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Book reviews for "Ranz,_James" sorted by average review score:

Lifetime Conversation Guide
Published in Hardcover by Prentice Hall Trade (1984)
Author: James K. Van Fleet
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Interesting
I thought it was all together pretty informative and smart.

Guide to courtesy as well as conversation
An impeccable summary of ideas that everyone already knows about conversation and courtesy to others catalogued subject by subject. Everything in the book is useful on one level or another and explained in a simple approachable fashion. James Van Fleet is clearly an expert at interpersonal relations and explains all of his ideas with concrete examples and a motivational tone.

In addition to learning about how to show others the basic respect of being a good listener and not a self-centered listener, anyone who reads this book will immediately be able to recognize bad managers, bad listeners, self involved attention mongers, as well as genuinely generous people.

Read this book at your library and then add it to your home collection. I know that I am going to add it to mine.


Organic Gardener's Composting (Van Patten's Organic Gardener's Series)
Published in Paperback by Van Patten Pub (1993)
Authors: Steve Solomon, Ann Lovejoy, and Hart James
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Great explanation of composting.
Steve Solomon's "Growing Vegetables West of the Cascades" is a truly wonderful book and a must for anyone gardening west of the Cascades. "Composting" is a very good book, but is variable. It feels as if Solomon is getting a little crotchety as he ages, and the book would have profited from an editor with a strong pen since the writing style occasionally gets annoying.

Solomon's explanation of Carbon Nitrogen ratios is excellent. I now understand better why my compost does what it does at different speeds different times of the year. He is realistic about the benefits of compost and does not uncritically accept the Rodale "Organic" party line. However, I think he goes too far in rejecting it. Solomon has clearly seen many people overcompost and damage their soil's ecology. Yes, too much of anything can be bad and one can increase humus content irrationally, but I think he is too negative. Most of the gardens I see have been neglected and one really can "build the soil" to improve fertility, moisture retention, etc. I would prefer the message to be "It takes time. Don't try build your soil too fast. Do soil tests regularly." not "only try replace the humus you take out". He ends one section with "I conclude that organic matter is somewhat dangerous stuff whose use should be limited...". On this I disagree strongly. In my experience it is a rare case when someone overcomposts. However, I must strongly agree with Solomon on the advantages of using soil testing and using a good organic fertilizer mixture in addition to applying compost on your garden. He gives his famous recipe for complete organic fertilizer (I originally saw it in "Growing Vegetables West of the Cascades") and I can vouch for its efficacy.

Solomon raves about poor nutrient value of vegetables caused by over composting. I only partially buy his nutrition arguments. Yes, poor soil can grow veggies with poor nutrition. But the argument does not follow not to build your soil. If veggies grow well and taste great, I trust that measure of nutrition. On the nutrition arguments he is doing what he accuses other of, making an assertion and providing no evidence to back it up.

If you are interesting on composting the book is well worth reading. In fact, it is probably more fun because of the flaws I have just complained about.

Composting - The Bible
Steve Solomon's work in producing the Organic Gardener's Composting is second to none. His research standards are those of a true academic, yet his writing and general presentation of the material is accessible, non formulaic and for a book of this nature, subtly novelesque.
I headed straight for the chapter on Sir Albert Howard's composting methods at Indore in the 1930's and wasn't disappointed - fascinating reading. Also especially interesting was the chapter on vermicomposting. Steve doesn't seem to add material just for the sake of it unless it meets his rigorous criteria. Could only get hold of a 2nd hand copy at a premium price, but have no regrets - it's a gem!


Standard Catalog of American Light-Duty Trucks: Pickups, Panels, Vans All Models 1896-2000 (Standard Catalog of American Light-Duty Trucks, 3rd Ed)
Published in Paperback by Krause Publications (2001)
Authors: James T. Lenzke and Karen E. O'Brien
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Most definitive Truck reference currently available.
While I found a few minor errors in some of the model information, I have to give this book a good review. All the makers are there including manufacturers that I had never heard of. There are hours of excellent browsing of the little guys as well as pages of excellent, and usable, information on the big names. My only major complaint with the book is that I am not happy with the paperback format. I would like a book that holds up a little better. Otherwise...Excellent reference work. And fun too!

