Ira Rohter has looked at Hawaii's economy with new eyes, and has seen that tourism is not as good as once thought. His vision of a kinder, more local, less-homogenized village-based tourist AND RESIDENCE experience has a wonderfully believable and welcoming quality to it. Why not?

A Green Hawaii: Sourcebook for Development Alternatives By Ken Boche Ka'u Landing. Feb., 1993 This book may be one of the most important books ever published in the State of Hawaii. I say this as one who appreciates good books, who values the ways in which books can help preserve Hawaii's unique cultural and biological heritage, and who sees books as, among other things, essential tools for communication. It is in this last use of books that A Green Hawaii stands out as unique. Very few books present a vision of Hawaii's future. About the only "books" that address the future are the "planning" documents published either by our governmental "planning" bodies or by "planning" firms hired by those bodies or by some real estate developer. All those documents are based on some very questionable assumptions, and most of them are written to plan for unsustainable "growth" and progress . A Green Hawaii critically questions those assumptions, shows how those assumptions do not work in the best interests of our citizens, and presents a vision of our future that is economically sustainable, socially equitable, politically democratic and environmentally sound. This book includes over 60 pages of footnotes, so that readers who want more information about the ideas presented can pursue it with little difficulty. The ideas are presented as an historical review of the previous half century as it might be written in the year 2010. In this way, not only is the sustainable vision of the future presented, but so is the path we might follow if we want to arrive there in the next 20 years. It effectively tells us how to get from here to there. Where there is very little mention of permaculture or its design methodology, it is as if our whole society has been transformed into a thriving, positive culture based on permaculture principles. We see in Hawaii's future an economy based on renewable energy and on diversified enterprises which are locally-owned and which serve local needs first. Just as a permaculture farm will integrate the production of many products, a green Hawaii will integrate work with leisure; social with political; rural with urban; aquaculture, agriculture and forestry with processing and marketing tourism with education about and appreciation of our unique heritage. Agriculture will be building soil, not eroding and poisoning it forestry will plant forests for the future, not clear-cut them; the fishing and aquaculture industries will increase their stocks, not deplete them; education will tap people's creativity, not stifle it; transportation will work for the people, not against them. In permaculture terms, we will invest in our procreative assets, those that increase in value, and in our generative assets, our essential tools. And we will stop investing in enterprises which decrease our long-term wealth. Rohter, the author, is also a co-founder of the Hawaii Green Party and a professor of political science at UH-Manoa. So it's not surprising to find a clear vision of how our society can be made more democratic and how communities can gain more control over their own future. As a whole, the book has few mistakes, and those 1 found seem minor (e.g., methane is not a suitable fuel for transportation end-uses; methane has too few BTUs.) The one thing I would like to have seen would be a clearer legislative program for the state legislature and the counties to adopt that would facilitate the establishment of a green Hawaii. The range of options which this book offers is staggering. And yet it is only a beginning, not really comprehensive at all. Again, it's like permaculture: no design is ever complete. There's always a way to make a site more productive. The only thing that limits the available options is the quality and creativity of the thought applied to it. This book is excellent in this regard. What we must do is take this fine beginning, expand it with our own creativity, and implement it into our own lives. If we all do so, our quality of life will improve and the future, for ourselves and for coming generations, will become more healthy and prosperous. END

This book is a confusing set of devices and instructions for players and storytellers alike. It is hard to read and equally hard to understand--i found my High School government textbook easier to read than this. However, if you do want to give you Tremere scorcer/witch a bit more depth i would recomend this book, and its companion book.

I will rarely say in these reviews on Amazon.com that that "only X type of person should read this" but this review is one exception. I think this book has so much information, so many great ideas and guidelines, and clan background that it is really only useful for storytellers and maybe wouldbe writers who like the "world of darkness". I think a player would get a lot of ideas, many of which would not be compatible with a story from this book so the best way to combat that and still allow Tremere and other magic using Kindred to develop would be for storyteller and player to look at this book together. I think it does a good job of detailing how to design paths and rituals, a sample worksheet might help in this regard, but also in talking about the limitations of the practice of bloodmagic.

A book detailing the complex discipline of Thaumaturgy has been long needed. This is a really good one and while it doesn't solve all the problems created by the past handling of Thaumaturgy in VAMPIRE: THE MASQUERADE, it goes a long way toward clarifying and further developing the discipline.

The book discussed the history and theory of vampiric blood magic. We learn that it predates the Tremere, for example, and hear about basic principles of magical workings. There is discussion about the difference between a Tremere vampire and a True Mage (metaphysical, mostly, and assumes familiarity with MAGE- for more practical instructions on vampires and mages, see VAMPIRE: STORYTELLERS HANDBOOK), how non-Tremere might learn Thaumaturgy and some examples of arcane tomes. Most of it is clearly explained (with few exceptions like the unnecessarily ambiguous section about the difference between spirits and demons).

There are welcome sections outlining the Koldunic sorcery of the Tzimisce (finally!) and voodoo-derived traditions of Necromancy. Both the Assamites and the Setites have their own traditions of blood magic, detailed here. There are paths derived from Alchemy and Kaballah. Biothaumatugy is recycled from SECRETS OF THE BLACK HAND.

