This text is not appropiate for any for introductory class to neuroscience at any level (whether grad or undergrad). The depth and detail leaves the reader confused at best. Perhaps it is suitable for an advanced gradute seeking to remedy any detail oriented holes. For all others, it is a precursor to a headache.
The smart money would go with the Kandel who clearly defines
his purpose at the outset of his classic book.
(I notice that the reviewer ,who bestowed the text 4 stars, and the author both call San Diego their home.)

To me as bibliophiliac and a cognitive psychologist interested in neurobiology, this is the textbook of choice and an object of desire. It is very up-to-date and well-written. Although some people have detected some lack of coherence in this work, I find it refreshing that the sections recognizably come from different research teams with somewhat different points of emphasis, but without anyone pushing his own scientific interests on the expense of those of the readers. This also guarantees that it is not only an accumulation of facts but has also interesting theoretical discussions by leading researchers. It is optimal for readers having at least some laypeople knowledge about biology, medicine, or neuroscience, and just want to know more (possibly everything), or who require a thorough and citable review of a certain topic. Readers completely new to the field may find it difficult to pick out the information suited for a beginner level - a less voluminous book would be more helpful for them. I would rather not recommend it for undergraduates courses. I would also prefer a somewhat stronger emphasis on cognitive neuroscience - after all, a few hundred pages more would do no harm...!

This book is a veritable tour de force from leading researchers in the area of neuroscience. It is comprehensive in scope going from modern molecular and cellular neuroscience to cognitive and behavioral neuroscience. Includes strong sections on developmental neuroscience, sensory and motor neuroscience, and regulatory systems. The book is extremely well and attractively produced; the graphics are superb. Exceptional value for money. It has been written by leading scholars involved in teaching neuroscience at the graduate level (although it may be suited to advanced undergraduates and academic medical students). Definitely the leading book in the area; required reading for professional neuroscientists and academic clinicians.

don't buy this book 'cause the 70-216 has a defective CD in it and the publisher won't replace it 'cause they haven't made a working version yet and if you lost your receipt and not send your copy to them, they won't send you the working version when it done.

also this is what i got from the support of the publisher:

"Thanks for the inquiry. We apologize for the installation problems with the E-Book programs on the Sybex Interface of the CD. This unfortunate error wasn't discovered until after the CD had been sent to the CD replicator."

I bought Sybex MCSA Core few months ago and after reading each book only once I passed all my certifications. I didn't have nay problems with defective CD's and recomend these books for anyone interested in getting certified in the Microsoft Windows 2000 operating system.

I thought this book was pretty good if you have a good understanding of the french language, otherwise it does not tell the correct usage of words and can get rather confusing.

Many times when authors use a character ad infinitum in a series of books, the plots become old and tainted. Cussler continues to use Dirk Pitt, Ludlum (to a lesser degree) capitalizes on Jason Bourne, and Patterson, of course, uses Alex Cross. In Patterson's case, he wrote two books in between the latest Cross novels (Diary for Nicholas and 1st to Die) so perhaps the reader would benefit from a fresh perspective. Yes and no.

(If you haven't read "Roses are Red" and intend to do so, I suggest you stop reading the reviews for "Violets are Blue." You'll thank me later.) In the latest iteration of Alex Cross' life, we find Alex whisked off to California to investigate some very bizarre, vampire-like murders. The bodies of two joggers were found in Golden Gate Park....hung by their feet and drained of blood via bites. Vampire bites? Alex's FBI friend(?), Kyle Craig calls Alex and asks him to join the investigation team. Upon arriving in San Francisco, Alex finds a pleasant surprise in Detective Jamilla Hughes. Alex and Jamilla run the traps on the few leads available. However, even as they are investigating the Park murders, several other murders occur in California and now, in Las Vegas. It becomes quite obvious that the murderers are on the move and several steps ahead of Alex. Concurrent with his murder investigation, Alex receives continual cell phone calls from the Mastermind (Alex's nemesis from "Roses are Red.") Ultimately, Alex heads back to D.C. dejected as to his lack of progress in this highly unusual and complex case.

