Flo's book is excellent and when I'm looking for a cake that has a different twist but excellent quality this book is where I turn. Flo features a lot of recipies that use almond paste or ground almonds which is rare. However it gives cakes a different swing without being weird. She also provides weight of the ingrients which gives you accurate measurment for her recipes. I think she needs a website. Her books sweet minatures is also great. She is very creative and I would buy any of her products.

I bought this book when I had just begun my journey as a baker. I opened it up, started to read and didn't stop until the last page! Flo Braker is a stickler for proper technique and ingredients -- exactly what you ought to be exposed to before you start making a mess of everything.

Some of the recipes are challenging, even with her incredibly detailed instructions, but worth every single second when you eat your lessons!

I am not a professional baker, and at first glance, the recipes seemed a bit intimidating. However, after reading through them I realized that the instructions were so precise there is no way for even a novice like myself to mess up! My personal favorite is the Buttermilk Cake - Yummy!

This seemingly light and trivial book covers some extremely heavy and profound concepts. In fact, it is amazing how well a few pictures, diagrams, and cartoons can clarify concepts better than chapters of dense text from more "scholarly" sources. Of course, if the pictures don't do it for you, there is the excellent cross-referenced concept-by-concept commentary of Fred Allen Wolf.

I've lost track of how many times I've read this little book since it first started to crack open my narrow Newtonian mind-set back in the '80's. It is an especially good book to read just before going to sleep- the subconscious loves to process this level of material. Here is the best introduction to not only the probably structure of the universe of space-time, but to what lies beyond it. You get very interesting speculations on the nature of paranormal phenomena, reincarnation, the nature of archetypes and the mythological level of perception, survival after death- all of which conventional "science" choses to reject or ignore.

I especially enjoyed the discussion of how quantum waves can affect all levels of existance simultaneously at different scales of organization from sub-atomic, to the natural world of normal perception, to the human mind, to the stellar and galactic level. It adds new significance to the ancient maxim, "As above, so below." This is especially true when you consider that human consciousness helps function as a co-creator of the perceived material world ( along with our higher Selves beyond space-time.) In fact, the purpose of existance seems to be to reunite ourselves with ourselves so that all of creation may become fully aware of itself in harmony.

Yeah, I know it sounds pretty "hippy-dippy", that is it does until you begin to seriously contemplate the true nature of things....

I have read Space-Time and Beyond many times. At first I re-read it to see if there was something I missed in the first reading. Two things you will notice when reading this book.

First: It was a collaboration between a physicist and a layman.
Second: The appendix is the meat of the book.

First, the reader will read a comic book like explanation of mysticism and psychic phenomena. These are the speculative portion of the book. The appendix then verifies these odd occurences through reference to Natural phenomena,at the sub-atomic level. The speculative part is fascinating and very imaginative, but for me now, in Wolf and Toben's vision I see a model of the universe mapped in the macrocosm as extrasensory reality and realized in the microcosm as quantum physics. A visual mnemonic device which the young physicist can utilize to determine the direction of his research based on his own intuition and not that of his mentor.

Thank you Pam, Frank, Colonel J, Dr A, Harjit, Derrick, Shlomo, Dr B, Dan, Jeff, Trappuzzano et. al.

This is for sure one of the most amazing books I ever read. It's a pity it is out-of-print. I have the brazilian translation and was looking of the american edition. Highly recommended.

