As the title suggests, SURVEY OF 300 A+ STUDENTS, interviewed students from all over the world who were considered "A+" students and compiled their responses, tips, and strategies into this book. The book is divided into several sections that tell what to do before, during, and after class to ensure success. It offers test taking tips, ways to deal with stress, time management, etc. , in addition to a section for educators on how to organize and improve their classes. Also included is an appendix that includes the survey questions and several other academic resources.

Although SURVEY OF 300 A+ STUDENTS is geared toward college students, it includes a little something for everyone. I was impressed with the clear and concise advice the book offers. The author, Kenneth Green states that all of the tips may not work for everyone, but instead the book is a guide to allow you to find the methods that work best for your needs. This is an excellent resource for all students.

Reviewed by Latoya Carter-Qawiyy
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

I loved this book from front to back! I read the book in three days and couldn't put it down. I think that it is informative and entertaining at the same time. I especially liked the list of things to do before the academic term begins. It tells you what to do before you even get to the first class.

Kenneth Green has written a practical, entertaining book. 300 A+ Students would be a great gift for a college student.

His book is cleverly organized: for instance, the section on test-taking is divided into before, during, and after tests, and covers everything from the importance of getting enough pre-exam sleep to bringing Black Forest gummy bears for a break during a long test. Techniques for approaching all varieties of exams are shared.

The conversational tone of the book, one of sincerity and immediacy, comes from students' own voices. One college student describes her "thesis police," a group of friends she enlisted to bug her frequently about how her writing was coming along. She said the motivation was most effective.

High school kids are not always tempted to read the book themselves (like who wants to be an A+ student anyway??), but teachers, parents and grandparents can read it and pass along valuable nuggets. As a college student, I would have glommed onto it immediately and then remembered where I put it.

One look at the table of contents reveals what a raft of help this book can provide. It's easy to dip into and out of. A great find!

being a veteran and a rabid reader of Vietnam I now know I have read the best book ever written on the war. The ways of the men are just as they were and the discriptions of actions and non actions were perfect. It may be fiction but it is fact and any man that has served knows it to be. I certainly hope he can write another book as his abilitys are wonderful.

I begin by admitting that my comments must be taken with a grain of salt. I wrote the book: I'm expected to like it. If I didn't think it was worthwhile reading for everyone, I would not have submitted it to the publisher. but some comments may be helpful to the potential reader/buyer.

First, the setting of the book is early Vietnam (1966), before the craziness that occurred later (1969 on) and became the focus of the media and therefore of the war as a whole. None of that craziness existed when I served there in 1966 and again in early 1968. I suspect some who have read the book assume that because a story about the early days of that war contains no references to drugs, racism or the fragging of officers (note US Senator Max Cleland, D-GA) it must necessarily be some sort of whitewash of the "truth" which the national media created and promoted. I assure the potential buyer/reader that ALONE IN THE VALLEY presents an accurate, though fictionalized, account of that war as I experienced it. For my perspective on the craziness of the later years, you'll have to convience someone to publish the sequel. The reader should also understand that the book containes none of the Hollywood exaggerations which, in my opinion, render every movie about Vietnam unwatchable. I believed when I wrote it, and believe now, that war accurately portrayed is sufficiently exciting to hold readers attention. If I did not know for a fact that something actually happened, it is not included in the story.

Second, after the book was published I received a few letters from readers. The two which surprised and pleased me the most were from women who thanked me for presenting a story which at last enabled them to understand why some relative of theirs was unable to cope with the aftermath of service in Vietnam. Service in combat, whichever and whenever the war, has always made veterans different from other people. I am pleased beyond measure that my efforts have helped some people better to understand their sons, brothers and fathers.

Third, the potential reader/buyer should know that ALONE IN THE VALLEY was translated into Dutch and published in the Netherlands. It is an odd feeling to hold a copy of a book I wrote but cannot read. Perhaps less odd is the fact that the Dutch edition has sold more copies than the English edition, less odd because the Dutch people were spared most of the media coverage of Vietnam. Apparently they have a greater appreciation of the story I told. I mention the Dutch edition to inform those who read this that I am currently a published but unknown novelist on two continents.