Unfortunately, while the material introduced here is superb, the book doesn't pull together the various little bits of Thaumaturgy scattered between VAMPIRE: THE MASQUERADE and VAMPIRE: DARK AGES. It just once again gives us more and better. It would have been nice, for example, to have an appendix showing which previously introduced paths and rituals are in which books. Furthermore, some storytellers seem intimidated about Thaumaturgy and disallow it as "too complicated". Step by step instructions (and a pep talk) might have been good, too. I should mention also that this book is about vampiric blood magic ONLY- no numinas or hedge magic more appropriate to allies like ghouls.

The author presents a 'complete' portrait of former heavyweight champion of the world, Gentlemen James J. Corbett. It's a 'warts and all' portrayl, telling the reader about the 'Gentlemens' dark side, and about his charming side. His writing about the Corbett family and Jim's upbringing is very interesting. The desriptions of Corbett's classic fights, with the likes of 'Peter Jackson, Bob Fitzsimmons, and James J. Jeffries' are told in a entertaining and informative way. He even delves into Corbett's married life, a part of his life that was not always pretty, but presents it in a fair and even handed way. Concluding, if your a boxing buff or just someone curious about a legend named 'Corbett' you will certainly find something rewarding in this fasinating biography..

I bought this because of the reviews. I was pretty unhappy with the results. The book is way too long for my three year old. The pictures are dark and depressing. The words are repetitious, but don't mean a thing. I truly did not get my moneys worth on this, even if it was a bargain book.

A comforting read-a-aloud picture book about a young fatherdriving a fortyish red sedan past thirtyish vehicles through a vaguelyGrant Woodish era farming area through a fiftyish cityscape to homewhere his children are waiting up late for his return. Patrick's darkish illustrations evoke the night and the welcome security of home and family. "Through the Night" is a good addition to any lap reader or storytime collection.

That's what my 3 1/2 year-old son said, and I agree. The illustrations in this book are so soothing it makes a perfect goodnight story. Even though it is really a calm story, it was interesting for my son because as the father drives home he passes trucks, cars, bridges, etc... perfect for a boy this age! It's traditional in that the father comes home at night to mother and kids, which in our case is real-life. I'm not sure how kids from different kinds of families would respond to it. But for us, it's terrific!

This is the worst computer-science text I have ever read. The explanations are confused and extremely wordy. The writing style is very disorganized. Many examples serve to completely confuse the reader rather than to illustrate a point. My guess is that the authors never bothered to proofread the text carefully.

In short, don't waste your money on this worthless book!

This is one of the best books on the subject.
It gives a thorough and solid foundation on the databases.

It helped me quickly identify the weaknesses and strengths in all the leading DBMS products but above all, realized that 80% of all the experts out there in the field, don't know what they are doing.

However, if you have a short attention span, are intimidated by certain dry material and used to books like Databases in 24hrs, this book is not for you.

This was my first database book which i have read, and I can honestly say that it made me an expert. All other books which iI read after this one seemed useless and very boring and content-weak. It's a heave book, I do agree on that, and it has too many theoretical and mathematical models applied to designing a database, but those actually make you understand the subject even more. I don't recommend this book for an average computer scientist, it is not appropriate for such a level. But if you're on your way to an engineering degree, I'm sure you will find this book very appealing.

Good guide for 1997, but 3 years later it is out of date and does not contain many new sites. Web directorys should be updated yearly at the least.

I was very unhappy when I saw the cheap quality of The Big Basics Web Directory published by Que.. The paper is the kind used for coloring books, and the printing is poorly done. In some instances it is all but impossible to read the black print on dark gray background. I had expected to receive a book of at least as good quality as Que's Complete Idiot's Guide to Windows 95. Sorry about this poor review. This is the first time in a long time I've been so disappointed in a book I had ordered sight unseen.

     There are literally millions of Websites online today that provide a wealth of information on a variety of topics. There are a handful of good Internet Website directories available that can help surfers find the information they need. Most of these are bulky, though, and can take a while to thumb through. Que and Macmillan Computer Publishing has published The Big Basics Web Directory to provide readers with reviews of their top picks!

     Que's editors have selected the best Website in each of the 101 categories covered in the book. Additionally, four more (best of the rest) Websites in each of these categories are also reviewed. Topics include business, car buying, computers, cooking, education, government, health, hobbies, humor, investing, job searching, news, pets, religion, software, sports, travel, as well as a number of controversial issues.

     This large 8 1/2" by 11" directory features quarter-page screen shots of every Website reviewed. A convenient listing at the back of the book lists every Website and its URL to provide quick and easy access to them. Website reviewers will find this directory to be a great reference tool for review material when facing a deadline. Website designers can pick up some top-notch Website design ideas as well!

     This concise directory will point readers to some of the best Websites available at the turn of a page. Thumb through it at your leisure. There is something of interest here for everyone! Highly recommended!

In the beginning this book seems as if it will be interesting, or scandalous, or something, but it quickly proves to be an endless series of repetititive vignettes about the two title characters and their innumerable attempts to find love, or passion, or a reason to live, or something. The second half of the book is centered mainly on Jim's long affair with Kate, Jules' wife. Jules completely approves of and even facilitates their relationship, so there's really no conflict there. The conflict comes from their innumerable break ups and reconciliations. When I say innumerable, I mean it. After a point I found myself not really caring whether they stayed together or not, but just praying for the relationship to be resolved one way or another so that the descriptions of their silly, melodramatic fights would end. The book is kind of interesting in terms of its style and its commentary on social and moral values in early 20th century Europe, but overall I found it a bit of a bore.