We use it as a daily reference tool for graphic design. It seemed the best choice among several.

Not having played with previous CorelDRAW products in the past didn't slow me down in getting in the groove of CorelDRAW 10! This is a great resource for beginners. Not only does the author impeccably dig into many areas of the software, but he also makes plenty of useful suggestions on technique. And, technique, for me, is where it's at! The language is easy to understand and the illustrations depict clearly the instructions given. I give it a 5! (My, I think I just had a Siskel & Ebert moment!) :)

This book has obviously been written by someone who has worked with this program for years. It's easy-to-follow, well organized, and explains all of CorelDRAW 10's sophisticated capabilities and technical workings using clear, concise, and well-illustrated terms. I've already found myself utilizing dozens of the of tips and tricks, of which there must be hundreds. After a few weeks of working through the chapters, I've yet to find a topic or effect not covered. A nice touch is the tear-out shortcuts guide for the keyboard and the CD containing hundreds of art, image, and effects files - plus a bonus of 6 additional chapters. There are also special sections on using Corel's new RAVE program, built-in web image utilities, the Tracing application, and entire chapters dedicated to customization and VBA program scripting. This book is a leap ahead of any previous editions of the CorelDRAW Official Guides and quite frankly is one of the best books I've read on any technical subject.

In this curious autobiiography, Anthony Trollope sketches in the outlines of his life. He relates the misery of his childhood, the heroism of his mother, the tragedy and ultimate failure of his father. If not banal, at least typical material for an autobiography, and makes for good reading. The second two-thirds of the book summarizes his writings, and relate his ideas on everything from literary criticism to suggestions for young writers. Perhaps most interesting are his assessments of his own work, praising or condemning them with little emotion. Of course there is the famous analysis of his working methods, where he counts words and disciplines himself to an astonishingly regular routine of writing. He produced 47 novels, edited and wrote for magazines, all the while working full time for the post office. One distressing feature of this work is the almost complete lack of intormation about his wife and family....It is clear that he lived with and loved his fictional characters more than his corporeal family. Also, the grammar and punctuation are often awkward but this is still a highly readable and fascinating book.

If one has read a number of Trollope's novels, one would expect that Trollope would have written precisely this sort of autobiography. In fact, it is almost impossible to imagine it having taken any other form.

Trollope writes not so much of his life (though he does touch upon the major events), as of his occupation. Although employed most of his adult life by the postal service, Trollope decided to engage in a second and parallel career as a writer. He is forthright about his motives: the satisfaction of writing, but also fame, financial reward, and social standing. Looking back on his career, Trollope is proud of a job well done. The oddity is that he seems quite as happy telling us about how much he sold each work for, and the financial dealings with his publishers, as he does about his books and characters. In fact, near the end of the book he gives a complete list of his novels and how much he managed to sell each one for (with very few exceptions, he preferred to sell the rights to a novel, rather than getting a percentage of sales). What emerges is a portrait of the novelist not as an artist so much as a dedicated, disciplined craftsman. He explicitly denigrates the value of genius and creativity in a novelist in favor of hard work and keeping to a schedule of writing.

The early sections of the book dealing with his childhood are fascinating. By all measures, Trollope had a bad childhood. His discussions of his father are full of pathos and sadness. What is especially shocking is the lack of credit he gives to his mother, who, in early middle age, realizing that her husband was a perpetual financial failure, decided to salvage the family's fortunes by becoming a novelist. He notes that while nursing several children dying from consumption, she wrote a huge succession of books, enabling the family to live a greatly improved mode of existence. Her achievement must strike an outside observer as an incredibly heroic undertaking. Trollope seems scarcely impressed.

Some of the more interesting parts of the book are his evaluation of the work of many of his contemporaries. History has not agreed completely with all of his assessments. For instance, he rates Thackery as the greatest novelist of his generation, and HENRY ESMOND as the greatest novel in the language. HENRY ESMOND is still somewhat read, but it hardly receives the kind of regard that Trollope heaped on it, and it is certainly not as highly regarded as VANITY FAIR. Trollope's remarks on George Eliot are, however, far closer to general opinion. His remarks concerning Dickens, are, however, bizarre. It is obvious that Trollope really dislikes him, even while grudgingly offering some compliments. Quite perceptively, Trollope remarks that Dickens's famous characters are not lifelike or human (anticipating E. M. Forster's assessment that Dickens's characters are "flat" rather than "round" like those of Tolstoy or Austen) and that Dickens's famous pathos is artificial and inhuman (anticipating Oscar Wilde's wonderful witticism that "It would take a man with a heart of stone to cry at the death of Little Nell"). Even the most avid fan of Dickens would admit that his characters, while enormously vivid and well drawn, are nonetheless a bit cartoonish, and that much of the pathos is a tad over the top. But Trollope goes on to attack Dickens's prose: "Of Dickens's style it is impossible to speak in praise. It is jerky, ungrammatical, and created by himself in defiance of rules . . . . To readers who have taught themselves to regard language, it must therefore be unpleasant." If one had not read Dickens, after reading Trollope on Dickens, one would wonder why anyone bothered to read him at all. One wonders if some of Trollope's problems with Dickens was professional jealousy. For whatever reason, he clearly believes that Dickens receives far more than his due.