Finnally, I urge everyone who enjoys a good book to read ALONE IN THE VALLEY because I sincerely believe thay will be both accurately informed and effectively entertained. Those were my only intentions in writing it.

Kenneth Waymon Baker

2/8th Cav (Abn), 1st Calvary Div (airmoble), Nov '65-Nov '66, RVN

1/505th Inf (Abn), 82nd Airborn Div, Feb-May '68, RVN

BSEd, UGA '70

MEd, UGA '72

I've seen 100s of war movies and read several war stories, but for the first time I feel I've gained at least a basic understanding of what it was like for the average "GI" serving in Vietnam and thus have gained a better understanding of the few veterans that I personally know. I have also personally met Mr. Baker (the author) and have had many long conversations with him. Although the book is written as "fiction", 90+% of the story comes from Mr. Baker's experiences in Vietman during his two tours of duty, not as a hero, but as a kid thrown into a frightening situation. I feel the book is valuable reading for anyone who has a friend or relative who has served in the armed forces in a combat situation or anyone who would just like a glimpse into that world which only those who have served can truly understand.

The Middle East has been, regrettably, one of the most active "laboratories" of war-fighting since WWII. The lessons learned from the numerous conflicts there have had tremendous influence on the development of the concepts of maneuver warfare which are so central to current Western military doctrine. The success of that developmental process has been manifestly evident in the Coalition (essentially U.S.)-Iraqi conflicts of 1991 and 2003. Pollack's book, which is well-summarized by the other reviewers, is a fairly technical survey of the course of each of the individual Middle-East conflicts, with an eye towards elucidating the causes for the defeats of the Arab militaries in each of those wars. His analytic style will be familiar to those who have read his other, more politically charged, book, The Threatening Storm. He proposes hypotheses for Arab military ineffectiveness in his introduction, and then proceeds to evaluate the degree to which performance of each country in each conflict supports or refutes each of those hypotheses. It is a very logical, detailed method of argument which has an aura of inevitability in its conclusions. However, some in the general readership may find it a bit dry. There are few anecdotes of small unit action to liven up the narrative, which reads more like a War College document than a popular history.

The conclusions have also been summarized by the other reviewers. As I see it, Pollack proposes that Arab military ineffectiveness stems mainly from an inability of smaller units, either on land or in the air, to engage in the free-flowing maneuver and combined-arms co-ordination required for tactical success on the modern battlefield. He proposes that problems reliably using and maintaining sophisticated modern weapons systems are also significant, but the root cause is the inflexibility of the small unit. Pollack attributes this mainly to failings of the junior officer corps, but I would like to have seen a discussion of the role of the non-commissioned officers in Arab armies, since the ability of Western NCOs is a major factor in the strength of Western militaries.

Pollack does not propose an explanation for the limitations he identified. It would be fascinating to read an evaluation of his conclusions in light of the Arab Development Report, to assess the degree to which the military deficiencies are indirect manifestations of aspects of Arab culture. My own hypothesis (although I am certainly no expert) is the observed limitations arise from an absence of a technological, machine-oriented, society that emphasizes individual empowerment and action, an inherent conservatism that values the collective (umma) at the expense of personal initiative, and an system of personal worth and honor that limits the ability to recognize and convey negative information. In other words, many of the factors that are at the heart of criticisms of Western (and especially U.S.) society by the Arab world are those that are associated with Western success, and Arab failure, in modern war.

Of course, as Pollack points out, the nature of war is not static. And there may come a time in the future when Arab militaries are more effective, politically if not tactically or operationally. For instance, the development of asymmetric warfare takes advantage of Arab personal courage and willingness to sacrifice for the collective, and suicide bomber vests are not sophisticated weapons systems. But, without a significant restructuring of Arab society, it is hard to see how the limitations detailed so mercilessly in this book will be overcome in a way that will allow the Arabs to prevail on a conventional battlefield.

After reading "The Threatening Storm", I bought this for further background and to continue to assess the quality of Pollack's research. This seems a detailed and objective analysis.

Pollack analyzes each of the Arab armies, and finds, as noted in other reviews, that Arab soldiers have often been incredibly brave, but with tactical leadership uneven at best, and often truly awful.

