What a wonderful little book!
I read this on a plane the other day and was floored by the insight that these two authors have.
Yes, "Stuff" does happen to us all - death in the family, loss of job and other major and minor catastrophes - heck, even good "Stuff" happens to us - but how do you deal with these events?
That's the key - thank you both for writing such a wonderful little book - my highest recommendation.

I read this book on a plane to Tucson. Loved It! Wish I had had a guide like this 57 years ago when I started Northwestern University! It also occurred to me that "Stuff Happens" will make a great text for training the 50 sales persons in our four "La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries" We spend a lot of time on product knowledge and sales techniques. "Stuff Happens" with its wonderful natural breaks to "make a list" or "walk around the room" and its clear summary of each point, will be an ideal text to follow to help get across the kind of attitude we expect from our sales force in handling all the "Stuff" that happens on a retail floor.

Stuff Happens (and then you fix it!) is an engaging inspirational book that will help you deal with life's rough spots and teach you how to turn them into positive, personal growth opportunities.
The 9 Reality Rules that Alston and Thaxton present to the reader are easy to understand and filled with so much insight and truth.
This book is a must-read for anyone who has had tough times in their life. It will motivate you and inspire you to think in a new way!

This is probably my favorite of Lloyd Alexanders books! Its a hilarious story with a great storyline and fabulous characters! And who couldnt love the cat! Its definitely the funniest and most light-hearted of all of his books. A must read!

Lloyd Alexander is probably the greatest children's author living today. Gypsy Rizka is another great book by the master. Alexander has always brought strong heroines to children's lit. Rizka is yet another great to add to the list: Eilonwy from The Prydain Chronicles, Mickle from the Westmark Trilogy, Isabel from The Marvelous Misadventures of Sebastian, and Vesper Holly from her own books (there are also a few more which I haven't gotten to yet). This novel, besides its excellent characters, has a lot of humor. Alexander displays his unbelieveable imagination with the unusual methods Rizka utilizes to get out of trouble. Nobody mixes high adventure with humor as well as Alexander. The prose in this novel is unbelievably polished also. Gypsy Rizka doesn't have as much depth as some of Alexander's other novels, but there are not very many childrens books that can entertain like this one can. Overall, Gypsy Rizka is an amazing novel.

This excellent, humorous, well-written books tells the story of a young half-Gypsy girl Rizka living in a town with an archenemy, an admirer, and a friend.

The villianous Sharpnack wants Rizka run out of town, so he cooks up devious plots. But Rizka cleverly outwits him every time.

Rizka only stays in this town where she has hardly a friend because she is waiting for her gypsy father to return to get her. Meanwhile, she becomes good friends with the warm-hearted Big Franko, becomes the sole admirer of Sofiya Pumpa, the mayor's daughter, and achieves the status of enemy in the Councilor in Chief Sharpnack's book.

You will laugh as Rizka cleverly outsmarts Sharpnack and slowly wins the townspeoples' trust fairly and squarely. (She even helps two couples get married!) I recommend this book very highly.

P.S. If the person who gave me this book (you know who you are) reads this, I broadcast "Thank you so, so, so much for this great book!"

This book contains the complete set of scripts for the Black Adder TV episodes, made by the BBC. Black Adder aired as four individual series of six episodes each: The Black Adder, Black Adder II, Black Adder the Third and Black Adder Goes Forth. It does not contain the Xmas special.

The screenplays were written by Richard Curtis (Mr. Bean, Not the nine o'clock news) and Ben Elton - possibly one of the funniest modern writers.

In the first series, Black Adder is a weak chinned, effeminate heir to Richard, Duke of York. Set in medieval England, we are introduced to two of the most often recurring characters in Black Adders live(s) - Percy and Baldrick. Lord Percy is an eager to please, high strung dolt. Baldrick, an filthy peasant that is under qualified to be the village idiot, acts as Black Adder's golfer. Although funny, the first series may miss an American audience with some of it's historical references.