Favorite moment: Trollope recounts being in a club working on the novel that turned into THE LAST CHRONICLE OF BARSET, when he overheard two clergymen discussing his novels, unaware that he was sitting near them. One of them complained of the continual reappearance of several characters in the Barsetshire series, in particular Mrs. Proudie. Trollope then introduces himself, apologizes for the reappearing Mrs. Proudie, and promises, "I will go home and kill her before the week is over." Which, he says, he proceeded to do.

you should consider reading this too! Trollope writes candidly about his education (and about being a poor, mostly overlooked student), his lack of professional ambition (and how he finally got around to witing his first novel),and the ups and downs of his literary career (and his early rejections). He does all of this in the same conversational tone employed in his novels, making this autobiography feel more like a chat with an older, experienced friend than a learned, classic autobiography

Michael Bird-Boy is a wonderful story, that takes an environmental message in to action. Michael Bird Boy is able to find solutions to problems in the story, with positive interaction between Michael and the problems. Michael is far more empowering and optimistic than the environmental classic The Lorax, without sugar coating the issue or leaving the reader (child and parent) without possible solutions.

I can't give enough praise to this book. I've worn out my old copy and am now ordering a new one. The characters are fun and whimsical, kids can relate to them. The message is positive and empowering--kids come up with compromises and solutions to problems. And it has a subtle anti-sexist message without being overpowering and pedantic in its political correctness. Micheal Bird Boy and Boss Lady both seem comfortable in their own unique skin, and that's also a great message for kids. This is a fine example of a pre-k/early elem. book that shows environmental action in a positive light. A nice gift for the Micheals in your life!

Wow! I read this book as a child and I remember learning about the story and the environmental message. I just found my childhood copy and I am thrilled to find how wonderful it is again! I am glad it is still in print. Enjoy, teach your kids about changing things. Sadly, the black cloud this time is caused by a much more harmful problem, fossil fules...

When I ran into the author at Aunties Book Store in Spokane, WA, after a reading, he had a big stack of the book on his table. My wife and I were on a mission and, while I almost walked by his table without as much as a glance, the cover of his book caught my eye and he asked if I liked science fiction. While I generally prefer light and easy sci-fi-fantasy books, I decided to check his out.

It is a good read. I got through it in a few hours and enjoyed the story. It was light, easy, and reminded me of some of the series books I've enjoyed before. I particularly enjoyed the environmental and change perspective that the book brought to the forefront.

The only negative perspective I really had was that there were descriptive points that seemed redundant and the character development seemed, at times, fast. But I believe I still connected well with the characters and story.

It made for a good weekend read. Not too heavy, but fun.

The magnificent artwork on the cover only begins the wonderful and beautiful journey that this book guides you through. The fresh views of humanity and different ways of life are inspiring. I could not put it down. Yet, when I finally did the gorgeous cover only swept me back into the expertly crafted world. I loved it and continue to love it. Thank goodness there's more to come.

I believe this is the best book I have ever Read.

American culture is truly diversified these days and it is hard to pin down what has happened to the old aristocracy of the white man. This book pins it down and exposes it for all the inhumanity it represents, but does not display it in an extremist view. Through character development Tedeshci lays out his story, interweaving through life story after life story. One might say that he gets lost due to this technique, but he pulls it off in the end and we get a great many twists.

I always wanted to write "Ripped From Today's Headlines," and here's my chance, because this is a novel that could have almost been taken from today's media banners -- terrorism, globalization, computers gone mad, corporate intrigue. At the center is an overpaid, over-egoed corporate CEO who spends most of his time humiliating his underlings, cashing in company stock illegally to add to his fortune, and ruthless crushing anyone or anything in his way. Sound familiar? Look in your executive suite.
Anthony Tedeschi takes you into a corporate sphere he obviously knows well, with some side excursions into other worlds: high fashion, art, music, and literature. It's a fascinating book by a skilled writer who has been around the international block a few times and registered everything he saw and heard with a keen eye and ear.
Great characters, great dialog, great fun.

