Having been a native Vermonter and New Englander, I had not realized the ghostlore involved with this section of the country. Many of the stories occur within minutes of my own location. This book points out the origins and as much fact as can be researched. The end result is left with the reader as to which can be explained and that that which can not. Read this book alone at night and you will hear sounds that you used to take for granted, or did you?......

Generally, I'm don't get scared by things I read or see on television. This book, however, was quite frightening. I definitely did its job. Many of the stories in this book occurred near where I live, and I never would have imagined these stories had even existed previously. I always knew that New England had a rather strange past, what with all the Salem Witch trials and all, but these stories actually dug deeper than all of that. For instance, could you imagine strange monsters inhabiting Bridgewater, or a strange spirit force on top of Mount Washington? Naturally, these stories are merely legends, but they really make you stop and think. The documentation for this book is also quite good, as first hand accounts are recorded. When people in the law enforcement agency see things, as in this book, you know that there's probably something going on. This book only took me two nights to read. That should give you some indication as to how addictive and gripping it is.

The book is well written, organized, and indexed, with plenty of interesting stories of today and years gone by, and I highly recommend the book. The only negative thing I can say about the book is that very little skeptical research is indicated. However, the author does provide a list of his sources, so that any skeptically-minded readers may check things out for themselves.

If you want to know God in a more profound way, this is the book to read. Sheed really delivers with his easy-to-understand, explanations about the mysteries of God, the Trinity, Mary and the Catholic faith. There were so many "lightbulbs turned on" in reading this book that I now feel immensely closer to God and more knowledgeable of His plan and His works. This book is invaluable as an introduction to Theology.

I am now reading Sheed's "Theology and Sanity", which is a deeper study of the subjects found in "Theology for Beginners".

"Theology for Beginners" is a MUST READ for anyone who wants to know God better.

This book is of immeasurable value to anyone who wants to begin learning the essentials of Catholic theology. Mr. Sheed wrote this book in such a way that anyone can understand. As Scott Hahn writes in the introduction, "Frank Sheed never composed an incoherent sentence...he wrote simply, but never simplistically." This book is an invaluable resource. I find myself going back to the pages I highlited when reading more complicated works.

The book is at its best in discussing some of the more complicated issues, such as the soul, the trinity, and grace. I learned a great deal from reading this book, and it gave me the impetus to read more advanced theological works.

I really can't praise this book enough. If you are a Catholic who wants to learn more about your faith, or someone from outside the church who wonders where Catholic practices come from, definitely read this book.

A great recap for lots of areas. Worth buying for the trinity discussion alone. Very useful and clear. You will find yourself referring to the material in the book to explain things to your friends. Highly recommended.

Old children's rhyme:
Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me.

Real life:
Sticks and stones break only bones and bones they heal so fast.
But words destroy and kill the soul till nothing's left at last.

Written by a Jewish rabbi and based on his years of experience and study, this book starts with the problem of how we hurt others everyday with our words even when that is not our intention. He discusses the obvious damages of slander, propaganda and gossip and also other ways that we hurt others. For example, if we know something to be true about someone then do we tell someone else? Well, that depends on the circumstances. Is there an issue of someone else's safety involved? Will it help another to avoid financial or other mistakes? If it is just something that you know but will do nothing but cause humiliation to the other person then it is best to keep it to yourself, even if it is the truth. If the only reason to tell someone else is to lower their opinion of the person then it is unethical to disclose the information.

Can people change? I'm sure that each of us knows at least one person who has made a complete change in their lifestyle. Some for the better and some for the worst. As for me, I would not want to be judged today based on all of my opinions, words and actions as a teenager. The author looks at several ways that the press and others have ruined people because while a person can change their life, they cannot change their past.

This is a guide for all those who want to change or improve their relationship whether personal, in business, or other circumstances. This is a guide for those who want to improve their marriage or move it up to the next higher level. This is a guide for those who want to know that all their communications are ethical and moral.

You can't remove hurtful and damaging words from your vocabulary until you understand what they are and what they do. Read this book and build a better tomorrow for yourself and your family today. Don't just remove the bad ones, trade them in for new ones.... Words that heal. Inspirational, motivating, encouraging, moving words that bring your relationships into a new focus and positive balance.

This book should be given to every parent and spouse that wants to have the best relationship they can with their siblings, parents, or children.

This book changed the way I speak.

This book has taught me the damage that can be done by words and words alone. It has taught me that words need to be considered before they are spoken. Because of this book, I have examined the way I speak to friends, relatives, my children and complete strangers on the street.

