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Book reviews for "Nelson,_Peter" sorted by average review score:
Managing for Dummies / Marketing for Dummies (2 Book Set)
Published in Paperback by Hungry Minds, Inc (1900)
Authors: Bob Nelson, Peter Economy, Alexander Hiam, and IDG Books
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A Great Learning Tool
Marketing for Dummies is one of the best books a person can read to achieve a comprehensive understanding of marketing and its influence on the business world. The book's use of descriptive, understandable language and its focus on the essential "4 P's of Marketing" make it a much needed read for anyone new to the business world. The author carefully lays out the necessities of a marketing position, the goals of the marketing department, and powerful tools used to perform this essential part of business effectively and as economically as possible.

Marry Like a Man: The Essential Guide for Grooms
Published in Paperback by Plume (1992)
Author: Peter N. Nelson
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Manly ways to have a girly wedding.

The author has a Dave Barry writing-style which made this book a relaxing read while planning our wedding. However, he actually brought up relevant, but obscure, issues like checking out the site for potential construction on your wedding day, handling the parking situation, etc. Few wedding planners actually go over this sort of stuff except in retrospect, and it's nice to see it suggested.

However, these suggestions are presented as something the groom can do while control of the rest of his wedding day is being handled by the women. While the defeatist attitude is amusing in that it goes with the writing-style, it's rather shaking to see in an actual wedding planner.

I recommend this book highly: just be preapred for the overall theme.

Possessory Estates and Future Interests Primer
Published in Paperback by West Wadsworth (1996)
Authors: Peter T. Wendel and Charles I. Nelson
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fun and excitement with future interests
This book is an absolute must for any first year law student. It provides clear and simple explanations of the several different kinds of possessory estates and their related future interests. It will also provide you with sets of practice problems(and explanations) to help sharpen your skills with such abstract concepts as vested and contingent remainders, rights of re-entry, possibilities or reverter, and the much celebrated(and bewildering) rule against perpetuities. These problem sets will not only keep you entertained and amused for hours, but they will also help prepare you for final exam in property. This book might also be fun for anybody depraved, and boring, enough to study this type of material for their own edification.

Transpersonal Knowing: Exploring the Horizon of Consciousness (Suny Series in Transpersonal and Humanistic Psychology)
Published in Paperback by State Univ of New York Pr (2000)
Authors: Tobin Hart, Peter L. Nelson, and Kaisa Puhakka
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Talking about the ineffable.
Today psychologists nip closely at the heals of lawyers and doctors as top parasites in the lower intestine of public misfortune. There are nevertheless still a few dedicated people in the field who avoid the institutionalized witch-doctor clap-trap of this psuedo-science and approach human behavior head-on, pun intended, by looking at the raw data that is present immediately to all of us, human consciousness. What is the business of human consciousness? Their answer, "knowing", directly, intuitively and unencumbered by the prejudice of cyclical neuroses or circular rationalization. What are the limits of this consciousness/knowing continuum? There are none to be found anywhere. And, this is more more than a logical conclusion, it is an experiential, experimental conclusion. The editors, particularly Kaisa Puhakka, have no gimmicks of popular self-help to pander, no nine hundred numbers backed by Taro cards. They don't even offer statistics or new psychy buzz words. Yet, they have only language to talk about that which is basically ineffable. And for that, they do a more than servicable job of copernicus-izing psychology starting from the inside out.

Consulting For Dummies®
Published in Paperback by For Dummies (19 Mai, 1997)
Authors: Bob Nelson and Peter Economy
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Good for starters, but states the obvious
I bought this book because I was planning on going into consulting and read many good reviews only to be disappointed. I agree with fsb102 in that it states the obvious, things that common sense will tell you. For example: be organized, referrals are key, have prepared letters, be professional. Even what to include in the letters is basic.

However, I do see how this can help someone completely new to business or consulting, especially someone that hasn't gone to college. It gives a basic understanding of what consulting is about.