When I picked up "Unfinished Business" by Michael A. Tedeschi, I had no idea what to expect. Within the first few chapters, I became aware that the novel was an excellent book which combined mystery, business, computers, and present-day morality into a can't-put-the-book-down read. If you are not aware of what goes on in large business today, spread out over several continents, your eyes will be opened. Read this - you will like it.

If you love movies and writing than the screenplay is an interesting companion to the movie and book. Read along to the movie or figure out what a character really said, you can take this along with you anytime and enjoy the movie all over again. Filled with photos from the film and comments by Minghella, Zaentz, and Ondaatje, this is an excellent addition to your English Patient collection.

Anthony Minghella has re-created one of the most remarkable screenplays of our time by giving a new dimension to the original work. It is more concise, but has kept the essence of the novel. It portrays a journey of several people; Hana, Kip, Caravaggio and Almasy who met each other perhaps by chance. But Minghella's work is not an outcome of a mere chance, but a carefully crafted masterpiece like the novel it is based on.

If you have enjoyed the book and the film, then you must somehow other read the screenplay to better understand and appreciate both the book and the film. I have read it over five times and will read it again and perhaps again!

Although it is different from the original novel, this screenplay does round out the film quite well. The intense feelings of the characters are conveyed very well through the script. However, I have a feeling that this book only appeared as a result of the massive publicity given the movie. I recommend watching the film prior to reading this, or perhaps reading it while watching the film. Whatever you do, enjoy it!

The Wishbone series,I thought ,was one of those nice, quick reads.I am captivated by his elegant and lively writing.
The story is about a little white-with-brown-and-black-spots dog,Wishbone and his friend,Joe,Sam and David help to save the missing history of Oakdale together .The saving action Starts after they found out the card of LINDSAY GROVES(the relief pitcher for the Oakdale Oaks baseball team),and discovered the records of 1933 Oakdale Oaks baseball team has hidden ,even being erase.As a result,the 3 kids and Wishbone try their best to cover up the truth of the Oakdale's history.Eventually,the 1933 National Champion,the Oakdale Oaks gets their right to keep record on their victorious pass ,so the Oakdale's heroes will never been forgotten!!It is a nice work,I loved the lovely Wishbone,the enthusiastic,funny dogs which always think of pepper onion chesse Italian pizza!
It is a worthy piece of work to read.Don't miss the chance to enter the adventurous world with WISHBONE!!!Read the book!

"sitting on the back of the car,waving to the crowd, was Lindsay Groves.....in his original Oakdale Oaks baseball uniform....... On the sign of the car,a sign read LINDSAY GROVES----RELIEF PITCHER FOR THE OAKDALE OAKS, NEGRO LEAGUE NATIONAL CHAMPS,1933......"The truth of Oakdale's past will never be hidden again,because of the little dogs,Wishbone and his friend.It is really a worth book to read. If you want to know more about the secret from Oakdale's past,read this book, you will have great fun by this....

I loved this book because I was always wondering what was going to happen next. Wishbone, Joe, Sam, and David want to find out more about the Oakdale baseball team, the Oakdale Oaks. But the books, newspaper articles, and everything else about the Oaks has mysteriously dissapeared. They try to figure out why someone would do that. Then they learn that years and years ago, something really bad happened in Oakdale. I thought this book was very exciting. Some people who wrote reviews about this book, I won't say who, said it was confusing, and not mysterious, YA RIGHT! They're WRONG! It's not confusing, and it is mysterious so HA! It's not confusing, because I read it, and it's a really great book!

"Cheevey took me a while to get into. I didn't exactly understand everything that was going on. Cheevey and his whole family are messed up. Cheevey is at his 20th birthday, and his whole family is falling apart. His parents are divorcing, his brother's an alcoholic, and his sister is obsessed with the subject of her thesis. Cheevey is the one who is trying to hold his family together, and it isn't working. I thought this book was sad, and I couldn't read it for a long time because I got depressed. "Cheevey" is definitely not light reading.

"There are families and anti-families. . . . Families are dense and produce gravity, Anti-families are hollow and therefore without gravity, and mine is exploding outward into the universe."

This statement is central to Gerald DiPego's Cheevey, a novel that poignantly portrays the miscommunication and tension among members of a quintessential American family, a topic that is currently receiving a great deal of attention in this election year. DiPego has not, however, filled this book with 1950ish scenes of a happy family being broken apart by modern American tensions, but instead focuses on a much more subtle force, the inability of most family members to properly express their love, or any emotions for that matter, for each other.