In the second series, Black Adder's next descendant is no longer heir to the throne but remains one of Queen's dearest friends. Set in Elizabethan England, we get to follow Black Adder as he plots to carouse, fornicate and steal his way to pleasure. Even funnier than the first series, Black Adder gets far more clever. We are also introduced to two additional, recurring characters - Melchett and Flash. Melchett is a pompous, over bearing palace sycophant and Flash is fast moving ladies man with more than just a sword hanging between his legs.

Black Adder's fortunes have considerably fallen by the Third Series, where he is now serving a butler to the Price Regent of England, the stupidest man in the land. Again, the clever Black Adder schemes to raise himself at the expense of everyone around him. Other great English comedic actors Hue Laurie, Robbie Coltrane and Tim McInnery all make appearances.

In the fourth and final series, Black Adder finds himself caught on the front lines of World War I. Trying to eke out a comfortable existence without being sent out on a suicidal charge against the Kaiser, Black Adder's fourth series is somewhat reminiscent of Mash. Without all the nice doctor's off course. This series has the "crudest" humour of all.

Black Adder is undoubtedly one of the funniest English comedy series ever made and the screenplays are worth owning.

Even if you are NOT a die-hard fan of The Black Adder--you WILL be after reading this book. It consists of all the scripts from the television show and reads very well. In fact, for those who have never even seen the television show, this book is easy to follow, extremely witty, and absolutely hilarious and will make you want to run out and buy the series on video!!! It translates very well in book format--I can hardly say enough good things. Profits from the sale go to Comic Relief--also, as an added bonus, the book features Black Adder's "greatest insults" and lots of other "fun stuff" from the Dark Ages, including most effective torture devices, best cures for skin diseases and deformities, etc. etc. very tongue-in-cheek. Loved it! Go out and buy this book! Highly recommend and you will laugh out loud!!

This compendium of scripts from the four Black Adder series is the perfect instant mood enhancer. Carry it to work, on the train, and best of all, to the in-laws for emergency bathroom reading. Tension and anxiety are sure to melt away after the howls of laughter induced by reading some roaring, spiffing exchanges, especially, Blackadder's hyperbolic similies.

Even for an inveterate brooder like me, it's virtually impossible to stay in a snit after a glance or two of these cunning and subtle transcripts of one of the world's most hilarious and brilliant sitcoms.

As other reviewers have noted, the dialogue translates well into print, thanks to editorial asides and stage directions. Some of the material is even funnier read than viewed. For those who haven't seen the Black Adder series, be aware that a few pages of this book can instigate quite an addiction, leading to stronger stuff like the complete series and specials on VHS. Hurrah!

Every one of the twenty-one chapters of this work contains solid, biblical teaching on finding fulfillment in God. His purpose for our lives is not to be downcast and depressed, but to experience joy in Him. I can't tell you how much I have gained from reading this book. Lloyd-Jones very capably describes the freedoms that are ours in the Christian life when we think and act biblically. Don't miss this one.

About the only thing I don't like about this book is the title. Perhaps the rise of counseling and psychoanalysis has given "depression" an overly narrow meaning. The book is really about living the Christian life and what obstacles get in the way of experiencing the joy of a relationship with God that historical Christianity supposedly promotes. Like most of Lloyd-Jones's books this is a collection of sermons and his expository preaching is second to none. Lloyd-Jones developes a theme, finds pertinent biblical passages to support his doctrine, developes them with a careful reading of the text and shows how the central passages is supported by other Biblical examples. A great gift for new Christians or resource for maturing Christians who feel themselves falling into the rut of stale religion instead of dynamic faith, this book captures the power and authority of great preaching at its very best

In this book based on the sermons of Martyn Lloyd-Jones, depression is analyzed with sensitivity and insight into the sins and attitudes that cause it. Without completely throwing aside modern psychology, the author delves into human nature and why Christians in particular struggle with depression. He discusses the role of faith, spiritual disciplines, guilt, bitterness, and more.

Pastors should read this book in order to understand and counsel their congregants, and all Christians should read it in order to counsel themselves and edify others.

...But I still haven't found the book that will do the work for me yet.

