I am a total JTT fan, and when I read this book, it really informed me evern more! I loved how it was so complete with stats, quotes, color pics, and everything from a-z! I couldn't put it down until I was done

Congratulations to Michael-Anne Johns! He has written a fantastic fun and fact-filled book on the life of Jonathan Taylor Thomas on and off-screen. Unlike some biographies, Johns uses more words than pictures, so you learn a lot more about what they're like, rather than what they look like. He has done a lot of research and included a nice review at the back of Thomas's favorites and quick facts. Every Jonathan Taylor Thomas lover should read this great book. Hopefully Johns will come up with a new JTT book to talk about Wild America and his new roles. Congrats again Johns

this book includes gobs of intresting information that can catch any readers attention even if you hate jtt it has articles on other stars such as tim allen and pitricha richerdson

Jonathan Ames is a jewel! It will be interesting to see if the Letterman show actually lets him go on! Bleep bleep bleep. This book continues where "What's Not to Love" left off. Jonathan's Walter Middy style prose is both innocent and X-rated. Whether he's talking about nude wrestlers in The Herring Wonder, trying to get invited to his first orgy or taking his dad onto a porn set, he's able to take the unimaginable and make it hilarious. The whole chapter on penis enlargement is a hoot; and the S&M support group is hysterically funny. My only caution with this book is that if you read it publicly such as on the treadmill at the gym, you might find people looking at you with enquiring eyes when you start to howl! This is another gem from our American Oscar Wilde! Don't miss it!

I couldn't put the book down and devoured every chapter, laughing out loud at Ames' humor which is always a result of his honest portrayal of the human experience. You feel like you know the guy, and that he knows you. He is always right on target with his honesty and clarity, and I keep wanting to read more. It [is terrible] when the book is finished, but you got to reread it again and again as there's more there with each rereading. I first discovered his essays in NY Press, and they are amazing, and perfect, and the best...book of this year, or any year. He's a modern Hemingway with a splash of Howard Stern. Or a...Hemingway.
Tony

Your average reader may never find him/herself participating in a backyard animal sacrifice, attending a support group for S&M enthusiasts, or being brow-beaten by a Jamaican customs official. Self-described "comic-depressive" Jonathan Ames has endured all these adventures and many more and--luckily for us--has chronicled them with astonishing candor, wit and humility in his latest collection. Ames makes you empathize with every scenario, from the most seemingly mundane indignities to the most fantastic (or phantasmagoric). His brilliantly self-deprecating prose is laugh-out-loud funny--I found myself chuckling inappropriately in public as I read how he has been dubiously appointed the expert-in-residence on venereal afflictions to his friends--but extremely poignant, too. He often gives voice to the marginalized of society--prostitutes, transsexuals, porn stars and derelicts--but never in a condescending or exploitative way. I only wish I hadn't devoured it so quickly--next time I read it, and I most definitely will--I'll try to time-release my doses of hilarity. All in all, a highly addictive, moving and oddly reassuring book.

Written at the request of his daughter Leonora, this is the best and most popular book by the prolific P.G. Wodehouse. Psmith was his greatest creation, and if you've read the other three Psmith books first (and you should), it's very touching and funny to see him fall in love and make the ultimate sacrifice: masquerading as a sensitive poet and a jewel thief all at once. Highly recommended.

PSMITH! The darker side of Wodehouse which is, if anything, even more hilarious than the sunny side of the street. Psmith (said to be modeled after Rupert D'Oly Carte who was known to Wodehouse in their earliest years) has a ginger beer wire monocle, a silent "P" in his name, an optimistic and energetic approach to life, including practical socialism (what's yours is mine) and big broad flexible outlook as well as ears that stick out like windmills. One of the great Wodehouse lines that comes to mind often is from this book. Psmith explains to the long-suffering narrator friend that the most recent creditor seeking vengeance after yet another great Psmithian disaster will be unlikely to find him, since Psmith gave him a false name. When the narrator, aghast, asks why, Psmith insouciantly explains, "Ordinary business precaution". If you've loved Bertie and Jeeves, meet Psmith! I wish Mr. Wodehouse had steered him in the direction of the Wooster household just so we could see just how elaborate a scrape he could draw Bertie into, and how Jeeves would have prestidigitated his way out of it

It's real hard to actually say whether a particular Wodehousian novel is better than any other, but this one really takes the cake (and eats it too!) A marvellous story of the mayhem, chaos and utter confusion wreaked by the suave, amiable Psmith, this book leaves you gasping for more (even if you don't smoke a gasper). For Wodehousian fans, if you haven't read this one, well, what on earth have you been doing all these years!?! And for people who have no idea who or what or when a Wodehouse is, there's no better place to start than this bundle of craziness.

