One reason I picked up Countdown at Half-Price Books was because I remember Frank Borman doing commercials for Eastern Airlines when I was a kid. Although I expected more of his book to be about the Apollo days, I was by no means disappointed. This book is actually three books: One about Borman at West Point, the other about Borman in the Air Force, and the one about Borman at Eastern Airlines. The one I liked the best was about Eastern Airlines.

Like Frank Borman, I am an engineer myself (I grew up on NASA's back gate) and I really enjoyed his "tell it like it is" and get "back to basics approach" at Eastern. When Borman became President of Eastern in 1975, he got rid of the private jets, the fancy cars, the plush office furniture, and said "get to work." He also streamlined the middle-management and got rid of the "deadwood" and implemented a lot more "common sense." He thought Eastern buying SST's would be ludricrous on the Miami to New York route (because they would have to begin descent too soon), got rid of planes that were fuel inefficient (especially after looking at maintenance logs and finding that repairs were costing three times of what new planes were), and I don't know of any corporate president that had enough class to negiotiate leasing four Airbus aircraft at no cost. Leasing Airbuses was an awesome and risky move that paid off. Several airlines today use Airbus (Northwest, USAir, United) and Borman helped pave the way for America to buy these. Being a pilot and an engineer, Borman would even fly some of these planes himself. These are three examples of why engineers today are needed in higher management positions.

Borman also made the people of Eastern unite after he became President. He would visit them at airports and fly on planes with them, looking at "lets all work together and accomplish the mission. We have to earn our wings every day." Borman was always honest with his fellow employees about what was going on (no bulls--- )and followed through with "Duty, Honor, Country". Eastern Airlines profited more from 1976 to 1980 under Borman's leadership. What killed Eastern in my opininion was Airline Deregulation and the unions fighting against Eastern, primarily the IAM. Borman tells much of this story.

One thing that threw me off as I read this was how many airlines were in business when I was a kid that aren't there anymore (Braniff, Piedmont, Pan Am, People's Express, Air Florida, etc.) I know Braniff was an example of executives taking care of their own interests (fancy cars, meals, penthouse office suites,etc.) Frank Borman always had his head and his heart in the right place -EASTERN. I learned a great deal from Countdown-we need more executive officers like Frank Borman.

I have yet to see a better and more credible depiction of the upside/downside of astronaut persona. In his modest and understated way Frank Borman describes his career through the military, the astronaut program, and the private business sector. A genuinely honest man who embodied the best values of middle America, Borman commanded two of the most visible and critical flights of the early manned space program: the epic endurance flight Gemini 7 in 1965 and the stunning circumlunar Apollo 8 adventure of Christmas Eve 1968. Widely respected in NASA and government circles, he was selected to lead the investigation of the Apollo fire which killed his comrades Grissom, White, and Chafee. He was, in every respect, an upright military man who embraced the challenge of the space race with dogged tenacity.

So why, with every page, does the reader feel like he is moving inexorably toward a train wreck? Perhaps because Borman's candor compels him to chronicle the downside of his single-minded determination and doggedness. It is hard to say if the author intended to give us this psychological two-edged sword, or whether it is simply the fruit of honesty. In either case the clues are there: with every career choice, with every renewed commitment to NASA, Borman etched his name on the honor roll of American space heroes. And, in the process, insulated himself from family and society, with painful consequences.

Borman's personal world begins to unravel, ironically, at the time of his greatest triumph, the Apollo 8 mission to the moon. His wife Susan, already stretched thin by years as a dutiful military wife in the spotlight and totally unnerved by the Apollo 1 fire, drifted into the murky world of alcoholism. Borman admits that, totally absorbed as he was with the Apollo Program, he was completely out of touch with her drinking, relieved that at least his wife was not using prescription tranquilizers, then in vogue among astronaut wives. [Andrew Chaikin's "A Man on the Moon" describes Susan Borman's problems during Apollo 8 in much greater detail than Borman could bring himself to describe.]

