Way too general. I was looking for more detailed and specific installation & tuning help for Postgresql database on Linux. The book provided a quick overview and the high points, but certainly not enough to get the product installed & optimized. It's coverage of GUI tools provided only an overview, with not enough info to even persue it.

My copy is now really well dogeared because of how much I'm referring to it. I've recommended this book to many of my colleagues as it's a great reference.

This book is very well done- clear and concise. I'm very interested in databases on Linux, especially with Sybase. This book does a really strong job clarifying Sybase, and explaining such things as Testing, Design, Configuration, etc. I do recommend this book to anyone working or planning to work with databses on Linux.

I have not used this book much yet, but my impression so far is good. Each lesson is presented clearly and thoroughly. Unfortunately, it does not cover orthographic projection, although isometric drawing is covered. It concentrates on mechanical drawing, and does not cover surveyor drawings, and only touches on architectural applications. Sample exercises at the end of each chapter are barely acceptable. It would be nice to have more, and better quality exercises.

I am a student in highschool and I have used Discovering AutoCAD 2000 and I learned so much from it. I thought I would learn only basic commands but I have learned very complicated commands. My only complaint is that some of the drawings have minor errors that should have been spotted by the editor. I hope to meet Paul Riley someday because he is my AutoCAD 2000 idle. If you have the money make sure you bye this book. The $45 seems like a hefty chunk of cash but this wonderful book is well worth the money.

I bought this book expecting to learn only the minimum basics but I was pleasefully amazed and I am very satissfied with it's contents, so far I've learned far much on my own self tutoring that I thought I would manage to accomplish, I Highly recommend it, it suave and easy to grasp and the exercises are thorough so you learn at your own pace. The only detriment I've found, it's some small errors in the drawings given as exercises, but I think they'll correct that in a latter edition. I did my comparisons to other books on Autocad 2000 and this on is the one to get!

Because the other books I have read by Paul Horgan (Conquistadors in North American History [read 2 Oct 1974], Lamy of Santa Fe: His Life and Times [read 1 May 1976], Great River: The Rio Grande in North American History Volume One: Indians and Spain [read 25 Nov 1993], Great River: The Rio Grande in North American History Volume Two: Mexico and the United States [read 27 Nov 1993], and Things As They Are [read 8 Feb 1994])were all great reading, I decided to read this book, and it held my interest. It is good to read fiction wherein the characters--even the bad ones--have a conscience. The book tends to be a bit long, but it is action-filled and while not as good as the other books by Horgan it still is, as indicated by my caption, worth reading.

I grew up in southern Arizona, on an army base that had started as a calvary post in the 1800s. I picked up "A Distant Trumpet" in a used book store for no other reason, since I generally have no interest in western-themed books. It turned out to be wonderful. I couldn't put it down and finished it in a couple of days. It goes from civil war hospitals to the parlors of Washington DC's elite to the mountains of Arizona, in a perfect combination of military, social and personal history. If the book has any fault, it's that the good guys are always very good and the bad guys are very bad. But, though they lack something in complexity, the characters are exciting and vividly drawn.

When my grad school exams concluded last week, I found myself restlessly searching for something "fun" to read. Paul Horgan's "A Distant Trumpet," a historical novel about 1880s cavalry duty in Arizona, sat on my bookshelf where it had been for over two years, unread. Cautiously, I skimmed the preface and then began to read the first chapter. I'm glad that exams were over, because the novel quickly enthralled me with its stately style, vivid characterizations and rich evocation of the physical--and moral--landscape of the American southwest following the Civil War. Military, social and spiritual codes of behavior provide the psychological framework for the novel's characters and scenario. And Horgan evidently writes from experience as a former Army officer and military school instructor. He also does a superb job of balancing historically accurate attitudes regarding the campaign to "pacify" the Apache natives with a classical sense of morality that transcends race and religion. Eccentric Major General Alexander Upton Quait is the central character in matters of policy and commentary, while a triptych of officers and their wives allow Horgan to explore, with devastating clarity, the costs, rewards and consequences of love, ambition, duty and honor. I would encourage fans of Larry McMurtry--particularly those who have read Comanche Moon--to discover this alternative, somewhat more sophisticated, approach to Western fiction. In my enthusiasm, I finished this lengthy novel as quickly as I could. In recollection, the characters of "A Distant Trumpet" will probably remain with me for a lifetime.