The speedbag has always been the most technically baffling devices for boxing for me. I could never figure out how to hit the bag, the timing, and how to control it. But after reading this book, I have alot more confidence in my speedbag training. Alan definitely breaks down the do's and dont's to speedbag training right down from equipment to proper punching technique. He gives little tips on the advantages/disadvantes of wall speedbag platforms and freestanding platforms, s-hook/chain link swivels, speedbag covers, etc. He also deals quite a bit on proper safety and common injuries associated with speed bag training. Definitely answers alot of questions for those wanting to buy their first speedbag set. In his techniques section, he goes over all the basic punch/elbow combinations, their rhythms, and how to flow from one technique to the next. Let me tell you, the first four chapters deal mostly with basics but the later chapters are filled with different punch combinations that everyone from beginner to advanced people will be challenged. And he really does create an interesting technique of blending music like reading to his speedbag sets. At first it might seem daunting, but if you really do spend time in his techniques section, which he recommends, you'll be able to read and follow his routines like second nature. Near the end of his book, he'll also include some applications for the martial artist as well as setups on different workout devices like a stationary bike to include speedbag training. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it as a must buy for the basic boxing fan to the regular fitness enthusiast.

I read the book and bought the video, the video is very effective at demonstrating the various techniques, but I couldn't take the video to the gym, so I used the book at the gym and studied the video at home. I recommend the video

Alan Kahn was a drummer, as in musician, and he has figured out a way to write speed-bag-hitting techniques in something akin to musical notation -- but infinitely simpler! For example, FCP means "front circle punch." And he lays out the combinations with easy to follow notations like FCP, FSP....and takes the speed bag out of boxing-only applications and puts it into the realm of rhythm eye-hand coordination mastery. And by implication makes it relevant to everything from swinging a golf club to hitting a tennis ball. No, he does not mention these things per se, but the implication is that master the mind and the rhythm and relax and you'll learn the secret of excelling at sports because all sports are played in the head. And working out with the bag is simply great fun. One of the best how-to books I've ever used.

of the dangers of reloading rifle ammo down to subsonic velocities. A rifle round that safely holds 15 to 20 grains of powder can explode and possibly kill the shooter when loaded with only 4 grains of powder.

This problem was not mentioned in the book, and there are ways to eliminate the problem (enlarge primer hole, use PISTOL powders, start high and load down).

Lots of things explained in a very clear language not often seen elsewhere, usually with good sketches of silencer designs and good explanations. Might be a bit much for a complete newbie or somebody totally lacking any knowledge about physics and ballistics, but you will get guided to it. Actually, this book made my apply for a few purchasing permits for silencers, and I have not regretted it ever since. It will also explain a bit about the history and consequences of silencers, something in my opinion very important. In my opinion, the best book on the subject. I'm craving for the second and third volume!

A great compilation of information and in my opinion, the best book on the subject right now (and in the last 10-20 years). Paulson not only evaluates but does performance measures with great detail, leads reader through intro, history, and current evaluation of modern day 'cans'. Not only a great overview of various products, but can also serve as a consumer buying guide. Reader is left with a MUCH better understanding of application, construction, complexities of sound suppressors. A definite must-have for those with an interest in legal ownership of a silencer, or curious into the inner workings and how they've evolved.

Let me start by going backwards. In the appendix, the authors testify that this book is about the "greenest" on the market. With soy-based inks and nearly 100 percent of the paper content comprised of post- and pre-consumer waste, the book is a monument to sustainable production. Although they bemoan the "well traveled pulp" cover, no dioxins were co-produced alongside the book. To prove the book really is this cool, they painstaking tracked the web of connections involved in its production as far back as possible.

After discussing every facet of the book, from guts and cover to printing, the only thing they were unable to determine was where half the cover's paper was produced. In all, this post-production analysis was stunning. The delicate web of causes and effects that entered into the books production should serve as a model to all those who would conceive the production of any product. Ideally, we should strive for this kind holistic understanding of production, consumption, and disposal before products every leave the design table.

The actual content of the book is just as salient. What happens when millions of ordinary people like you and me go about our ordinary business, using lots of stuff? What ecological "wakes" do they leave behind, rippling outward across the world? This is the premise of the book, which is rather unassuming and commonsensical. The answers, however, are anything but mundane and commonsensical. The true stories of how things are made might leave you feeling overwhelmed or depressed. You might think twice about throwing that lump of sugar into your coffee -- and not only because it could add a few extra pounds and put you at greater risk of heart disease. You do so also in efforts to help restore the habitat of the Florida Everglades.