Sadly unaware of the unfolding tragedy at home, Borman retired from the Air Force and proceeded to make the grand-daddy of all bad career choices, particularly considering the choices at hand. It is not clear from the text whether the author truly understood the complexities of Eastern Airlines' financial difficulties, or the character of the people he would need to do business with. Borman does concede that he knew next to nothing about unions, which would be his undoing at Eastern along with deregulation and a sagging economy. Despite his earnestness and hard work-and no one worked harder-the book ends at February 23, 1986, the night of the Eastern bankruptcy, a broken ex-astronaut crying in his wife's arms.

It is a troubling ending. It is also a reflection of the conundrum of the race to the moon. The United States would never have overtaken the Russians in the space race without men like Borman who sacrificed everything for the goal of national success. But this work reveals another side of the space race: how the race to the moon collected men like Borman, took those assets of steely self-determination, and turned them against the astronauts themselves. This is a cost of the Apollo Program that is rarely discussed, and we, like the dazed author at the end of the book, have to decide for ourselves if the cost was worth it.

This philosophical twist, perhaps unexpectedly, is the author's biggest contribution to space literature. Borman's account of his missions reveals little new material, and he remains too private a man to titillate the reader with his uncensored thoughts about, say, Jim Lovell, with whom he spent an eternity in the closest of quarters. As a narrative of the race to the moon, this is a superficial work from one so intimately connected to the space program. But my guess is that Borman's real interest in writing his autobiography was less about space hardware and more about figuring out just what the hell happened to him.

Borman's "Countdown" tells the riveting tale of his boyhood, his Air Force days, his immense contributions to the space program, and his airline career. His participation in the Apollo 1 fire investigation and subsequent Senate testimony were instrumental in getting the moon program back on track, for to everyone concerned - astronauts, Congressmen, and the press - Borman's integrity was unquestionable. This comes across immediately to the reader through Borman's narrative, but not through self-serving "Boy Do I Love Me" puffery. Indeed, Borman's sincere modesty immediately reassures the reader that this is a man who lives the motto "To Ride, Shoot Straight, and Speak the Truth".

Some of the ugly, goofball politics of the time come up as Borman and his crew are humiliated by Cornell students egged on by none other than Carl Sagan. I never really thought much of Sagan before reading Borman's book, and I think far less of him now; though in the interest of fairness I will say that Sagan's motivations were more selfish than political (he always objected to the expense of manned spaceflight, and instead advocated unmanned exploration as the best way to obtain the hard science he insisted on - this came up in a lecture Sagan gave in Seattle shortly before his death while undergoing cancer treatment), he comes across as the petty, self-serving geek he really was, not the "Mr. Friendly Scientist" he portrayed himself as in his works. Borman and his men deserved far better.

The wanton destruction of Eastern Airlines by the active sabotage of the Machinists Union is also well documented. Borman's no-nonsense, high-speed, low-drag leadership style was lost on the proto-human union bosses. It's really too bad Eastern went under, but having read what was truly going on, I now know that it wasn't Borman's fault. It speaks volumes for Borman's character that despite some bitterness and finger-pointing on his part (though his points were well-made), he accepts responsibility for his mistakes and shortcomings in the loss of Eastern, displaying the same integrity with which he has led all of his life. It's a really good book by a fine man. As another reviewer said, we desperately need more men like him. Sadly, in this politically correct, touchy-feely age, Borman's kind are a vanishing breed, and his book answers the question that titles this review. The battle to save Eastern was foretold decades ago by Ayn Rand. Borman didn't want to shrug, but was forced to. I hope the Machinists are happy now.

The authors, most of who are eminently respected in the field of cognitive therapy, have offered a compassionate and highly useful guide to working with individuals who suffer from manic depression. Their emphasis on respecting the dignity of each person and addressing the significant hopelessness and stigma that often accompany this condition is much needed. Rather than focusing exclusively on the psychopharmacological regimens that are part of the treatment of this disorder, the authors help to explicate the compounding variables such as drug and alcohol abuse, psychosocial and identity issues that complicate treatment. They address important issues such as self-disclosure and bipolar disorder in the practicing clinician, which are usually not mentioned in books about this condition. Their descriptions of the phenomenology of bipolar disorder are helpful and enlightening. All in all, I found this a useful, compassionate and long overdue guide for therapists who work with individuals struggling with this condition.