Cumpiano and Natelson have written a great book for beginners. In this book are all of the details necessary for constructing your own classical or steel-stringed guitar. The appendix is an indespensable resource with lists of potential suppliers, wood types, and dimensions for every piece. They describe the process with a minimum of technology used. If you do not have a bending iron, for example, they describe what one is and how to construct it. I am using this book as THE guide for the construction of my first classical guitar, and have not found it lacking in any respect. -BLF

This book is worthy of placing on your coffee table as well as on the workbench! It will carefully guide you through the entire, daunting process of building a guitar. I am half-way through building my first and so far, so good.

I have found that, for myself, some of the cautions and warnings in carrying out some of the operations in the book were a little overstated - but better safe than sorry. However, there is an IMMENSE amount of detail presented in each procedure and it MUST be read and re-read very carefully (especially the section on neck construction). Also, pay attention to size of the material ordered from places like LMI (Luthiers Mercantile Incorporated). The neck blank comes thicker than needed and you need to thin it down. I found myself thinking information was left out of several sections, but discovered that I had overlooked it in my haste.

Several parts used in the process are hard to find, such as the truss-rod nut. You need to be resourceful in locating things (at times, it feels like I'm on a scavenger hunt driving around town for stuff).

Finally, I recommend also purchasing Irving Sloane's book on steel-string construction. It will help you clarify some aspects of building by approaching things from a slightly different angle. It is not as detailed, but it gives a slightly better overview of the process than the subject book. It shows how to make some tools - fun!

Good luck!

As an amatuer luthier with limited guitar building experience I found this book extremely helpful with my craft. It is a valuable reference, providing us with an indepth insight into the world of guitar building. Guitar history, technical Data and instruction that is easily understood is appreciated in such a comprehensive volume. The book gives you instruction to build either a classical or steel string guitar, and anticipates problems you may have with various techniques, which I have found very helpful. A worthy addition to your bookshelf!

I love books and really wanted my son (now 8 months old) to show an interest in books as well. Unfortunately every book I bought went straight in his mouth and the pages were grabbed and pulled. I tried making the stories as interesting as possible by reading with lots of feeling and expression, changing my voice for the different characters, making silly sounds etc. Nothing worked UNTIL I bought this book. WOW, he just sat there mesmerized by the pop up animals, he can't get enough of this book.

The story is short and simple, so he doesn't get bored or lose his concentration. There are only 4 characters/animals so you can change your voice and make the animal sounds without it getting too confusing. The pictures are bright and the pop up characters are sturdy and interactive. A must have.

This wonderful book is my 16 month-old twins' absolute FAVORITE story and has been for quite some time. I have to admit that it's probably my favorite book to read to them too, since I can make the delighful pop-up animals appear to speak while I'm reading their lines in silly character voices. My boys always start to smile and reach to turn the pages in anticipation of the big "SPLASH" at the end of the book, and they make me open that page over and over again. This book has become the gift I give to all one year-olds celebrating their birthdays. I'm so glad to see that it's no longer out of print!

The Big Yelow House Day Care has voted "The Wide Mouth Frog" The BEST Book ever! The Children have me read this book everyday. The pop-up pictures in this book are wonderful. When I read this book to the children, I make the animals talk, The children love it! It's fun to read, making different voices for each animal. We loved this book so much, that we donated a book to our town liberary, So other children can read this GREAT book! The Big Yellow House DayCare Highly recommends this book to delight any child at any age!

I am a senior in college and I've just finished the graduate school application process. Although I have been exposed to graduate school life at my university, I just bought this book to get a complete review of the whole process. I think this book does a great job explaining every step from chosing a school to writing a dissertation. It was nice to read this book before I go to graduate school because now I know exactly what to expect.
The quotes from students are very helpful and you get an honest opinion of what students are thinking about graduate school. It might have been nice to have a longer chapter about the application process itself, how the schools notify you if you'ce been accpeted, how long you should wait before you can assume you didn't get in etc. All in all though, this is a very informative book. Although I haven't actually started graduate school yet, I would reccomend this book to anyone considering applying.

This is the first book I've seen that deals with the opportunities and challenges of being a graduate student in the sciences in a fair and equitable fashion. You'll find neither university-specific recruitment cheerleading nor intellectual snobbery in this book, just what the reality of life is like for students in graduate school. And make no mistake - this reality is very personal. From choosing a graduate school to tying up the loose ends of your dissertation, this book explains just what you can expect from this exhilarating, unnerving, and sometimes overwhelming experience. I wish this book had been available when I was applying to graduate schools! I highly recommend it to anyone, whether they are simply considering going to graduate school or are weeks away from a defense date.