As the parasitic vampires move from the West coast to the East coast, Alex is plunged into the seemingly paranormal world of vampiric norms. Alex learns much more about the tilted netherworld of vampiric cults, teeth sharpening and yes, the consumption of human blood. Alex continues to follow the trail of the murderers crisscrossing the East coast to New Orleans and finally back to California. All the while, Alex is haunted by the Mastermind.

The vampiric portion of this book climaxes for the reader in Alex's last trek to California. The storyline relating to the vampire-like murders is very unusual and off-beat thereby making it less than expected. If Patterson had developed this storyline a bit more and left the Mastermind for a succeeding book, I believe that "Violets are Blue" would have been an excellent book. However, with the ever-present Mastermind hanging over each chapter, the reader isn't allowed to focus on the vampire plot. This is a shame as I felt the vampire plot was so peculiar (out of the ordinary), it was engrossing.

Finally, the Mastermind. I enjoyed "Roses are Red" thoroughly with the exception of Alex's "Frasier-like" love life. However, at the end of "Roses," the identity of the Mastermind is revealed. Inasmuch as "Violets" shares of dual plot of vampiric murders and the eternal search for the Mastermind, the latter portion becomes somewhat rote as the reader already knows the Mastermind. If Patterson knew he was going to write a continuing sequel (which was a given based on the ending of "Roses"), why did he reveal the identity of the Mastermind? Knowing the identity of the Mastermind was almost a nuisance in this book.

Patterson is a very gifted and creative author. However, "Roses" and "Violets" could have been blockbusters if Patterson had stepped back from the writing and looked upon his current and successive plots from the point-of-view of the reader. Oh and, by the way, Patterson has very obviously left the reader hanging for the next installment of the Cross saga with the following, final sentence of the book, "But that's another story, for another time." Yes, I'll read it but I hope that Mr. Patterson will read a few of these reviews prior to penning it.

"Violets are Blue" is the seventh novel in the Alex Cross series. It follows as a sequel to "Roses are Red," yet it doesn't capture the thrill of that book.

"Violets are Blue" picks up where "Roses are Red" left off, at a murder scene of someone close to Alex. The Mastermind is still taunting him, threatening to kill Cross's family. Meanwhile out in California, a couple is killed in Golden Gate Park while on a night jog. Their corpses were found hanging upside down, all their blood drained. The San Francisco PD links these murders to one that took place over a year earlier. Suddenly, they've got several unsolved murders done in the same fashion, dating back to almost eleven years earlier. And Alex Cross has to deal with the fact that vampires exist and may be commiting these murders.

"Violets are Blue" has some slow points throughout the novel. For being a sequel to a novel about the Mastermind, that villain is hardly in this one. The main villains in this novel are two vampires named William and Michael. They are boring at times, but kept me entertained. Whenever the Mastermind does make an appearance before page 300, it's only in a phone call or when he's following Cross. And Patterson does something here that drives me crazy: the Mastermind has several opportunities to kill Cross. But instead of finishing Cross when he's following him alone in the dark, he waits until another time. When he and Cross finally do confront each other, it seems anti-climax.

Overall, I think the Alex Cross series has run its course. It's had its high points, but I think it's time for it to end. Patterson is already at work on another Alex Cross novel, and I hope that that one will be better than "Violets are Blue." Maybe it will even be the final chapter in the Alex Cross saga.

My first book by James Patterson was "Along Came A Spider". Since then, I have been hooked. I just can't wait for his books to hit the shelves. When I was in the US, I bought an autographed copy of "Cat and Mouse" and it is now sitting proudly on the top of my shelf.

This time around, in "Violets Are Blue", James Patterson writes about ritualistic killings and mind games. As usual, the protagonist in this story is Dr. Alex Cross. This book is slightly twisted and weird. However, according to the author, such events (or the existence of vampires) do occur in real life. Much research was done on this topic for the book.

I think this book is the darkest of all James Patterson's books so far. I mean, vampires and ritualistic killings really put the creeps into everyone. I didn't mind so much the kidnappers, serial murderers and schizophrenic killers. But, vampires really give me the creeps.