This is an excellent book about cognitive therapy for bipolar disorder. It's a little newer than Basco's book on the same subject- both books are excellent and the reader could consult either or both to learn more about the subject. This book may have been written for psychiatrists and therapists, but I think it's well within reach for the layman, and so can be read by bipolar persons and their families as well. The writing is excellent and book is well organized too. Highly recommended. Avery Z. Conner, author of "Fevers of the Mind".

A complement to recent "encyclopedias" on the subject, this is an outstanding guide for the layman. More writing of this kind will be necessary to help understand this plague of our times. But this is basic, core material. This layman highly recommends it.

Franz Auerbach, though well known in circles where figurative painting is important, has never pulled the attention of the art world in the way he should. Robert Hughes tends to that oversight in his definitive monograph on this puzzling artist. With insight and a true sense of kinship with the work, Hughes explains and then illustrates why Auerbach is worthy of admiration. Few artists can pull the figure onto the canvas surface the way Auerbach can, using what seems to be the crude pushing of pigment with palette knife and heavy brush. But these expressionistic faces groan with angst or shout their heroic stature powerfully. This is in every way a fine book dealing with a superb artist.

If you are used to having to decode the gnostic and layered texts of typical academic writing on art, this book will be a refreshing change. Hughes writes clearly, yet is not afraid to handle complex and challenging ideas. The book does an excellent job of giving you an understanding of the development of Auerbach's work, from the somewhat turgid work of the 50's to the dynamic paintings of the 1980's. I was especially interested in Hughes' analysis of these later paintings, which emphasizes their relationship to the real world of volume and movement. While their surfaces resemble the fevered paint of neo-expressionism, these are fundamentally pictures in which the artist is not just expressing himself, but is reacting to the "resistant" and complex world. Drawing and painting are unified; form is followed "around the back and out the other side." There are many fascinating quotes from Auerbach himself (for example, an observation that Matisse's cut-outs are such strong shapes because they proceed from an understanding of volume.) The color plates are plentiful and excellent. Careful marginal notes make it easy to refer to the reproductions while reading. This is a book you can actually read and enjoy.

Frank Auerbach's paintings are known for their expressive quality and graphic directness. This handsome monograph (the first of its kind) on the artist is a quality introduction to the reclusive British artist. Robert Hughes places the Berlin-born painter within the context of the "British School" and within the artist's personal tradition with the old masters. Auerbach's dedication to painting is evidently shown through the text and copious illustrations, including 80 in full color. The first chapter is especially interesting, offering a rare glimpse into the artist's studio which he has kept for over forty five years. This is a seminal work on a major contemprary painter.

This great paperback book is full of hillarious stories about silly named cities in our United States. The cover alone lets you know what you are in for: History Marker stating " While Bloody Battles Raged Throughout The Southern States--Nothing Happened Here----Peculiar. M.O.".

We took this along with us on a summer family drive. I kept hearing, "Hun, look, we are SO close to Climax--Georgia that is" or "Mom, wooo, look! Double Trouble is only 500 miles away!" The personally researched stories which author Frank Gallant included, were passed around and read aloud. This was almost better than the alphabet game for passing those hours on a road trip.

Notes on uncommon attractions, such as a UFO museum and , my gawd, the worlds largest landfill, only added to the fun. The illustrations are fine, yet not really needed.

Oh, still looking for Nirvana? It's in Michigan along with Hell!

A fun & educational book for all ages.

Thank you for your unterest & comment votes--CDS

Good Reference Book or leisure reading about quant U.S. towns

This is a delightful book for auto traveling, bathroom reading, or just sharing with others the chuckles of human whimsey. Some of the place naming stories have an historical perspective and while I found this interesting I enjoyed the silly and peculiar stories the most. The more you read the curiouser it gets.

