but it also avoids describing any one game in particular. Rather Suits seems interested in analyzing the structure and nature of games as a whole. It is a philosophical outlook on a very intriguing subject.

The Great Mosquito, Bull, and Coffin Caper by Nancy Lamb is a perfect book for life long pals to read. It reminded me of my youth and my own best friend. It takes the reader out on the crazy and fun adventures of two best friends who try hard to perform unforgettable feats for the sole purpose of simply never forgetting each other. It's a touching story, too. If you've ever moved away from your first home, at a young age, then this story will be especially meaningful. Anyone could read this book. It's friendly and funny. Nancy Lamb has done well, again!

This book is really funny and tells the truth about worrying when your best friend has to move. Also the parts about Zander and his awful big brother Marvin reminded me of my brothers! Read it!

This book is a little gem. It is the transcription of a series of lessons, each of which covers an aspect of Greek Warfare from the Heroic Age to the Ellenistic Kingdoms. Although short, the book is exhaustive and definitely worth buying for both the military enthusiast and the general reader. The only criticism I might make is that there are no illustrations; this makes it difficult to visualize the chapter on naval warfare. For this reson, the book should be read together with the "Illustrated Encyclopedia of Ancient Warfare" by Warry.

Adcock gives an all-too-brief overview of Hellenic and Hellenistic military art. He begins with the city-state at war and then devotes chapters to infantry and naval matters. Next he turns to the more Hellenistic topics of cavalry, elephants, and siegecraft. He then gives us a chapter on strategy, and concludes with a chapter on generalship. The book was an interesting read, and I got to the last page far too soon.

Working with divers with disabilites has challenges, this book is a fantastic reference for ANYone diving, we all have special needs when diving, we should all put this much respect into this great sport, if you know anyone with disabilities I encourage you to get them this book, help them get into a sport where they can enjoy a new freedom away from a wheelchair.

A Guide for Teaching Scuba to Divers with Special Needs gives a new meaning to the word comprehensive. Yet, this relatively small volume is easy to read and leaves one feeling prepared to actually teach a diver with a disability. The author covers such things as; teaching techniques, facilities, developing a program, medical information, as well as a host of other essentials. Each chapter is packed with illustrations which augment, instead of replacing, good text. Anyone who cannot attend a course for teaching scuba to people with disabilities, will welcome this book. Many who have attended a course, will find this volume fills in the blanks they found in their course. If you are thinking about including people with disabilities in your courses, this is a must read.

Books on spiritual direction are usually addressed to the spiritual director, aspiring or practicing, but there are at least four reasons why a good book on spiritual direction like this one would be helpful to the spiritual directee.

First, the book clarifies the ends, or more accurately, the end, singular, of spiritual direction. Many are perplexed, asking what is the point of the whole process, and a gifted spiritual director like Houdek might well provide a sound answer. He carefully expresses this purpose in terms of the transcendent dimension of all human experience: "Spiritual direction is concerned about a person's life in all its dimensions and at every moment because God can reveal mystery at all times and in all experiences" (p. 8). He says more than that, of course, and it's worth the reader's time to go over the exposition.

Second, the book elaborates on the means of spiritual direction, in this case, at modest length but in depth. By reflecting upon tested principles, but more importantly, accounts of actual applications, as well as reports of their beneficial effects in the lives of other directees, the directee grows in an awareness and understanding of the process in oneself and in others and so begins to value the experience of spiritual direction more deeply. Just as significant is that the directee derives the criteria for assessing the quality of spiritual direction, thereby empowering the directee in the process of their own guidance. All in all, this knowledge of spiritual direction not only enriches but also empowers the directee in the subtle, intricate, potentially precarious process of spiritual discernment, in which the ultimate responsibility devolves upon the directee.

Some of the most helpful discussions for me pertain to the author's limited attempt to classify directees into types, so I became aware of the profoundly varied yet distinctively individual quality of the spiritual life. Also important was his discussion of the gifts--theological and psychological awareness, spiritual experience, interpersonal skills--ideally suited for spiritual directors.

Third, the book is itself a helpful source of doctrine on spirituality.

It is apparent from the very beginning that Houdek assumes the traditional model of the spiritual life as a progression in stages, so that the influence of St. John of the Cross is present throughout yet refined--the author's tone is modern, flexible, without the slightest trace of doctrinairism. The author's distinction between "vagueness" and "obscurity," which traces to the Mystical Doctor, is especially valuable.

In what sense does the author disclose a Jesuit perspective, as noted in the title? His focus is on discernment, both as a central topic and a governing paradigm, so that discernment even marks the writing style of the book--reflective, attuned, open to truth, wise.

Houdek's discussion of discernment is so discerning itself that I feel compelled to quote: "Although helpful techniques or methods in spiritual discernment do exist neither ultimately guarantees real success. To explain or expect success we must look toward other realities...First, God's unqualified and unconditional love guarantees divine revelation to each of us. God's Spirit works within each person to validate and perhaps even guarantee that the person can and will arrive at a competent understanding and interpretation of individual personal experience. Second, the predispositions of the persons are far more important and influential than any technique or method for spiritual discernment...The central disposition for discernment is trustful surrender--trust in the love, the promises, the fidelity, and the providential care of God--to the initiatives and actions of God" (p. 116).

Fourth, the book brings up fresh perspectives on old issues or introduces new issues in spiritual direction, matters that may be of greater significance to the directee than the director. Some of these issues include problems arising from transference, gender dynamics, or the supervision of spiritual directors.

One weakness of the book is the relative absence of discussion on many aspects of modern clinical psychology, but this knowledge does not lie within the expertise of the author. However, he recognizes its value as well as its necessity in some cases, so that he gives short advice on identifying the need for counseling and on working successfully together with the counselor.