Overall, I still think this book is worth reading. James Patterson's style of writing makes reading his novels easy. I like the short paragraphs and quick flow of action.

If you are reading James Patterson's books for the first time, I would suggest that you get "Along Came A Spider" first before reading this, in case you think all his novels are so dark.

I'll start by saying that I did pass the test, so it's apparent that this isn't just sour grapes. But, having passed the test, I can assure you that, for the most part, nothing in this book applied. The labs are fine, but they just take you through one or two canned scenarios per subject, and nothing in the book or the labs actually contributes to your understanding of the subject matter.

I know that the point isn't to be a paper MCSE. You need experience to pass the test. The study guide should be either a starting point that gives you the theory so you can implement it and experience it, or it should be the reference that fills in the gaps in your existing experience. This book is neither.

Sure, this is pretty late for a review of this book. If you are just now buying a book to prepare for this test, you have problems. However, I am still fairly upset with the lack of depth to this book, and I would like Sybex to know about it.

In most cases, what I would consider crucial topics are only covered in the slightest detail. In fairness, the two chapters on TCP/IP and RRAS were fairly decent. There was a good amount of explanation as to WHY to configure things a certain way rather than just HOW.

Plusses: Not very many errors at all. Errors in previous Sybex books were frustrating, so it's nice to see this go.
Minuses: Too many bulleted lists and tables, not enough good meat. Reminds me more of a Test Success book than a Study Guide.

I've completed the MSCE NT4.0 exams using Sybex and did well in all my exams. I've come to expect high standards from Sybex in their study guides but this one doesn't meet them. Don't get me wrong, all of the information needed is covered but it makes to many assumptions as to what you currently know about W2k by not going into depth on many things. I've found my self refering to other books to fill in the blanks.

This book will help you to pass the Accelerated Exam but I don't believe it will do it by itself. You will need to augment your studies with other materials. I'd recommend using Mastering Windows 2000 Server and Mastering Active Directory. Both of these books have been extremely usefull in filling in the blanks.

On a positive note, there are MANY hands on excersises to follow.

Just passed This exam yesterday. I used this guide for study and the Exam Notes to refresh my efforts prior to the exam. This book is recommended for anyone who is current in their NT4 MCSE skill sets. Troubleshooting issues like DNS, permissions, IP, etc. all have their roots in NT4 so the book may not offer indepth troubleshooting sections. Having passed the exam, I can tell for your sure...Your NT4 troubleshooting skills will get you through. What is most important is applying those skills to the new features of Win2K DDNS, RIS, NAT, RRAS, GPO, Active Directory and other new features. They Sybex guide covers them well and the included exercises in the PDF on CD really bring home the points even for those of us who have been working with Win2k from its beta release but haven't yet implemented all of its various features sets yet. Microsoft does not waste your time with trick questions on this exam about obscure corners of the OS not covered in study guides or used in the field as we may have seen in NT4 exam. The Window2000 Accelerated exam will definitely test your attention to detail (clever scenarios but no tricks) however the exam fairly tests your knowledge in areas you should know about to implement Win2K effective and prove your real world experience with this OS. Take nothing for granted, take your NT4 experience, your Win2K hands-on, and THIS Sybex guide and go pass this exam. I highly recommend the companion Exam Notes as it takes all the objectives covered in the Study Guide and neatly organizes them by individual exams: Win2k Pro, Win2k Server, Win2k AD Admin, and Win2K Net Infrastructure Admin. I'm proof the exam can be successfully passed. The exams are not as overwhelming as first thought but they are definitely not a peace a cake. Sybex will get you there.

T

I've used 6 other Exam Cram books to help me pass MCSE exams all on the 1st attempt. IIS 4 Exam Cram is a concise overview of the product. It focuses on the major points covered by the Microsoft exam. The authors state clearly that the book is not designed to be your only source of information. The book however does cover every area of the IIS product. The screen shots of the MMC are very helpful. The omission of the ODBC error messages is not a big deal. I only had two of those type questions. My advise is use the Exam Cram as an outline for areas to study and use the online IIS documentation to flush out the details.