I take away from this that at least part of the problem is not just that lower-ranking officers are not good, but that the common problem has been *architectural*. That is, the structures and motivations of these governments have almost never allowed for independence and initiative at the lower levels. In some cases, it is clear that various rulers never wanted the military to be too independent, and this resulted in a rigid centralized-control approach.

Hence, perhaps it is possible this is a military problem, i.e., train better tactical leadership, but the consistency of the problem makes me think that it is more of a government/society issue, where the existing structures simply don't encourage the long-term existence of flexible troops.

In any case, fine analysis with comprehensive military history of the era.

Accessibly written by Kenneth M. Pollack (a former Persian Gulf military analyst for the CIA), Arabs At War: Military Effectiveness 1948-1991 is a straightforward and comprehensive "power history" of Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Libya, Saudi Arabia, and Syria during the post-World War II epoch. Studying in meticulous detail the often difficult evolution of Arab militaries in terms of how they learned from their past experiences and conflicts, the frame of mind that permeates the military strategy of these nations today, and much, much more, Arabs At War is a seminal and sobering contribution to contemporary Military Studies and Middle East Studies reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

Aithough i haven't read through the full content so far it seems informative especially generation of forms.Key concepts have been well explained.As a Oracle consultant and having worked in many Oracle based companies like BellAtlantic,USXchange etc and having used designer 2000 for database generation for the past 8 months , i would recommend this book to all oracle designers /developer/Consulatnts and other IT professionals

Regards

Clear, focused, full of tips and techniques this book guides you generating forms and reports (even complex ones). It has adequate examples and enough discussion to assist you in choosing which technique fits best.

Relevant for versions 2 and 6. Specifically covers generation. So you may wish to check Oracle Designer Handbook if need help using the tool in other aspects rather than generation.

This is one of the best organized and most clearly written technical books that I have ever read. The authors clearly put a lot of effort into making a quality book. This is refreshing to find with so many IT books that are obviously written in a rush to "scoop" other authors.

Be sure that you know what you are buying. This book spends the first few chapters laying the groundwork and describing the application generation process in general. Then they get into the details of generating Oracle applications using designer with the goal being 100% generation. If CASE methods for application generation using Oracle Designer is not what you are looking for then keep looking, that is exactly and and only what you will find in this book.

I found this book very interesting to read. I did not find it disturbing or brilliant. Anyone who uses the internet, watches television and videos and has been jet lagged from global travel will find this an accurate account of contemporary post-modern man's global lifestyle It has the same fun reading style and spirit as T.Friedman's "The Lexus and The Olive Tree" but with a psychosocial take rather than an economic social view. This work is not grounded in biological science and the generalizations he does make from quantum science are skewed though standard post-modern mantra as far as I know. Scientists may not relate to nature or reality directly as he argues but they do relate to mathematical inferences about nature that allow them to predict with a high degree accuracy how nature works. Otherise I wouldnt' be writing this on the computer. But then Gergen himself says that the book may be just fiction or invention not a building of ideas on top of ideas. Readers interested in the topic of self-consciousness could balance Gergen's argument with A. Damasio's "The Feeling of What Happens" and G. Edelman's "Bright Air and Brilliant Fire".Both of these works attempt to ground consciousness in the body.

This is a very exciting and important book. Read it! "Social saturation" is a concept that needs to be looked at. "And it's okayyy."

Reviewer: LUIS MENDEZ (luismendez@codetel.net.do) from DOMINICAN REPUBLIC este libro es fantastico, nos descubre, nos indaga, nos hace curiosos y participes de las cosas de nuestro yo, que se encuentra atiborrado de cosa, de pensamientos, de acciones, de traumas, espero que lo lean y que lo disfruten tanto como lo he disfrutado yo. LUIS MENDEZ crazzyteacher@hotmail.com

Readers of Scottish historical romance are in for a real treat! With rich detail, intricate plot, and finely drawn characters, Debra Lee Brown creates the ultimate historical romance. Few writers can make flawed heroes delectable and yet Gilchrist Mackintosh is the proverbial to die for with an extra twist. Rachel is a stunning heroine that readers will cheer on until the very end. Don't miss this exciting tale! Denise A. Agnew, best selling author of BRIDGE THROUGH THE MIST

In THE VIRGIN SPRING, award-winning author Debra Lee Brown has written a beautiful story of love and passion that will warm your heart. The hero is a man of power and pathos, while the heroine is likeable and strong. The amnesia angle was not contrived or cliched, but was as fresh and interesting as the rest of the book. I love Scottish historicals and found Ms. Brown's book to be both accurate and entertaining. I look forward to her next offering!