Consulting for Dummies review
I read "Consulting for Dummies", by Bob Nelson and Peter Economy, cc1997 Book Worldwide, Inc. This is definitely an introduction to consulting book. I found that it was easy to read, as well as enjoyable. I would like to cover the authors' credentials, the book itself, and what I found most valuable about the book. To begin with, Bob Nelson of Nelson Motivation, Inc. has published 17 different business and management books. He has a master's degree in business administration and has been in the forefront of the media, regarding business and marketing. His co-author Peter Economy is currently a freelance business writer and a business consultant. He has published two other books, including, "Managing for Dummies", and has published other written articles as well. He has over 15 years of management experience and is currently pursing his MBA. Together these tow authors create a book that can be read and comprehended by anyone. If you're planning to enter the consulting arena I would recommend this be the first book you acquire. The book begins by seeing if an individual is cut out to be a consultant. Once it is decided that being a consultant is for you, then you can move on to anyone of the books 28 chapters. The highlights include the following. Why consult, what consultants do, choosing the right route and making the transition to consulting are what comprise the first section of the book. These items are very useful in showing the reader the path to success. This first part will find out what you are good at, and how to expound upon that. The second phase of the book walks you through the consulting process. This includes defining the problem, what kinds of data are available and what to do with it. It also covers problem solving and developing and making recommendations. This is the heart of the book! The authors do a fantastic job of laying out the material and breaking it down in layman terms. Part three of the book is what I would call the lungs of the book, not as important as the heart, but still vitally to overall success. This part includes things like image, communication, how to do successful reports and how to make technology work to your benefit. This will help guide you once you have the basics. Once you have read, and reread the first three parts, then you can move on to setting up and marketing your consulting business. These two areas are covered quite extensively. This is where you will learn how to generate and sustain business, set up your fees and build your business, also this part will show you how to negotiate a contract as well. The last part of the book is called the "part of tens". This is several chapters with ten ideas in each, for example, ten tips for negotiating a great contract, or the ten biggest mistakes a consultant can make. While all of these book was worth reading several ideas were the most important for my needs. I thoroughly enjoyed the chapter on whether or not to have a home based office or not. It was something I had considered but I didn't see the cons before reading this chapter. While I am still planning to work at home, I am aware of some pitfalls to avoid. I also enjoyed the chapter on tracking time and money. The book even gave me an activity log that I plan to incorporate into my daily practice. I enjoyed the set up of this book. While this may seem a minute point, to me it is not. The layout, with the table of contents helped me find everything I needed without a lot of wasted time. I also loved the fact that the authors used several different icons to denote things that were extra important, or pitfalls to avoid. This book, written by very knowledgeable authors contains quite a bit of information. I pointed out some parts that were helpful for me. While everyone's' needs of this book maybe be different, I firmly believe everyone needs this book.

A very comprehensive and useful resource
I am very pleased with my purchase of Consulting for Dummies. I am fairly new to consulting and I couldn't find any other books on the topic that were as comprehensive or that covered as many bases as this book did. Not only that, but the book is fun to read and not stuffy or dry like many business books can be. I especially liked the interviews that the authors did with a number of consultants. The interviews were full of great advice from professionals with many years of consulting experience. I refer to the book often when I have questions about how to build my business or how to handle problems with clients.

The Orthodox Study Bible: New Testament and Psalms
Published in Hardcover by Thomas Nelson (1993)
Authors: Peter E. Gillquist, Alan Wallerstedt, Joseph Allen, Calif.) Saint Athanasius Orthodox Academy (Santa Barbara, Thomas Nelson Publishers, and Saint Athanasius Orthodox Academy
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A useful introduction
This study Bible will serve as a useful introduction to the Orthodox interpretation of the scriptures, and many households will benefit from a copy. It is easily approachable, and the footnotes are helpful to those who are relatively unfamiliar with Orthodox theology.

Yet the critiques of others --that the OSB fails to make use of scriptural study that is prevalent within the Orthodox community, that it fails to be Patristic enough in its notes and comments-- are well grounded. Much more could have been added on the interpretation of passages by the Fathers, and it is a shame that this was not done. The book introductions are quite simplistic and often fail to consider the critical study of even Orthodox scholars on such issues as authorship, dating, audience, etc.

Still, most non-academics will find this a helpful and enjoyable volume. Its lexicon at the end, and guide to Bible reading by Bp. +KALLISTOS, are both excellent.

For those, especially, who are looking for a friendly insight into Orthodoxy through New Testament examination, it is a book worth having.

Very useful Orthodox companion to the New Testament
Many Orthodox scholars such as Fr. Jack Sparks, Bishop KALLISTOS Ware, & Fr. Constantine Nasr. It was overviewed by such Orthodox authorities as Fr. Thomas Hopko, Fr. Stanley Harakas, and bishops representing virtually every Orthodox diocese in North America. I find this Study Bible very useful in introducing people to Orthodoxy through the Holy Scriptures as well as a wonderful companion for every Orthodox Christian. I believe that any Orthodox family could benefit from having this Study Bible in their home.