Did the profound disconnect sink in yet? Not to worry, another 9 generic commodities with their own unique global "ripples" await you after picking up this book. They include you morning coffee, the newspaper, your T-shirts, shoes, that computer, the bike (and the car), those French fries, the hamburger that preceded them, and also the cola which will wash it all down. Although the imaginary North American whose daily consumptive routine this book tracks might not be you, do not then assume that these issues do not therefore concern you. The fact is, the consolidated effects of this consumption are harming much more than the Florida Everglades. They could potentially end all human reproduction. Perhaps you should read that last sentence again.

We need to educate ourselves about this net ecological "wake" before the rooster tail of acid rain, rainforest destruction, ozone depletion, water depletion, air pollution, forest annihilation, energy exhaustion, pesticide inundation, sweatshop labor promotion, species extinction, waste production, monoculturalization, spiritual declination, heavy metal pollution creation, VOC smog accretion, and desertification leave us all wet and shivering in the cold.

"Well, what am I supposed to do bury my car?" you wonder. The book also offers hope. Consumption, whether we like it or not, is in end inescapable. Thus by understanding our impacts, seeking alternative solutions, educating the friends and the general public, and at the same time altering some our most unhealthy consumer habits, we can help move things in the right direction. If you are looking for more in-depth suggestions along these lines, check out "The Better World Handbook" (2001). It is my personal eco-bible. You can also get further eco-tips from the Northwest Environmental Watch website.

~A Top 10 glObal Eye-Opener~

I didn't know this book would be such a nice read...
After receiving it, I read it all in one sitting. The book chronicles a day in the life of a typical person (an American). Although it is about an American, I believe there is not much difference between any ordinary person in any developed country on earth. The impacts of this person's consumption of products, her actions are all examined from an environment viewpoint. Some people may think that the book is too amateur but that's precisely why it's such a good read. It's easy to understand but leaves a lasting impression on you. I strongly recommend it to anyone interested in knowing more about how our everyday actions affect the world we live in.

I've never found another book like this one. It makes it extremely easy to understand, breathtakingly clear, how our choices to consume various products cause a chain of events which harm the environment. Do you know what was done to a river in Canada to produce the six-pack of aluminum cans you just bought? What part of the earth did your coffee come from, and what scary things were done to produce it? The authors never hector or nag, they just describe the origin of things you probably use every day, and let you contemplate them for yourself. The book is a quick and easy read, suitable for adults and teens alike. If I were a high school teacher or college instructor, this book would be mandatory reading for my classes.

I would like to recommend this book to anyone who is curious about the man-made creation we refer to (in English) as language. Though I'm sure that students of Navajo will find the analyses of Navajo etymology contained in these pages invaluable, there is plenty here for the casual reader to enjoy as well. I am not a student of languages, but I can attest to the pleasures of keeping this book around the house where I can open it up at leisure and find myself delighted by the various idioms explored inside. I am also pleased to have at hand a way to begin to gain insight into Navajo culture. Though idioms borrowed from many languages are used to enrich this book, all are compared with a Navajo equivalent. Sometimes cultural notes are included with the Navajo idioms. These serve to deepen the reader's understanding of Navajo perspective and I found them engaging. Perhaps in his next book Mr. Wilson will tell us how the Navajo or Croat or the Javanese might exclaim "nice going!".

This book shows you how colorful and interesting the way people think is. Idioms are so vivid. Beyond the defference of cultures you can enjoy lots of expressions. And this authour, Mr. Alan Wioson's dedication to languages are incredible. I appreciate his deep personality thorough this book.

I was impressed that Mr. Alan Wilson's enthusiasm and ken about the language, especially his dedication to Navaho is incredible. And I bet this book will fascinate you showing interesting people's thoughts beyond the cultural differeces. So colorful, so funny, so exciting. You can see that idioms are deep analysis of people minds. I respect this author's power of understanding languages very much.