I bought this book because I have the beautiful Connolly Tarot deck and I wanted a book with corresponding pictures and symbolism. It does indeed have pictures of the Connolly deck, and the descriptions provided for the minor arcana are great. There is indeed more information here on advanced readings than most people will need. HOWEVER, it does NOT include ANY details on the major arcana or any of the court cards. Apparently you are already supposed to know those, or it's assumed you already have the other Connolly books. This is probably an excellent book for the true Master, but it's not practical for day-to-day readings for the rest of us.

On my shelves I have at least ten different books that give me all the basics for reading the Tarot. The basic spreads, the basic meanings of the majors and minors. However, they go no further. Ms. Connolly has gone further, rather than yet another book for beginners, she has created a book that goes beyond that, letting those who have learned the basics take them that next step.

I use the Connolly Master book as a main reference in deliniating my tarot spreads. The Malkuthian Key are opening the souls Karmic path. It is truly the most informative book I own on Tarot. Verification cards are no longer a mystery and using the Chronicles opens up all the allotted Verification cards. Wow it will blow you away. I have just recently started a tarot club dedicated Dr. Connollys work and we really enjoy using this book as reference in our trade. Elizabeth Summer.

Part of a three volume collection of chapel addresses ("The New Being" and "The Shaking of the Foundations" are the companion volumes), this book is an unorganized introduction to Tillich's thought. Each sermon is self-contained; however, the collection has been organized into three sections.

The first, The Human Predicament, spoke strongly to me, perhaps because I identify so strongly with the sixties. Tillich's themes, loneliness, being forgotten, evil, being, ministry and eternity, are shared with a depth and insight rarely captured in sermon form. For example, he writes, "they never find the courage to make a total judgment against themselves, and therefore, they can never find the courage to believe in a total acceptance of themselves." In this section, Tillich reveals that he is thoroughly Christian, and thoroughly human.

I found the second section, The Divine Reality, less meaningful. Perhaps his themes were too familiar to me, but his comments on spiritual presence, the divine name, God's pursuit of man, salvation and eternity did not grab me with the same intensity as section one.

The last section is The Challenge to Man, in which Tillich deals with nonconformity, strength, maturity, wisdom and thanksgiving, is a return to what he does best - apply Christianity to the human condition. It is filled with practical, sermon-level applications of his ontological theology. "Be what you are - that is the only thing one can ask of any being."

I was quite impressed by Tillich the preacher. His grasp of both grace and humanity is exceptional.

Tillich recognizes the human condition and the frailties of human existence. In the first 6 sermons on "the human predicament", he discusses such paradoxical human conditions as loneliness and solitude, forgetting and being forgotten, and "The good that I will, I do not". "The divine reality" section contains sermons on the harder aspects of Christianity, that no one can say with certainty that they are participating in the new reality, the Holy Spirit, and that the flight from God begins the moment we feel His presence. Tillich recognizes the reality of doubt, for if we could possess Him like any other familiar work, God would not be God (and perhaps if we do not have doubts, we are limiting Him too much!). Throughout the book, Tillich recognizes the message of "divine foolishness" (his phrase), and the role of the Holy in wisdom and meaning. These are thought provoking sermons, particularly for those of an existentialist bent.

Enegetic and simple, The Eternal Now is a very accessible introduction to the multi-faceted theology of Paul Tillich. Throughout this collection of sermons, Tillich emphasizes the connection between the temporal and eternal (a strength of his writing in general). And, this emphasis is achieved with a light hand, Tillich repeatedly walks the reader calmly towards the realization of how much can still be accomplished by the individual, what courage he or she can still gain -- how much, all of us, are still rooted "in divine ground." Tillich speaks from a Christian perspective, but his wisdom is non-denominational. His is a theology even for the stoutest critic, because as Tillich alludes to in the following passage from The Eternal Now, cynic and priest can ask similar questions from a similar conidition: "There are many ways in which solitude can be sought and experienced. And each way can be called 'religious,' . . . as one philosopher said . . . 'religion is what a man does with his solitariness.'" Emphasizing that such things as eternal questions and Love do not belong to a specific religion or era, Tillich's work speaks to, and beyond, our time and culture. He demands such a flexibility of perspective from us as humans. This is the legacy and promise Tillich offers, and The Eternal Now is a very capable introduction to it.

I like this book and its sister book, Family Houses by the Sea (which I prefer). Both books, however, make me feel that I am simply looking through a window at something I cannot have. I find I prefer a new book called Second Home, because it offers the same kind of yummy dreamlike quality yet talks to me about how I can make my getaway dream come true. If you can afford a stack of books on retreats, add this Family Houses volume to the pile. If you can only afford one or two books, I highly recommend Second Home instead.