This book plus the Transcenders testing software is a good combination to pass. Those two with a little hands-on and you should pass this test. I got an 854 out of 1000 on the test without too much effort. DO read up on ODBC error messages (SQL) as it was heavily tested. This book does not delve into much depth on that subject. Otherwise a good buy, especially used.

I passed the test with an 854 out of 1000 using only this book and the Transcenders plus some hands-on time in IIS 4.0 . My best EXTRA piece of advice is to go to Microsoft's web site and look at what the exam will test on. I got a lot (3 or 4 out of 55 questions) of ODBC error messages questions (SQL) on the version of the test that I took (non-adaptive version) and this book did not delve very much into this area. Other than that, it was very good.

You will not pass the current Adaptive Exams with these guides. They are a combination of information from old Exams Crams packaged together. Just a sales gimmic. I suggest the book A+ Adaptive Exams.

Coriolis has become a trusted name in the certification arena and over the years I have either used their books to study from or teach class with. Over the years I have trusted them to provide accurate and detailed information in the exam preps series and cover the major points in the exam cram series.

The set comes with 2 books, practice tests and the A+ exam cram, as well as a cdrom making this a very complete set of study material to work with. The Practice test book has 2 Core and 2 operating systems test and also a cd which can be customized for testing purposes.

The exam cram book is over 600 pages filled with information that draws attention to the most important concepts and ideas of both exams. I found that there were very few typos and grammar errors, it was well documented and comes with hundreds of review questions, tips, tricks, notes and alerts for the exams.

The cd has an e-book of the IT Certification success 4th edition. Overall this package needs some updating and should be coupled with the Exam Prep book, which would give you an unbeatable combination for success the very first time out.

I teach in the CMIT (Academic MSCE) program for the University of Maryland, and this particular book is not of the same quality as the NT4 Series (ExamPrep). I gave up assigning the end-of-chapter questions as in-class quizzes as many of the answers (provided on the instructor CD) were vague and/ or confusing.

I had to fall back often on the offical MS Press text or technet for complete answers.

I'm not a student using this book, so I can't give any opinions of it in that aspect. But I can tell you this book definitely is not as useless as others have implied. If you don't understand the basic concepts of Windows 2000 before diving into this book, of course it won't make any sense. Anyone attempting to pursue MCP/MCSE should have years of prior experience. That's the problem with all the MCSEs. They are certified only because they can remember certain information. If you truly know what you're doing, this is a good book.

Don't let the unanswered questions at the end of each chapter scare you off. As an ancient zen master once said, "Seek not to find the answer, but to understand the question."

I guess there's always some people that just HAVE to complain about perfectly good things. Take this book for example; I think it's great! These guys are whining about , "oh...the answers aren't given for the review questions..." HA! Who cares? I had no problems. It's called, "understanding the concepts", and yes, you might just actually have to READ the chapters to get the concepts and info. down. After you do that then it doesn't matter how they ask the questions on the tests, because you actually understand what's going on, as opposed to just memorizing text book answers. This book provides what you need to know about Windows 2000 Pro, and getting certified. Ofcourse, the best way to learn is by listening to your instructor, taking notes, and hands on experience, but as far as books go, I have no problems with this one. And no, I don't work for the company that made this book in case you were wondering.

One of my favorite parts of this book is the CD-ROM that came in the back of the book (don't know if all of them come with it though). It creates scenarios, which allow you to do labs in a simulated Win2k application. For example, it will have you set up consoles using the MMC, set up a RAS, perform administrative functions, etc. So far this book is impressive. I recommend it.

I agree with most of the opinions expressed in other reviews - Lord seems to be determined to highlight the inconsistencies in Herriot/Wight's life. Even though it's a well documented and well written book, I really wonder about Lord's motivation for writing it.

One comment I haven't read so far, though, is that the book should be sub-titled "The Life of a Writer". Fully 1/2 of the book discusses his work as a writer - how he got started, how he got published, how he handled fame, etc. That was interesting, but - after reading 4 of Herriot's books - what I really wanted to know was what his daily life as a vet was like (what the sub-title implies). Unfortunately, Lord skims over those decades of Herriot/Wight's life, only focusing on dicrepancies between the Herriot books and reality. Overall, a disapointing read.