There are wonderful notes on nearly all the verses of the New Testament, giving the interpretation of the Orthodox Church on the Holy Scriptures. It also includes a lectionary, chapters on "How to Read the Bible," and "Introducing the Orthodox Church," and wonderful articles are interspersed throughout the Bible on such topics as "Confession," "The Four 'Orders' in Church Government," and "The Transfiguration." The pages are also graced by the presence of beautiful icons.

I do have a few minor problems with this Bible. Some is left to be desired in the Book of Psalms, largely because the Septuagint, the Old Testament of the Orthodox Church, was not used. (Of course, this is about to be resolved because the same group of people is currently working on the Old Testament Orthodox Study Bible using the entire Septuagint text.) It was also disappointing to see that in the Morning and Evening prayers in the back, there is no mention of the Virgin Mary. However, the notes and articles throughout the Study Bible clearly explain the emphasis which is put on the Virgin Mary in the Orthodox Church.

I would highly recommend owning this Study Bible, and I don't feel that it deserves a lot of the harsh criticism it has gotten. They did an excellent job!

Outstanding Intro into Orthodox View, Good Commentary Notes
This book does a good job in providing commentary notes on Bibilcal passages with an Easern Orthodox viewpoint. The right amount of information is given. It assumes the reader has no or very little knowledge so as not to confuse potential readers, including new converts, curiosity seekers, or cradle Orthodox who have never really studied their faith.

It is filled with iconograpgy throughout and the end of the book has special sections in regards to Orthodox views, prayers, and doctrines. It is done in an easy fomat to spark one for further study and research.

This study Bible should be in any serious Bible students libarary regardless of religion. The views of the East have been often neglected by the West and the East has a rich tradition the West can learn and enjoy.

Office 97: The Complete Reference (Complete Reference Series)
Published in Paperback by McGraw-Hill Osborne Media (1997)
Authors: Stephen L. Nelson and Peter Weverka
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Not a "Complete" Reference
This book may perhaps be of use if you are a beginner. I bought the book because I was misled by the title - "Complete Reference". It is anything but a complete reference. Just one example of why I say this: The section on Word does not even mention anything about field codes. Those topics that it does cover, the coverage is shallow, glossing over many key aspects.

Taught myself "computer Magic all within 3 days" disk helpe
The sales staff at our dealership was calling me a champion on my workmanship. I held up the Book, by Stephen and Peter. I looked them all right in the eye's and told them to go and invest there money. And then I told them where they could Save more money then I paid. Thanks Guys. from the Beautiful Blonde of Bensenville.

Clear, easy to understand learning guide & reference tool.
Having received 'the software' as a gift from a friend, I installed it immediately. When I attempted to 'use' it, I realized that this was not the 'old' office I was used to and I would need some help. That help was provided in the form of this book and the accompanying CD. Both have proved to be very useful tools. The book is thorough and tabulated to quickly divide each section, and the CD has sample documents and additional templates for use with the software, and also shareware that I have utilized. As I am in the book-selling business, I am always on the lookout for a 'good read' to recommend to friends

That Others May Live: The True Story of the Pjs, Real Life Heroes of the Perfect Storm
Published in Paperback by Three Rivers Press (30 Januar, 2001)
Authors: Jack Brehm, Pete Nelson, and Peter Nelson
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The title is a lie
As to the PJ's (Air Force Pararescue Jumpers) being "real life heroes of the perfect storm," the book only mentions ONE rescue attempt during the Perfect Storm by the PJ's. That attempt failed. In fact, the Coast Guard ship had to come out and rescue THEM. Yes, you can be a hero for an attempt, but let's not go overboard in naming our book after one rescue attempt in a much bigger event, where other agencies have a much better claim of being "the real life heroes."
The book focuses on "a PJ," coincidentally the author, not PJ's in general. The Perfect Storm part takes 30 pages, IF you include the soap opera parts about the wives calling each other for news. A pararescue helicopter and tanker was dispatched during the Perfect Storm to rescue a sailor doing a solo trip around the world. The rescue was aborted due to heavy seas, and the rescue helicopter itself ditched on the way back to base, with the loss of one airman. The helicopter ditched because it was unable to refuel with the existing drogue design. The author, in charge at the base, grounded rescue attempts of this airman due to his orders and impossible conditions. Because his men were angry at him for this, they made life hell for him: They stole his jacket, and snuck a bottle of booze into his luggage as he was about to fly into a Muslim country, which if discovered would have gotten Jack in enormous trouble. There's so much talk of the PJ "teamwork" ethos in the book -- but where did "teamwork" go when his men acted in petty ways, and caused Jack to have to leave command of the unit?
Parts of the book are interesting. Jack, of course, makes almost no mistakes, and his wife is a perfect angel. She understands when he says, "yes, I went to the strip bar, but that's where the debriefing session was held."
The unexamined assumption that OF COURSE men who work hard have to relax by drinking all night, having bar fights, and visiting strip joints is overdone.
The book does provide information about a little-understood group of airmen who put their lives on the line to rescue others in what can be very difficult situations, much like the Coast Guard rescue jumpers. Their main purpose is to rescue downed pilots and personnel in need of medical help, on land or sea, but they're also available to help civilians when civilian rescue agencies don't have the resources available.
There is some understanding of the mentality of repeatedly putting your life on the line -- you might as well die doing something you love, while helping others.
Although the author reports many accounts of mission failure and limitation due to a poor drogue design, making it difficult to for helicopters to refuel from tankers during rough weather, the author doesn't argue for a better, heavier, longer, wider (or whatever) fueling drogue design.