Written in an easy style, Rabbi Telushkin shows by example, how important it is that we monitor our speech to avoid unnecesarily hurting others.

I heartily recommend this book to anyone who has any concern for the way their words affect others.

This book will open your eyes to the power of things you say that you may find insignificant. Once you read this book you will never feel the same about how you speak to others. You will find yourself carefully choosing your words before you say them.

This is a wonderful story about the relationship between a man and his dog. I've never gone fly fishing but I found the descriptions quite interesting. I felt like I was with Joe and Nellie on their adventues. Very moving! I highly recommend this book to everyone even if you don't have a dog!

I originally bought this book for my sister, who has golden retrievers, but thought I could never read it because I don't fish and I'll cry for sure. We'll I was wrong! I said I would only read a few pages but once I started I couldn't stop.

The author has such a wonderful relationship with his dog Nellie and his outlook on life is great. I really enjoyed his descriptions about fishing and thought afterwards maybe this might be something to try. I also loved the fact that he let the fish go after he caught them.

One of the most touching parts was when he had Nellie get into his sleeping bag with him so she would stay warm. This man truly loves his dog as much as she loves him.

Very well written and I didn't cry after all. I just wonder where Nellie is today.

Anyone who loves animals in general will love this book and don't worry about the fishing part. It's a great book!!!

P.S. My sister loved it too!! And so will you.

For those of us who are fans of Joseph Monninger's fiction (he has eight novels out and his short fiction is frequently published in literary and mainstream magazines) this book is something of a departure. A nonfiction memoir that is ostensibly a journal of a cross-country fishing trip with an ailing dog, the book is really about universal themes: life, death, relationships, man's place in nature. As with any of Monninger's prose, the descriptions are beautifully accurate and economical. You really feel like you are there with the author thigh deep in a Montana stream with trout sipping the water all around, or in some run down bar in the sticks surrounded by beer-drinking rednecks. Monninger is skilled at leaving just enough unsaid to keep the story flowing along at a good clip, and there is enough unpredictability to keep the reader's attention throughout. But what is truly wonderful about this book is its low-key optimism. Yes, life is worth living. Yes, it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. This is a book to savor. Upon finishing it I wanted to load my fly fishing gear into my old truck, whistle the dog into the back, and start driving. (And I don't even own a truck. Or a dog.) Buy this book, read it, and keep it in a prominent place on your bookshelf. There are passages you'll want to keep coming back to. Don't lend it out--you'll never get it back!

Joseph Lowery has done it yet again! 'What has he done?' you ask.

He's showing you how to go that one step farther with Dreamweaver in the book entitled Beyond Dreamweaver that you may only be dreaming of. This book covers the topics of Techniques to employ Section 508 Accessibility, Custom Tag management as applied to CMS & SMIL, but that's not all! He delves into the far reaches of extending Dreamweaver with the integration of extensions that call other Macromedia products such as Flash MX & Fireworks MX.

This book also goes into Templates on the programmatic side of things to import dynamic data into static template pages as well as using the new template features in Dreamweaver MX to build a sequential navigation system.

There is no CD for this book, but the downloads are only a browser session away which include sample pages and the extensions that Joseph has created to extend your productivity with Dreamweaver.

A great read for the intermediate to advanced user or for the beginner wanting to know more about templates, sequential navigation and Accessibility.

Beyond Dreamweaver MX is for designers and developers looking to take full advantage of the power of Dreamweaver MX. Instead of attempting to be a complete Dreamweaver reference, the book focuses on providing experienced users with tools to solve some common real world problems. In addition to addressing specific issues such as integrating with a content management system (CMS) or creating accessible sites, Beyond Dreamweaver MX provides so much great general information concerning customization, extensibility, templates and Flash/Fireworks integration that it seems certain to be useful to almost any user who is looking to increase productivity. This makes Beyond Dreamweaver worthwhile for developers who have specific needs as well as anyone just looking for ways to make their workflow smoother.

What makes Beyond Dreamweaver different is not so much the features and topics it discusses, but that it covers them from a developer's perspective and places them in a real world context. There are other books that touch on the features mentioned in this book, but Beyond Dreamweaver presents some compelling real world reasons for utilizing these features as well as some helpful examples of how you can put them to work to make your life easier.

The Web is so varied now that one program can't do it all. However, Dreaweaver and its extensibility API tries very hard to allow you to do all that you need from within its programming envrionment. If it isnt' built in, Beyond Dreamweaver can give you direction on building it in for yourself.