The novel follows the experiences of Claude Cheever--Cheevey--just prior to and following his 20th birthday. The reader watches Cheevey, a remarkably caring and empathetic character who, as the youngest of three children, deals with the tensions of young-adulthood while attempting to hold his family together. As his sister says, he tries "to be the hand" that will connect the five separate fingers of the family. The family, however, seems intent on breaking apart: his frugal father retreats into a television set while his mother goes "to France," the term for her study where she dreams and plans for her eventual escape to the actual country; Phil, the angry eldest son, drinks heavily, picks fights, and rarely speaks to either parent, forcing Cheevey to serve as his messenger; and Mari, the most caring and communicative of the family, attempts to balance the demands of her doctoral dissertation, the motherhood she feels emotionally unsuited for, and her miscommunicative, troubled marriage. As Cheevy nears adulthood, the emotions his parents have been "tunneling" since his birth finally begin to emerge and reshape into bitter, seething anger and resentment. Deeply pained, Cheevy seeks for a method to resolve the hatred between his parents, whose stares clash across the dinner table like "crossed swords."

In Cheevey's exploration of relationships, love, and communication, the reader becomes deeply involved, hoping that Cheevy will find a way to hold his family together, or at least be able to remain intact himself; whole, against situations that appear bent on emotionally fragmenting him as completely as the novel's other characters.

As powerfully as Cheevey is portrayed, however, the most sympathetic character in the novel is his sister, Mari. She struggles against her own sense of fragmentation caused, in part, by memories of her parents's earlier battles, before their "tunneling," and against her current marriage to a man who constantly shouts at her to "grow up." Despite her fragmentation, Mari's wit and insight make up much of the novels's force. She always utters the right phrase to humorously and pointedly describe a situation, but remains unable to fully find a resolution. Mari's ability to understand but not to resolve the family tensions builds toward the novel's devastating tragedy, the outcome of which forces the others out of their emotional isolation and shows them the importance of life.

Also, a central metaphor of the novel emerges in the guise of Mari's academic research. She is writing a dissertation on an obscure novelist, Coretti, with the hopes of explaining his work, making him understandable, an effort that will hopefully bring him out of a self-imposed exile. She believes that a message is lies within the work, possibly encoded, and studies code-breaking manuals in her research. While her attempt fails, Mari's insight nevertheless allows the reader to see that this type of coding exists in the characters's own communication. Cheevey's father, for instance, in a rare attempt to express love, explains that he never fixed his car radio, asking if anyone understands that. This explanation baffles Cheevey, who tries "to understand a man who loves you by not fixing his radio." This type of attempt to express love in obscure ways, fruitlessly hoping others will somehow see the message, be able to crack the code without ever expressing it in words, fills the book. Love is present, but unspoken, encoded, and difficult to find, and the inability to state it becomes a void that expands throughout the novel, pushing the family apart. But, it is finally Mari (and I am attempting here not to give anything away) who begins to bring the family together when she, too, takes heart-breaking action and forces the family to see the result of their emotional "tunneling."

The novel's only weakness is in the opening Prologue, where the image of a shattered mirror becomes a metaphor for the explosive fragmentation of the family. "But the fall and crash of the Cheever family," Cheevey says, "unleashed more than glass and dust. There were truths in the rubble, some shameful and some exalting, and all of them still too sharp and clear to be called memory and to be removed from sight. We are the pieces, and we cannot be swept away." Fortunately, DiPego, who is primarily a screenwriter, quickly shifts from the somewhat sophomoric tone of this last line to a more direct, highly visual first- person narrative filled with powerful, witty dialogue, and the book becomes much more forceful and engaging. The dialogue, and many of the characters's inability to use it, is what makes this novel so effective. In it, the reader can see the complexity of each of the characters, comes to care for them, is lifted with their humor, with Cheevey and Mari's insight into and embrace of life, and is emotionally, and painfully, wrenched when such an embrace doesn't seem to be enough.

This is a great book, a must read. Cheevey is dealing with his world falling apart as he nears his 20th birhtday. He's a good kid trying to be grown, while at the same time trying to keep all the people in his life (family and friends) functioning. While he doesn't quite make it, it's a fun read and a moving book.

It's a great book for first year business students and all those who want to learn something about basic principles of macroeconomics and the influence it has on everyday business activities

In comparison with other macroeconomic texts around it should get 5 stars. It starts with a historical perspective of the crisis in economics at the time of Keynes, setting the picture for why anyone bothered to invent macroeconomics in the first place. It then rapidly proceeds to introduce the major schools of macroeconomics and to develop the relevant ideas and models. It is an ideal introduction for the interested or serious student and manages to be exciting as well as fairly comprehensive. If you're taking an introductory macroeconomics course, get this book instead of your text. If you're coming from outside the economics profession and have a mind of your own, this ones for you.

This is a classic Macro text used for many Intro to Macro-Econ.

I used a similiar text (many editions before) when I took my first econ class in college over 10 yrs ago.

This is a great book, easy to understand and fluid reading.

Thumbs Up!!!