Passed NT Server with score of 899--first certification class I have taken. This book is not only an excellent study guide but a great introduction to NT Server. I have been maintaining Server for over a year and learned things I needed to know 12 months ago! I hope Alan Carter keeps writing technical guides.

Passed easily in conjunction with Transcenders. Excellent reference guide - perfectly explains core issues regarding NT Server 4.0 and the exam.

Studying does not get much easier than this!

Highly Recommeded!

I used this book, combined with Transcenders and my real-world experience with WinNT Server 4.0 and passed with a 900. Even with the new MCSE W2K Track (which I am pursuing) I feel the right way to do is to do the upgrade path especially if you have experience with NT 4.0. Good luck to all.

The book focuses on enzyme catalysis, stereochemistry of enzyme reactions, determination of rate constant, enzyme kinetics, and protein structure and folding. It would be an ideal reference for the study of protein chemistry. It can serve as the primary text for an advanced course in protein chemistry or a supplement for undergraduate biochemistry text.

Protein folding has remained one of the most intricate yet less understood process in modern biochemistry. Feersht's treatise of the subject in this book is splendid. The author overviews protein structure and diversity in the opening chapter. What I find really precious about this book is the discussion on protein engineering, forces on folding, and recombinant DNA technology in the context of protein folding.

Aside from protein chemistry, the chapter on chemical catalysis is excellent in learning more about transition state theory, general acid/base catalysis, covalent catalysis, structure-reactivity relationships, and kinetic isotope effects.

If you are studying protein structure, you probably should read this book for reference.

This is solely my opinion, but I have learned new things and reinforced some old knowledge, as well. The book is well-written, and understandable, without being simplistic.

Some texts are difficult to understand, or dry, or facile. This is not one of those texts.

Man, this book rocked! I took one look at the ribbon structure of ATPase on the cover and said to myself, "Whoa dude! This is, like, phat!" Then I turned the pages and BAM! I was knee deep in protein structure! Like, any first-year biochemist knows its all about the acids, as in amino, and Fersht, he knows his peptides! Oh man, I was on cloud nine! And I've been off my meds for two months now! But you wanna know the real dope? You can't say diddly about function unless you know structure, and that Alan, as in Fersht, dude! Like, he starts you off simple, like, you know, with the "building blocks," like we're a bunch of two-year-olds, and you string 'em together and get all that higher-order structure and stuff, and slowly, ever so slowly, like a mental itch that invades your consciousness and becomes screaming voices telling you to AHHHHHHHHH! So many domains! Too many functional units! No, no, nooooooo! Schiff base? Shift Bass! Ah HA HA HA HA! What do all those K's mean!?! Take me home! Please...

What A. J. P. Taylor's The Struggle for Mastery in Europe suffers from in being nearly fifty years old, it more than makes up for in style. It is a riveting book that is smattered with wit and an author's thorough knowledge of his subject. Alternate titles might have been The Struggle to Prevent the Mastery of Europe, or the Decline and Fall of the Balance of Power.

Taylor's unyielding faith in diplomacy reflects a Cold War notion that any political problem can be solved by maintaining a diplomatic balance. He deftly navigates the Byzantine web of diplomatic intrigue to show how negotiations, not war, ultimately resolves crises. His whig interpretations are at times blatant. Conservative Russia and Prussia are often "humiliated" and "old fashioned" while liberal France fell victim to its own "ingenuity" or suffered "shattered prestige."

Not all events are treated equal. The 1867 Anschloss or the 1894 Dreyfus Affair receive practically no attention, while obscure diplomatic conventions receive detailed analysis. Great leaders like Napoleon III or Bismarck receive Taylor's praise while British statesmen of lesser stature receive criticism. Taylor is also anti-imperial, stating that colonies are a sign of weakness (though he later seems to suggest the opposite). His treatment of the coming of World War One is perhaps his greatest weakness, or perhaps this is where the book is most dated. He seems to be somewhat surprised that war erupted in the face of diplomatic failure. He fails to see that many at the time lost faith in diplomacy and allowed the war to happen.