From incorporating Dreamweaver into your current workflow, be it a CMS, accessibility, or streaming media, to integrating Dreamweaver closely with Fireworks and Flash, then through creating your own JavaScript and C++ libraries and objects, Joseph Lowrey expands your knowledge of Dreamweaver well beyond what is detailed in the program's documentation. By using pointed examples and line-by-line code analysis, Beyond Dreamweaver took me on a learning journey that left me with ideas popping out of my brain on how I could use my new found insights to make my life easier when developing and creating content.

This book isn't written for those that have just picked up HTML, but more focused on those developers that have experience with Dreamweaver and creating/developing content for the Web. If this is you, then you need to get this book. The more experience you have, the more this book will help you recognize how Dreamweaver can help you achieve your goals, easily and efficently.

Pecar and Garbin have the rare ability to convey a complex technical subject in an easy to understand manner. The New Telecom Factbook can be read from cover to cover, piecemeal, or be used simply as a reference manual. This book weaves the confluence of Telecom Network Architecture, Technology, Regulation, and Services into a story of amazing clarity. If you need to rapidly come up to speed in Telecom, I highly recommend this book. If you are getting started in Optical Networking this book will be an important tool to help you place the optical build-out into perspective. I enjoyed reading this book and will refer to it often. -Brad Boersen, MIT System Design and Management Program

The New McGraw Hill Telecom Factbook, 2d Edition, by Joe Pecar and Dave Garbin is a technically exact and easily readable guide for students, managers, and other non-technical readers.

As a senior manager for a major IXC, I found The New Telecom Factbook succinctly provides industry-accepted terminology in a useful way for both telecommunications managers and engineers. This book will help acclimate many non-engineering people entering the telecommunications field by providing simple and precise definitions of emerging technology and terms that are technically exact, yet easily understandable for non-technical readers. The New Telecom Factbook provides telecommunications managers, users, and professionals with a single, up-to-date reference with for new technology, performance metrics, and market alternatives.

Having previously used the earlier edition of The Telecom Factbook to teach telecommunications courses, it's clear that the authors have again produced an excellent tutorial that is easily suitable for graduate-level courses in information technology and telecommunications systems tracks. Thorough presentations of complex material will systematically allow students to become familiar with industry terminology and key concepts. Detailed figures and excellent technology taxonomy charts further provide those without prior engineering or mathematical backgrounds with easy-to-follow roadmaps that cover all telecommunications fundamentals. The book also introduces many complex capabilities including DS1/DS3 (T1/T3) asynchronous multiplexing; SONET synchronous multiplexing; modulation schemes used in digital subscriber link (DSL) and cellular wireless services; Internet technologies; and many other technical topics essential for success in our emerging and converging telecommunications environment.

The New McGraw Hill Telecom Factbook 2d Edition by Joe Pecar and Dave Garbin is one of the best reference books I have ever used.It is long overdue and a must have reference on your shelf. It addresses subjects that other authors seem to treat only slightly if at all. The authors ability to explain complex subject s in a clear easily understandable manner is unique. The many illustrations and diagrams are usable by both lay persons and engineers alike. This would have been an excellent text to have had available for my college courses. This book is a key reference in my program office and I continually need to add more copies.I recommend the reading and use of this factbook to all professionasl and laymen alike who are serious about understanding the modern complex world of Telecommunications and Information Systems. Norman D Jorstad, Telecom and Information Systems Engineer and Program Manager.

As a fellow Iraqi-American, I thank Joseph Braude for writing his excellent book, The New Iraq. I bought my copy and read it cover-to-cover with glee and rapt attention.

Not only does Braude write well and demonstrate the fruits of deep research, but he also engages the reader with humor, vivid stories, and cultural insights that lead the reader to the heart of the Iraqi people. From the amazing stories of Tanukhi, the medieval judge and storyteller, to the resillient adventures of ingenious modern Iraqi businessmen, Braude weaves a delightful tapestry in The New Iraq.

As an Iraqi-American, Braude's love for the Iraqi people and their culture is evident. It's also evident that Braude is an appreciator of the best of America and is an ambassador who bridges the gap of understanding between Americans and Iraqis. He has degrees from Yale and Princeton in Arab and Islamic studies and has lived in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and throughout the Middle East. With the media coverage focusing so much on the details of war, the punditry of retired generals, and the mechanics of invasion, Joseph Braude's The New Iraq takes a step back to admire the past, present, and potentially bright future of the Iraqi people.