This book speaks specifically to people who aspire to creative careers. Lloyd talks about the pitfalls that keep people from creating, as well as the structures in the day that foster artistic activity. The author knows intimately what helps and what doesn't, in terms of an artists' career development and personal habits. Also, throughout the book are descriptions and interviews with successful artists. These were instrumental in helping me see that there are many different ways to be a successful artists, and that it is possible to make a living doing art. In fact, nothing seems more fun than that!

To anyone who is creative, not necessarily even an artist, I HIGHLY recommend this book. I've read many, many career books, and this one has done it like no other, because it goes beyond merely brainstorming what you love to do, into structuring your lifestyle to focus on what you love to do.

At first glance I shied away from the book. After all, it clearly is a specialized text for artists only! How wrong I was." Creating a Life Worth Living "addresses the need of both artists and non-artists to search for a creative life and maintain it. The concepts, exercises and techniques shared in its pages speaks to the unactualized creativity embeded in our souls. Of course the text is focused on artists (broadly used term) but the imparted information can be used by people in all fields of endeavors.

I found three areas of information especially helpful to the non-artist. First, you are provided with mini-profiles and interviews of artists ( in varied fields) sharing their journey of success. Their stories put in perspective that one must struggle and stay disciplined in your field. Second, the author develops artistic profiles to enable a person to identify their inherent artistic style of creativity. The profile is almost an echo of the Myers Briggs Type Indicator profile only this time geared for artists. Such a profile helps an artist to capitalize on their strengths. Third, jobs are identified that can support or undermine your creativity. The pros and cons are discussed to enable you to make the best out of your long term artistic goal. No matter how creative you are certain material needs have to be met (ie, drudgery job) in order to live and fill your artistic goal.

Lloyd's book is an excellent manual on how to live out and actualize your creative spirit regardless of what field you choose. Your dreams will become a reality through planning, research, imagination and putting your plan into action.

This book is about a woman named Rebecca. She hates pumpkins, because when she was little, that is all she ate for a month was pumpkins. Her well planted garden has everything BUT pumpkins. One day, a pumpkin truck went speeding down her road. The truck made a sharp turn and a huge pumpkin fell off the truck, and into her yard. After cleaning it up, Rebecca forgot about the whole incident. The following year during spring, Rebecca went outside to find that the pumpkin smithereens the following year had caused more pumpkins to grow. Soon, a mass amount of pumpkins is growing in Rebecca's yard.

I liked this book because the ending is not what you would expect. To find out what happens to Rebecca, read this book.

A favorite to my 4 year old. Personally, I enjoy the subtle messages it carries that I am sure that he will injoy when he starts reading it for himself. Very humane side that makes it injoyable for me too.

Rebecca Estelle has a problem on her hands. Rebecca Estelle is a white-haired woman who lives with her calico cat Esmeralda. She hates pumpkins because when she was a youngster her family was poor and ALL they had to eat was pumpkins. She doesn't even like to think about them. One day a truck loaded with pumpkins loses a pumpkin that smashes in Rebecca Estelle's yard and sends seeds flying every which way. When plants spring up she refuses to tend to them and just ignores them all summer long. She won't even go over near the space where the pumpkin smashed. In autumn, much to her surprise there is a huge pumpkin patch just filled with beautiful big orange pumpkins. At first she is horrified. There is a SEA of pumpkins! She uses her clever ingeniuity and her practical good sense to figure out a wonderful way to not only use up the pumpkins, but to attract many people to help her share the pumpkins. She ends up with a delightful party atmosphere, sharing a happy Halloween and she patches up her differences with pumpkins. The illustrations are utterly charming, brightly colored and filled with warm and homey country scenes. The feeling of autumn's hazy nostalgia and the wonderful aromas of harvest baking almost leap up out of the pages. Parents will enjoy reading this one every year at Halloween and the kids will love it for years to come.

This is a lexicon of solid, practical persuasion verbiage that you can use in your arsenal to help you get past the prejuidiced biases of prospects. I've implemented several of the techniques the author suggests as well as created a book of my own phrases and terms to use when the need arises. This has helped to shape my very own verbal arsenal. Not that you'll rely on ALL of the techniques offered in this manual rather that they're ready and at hand to use when the time comes up. Enjoy & Good Selling!