A great reference book for trucks.
There are not many reference books on light-duty trucks out there, and this is an excellent one for someone researching a certain vehicle. It fits what I was looking for.


Have Fun Playing Hand Drums: A Book and Cd for Playing the Djembe, Conga, and Bongo Drums
Published in Paperback by Warner Brothers Publications (2000)
Authors: Ben James and Wim Van Loon
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Not for experienced musicians.
This is probably a good book for children and/or complete musical novices, but those with even minimal musical experience might better look elsewhere.

Excellent book and CD for learning and playing along with
The book is well illustrated and the accompanying CD is excellent for learning and playing along with - the exercises are played several times so you can get the feel of the sound and practice with the CD. The exercises and patterns are carefully graduated. There are also a number of play-along tracks to get more experience. I would also recommend this book for players of other instruments to get a good grounding in rhythm sense. This book followed by Richie Gajate-Garcia's "Play Bongos & Hand Percussion Now" is the best course for learning bongos I know of. Gajate-Garcia's book will take you to more complex rhythms and patterns useful for nearly every setting.

Serves its purpose well!
As a teacher of hand drumming to kids, I found this book to be a wonderful guide/reference for breaking down playing and rhythm concepts for kids. You could teach the book as-is sequentially as a course, or pull from different parts as you choose.


Midnight Graffiti
Published in Paperback by Warner Books (1992)
Authors: Stephen King, James Van Hise, Jessica Horsting, and Jessie Horsting
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A gallery of styles
This collection of horror short stories is exceptional because of the wide range of styles and stories it contains. The reader will not be lost in a jungle of imaginations because the book is organized in five chapters that are each dedicated to one type of atmosphere and plot. Hence when you start one chapter you know what continent of horror you are entering and you will get variety within that landscape. Some stories are absolutely stunning and fascinating. I found « Say hello, Mister Quigley » by J. Michael Straczynski too gentle on the incestuous father. Of course the victim has to forgive, but most of the time this forgiving is impossible because of the damage caused by the incestuous parent. I loved « Bob the Dinosaur » by Joe Lansdale because it shows how kids live on the illusion of a dream that is shattered by reality when it becomes true, when it gets satisfied. It is better to live on dreams even if they are disturbing, particularly for the parents' everyday life. Finally « Dark Embrace » by James Van Hise is a refreshing vision of vampires associated to a sickening vision of child molesting. Vampires become, in a way, gentle and lovable, even if they are monsters, when you compare them to child molesters who kill to cover up their tracks when their pleasure is satisfied. Vampires are also very human and long for company and love. Which a child molester never long for. He longs for brutal contact (rape) and absolute solitude that makes him kill his victim because he is entirely enslaved by his desire, his perverted passion for kids.

Dr Jacques COULARDEAU, University of Perpignan at Mende.

Very good stories. Well categorized, and a great preface
I'm a big fan of Horror anthologies, and this is one of the best I've ever read. From the terrific introduction by the editor, to the last page, it was very satisfying. The stories range in intensity from the sheer grit of "Bad Guy Hats" to the quirky "Bob the Dinosaur Goes to Disneyland." There is something in here for everyone. Everybody gets a chance to be scared by something in here; all bases get covered. If you like horror anthologies, this is a must-read.

Mama

My mama told me...you better shop around. THESE VOICES ARE KILLING ME!!!


Reaching to Heaven: A Spiritual Journey Through Life and Death
Published in Audio Cassette by Penguin Audiobooks (1999)
Author: James Van Praagh
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Interesting to say the least!
James Van Praagh's book - Reaching to Heaven - seems to contain details about the after-life that in my opinion provides far too much information. It is as though Van Praagh has had a holiday in the spirit world for a couple of months and come back to report to us what it is like up there? Although in places I found I did not want to put the book down, I did wonder if his editors had perhaps stretched Van Praagh's ideas of what he thinks it is really like in heaven.

I recently read John Edward's book - One Last Time - and Jenny Crawford's book - Through the Eyes of Spirit, I give both these books five stars.