I am a medical student taking my radiology elective (finally) in the spring of my fourth year. Our department loaned the book to us during the rotation. I've found it to be one of those few books that I will actually purchase to have on my shelf at home (and I'm NOT going into radiology). It is written in a pleasing, conversational manner. The illustrations are of high quality. The discussions are at just the right level for an introduction to radiology. And there are many little "problems" presented throughout the text for the student to puzzle over. The answers are either listed in back, or turn up later in the "conversation" within a few pages. Although it seems long (over 500 pp?), it is mostly pictures. I highly recommend the book.

It is a very well written basic introductory book. This book is a must for any medical student interested in imaging. To get the most out of a radiology elective, suggest reading this book cover to cover.

I used this as my main text during my radiology rotation as a medical student.

I loved it. read it cover to cover and found it to be very easy to read and every page was worthwhile.

I would HIGHLY recommend it to medical students who want to gain solid introductory skills in radiology. I now feel that I can look at just about any imaging study and either make an easy diagnosis or follow the readings of radiologists with ease.

I just returned from a trip from Ecuador where I used extensively Volume II of Ridgely et als' book. Having already some acqaitance with both the birdlife of the Neotropics and the bird books on the region I found the plates and the text still very useful when identifying the birds I and my travel mates saw. The weight and the size of the book is, however, making its use very difficult out in the field. The paperback editions did not hold very well during the three weeks, and publishing the book in 3 rather than two volumes could have helped that a lot. Even though the plates do not live up to the quality of the standard dictated by Guy Tudor in the, yet, two-volume handbook on South american birds, but I still found the pictures very informative. The text on habitat, altitudinal distribution, call, and the range maps often helped to narrow down the number of look-alike-species to a manageable level, especially when identifying hummingbirds or tyrant flycatchers.
All in all (and getting back to the question in the title) I could not call this book a champion in the league of field guides for being overweight (just try to carry it on the 'D' trail near Bellavista), although it truly deserves the four stars for the text and the plates alike. If you use it as a 'hotel' rather than a field guide or need it as a reference work for your home library (or have the plates and the text of Vol. II rebound separetely, as I did) you will appreciate the amount of information gathered in this book.

What a set of books, no doubt about that! For the first time, there is a full set of very useful color plates for one of the core South American countries. It is certainly a great accomplishment to have all the species pictured in color and on a more or less consistent standard. However, I do not agree with other reviewers who rave about the plates. Too many of the bird pictures have an overall flat appearance, with the color rendition being too simplistic or too bold. And while a good number of the birds are depicted in good or even unnessessarily large size, others would have benefitted from a larger sized rendition. Just because a species is small does not mean it has to be depicted in a diminutive size, unless there are larger species of the same group on the plate. Thus, while the plates are most useful, it is nevertheless disappointing to see that the overall standard (except for the plates being all in color) is rather lower than what was already published decades ago e.g. in "Birds of Colombia".
The field guide volume has excellent range maps and very helpful comprehensive texts. A somewhat more compact layout would have allowed for a smaller overall size of the book, however. The way to do it is being demonstrated in the book itself. The texts facing the plates use the suggested compact layout most convincingly. Spanish bird names are given in the main text, but, unfortunately, there is no index for them. To conclude, this is by far the more useful field guide for the general area than the also new "Birds of Peru" with its almost non-existing texts, lack of range maps and much less satisfactory plates. (P.S. This is a revised review as I think my first version did not do the book justice.)

I just received my copy of the The Birds of Ecuador and am very
pleased with it. I think the plates are very good with a lot of
detail. I compared plates for the same species in the book: A Guide To The Birds of Costa Rica, an excellent book also, and
found the detail to be better in The Birds of Ecuador. I also
really like the distribution maps for each species. I am
planning to do a birding trip to Ecuador and the maps will help
in making the travelling plans.

This book has some wonderful ideas contained between its covers. The underlying assumption is that people are either motivated by rewards or punishment. There is a flowchart that helps you understand how to influence (read manipulate) people into behaving as you want them to.