I highly recommend this book as a wealth of experience and wisdom brought to bear on an important area of the Catholic experience--spiritual direction.

Introduction (What is spiritual direction?) Chapter 1 -- The Directee and the Process of Spiritual Growth (Patterns of spiritual growth and development: Direction for beginners, Being Purified by God, Direction for directees who are moving toward God, Direction of directees who have been purified by God; Growth patterns: awakening to spiritual realities, personal appropriation, commitment to the gifts of God, discerning the voice of God; Emotional fervor, dry prayer, and spiritual awakening; final period of purification) Chapter 2 -- Some Particular Types of Directees and Their Needs (Five types of directees: Beginners, Religious converts, Those having a dry and arid prayer life, Contemplative, Those having a roller-coaster experience of prayer and faith; Issues for Beginners: Fear, Anger, Depression, Sexuality, Authority) Chapter 3 -- Prayer and Spiritual Discernment (The mystery of prayer; difficulties in prayer; personal prayer; spiritual discernment; signs of a "good-spirited" directee; religious movements in the director; strategies for spiritual discernment) Chapter 4 -- The Director and the Process of Direction (Community recognition; Gifts needed for direction: Theological and psychological awareness [a balance of Scripture, the Christian ascetical and spiritual traditions, and recent advances in the human sciences including psychology], spiritual experience [personal experience of the Spirit and personal supervision], interpersonal skills [hospitality], self-appropriation [personal competency, goodness, and vision]; The process of spiritual direction [recognizing the work of God]; The director's genuineness, caring, and understanding; Criteria for evaluating spiritual direction [altruism, hope, emotional expression, trust in God, the awareness of mystery]; Issues of transference in spiritual direction; Gender differences in spiritual direction; Supervision for spiritual directors)

This book is a must for the instrumental chemist. It covers it some detail most general and specialized instrumental techniques employed by chemist. It also gives specific applications of these techniques, manufacturers of instruments and supplies, and estimates on costs. In my lab I often find people first refering to this book when reviewing a new technique or wishing to 'brush up' on a technique they have not used in a while. It is a good first reference and I reccomend it to any analytical chemist.

Have you ever tried to explain what analytical chemistry is, to a friend, relative, or stranger feigning interest in what you do? The attempt quickly reveals the depth and complexity of a field so easily named with two simple words. Where do you begin? What do you leave out? Trying to write a textbook on the many facets of analytical chemistry is even more difficult; some attempts run to many volumes. Some texts focus on the physical principles of a technique, others on the applications. Prentice-Hall's new Handbook of Instrumental Techniques for Analytical Chemistry (Frank Every lab occasionally faces a problem outside the usual routine - questions their normal instruments can't answer. The Handbook helps them figure out what instruments might do the job. The goal of the book is to introduce nonspecialist scientists to the major techniques, outlining how each works, what it does, its limitations, the information produced, plus practical matters such as costs to buy and operate, and the expertise required of an operator. Each chapter has a list of manufacturers and a bibliography for further self-education. A person who goes through a chapter will be ready to ask intelligent questions of experts in the field and understand the buzzwords peculiar to each discipline. The book contains a CD-ROM with software for selecting appropriate methods for a sample and analysis; since it runs on Windows (3.1, 95, or NT), I couldn't test it on my Macintosh. The authors of the chapters are a mix of university researchers, innovators from industry, and a few carefully-selected experts from instrument companies, who avoid the temptation to promote their own products. For example, the STM/AFM chapter was written by Huub Salemink of the IBM labs in Zurich, where the technique was pioneered. Although I don't want to slight any of the excellent authors who contributed chapters, some areas are truly outstanding texts in their own right. Ron Majors' discussion of organic sample preparation is as thorough as readers of his LC•GC columns would expect. Robert Megargle covers LIMS with the knowledge of many years as user and observer. Defining categories for the overlapping techniques of analytical chemistry is always a challenge. Settle wisely avoided the traditional choice of categorization by underlying physical principles and grouped them according to logical applications. The result includes some based on the instrument types (separation methods, for example) and others on broad application areas (polymer analysis). While purists might fret over this organization, in fact, it makes for easy access, without having to shuffle through the whole book to gather information on a specific analysis. In a single volume covering fields that are often evolving rapidly, there are bound to be a few omissions. The ones I noted were: near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, which has become so important recently; microscopy other than SPM, especially the analytical use of electron microscopes (SEM and TEM); better discussions of time-of-flight and ion trap mass spec; ion sources other than ESI for LC-MS; microwave ovens used for digestion and extraction of inorganic samples (Majors covers its use in organic extraction); flow injection (and segmented-flow) analysis; arc-spark emission spectrometers (mentioned in passing). To really pick nits, there was no mention of solid phase microextraction (SPME) or of specialized analyzers such as CHN, TOC, BOD, or systems for Hg, CN, or S analysis. At the same time, it includes a chapter on the truly exotic and rare technique of atomic fluorescence. Any manageable text will overlook some methods and cover some obscure favorites; this criticism is hardly fatal. Any book on an evolving technology is a snapshot in time and will fairly quickly become dated. The newest techniques have already gone beyond the descriptions in their chapters. This text, nevertheless, will be an excellent introduction to analytical instrument techniques for some years, even if the published prices and suppliers' names may age. I hope some of the more enlightened professors of instrumental analysis will use it as a text; their students will emerge as better analytical chemists. It will certainly help me better understand the techniques I survey each month. Excerpted with permission from Analytical Consumer, Jo Rita Jordan, Editor and Publisher