The masterful Debra Lee Brown crafts an intriguing tale of historical romantic suspense.

The tormented Gilchrist is having enough trouble resuming his role as leader of the clan Davidson after a fire ravages his body and nearly destroys his spirit. The last thing he needs is to be looking after a lovely lass with no memory of her past-- or is it? A beautiful story of the healing power of love is woven with enough intrigue to keep readers turning pages quickly. Debra Lee Brown makes an impressive debut-- definitely an author to watch.

This is one terrific book. Ken Myers delves deeply into popular culture. He does a great job of grounding his research and findings in a theological framework. He cites everyone from C.S. Lewis to Bob Dylan to G.K. Chesterton to Bo Diddley.

This book is so needed today. So much of pop evangelicalism and even the mainline churches have unwisely and unthinkingly schmaltzed the Church's glorious message into a dumbed-down, styrofoam, homogenized pop culture framework and are submerging the Church's heritage into it. (See Marva Dawn's book "Reaching Out Without Dumbing Down"). I refuse to listen to my local Christian radio station because they've pretty much pancaked their format to just watered-down pop Christian music, pretty much devoid of hymnody or anything with any history to it. What if the World War II generation had demanded that the Church's glorious history and hymnody be replaced by Lawrence Welk-style tunes? That's exactly what's happening today.

Read Myers' book to find out the values of popular culture and how they compare to high and folk cultures. This book will provide you with much great background, and, most importantly, helps you to think Christianly. It's creative, intelligent and a very enjoyable read.

From telling us what culture is and the various levels of it to what it means to be "in the world but not of it," Myers delivers the best to date analysis of culture and Christianity. Of the numerous insights he gives, one of the favorites is: schools do not just give knowledge, they do cultural assimilation. And we wonder why our schools are letting us down! This is a must read for Christians and those into popular culture!

I read this book when it first was published and it has helped me to frame my thinking ever since. I have yet to find the author wrong in his conclusions. Rather, as time goes by, he proves to be more and more on target. It is too bad more people are not aware of this work.

Every character in this book is multi dimensional, capable of both good and evil. Worth reading for the characters alone.

The Alley Cat is a book that is altogether encouraging, discouraging, and a funny, poignant tale of learning to stand on your own two feet.

I loved and hated each character, because their good and bad traits were so vividly described by Beauchemin. Monsieur Emile and Ratablavasky are by far the two greatest characters created in Canadian Lit, if not Lit altogether. What a great story.

Modern-day Dostoevsky Beauchemin is! His writing is filled with urban decay and human foibles, modernized and made funnier. Read this!

From the first line of this novel you will be hooked. This book is passionate, compassionate, humorous, grotesque, bizarre and epic in every regard. The language zips along with wonderful ingenuity and the characters are magnificent. An earlier reviewer mentioned two brilliant characters, but there are many, many other memorable characters in this wonderful book. Up until the last five pages of this very large novel, you are held wondering how it will all end. A great novel worthy in tribute to such luminous writers as Dickens or Thackery. You will roll on the floor laughing, and you will hold your breath at some of the more tragic moments. One of my favourite novels of all time. A great read.

The ultimate hymn story resource- has almost hymns form every tradition. Must read! Only thing you might want is a volume 2!

Kenneth Osbeck has compiled a collection of background stories on some wonderful hymns. In reading the story as well as the accompanying Bible verses, you get a solid sense of the message that the hymn is trying to convey. This is a great devotional book, whether you're familiar with these hymns or not. You don't have to be a musician or even know the hymns really well to enjoy this book.

This devotional is unique because it gives the hymn's author and composer and some encouraging background information. I read it to my wife in the morning, and then we sing the hymn if we know it, then read the Scripture portions and then I pray. What a glorious way to begin the day. I highly recommend it.