The author gives many examples that make it seem as though his method of dealing with people is the most effective one. There are more aspects to leadership and management than he describes, and I can just picture in my mind's eye a person with no people skills trying to apply these techniques to his work. Then I get scared.

I would suggest reading books by more principle centered authors first - such as the various Covey books or other ones. If you are just looking for a new perspective, buy it. If you are frustrated because nobody seems to listen to you and you want to manipulate them all to do your bidding - please quit your job. This book wont help you.

This book will change how you deal with performance problems of all sorts. Mager's step-by-step approach can be used in a broad range of situations, including team environments, manager/employee relationships, production situations, and even with your children! He makes it easy to see the logical solution that may currently be evading you.

Ann Pavkovic / Consulting Technical Writer

Before you begin your discussion of performance problems by talking about training, you need to read this common sense book by Robert F. Mager and Peter Pipe. Following a systematic algorithm, you will learn to identify your performance problem, decide how critical the problem is, and identify the underlying reasons for the existence of your problem. Problems can be a result of invisible expectations (you didn't tell me how) or what the book calls "upside-down consequences" (doing it right is not as rewarding as doing it wrong).

Using many common sense examples, this book demonstrates that solutions other than training can solve your performance problems. In fact, you will discover that training may be a useless solution that will not solve your problem. Until you take apart the expected performance, look at the component parts, and identify why the performer chooses the wrong action, you cannot correct the performance deficiency.

Training as a possible solution does not appear until the middle of the book. Training is needed because a person has never performed as required and does not know how to perform as required. Training can also help when skills have decayed over time and training is needed to refresh them.

When you look at human performance, you need to remember that people will usually follow the path of least resistance. They do not choose wrong performance because they want to be wrong. They choose the wrong performance because it is the best solution for them. Mager and Pipe uncover why people make these choices and offer you a way to achieve the correct performance you seek.

NO PRICE GUIDE AND NOT ENOUGH INFORMATION ON THE PURSES-OVER PRICED AS AN OUT OF PRINT BOOK..NOT WORTH THE MONEY...NEW BOOK OUT ON LUCITE PURSES..PLASTIC HANDBAGS: SCULPTURE TO WEAR IS MUCH MORE ENLIGHTENING AND HELPFUL

A fantastic collection of the most spectacular and unusal vintage handbags ever made. Interesting story about the collector, too - a man, believe it or not! A previous reviewer criticized this book because there are no price values. As a collector of lucite and other vintage handbags, I can only say that prices in the books are never accurate anyway and as far as I'm concerned are useless. Also, two identical looking lucite bags can be hundreds of dollars apart in value simply because of some flaw, maybe only minor, in the condition. Only experience can teach you how to accurately value these bags. The prices given in the "other book" by Kate Dooner (which is a great book, too) are only guesses and sometimes far afield. Buy this book to learn about the styles and manufacturer's, but mostly buy it for the knockout photographs of these little works of art!

If you have a copy of this book for sale, please contact me at kmrust@earthlink.net

Read the workbook and found that although I'm sure that it is useful for others you really have to be of a christian faith to use this workbook. It does have many ideas and suggestions in terms of weight controll but I felt it emphasized to much on "God" and "problems with your family of orgin" and not enough on making us realized that we are in controll and we are responsible for our weight not anyone else. I would although recommend it to someone whose had a horrible childhood.

The Love Hunger Weight-Loss Workbook has literally changed my life. The workbook forced me to look into the issues behind Why I eat rather than What I eat. This book is an excellent tool for anyone looking to make permanent changes.

The book is easy to read and understand, and easy to use -it has daily readings which help you stay focused. Excellent tips that I had actually never heard before. Explains all the inner workings of your diet behaviors. I highly recommend it, and I've already bought it for several friends too.

Its an well-put together of what you really need to know of MacroEcon. and and helps really clarify if Econ. is not a dismal after all?

This book is a "must" for every economics student. It simply helps understand the big macroeconomic iceberg. It includes the labour market macroeconomic part, and some basics macroeconomics. Excellent writers, especially Mr Solow. I would strongly recommend this book.