Powerfull!
I am extremely pleased with Van Praagh newest book. I have read both books in just two days!. From the moment I started reading Talking To Heaven I felt like I couldn't put it down, so after finishing that one I couldn't help myself but to read his newest book Reaching to Heaven, which I found to be outstanding!. Before reading this books, I was living a big depresion, and it affected every part of my life. Then something very cool happen. I had a dream with my my Grandfather who past away about a year ago. In the dream he looked much younger, and he told that he was going to be watching me for sometime. At first I was skeptic, but as time pass on, I decided to give it a try to this books related to the after-life. In my search I found James Van Praagh book and while reading it, I found out that a lot of the stuff my Granfather told was also in the book. From then on I have became a more spiritual person, non-judgmental, and all the depression and toughts of suicide that I have before I started reading this book, have completely gone. Thanks to James Van Praagh and his Powerfull book for putting my life in order and learned to live to its fullest.

Beautiful, comforting, and uplifting -
I lost my Dad to lung cancer on November 8, 1998. It was totally unexpected. My Dad had stopped smoking years ago and was a seemingly healthy, active 73 year old. In August, '98, the doctors said they found the cancer early and would be able to remove it surgically (all the tests were supportive). In September, they removed his left lung; the prognosis was good. On October 28th, a post-operative checkup found the cancer had spread through his spine and he was predicted to live 8-12 months. 11 days later, my Dad died.

In my grief, I searched for answers, comfort, and understanding everywhere. I found little hope for closure until I saw James Van Praagh on Good Morning America. I immediately ordered Reaching to Heaven from Amazon.com.

I read Reaching to Heaven on the plane ride to visit my Mom in March, preparing to arrive and face my Dad not being there. It was my 3rd visit home after his death and I knew how hard it had been to face the reality of his death each time.

What a difference! I felt such peace, love, and hope. For the first time, a believable picture of life after death was painted for me. Reaching to Heaven was truly a Godsend for me.


Healing Grief : Reclaiming Life After Any Loss
Published in Audio Cassette by Penguin Audiobooks (1900)
Authors: James Van Praagh and Arthur, Ph.D. Ciaramicoli
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Grief is Such a Devastating Emotion
"Healing Grief" is the most important book written so far by James Van Praagh, because grief is such a devastating emotion. We cannot imagine our life without our loved one who has been taken and nothing will bring him or her back. In my homeland, Estonia, at the end of WWII, in the fall of 1944, when the Germans retreated and the Russians advanced toward Berlin, my father, who served in the Red Army, visited with us briefly. He had been mobilized four years before, and we hadn't heard of him in all those years, and now he was with us. The hope that one day we will be all together was revived... Two days passed quickly and he went back to war. Two weeks after he left, we received the official announcement that he was killed in battle. I was 10 years old. I wore my heart on my sleeve and declared my personal war against God. Of course, I never won it, but my anger, bitterness and vulnerability almost ruined my life. And in a materialist society it took decades until the idea of the eternal life of the soul reached my consciousness and started slow but steady healing.

Read James Van Praagh's "Healing Grief." This book will teach you not to harm yourself or the soul of your loved one in its transition. Over and over again this book will prove that the soul lives on and one day you will meet your loved one again. "Healing Grief" will remind you that you are not alone, it will help you let your pain and anger go, move on with your life and get in touch with your wisdom -- it is there, in your heart, buried under the pain, its voice can be heard, if you only try... END

Embracing Death Means Enjoying Life
The skeptics and fundamentalists can say whatever they want. There is no doubt in my mind that James Van Praagh is a talented medium as well as a sincere, compassionate person. I've read all three of his books and give them all five stars. I don't see any point in doing a review unless I can give it five stars. This books combines very good advice on dealing with grief -- from death, divorce, and other stressful events during our lifetime, but what really made the book for me were the very interesting, intriguing, and inspirational stories he mixed in about grieving people who have had sittings with him. Loved ones on the other side would come through and provide clear-cut, evidential information that helped the grieving ones overcome their grief. Some of them are real tearjerkers. Once a person can overcome his or her fear of death, once that person can embrace death, life becomes more meaningful, less stressful, and much more enjoyable. Thank God for James Van Praagh.