In the end, though, this is a fine work. Taylor interjects personal philosophies throughout the book. "Men learn from their mistakes how to make new ones (p. 111);" "Once men imagine a danger they soon turn it into a reality (p. 450); and "A historian should never deal in speculations about what did not happen" (p. 513) are but a few examples. (This last is a personal favorite as it flies in the face of alternative history.) Clever recto page headings and use of dates keep the reader aware of what is happening, and Taylor is a master of the semi colon. All in all this remains a very informative work.

I think what made me start loving Alan Taylor is the passage from "Struggle" about Louis Napoleon's government being "run by gangsters". After a lifetime of school histories unwilling to venture a judgement, scrupulous in their aridness, this was a revelation.

Taylor suffered ostracism for his outspoken views, especially from Oxford, where his trampling of sacred cows prevented him from gaining a professorship. On the other hand, his rival, Hugh Trevor-Roper, played the Tory historian and prospered. (It was, of course, Trevor-Roper who staked his reputation as an historian on the authenticity of the fraudulent Hitler diaries of 1983, hopefully giving Taylor the last laugh. But being an establishment historian, Sir Hugh was immunized from serious career consequences.)

If you want to understand the century past, you must begin in the century previous, in about 1848. When Taylor deposits you in 1918, you will be on secure footing while reading his, "Origins of the Second World War" or Ian Brendon's "Dark Valley: A Panorama of the 1930s," leading you in turn to WWII, which brings the nineteenth century to a close in 1945. It is said that Alan Taylor liked paradox. I wonder how he liked this one.

This is A.J.P. Taylor's masterpiece of history. Taylor is an exquisite writer, with a unique style that cannot resist the irony and contradictions inherent in the actual fabric of European diplomacy. This sprawling tale of folly and pretension is informed by Taylor's exhaustive reading of the official foreign affairs correspondence of the respective nations involved, as well as his own mastery of modern European history. His prose is consistently edged with wit on the verge of sarcasm, always keen to the absurd roots of tragedy. For Taylor there are no sacred cows: every class, every institution, every political party, even cynicism itself, fumbles in the dark, toiling under the weight of its illusions and contradictions. One does not emerge from this book with an enhanced respect for statesmen, generals or revolutionaries. This is one of the few history books I plan on reading at least twice.

This book is an easy and quick read. It is a great book about more than just a weekly basketball game, but about male bonding in general.

I found myself laughing out loud several times during this book. Its humorous anecdotes added so much to the story. At the same time, you can relate to these men as they undergo financial hardships, marital trouble, and tragedies.

I think men and women will both enjoy this book. Men will relate to the characters and understand the draw of the basketball game. And women will learn a little about how men communicate and how their friendships grow.

You don't even have to enjoy sports to love this book... the basketball game, though told well for those who love basketball, is simply a means to an end.

Good for anyone, especially people who are considering major changes in their lives.

This book really captured the feel of everyman's weekly basketball game. It felt like the author must have played in mine!

Weekly basketball games seem to be a part of the structure of many men's lives. They bring us back to the simpler times of our childhood, allow us to play out our professional athletic fantasies, and give us the opportunity to spend time with people who don't demand that we be sensitive and emote.

Eisenstock develops each character thoroughly, and makes us feel like we're participants in the game. While it's "just a game", the story detailing the changes in his life and the lives of his characters is touching and all too familiar.

Anyone who's played in a regular game, as well as their significant others and wives should enjoy this story of personal growth and friendship.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was very fast paced, funny and seemed to pick up momentum as it went along. Although there was not a suspenseful climax I still raced to the end to see how the book would achieve closure. The weekly basketball game served the book well. It was very interesting to read about how these guys would all gather weekly and how gradually they were able to reveal things about their lives. I admired how they truly came to care about each other and support each other.The characters were well delineated. I felt a little cheated because the author had to change their names to protect their privacy but their personalities shone through on the pages of this very enjoyable book.