This book gives you great ideas for building a country home. It doesn't limit itself to only one geographic area, but moves from country to country. It allows you to review different elements, materials and design used over time. It's a beautiful book, great inspiration.

Forty-three beautiful summer-type homes appear in large glossy colored format covering more than 250 large size pages that make the book weigh as much as a heavy fire-log ready to sink a coffee table.

Author Alexandra D'Arnoux and award winning photographer Gilles De Chabaneix visit several continents to pick out outstanding dream homes, that although luxurious, with stables, gardens and formal dining rooms, nevertheless look lived- in; loads of lucky children treck through casual libraries, relax, take walks, celebrate birthdays, and play chopsticks on an old piano.

Emphasis here is on family values and most of the places are furnished to create a nostalgic atmosphere. It is like 'Conrad in Search of His Youth.'

This is a wonderful book to have and hug. Whenever a guest opens it up and peers at a picture, there follows a deep longing sigh.

I would recommend many texts written on hearing aids for consumers and health care personnel far more than this one. While certainly a practical manual for dispensers, this is not a book meant for audiology students or medical professionals (try Harvey Dillon's Hearing Aids or the Valente series instead). A well-written introduction to the topic, but not grounded fully in medical and scientific research to be a primary text or reference for audiologists.

"This is an easy, informative read. I recommend it to my senior patients who are concerned that trying to overcome a hearing loss will put them at risk of a bad purchase decision. Now they know what to expect from a hearing professional when they decide to purchase a hearing aid."

Collaboratively written by auditory prosthetics specialists and practitioners Paul Popp and Gregg Hacket, The Hearing Healthcare Practitioner's Handbook: A Guide To The Successful Treatment Of Hearing Loss With Auditory Prosthetics is a thorough, comprehensive presentation on virtually all forms of hearing loss and their treatment, from auditory rehabilitation to assistive listening devices and the laws that govern them. A wealth of solid, no-nonsense information marks this first-class reference, and strongly highly recommended for the hearing health care practitioner as well as the non-specialist general reader who has experienced hearing problems and wants to learn more about what causes them and what can be done.

The author makes a solid case for his position, citing historic cases and numerous overlooked facts surrounding acts of terrorism.

What is especially impressive is the fact that the book does not assume the positions of either the left or right wing, remaining non-partisan in approach. For instance, the author cites the Northwoods Project as an act of state-sanctioned terrorism. This would be a veritable gem to those on the left who unfairly scorn the cause of anti-communism. Collins, however, makes it clear that the revelation of Northwoods does not exonerrate the despot Castro.

Meanwhile, Collins gives no slack to the so-called right-wing either. He shows cases where anti-communism, initially sincere cause of anti-totalitarianism, was exploited by the power elite to create a politically expedient external threat to the United States. This is especially evident in the case of Bin Laden and his supposedly anti-Soviet forces. Under the banner of anti-communism, the oligarchs of the American Establishment funded Bin Laden and made him the threat he is today.

The overall contention is that Hegelian framework of left vs. right is a swiftly vanishing chimera, a fairy tale.

The one reservation I have with the book is that it simply does go as far as it could. There are a lot more government ties to terrorism, such as the United States aiding and abetting anti-Castro rebels here in the United States. After it became clear that America was not going to employ genuine campaign against Castro, the government used them to perpetrate numerous other acts of terror.

Still, the book is very well researched and is very important in understanding current events.

If what Paul Collins has unearthed is true, it may not be long before we wake up in a police state. This book is definitely for listeners of the Alex Jones show and anyone who has read Gregory Palast's book.

I first discovered this book through an article over it in Nexus Magazine. Then, I got a copy and read it cover to cover! Paul Collins presents information of such importance that no concerned, freedom-loving American should ignore! ...

God bless America! Long live liberty!

As a big fan of marijuana and Paul Krassner & Harlan Ellison (the only two credits amazon gave to the book) I decided to make a rash decision and buy this book. Color me disappointed. Perhaps I got what I deserved since I was never a fan of High Times or the whole culture of wearing your love for the bud on your sleeve. I just naturally assumed Krassner would pick stories that would stray away from the basic cliches. No dice. While a few of the stories are mildly entertaining the majority of the book is basically just your standard pot stories that me, you, and our mothers have all experienced. In all seriousness the most enjoyable part of the book is hearing stories from men and women who've lead lives hundreds of times more interesting than mine tell half paged stories about smoking a joint and eating ice cream. While not actively bad, I would stay away from this book unless you've written a letter to the AFI complaining that Half-Baked wasn't on their list of 100 funniest films.