As an Iraqi, I want Americans to learn more about my people. I believe, as Joseph Braude does, that it is essential for Americans to engage the people of Iraq who have lived in Saddam's shadow for years. "This book is not about Saddam Hussein," writes author Braude. Indeed, this book is about the exciting yet underreported and repressed accomplishments of the Iraqi people - a people who have the potential to build a great country. In the introduction to his book, Braude offers a call to action for Americans and others throughout the world in the public and private sector to join in supporting the rebuilding of Iraq. Braude calls on Americans to contribute their talents and energies toward one of the Middle East's most talented peoples. As Braude argues in his introduction, rebuilding Iraq after the war will benefit not only the people of Iraq, but also the Middle East and the world. The transformation will take time, Braude warns, but the benefits are immense. I am so proud of the idealism, balanced with a practical streak, that 28-year old Braude radiates.

In rebuilding Iraq, Americans will show my brothers and sisters in the Arab world that the U.S. is serious about bringing civil society and the best of our values to the Middle East. Read Braude's The New Iraq for inspiration.

I was completely opposed to the war against Iraq (I even attended an anti-war rally here in San Francisco) thinking that it would be disastrous to Iraqis. Then I read accounts from Iraqis themselves about the unbelievable horrors of living under Saddam Hussein. It made me realize how little I know about the Iraqi people and what they have had to endure for so long. Just the other day, I saw Joseph Braude give an impressive interview on CNN, and I thought it would be worthwhile to read his book to get an overview of Iraq and a sense of what the future holds. I am happy to say that "The New Iraq" delivered. I found it to be extremely insightful, interesting, witty, and easy to read. Joseph Braude clearly cares about the future of the Iraqi people, and I hope that as many people as possible take his advise to heart.

Believe it, folks! The New Iraq is possible! Say 'no' to the naysayers who predict only gloom and doom and say 'yes' to The New Iraq! Think positive and read Joseph Braude's The New Iraq.

This nifty book has it all: a description of Iraq from ancient and modern times, interviews with exciting Iraqi personalities (Iraqi TV executives, refugees, diplomats, storytellers, torture victims, Baghdadi burger flippers,[] common folk, spies, technocrats, businessmen, and musicians). Braude delivers in-depth cultural analysis written with a warm, humanist touch, plus a dash of irony. The book's stellar economic analysis and forecasting are reasons enough to purchase the book. Braude reveals the strong economic assets that Iraq has beyond oil: the Iraqis are an industrious, highly competent people with great business savvy; in the past, the country was a leading manufacturer and agricultural importer in the Arab world.

Above all, I appreciated Braude's compelling story-telling and cultural descriptions that humanize Iraqi people living throughout the world. Also, the chapter on the potentially stabilizing role the Iraqi Islamic movement can play within a rebuilt Iraq is quite encouraging. Braude blends anecdotes and data quite nicely as he discusses plans to rebuild the Iraqi army, revitalize the economy, and revamp the educational system. The chapters on cultural, artistic, and journalistic revival are very unique. Even if you don't buy every argument in the book, you're bound to learn a lot and perhaps get juiced to help rebuild the country. There's really no book like this. Go for it! I bought a copy and am now buying one for my college-age niece.

I think this is the most wonderful book I've ever read. I found it very interesting and also helpful, I think is a good lesson of faith and love. There are a lot of things to learn from Father Chisholm. I recommend to read this book.

This is an unforgettable story whose message will stay with you long after the last page has been turned. Father Francis Chisolm is truly the epitome of someone living their faith. This was a beautiful book with a main character that I came to love.

A truly great work. The tale of an early Christian missionary in China through which the meaning of true faith, compassion and tolerance is revealed. Beautifully written and inspiring, the novel also stands as a quiet indictment of religious institutions and hierarchies

I read the other reviews and feel that Joe has taken a cue from Barnum on cross-promotions and networking. Pump me and I'll pump you. Nevertheless, they're basically right. A great bio on Barnum and a effective template for professional success. I'm an advertising creative director so I can vouch for Barnum's tactics and Vitale's insights. And I'm also a teacher of the history of advertising so Joe helped me a lot in dispelling Barnum myths. He was truly ahead of his time in marketing/promotions/advertising.

A great, fun book and an easy read.