Should Be Titled "A Biography of Jack Brehm"
I thought this book was about PJ's in general, and then some additional detail about Jack Brehm's particular experiences. I was expecting it to cover PJ training, the Pipeline, various missions, etc. That is not the content of this book. This book is a biography of Jack Brehm, who happens to be a PJ. Many of the anecdotes in the book (more than half, it seemed like) are about Jack Brehm's family life and/or his relationship with his wife. There are many, many pages that barely mention his work as a PJ. And there are very few stories or accounts of PJs other than Jack Brehm. It's not necessarily bad, just not what the title had led me to expect.

One major anoyance when reading this book is the unabashed hero worship. I certainly feel that Brehm and other PJs are legitimate heroes, but the unrelenting worship, and the "perfect marriage" stories, really detract from the realism of the story. It also becomes very tedious to read.

Overall it is still a readable book because the subject is so inherently interesting. Just be aware before you buy it that it is a biography of a single PJ and not a book about the Pararescue service.

Great book, very entertaining and moving
I really enjoyed this. The pace was quick and the stories were very engaging. It's interesting to read a book about heroes, written by one of them, when he obviously doesn't consider himself a hero. He sees all of his friends that way, though, and the humility of this view makes the book all the more enjoyable.

Highly recommended.

Websights: The Future of Business and Design on the Internet
Published in Hardcover by North Light Books (1900)
Authors: Steve Bodow, Clive Bruton, Darcy Dinucci, Peter Hall, Laurel Janensch, Steven Henry Madoff, John Mmaeda, Andrea Moed, Rhonda Rubinstein, and Carl Steadman
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Not all that
Book is informative with content of articles about the web but not really impressed with the collection of example websites or lack there of. The cover is nicely designed but if you are looking for a book with lots of examples and inspiration to draw from this book is not it. I don't recommend buying this book. Just hope that it is on someone's coffee table so you can browse it.

From one of the authors
I'd agree with most of the comments above, I think the book is spread quite thinly across a number of areas, so perhaps doesn't give the depth some might need.

At the same time at least some of the content is quite technical and will go straight over the head of a real novice.

I think if you're a design student, a recent graduate, or someone attempting to get to grips with new media you'll probably benefit from this book.

For the chapter I wrote... I think it's really geared towards people with a pretty good understanding of typography already, and definitely slanted towards those building large scale sites on tight/continuing deadlines for a wide variety of systems and browsers.

And, for sure it'll be out of date pretty quick... but you can learn from our mistakes :-)

Insightful? Irrelevant? Depends what chapter you're on.
ad creation to typography to the latest lingo. With articles focused from beginner to advanced, print background to web design protégé, designer to project manager, "Websights" works well for that handful of jack-of-all-trades in the industry.

For the greater part of today's design world whom are specialized, they will find a number of articles that offer tremendous insight and fresh ideas that they can incorporate. Leaving a number of chapters that can be appreciated, but are of no real relevance to today's digital designer

Office 2000: The Complete Reference
Published in Paperback by McGraw-Hill Osborne Media (01 Mai, 1999)
Authors: Stephen L. Nelson and Peter Weverka
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Good for beginners; not for advanced users!
This book does a good job of explaining how to use the most common features of Office-2000. The author develops the each section in a systematic way. This book is helpful if you are new to the Office environment.

If you have been using Office-2000 or an earlier version, unfortunately this book does not add much to what you already know.

Users who are looking for more advanced applications of Access, Excel, or Outlook Express, this book is not for you.

I would have also liked if the author had talked a bit about FrontPage.

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