An important book by a great author!
Reading a book by James Van Praagh is like sitting down with your best friend for coffee. He is down to earth yet knowledgeable in addition to being kind and sympathetic. "Healing Grief" is an important book not only for those suffering a recent loss but also for those of us who have not properly grieved a loss from the past. As I read the book, I was immediately taken back to my grief over the loss of a very important relationship in my life. I still grieve this loss after five years because I have not properly dealt with the attending emotions. Going through James' checklists and steps for dealing with grief helped a great deal. I'm better prepared now to deal with loss in the future. I will read this book over and over again and purchase more copies for friends and loved ones when they experience a loss.


Hercules & Xena: The Unofficial Companion
Published in Paperback by Audio Renaissance (1998)
Authors: James Van Hise and James Van Hise
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A very inaccurate Xena reference...
Not a good Xena reference book! This book in very innaccurate. The Xena episode guide is frequently wrong. I don't follow Hercules as much so I can't really comment on the Hercules episode guide. I would not waste my money on this book.

Good HERC Stuff ....
I enjoyed this book. Interesting to see both sides in one companion ... Loved the HERCULES information most. XENA ... Sorry, I just don't get where all of the excitement is coming from.

It is one of the most excellent Xena and Hercules Books!
I loved the book. It was one the the best! It gave excellent pictures and information!


Internet Programming with Python
Published in Paperback by Hungry Minds, Inc (30 September, 1996)
Authors: Aaron Watters, Guido Van Rossum, James C. Ahlstrom, Guido Van Rossum, Aaron Waters, James C Ahlstrom, and Guido v Rossum
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great book, the CD is out-of-date
Awesome book, I liked Chapter 3 which instantly gets you into useful programming stuff. The book also takes you from beginner-level to advanced stuff like extending and embedding python, sort of the python equivalent of the Perl camel book (programming perl) and panther book (advanced perl programming) rolled into one. I think there's enough stuff on net programming to justify the title. The CD-ROM in my copy of the book has python 1.3, the current version is 1.5 something. The book too might be dated, but I skimmed the latest ORA python book, Learning Python, and I think this is more my speed.

Gentle Intro to Python.
The book's title probably has been chosen to attract attention. That said, it is an excellent book. The standard book, Programming Python by Mark Lutz, may bog neophytes down.

The first half of the book is an introduction to the language and the second half applications loosely connected to the Internet.

The language is worth knowing, but I'd have liked a book with exercises.

A masterpiece
Instead of giving this book an opportunity to become a best-seller, the publisher let it become out of print. An unfortunate effect is that my students could not buy the book, and have to share the library copies. This book is beautifully written, enormously useful and fun to read because of authors' good sense of humor. Chapter 7: "Generating HTML" gives one of the best introductions to object orientation and dynamic features of Python. I urge the authors and the publisher to work quickly to make the book available.


The Secrets Of Frank Herbert'S Dune
Published in Paperback by I Books (31 October, 2000)
Authors: James Van Hise and Michael D. Messina
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Great miniseries, good read
A bit more in-depth discussion of the effects (and more importantly, some of the unconventional backlot techniques used to achieve them) would have been greatly appreciated. After watching the series I was personally impressed at the depth they were able to establish with such a (reportedly) small budget.

As stands, this book gives a great overview of the process and challenges that went into creating the excellent cable miniseries 'Frank Herbert's Dune', and I highly recommend giving it a read!

Excellent behind the scenes shots
This is a great addendum to the Dune miniseries on the Sci-Fi channel. I thoroughly enjoyed the color section in the middle of the book and reading about the director and production of the expensive series. The DVD that came with it was fun but long winded at times when the interviewees went into what they 'believed' to be Frank Herbert's desires. But how could they know? Anyway, a good book for the Dune fan to pick up.

The Secrets of Frank Herbert's Dune
I don't have a DVD, so that part didn't make much difference to me. But I am a fan of Dune the book and a hater of Dune the movie. So I wanted to know what was going on with this television adaptation. Even though it's mostly a picture book, it still has a bunch of information. I really liked seeing all the photos. And I'm very happy they had a color insert so we could get an idea on how the sets really look. I liked this book a lot--it made me want to see the show.


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