Although this book teaches you hypnotic sales techniques, you don't necessarily need to be a salesperson to use these techniques. Much of life is "selling" anyway. For instance, you have to sell yourself to the other person that you would make a good friend or a good boyfriend or a good employee, etc. The hypnotic salesperson is really a master communicator. Who would not benefit by being a master communicator? Great communication skills is one of the most important traits of any successful person. If you are lucky enough to come across to this book, definitely read it. These skills will prove very valuable throughout your life.

If you were to buy just one book on sales, this would be it.From how to build trust and rapport quickly, to creating mesmerizing sales presentations, developing questions to overcome the most obstinate of clients and disarm strong beliefs and opinions. This book tripled my sales in a short time.The hypernesia, ideosensory trance and revivication techiques are so effective and easy to use that they should be illegal. The book also offers a series of exercises on how to personalize the techniques for your own products and services. How to build a sales script book and concludes with strategies to become a sales champion and how to overcome stress.Some people may be turned off by the affirmations...I found that they worked when accompanied with visualization and techniques explained. Learning how to turn negative thoughts into positive actions was especially useful to me and my sales team.

In 'Selling From The Heart' Steven Lloyd has created an inspirational, fresh and yet practical approach to selling. These techniques really work, not only in business but in day to day life situations too!

It is so refreshing to read a work from an author that is successful at what he does and has the writing and communication skills and abilities to teach others how to do it too! Steven Lloyd and his remarkable book will take you from theory to practical, from observation to action! This book needs to be required reading for every serious student of sales, marketing, management, and life!

It obvious that "Selling From The Heart," springs from Steven Lloyd's skill, intellect and love for selling. Steven presents profound sales wisdom in a practical, "How To" format that is easy and fun to read. The lessons he will teach you in this book can be used the same day the book is read! This book contains great exercises and examples that will lead you step by step above and beyond selling success. Steven's ideas and techniques are tried, tested and proven systems that will improve your life and career for years to come! Steven Lloyd is a true star that has a wonderful ability to put himself into the mind of his reader and lead you into experiencing what he practices. This is a great book!

"To appreciate any sport, you must learn about its entire history. And you can't truly appreciate baseball without learning about the Negro Leagues. Begin with this book."

As submitted to Hasting House on Dec. 10, 2001 via e-mail

My personal library collection of baseball books includes several hundred volumes. Only a privileged few of these books sit on a small shelf handy above my word processor. Among the selected few is a newcomer, The Complete Book of Baseball's Negro Leagues: The Other Half of Baseball History by John Holway. This unique book succinctly traces the history of Negro baseball from pre-civil war days to the end of the Negro Major League era in 1948.

Mr. Holway is no stranger to the more than 7,000 members of the Society for American Baseball Research. He has been chronicling Negro baseball history since 1969, and has produced five previous books on the topic. His innumerable newspaper and magazine articles are referenced in the book's laudable bibliography. Well indexed, this book is the culmination of over three decades of dedicated ressearch by the man who knows more about Negro baseball than any writer ever. Royse "Crash" Paarr, co-author, Glory Days of Summer: The History of Baseball in Oklahoma.

"To appreciate any sport, you must learn about its entire histroy. And you can't truly appreciate baseball without learning about the Negro Leagues. Begin with this book."

-Sports Columnist, Kansas City Star

This book covers all of the basics very well. Essential reading material for any level of hockey player and coach. I have read it over and over again.

When I wanted to improve my game I asked people around for the best book to get. They recommended this one and after seeing myself improve I recomend it to.

from basic conditioning to advanced play development, this book will help the coach bring his players up a level. the player reading it will see improvement in their game. the drills are explained in a clear manor and will definately improve the ability of the player. the section on play making is outstanding. when teaching some of the plays to my bantam and midget players, it was like a light bulb went on in their heads when they caught on to the play. this is a must have book for any one involved in the game of hockey.