First off, let me say that the past reviewer who said this book was "same old same old" has obviously never read this book. This guy probably just saw the High Times logo, and just imagined what this book was. Of all the ways I could descibe this great book, I would never say that this book is "same old same old."

As a person who has smoked marijuana, and has many friends who also smoke, I must say that the stories presented in this book have no similarity to my life. I only wish that I had the same cool adventures listed in these pages! I am just your average Joe, with a job, a car, and a nice little place in the city. While some people think all marijuana users are wild "Cheech and Chong" types, I am here to say that I am no diferent today, then when I started to smoke. I am shy, quiet, and only share my marijuana smoking with my closet of friends. Living in this country, I am always afraid to tell anyone about my "hobby", out of fear that I will end up in prison. While it might feed into some square's fantasy that all pot smokers all crazy nut jobs, I am here to say that we are all not Timothy Learys and Robert Downy Jrs.

Having said that, let me say that this book was a trip into the cool world of cannabis heaven. Stories of people, just like us, who happen to have neat adventures while they are high. And it is not what you think. While some reviewers might think this book is the ranting of a few stoners, I am here to say that it is no such thing.

Stories of love, escape, hate, paranormal, history, travel, and so much more. I could not put this book down. Each story was so personal and intimate, that I felt that these people are now my close friends. It is my wish that everyone who thinks that marijuana is "dangerous" will read this book. If this does not open your eyes and free your mind, then you are a zombie!

Now, for the standard stoner yell: FREE THE WEED!!

But something tells me that we will just get, "same old same old."

I found the book to be funny, poignant, and interesting. Famous people revealing their funniest pot stories.

I read this book for one of my classes in which we were to select an ethnography on a genre of music of our choosing. The book started out very interesting and easy to follow: origins of the word fado, the first performers of the fado, regions in Portugal in which it developed, and an intelligible description of the fado itself. However, the book lost its pizazz when the chapter on "The Media Industry" began, perhaps because the terminology used was confusing (Odeon, GBDP, EMI, etc.) or because I simply did not need to know anything about that sub-topic and therefore did not LET myself be interested! Nevertheless, the first four chapters were great and a definite source of detailed information on the history of the fado.

Paul Vernon really has researched the Portuguese Fado. The first and most important quality this author commands is enthusiasm. Working from his chance encounter with some old Fado records in San Francisco over a decade ago, Vernon tells of his subsequent journey through the magic which is this Portuguese jewel. Fado, as Vernon explores, is a national music older than any other modern-surviving folk (eg Tango, Rumba, etc...), whose origins are as contested and unidentifiable as its definition. Saudade, the main feeling in the soul of Fado, is a Portuguese term with no translation into any other language. Some people refer to it as spleen, lament, longing, yearning and/or unachievable desires. It is an emotion, a desire, a sixth sense.

Vernon's history of Fado is almost an ethnography, which is at once academic (hitorical/anthropological) and also popular in style and authorship. Once having introduced the magic of this music he so obviously loves, he talks us through the instruments of the Fado: the portuguise guitarra and viola; the places claiming Fado as their property and cultural identity (namely, Lisbon's old hills and Coimbra up in the North). The final chapter redirects its gaze to the Portuguese diaspora, namely in the Americas.

There are some criticisms to this book. It is not as complete in breadth or depth as it could be. For example, Fado has very modern-day popular expressions which are extremely important in the contemporary Portuguese culture. Also, in his chapter on diaspora, Vernon largely ignores the Portuguese first, second and third generation-descendants around Europe and elsewhere who left around the time of the revolution.

However, this book is a must for anybody who has a true interest in the Portuguse Fado and its history. Importantly, Vernon includes an interseting (but dated) Discography for those who wish to hear some of this fantastic song. For others, who want to follow-up some research into the Fado, Vernon has helpfully included some useful addresses to point you in the right direction. The hope is that more anglophone versions of the histories, geographies and cultures of the Portuguese Fado emerge.

After reading an intriguing review of this book in the London Times Literary Review, I was moved to purchase the book. I have been a particular fan and student of the fado for more than 30 years, and admit that I am highly judgmental and critical of accuracy in detail. This book did not dissapoint this critical reader. It is worth every penny of its rather steep price - and more. Mr. Vernon gives the best detail view ever published in the English language on this intriguing, quintessentially Portuguese genre. He truly not only knows his subject, but he thoroughly to his soul grasps the essence of fado. A truly remarkable and memorable journey. I read the book straight through, and was sorry to put it down when done. Highly, highly recommended for any lover of Fado.