Graham Lord is not a hack or a fraud, but he clearly wrote this book without any cooperation from the family of James Herriot (Alfie Wight), and it shows in an abominable lack of actual information about Herriot's life before meeting Lord or of Herriot's life as a vet. He also makes far too much about the fact that Herriot was writing compelling stories based on actual incidents rather than serving only as a journalist, but since his connection to Herriot was only through his books and some occasional personal contact, there was little else he could write. The book is infuriating in the extent to which it substitutes information about the times in which Herriot lived for actual information about Herriot: knowing nothing of Herriot's life growing up, Lord talks endlessly about the life of other people who grew up in the same neighborhood as Herriot, and historical records and newspapers were obviously his primary source, along with people who didn't live in Thirsk and who had limited contact with Herriot.

The inadequacies of this book inspired Jim Wight (Herriot's son) to write a truly revealing biography entitled The Real James Herriot: A Memoir of My Father, and Lord is to be thanked for that. He did his best with what little information he had, but there is no escaping the fact that he had too little information, and having read the son's memoir, I quickly found Lord's book unbearable and started skimming after a couple of chapters in the hopes of finding SOMETHING I hadn't already learned from Wight's book. I was not successful.

The most positive thing about this book is that it shows you what Jim Wight (James Herriot's son) was up against when he wrote his memoir. I highly recommend Jim Wight's memoir for anyone who is interested in learning about James Herriot (Alf Wight).

I think Mr. Lord may have been well-meaning when he wrote James Herriot: Life of a Country Vet but the book is really appallingly bad. Mr. Lord has no feel for the WWII period, has done no practical research, seems to have little to no perception of human character and relies almost exclusively on gossip and word-of-mouth. One gets the impression that Mr. Lord decided before writing his book what he was going to find and proceeded to twist or ignore any information to the contrary. He relies on those "witnesses" who will tell him what he wants to hear without taking into consideration the inherent complexity of human beings. Witnesses do not always tell the truth--it is a gross error in judgment to think that one person can fully, and accurately, explain another person.

The lack of reliable facts results in Mr. Lord relying almost exclusively on guesswork, and the assumptions inherent in Mr. Lord's guesswork are almost all negative. For instance, he assumes that because he, Mr. Lord couldn't find evidence that Alf Wight's parents were musicians, ergo, they weren't, therefore Alf Wight was lying when he referred to his parents as professional musicians. The point may be debatable but in the interests of good writing, the assumption is not enough. If Mr. Lord wasn't willing to do the required research to prove the point conclusively one way or the other, he should have left it out.

Mr. Lord strikes one as the kind of man who is continually surprised by the inconsistencies of human nature. He reports with something like glee that Alf once told someone that his father died in 1961, instead of 1960. This becomes evidence for . . . the mind boggles. I'm not sure Mr. Lord himself has a clue what he is trying to accomplish in this book. Whatever it is, it suffers from an utter lack of scholarship and is therefore deeply insulting both to Alf Wight's memory and to the reader.

This book is poorly written with numerous mistakes. I'm disappointed I purchased it and I plan on using another company (Sybex Network Press) for the remainder of my studies. The subject matter is difficult enough without having to determine if the author's information is correct.

I used Exam Cram books to help me pass five MCSE exams. For the last test, I thought I might try out the Exam Prep series. Big mistake! The list of errors from Coriolis' website is 17 pages long, not to mention two rather large files that have been left off of the CD. The text is poorly written, though the book is rather long, there seems to be very little useful information in it. There are more practice questions at the end of every chapter, but there are no explanations included with the solutions. Read the other reviews and heed their warnings. This book stinks.

I really enjoyed this book, I don't know why everyone does not like it. There were some mistakes but this book went into great detail and was written well. I also took an instructor-lead IIS class and I feel I got more from the Exam Prep book than the class. I used the Transender for my final study and passed the IIS test with an 800 in about 20 minutes. I don't think anyone should expect to get everything they will need to answer every question on a Microsoft test from one book. This book will provide you with what you need for a good understanding of IIS and enough information, if applied to some lab work, to easily pass the test.