Once you've read any of Joe Vitale's marketing books, you are hooked - AND - they are all worth it. I started out as an engineer, so marketing doesn't come easy. But Joe "Mr. Fire" Vitale is helping me to think like a marketer. His proactive style really mixes well with mine; I think he has a knack for writer to each person as if you happen to be the one he intended the book for.

Needless to say There's a Customer Born Every Minute has played a huge role in helping me to be a successful businessman. Ever since reading the first book of Joe's, I have considered him to be a success mentor. His wisdom is easy to follow - but more than that, it is right on! I guarantee that if you read this book, you will have tons of business and marketing ideas - it's that incredible.

In his books and tapes, Joe always covers all of the proactive bases: smart thinking, system thinking, futuristic thinking, and positive thinking. If you are truly seeking the kind of success and abundance that makes your life 100% livable - you must read this book. Some of the ideas Joe promotes are found in SUCCESS BOUND, another book built on learning how to live a proactive life that is God centered and fulfilling.

Joe's research of P.T. Barnum is fantastic! He seems to cover every aspect of the great P.T. Barnum's business acumen, plus a lot of what made him such a great person. I hope that I might be as well read and thorough some day.

My recommendation to you is, take a few minutes each day and ponder the wisdom and truths of this book and let them seep deep into your subconscious mind. Then, move out confidently towards fulfilling your dreams and goals, knowing you are one with the Creator and are truly success bound.

Best wishes for a successful and proactive future!

This book is an absolute must for adding to your business library. But it's more than a book it's a marketing tool kit. If you doubt that PT's techniques apply today just read page 7, Vitale's ideas on copywriting in chapter 7 should be posted above your computer every time you attempt to write.

The punch in my gut though was 'the best marketing tool on earth' which you can find on page 120. I highly recommend this book no matter what type of business or service you are marketing. Read this book with pen and paper ready...you'll need them!

This book is a tremendous resource on the benefits of slate and why it creates a beautiful roof. The color photographs alone make it clear why all hard slate roofs should be maintained as local/regional treasures. After reading "The Slate Roof Bible" the roof moves to the foreground whenever evaluating a building's appearance. Unfortunately too few understand the long-term asthetic and function of slate roofs, and many beautiful older homes have been downgraded with installation of asphalt roofs. This fine book not only covers all aspects of slate roof installation and maintenance, but also provides help on other projects (gutters, chimneys, etc) while you're up there :-) Read this book and discover the "secret" of slate...

This book by Joe Jenkins is one of a kind. It's a comprehensive, kalidoscopic, multi-faceted tome that everyone interested in architecture, construction, or design must read. One is duly impressed by the encyclopedic knowledge and obvious love and care Mr. Jenkins has brought to his subject. The photos are outstanding and lead you to the conclusion that slate roofs are truely a work of art. This book not only explains the history of slate (as if that weren't enough), but it also devotes the last half to giving practical instructions on how to preserve slate roofs. It argues convincingly that the loss of slate roofs in favor of inferior materials reflects a lowering of aesthetic (and economic) values. After reading this book, you'll want one yourself, and if you already have one, you'll know how to preserve it. The writing is folksy, down home, and humorous, as if Jenkins were pontificating to you from the top of a cathedral as he's replacing a tile. As an example of Jenkins' elevated taste, he opens the book with a phenomenal poem that encapsulates in musical language the poetry of slate. Leaving no slate unturned, the poem artfully recreates the spiritual and aesthetic resonances that slate suggests. The poem is worth the price of the book itself, as is the creative cover by Tom Griffith. All in all, no house with a roof should be without it.

Who knew one could get so excited about slate roofing. After reading this book, I am so motivated to tackle the roof on my house. Everywhere I walk now my head is pointed upwards to look at the slate on roofs. My father always told me that slate lasts 100 years - but never did I imagine it could last up to 400! The most interesting thing about this book is the geology of slate. Mr Jenkins clearly shows his experience but also his passion for this type of roof - which is more than a roof- it's a piece of architectural history. The book appropriately enough starts with a poem - because slate can truly inspire poetry. My only criticism is that in his passion for slate, Mr. Jenkins occasionally slights terne roofing. Being in a barn, garage or gazebo under a terne / tin roof during the rain is just as poetic as slate. I remember looking for books on terne roofing, a skill which thankfully my father passed on to me, and found in some complete guide to roofing (sic) that 'metal is no longer an acceptable roofing material because of the noise it makes during rain'. My God - they just don't get it. Tthe poetry of rain on a tin (or slate) roof. Pity the people who have never heard that soothing, lulling sound.