Being a graduate student in the sciences can be very isolating, and reading about other students' experiences that echo your own (especially in other universities around the country) provides a sometimes much-needed perspective on both your feelings and your attitudes about your current work and your upcoming career. If you are considering a Ph.D. in the sciences, READ THIS BOOK.

Although I received my Ph.D. several years ago, I very much enjoyed reading this book. It definitely provoked a lot of memories! Although prospective and current graduate students certainly will value the book, I think it also is of value to current graduate student mentors. Professors too often "forget" what life is like as a graduate student, and what their role should be in fostering learning in their students. This book does a great job of putting the professor/student relationship in perspective.

Having read many of Kozol's previous books, I have developed a great admiration for him and his lifelong dedication to social justice and poor children, and his eloquent arguments on their behalf. I've wondered at how he has managed to spend nearly 40 years of his life in this pursuit. This book shows us why--he truly enjoys and loves the children he advocates for. Like Savage Inequalities and Amazing Grace (both must reads) the children's words themselves move you with their honesty, their innocence, and their hope. I can still see Elio moving his arms to "catch one of God's answers to his prayers". But this book also gives us some insight into Kozol himself--his struggles with the failing health of his parents especially. While his earlier books often were suffused with anger at the inequalities of the public education system and social framework, this book is filled with hope and joy. and a little bit of sadness too. And, surprisingly, it is just as effective.

As the end of the book drew near, I knew that I did not want it to finish. Through Kozol's descriptive, real life language, I felt as if I knew the students and wanted to continue along life's journey with them. I became frustrated, because I want to know what happens to the individual children. Are they able to remain strong with the help of the people at St. Ann's? Or do they fall into a life filled with crimes and drugs? Although I am upset, it is good, almost like a passion that is a direct result of Jonathan Kozol. Within an instant, he invites his readers to come along with him into this world in the South Bronx, a world that many people have not entered and maybe never will. Therefore, I believe Ordinary Resurrections is extremely powerful, for it has the capability to extend its arms and touch many people; there truly is no limit to the people who Kozol may affect. This idea of having no boundaries is crucial in today's society, because people should take the time not only to acknowledge, but help those who are less fortunate. It's a frightening world, especially for our youth, which is why they need our guidance and assistance to make sense of it all and find their own path.

Some might describe Jonathan Kozol's "Ordinary Resurrections" as a softer, more positive book than his past attacks on the inequalities of education. While the story-telling style often presents the "warm, fuzzy" experiences Kozol shared with young children in the South Bronx of New York, the primary message is still an alarming exposure of stark inequity in the availability of educational institutions, personnel, and resources for children in the public schools of New York City. The setting for these experiences is a neighborhood known as Mott Haven, one of the most impoverished areas of the city. The majority of Kozol's time is spent visiting with children, parents, teachers, and workers who are connected with an "after school" program housed at St. Ann's, an Episcopalian church in Mott Haven. Children attending St. Ann's after school program have a major advantage over others in the South Bronx; the dedicated volunteer workers who feed them, help them with homework, offer special programs, and often care for them as closely as their own family. Mother Martha, St. Ann's priest is an active participant in all of these activities, as well as spiritual instruction and guidance.

Kozol shares bits and pieces of the children's' lives, which include stark realities such as a large percentage of absentee fathers, many who are in prison, an extremely high rate of asthma due largely to poor environmental conditions, a high incidence of AIDS in relatives, gangs, shootings, hunger, lack of health care, and eviction. The term "apartheid education" is used in describing how skin color and class origin still determine curricular provision for these children, limiting their educational resources and their future. Stories shared indicate that expectations are set lower than other areas of the city and children's dreams for the future are effectively stifled. They are encouraged to plan careers as hairdressers, nurse's aides, or technicians, rather than professionals requiring a college degree. Kozol urges us not to impose "global preconceptions on a multitude of diverse personalities and motivations in a given group of' children".

The stark reality is that the money spent on children's' education per capita is much less in South Bronx than other areas of the city, and even miniscule compared to the amount spent to incarcerate men in the nearest prison. When Kozol is challenged with the question of whether money really is the only answer to the problems faced by schools serving poorest children in our cities now, he responds, "I think it is fair to answer, No. It is not the only answer, but it is often a precondition for most other answers."

Despite the disheartening facts of life and lack of resources, there is a bright side to Kozol's reflections. He describes with wonder at times of "the deep, inextinguishable goodness at the core of creation" evidenced over and over again in the children of Mott Haven. While many term these children resilient, Kozol argues that word does an justice the true qualities that help them prevail, such as ingenuity, courage, love, and especially spiritual faith. "Ordinary resurrection" is a term used by an Episcopal priest named Robert Morris who speaks about the commonplace and frequently unnoticed ways that people rise above their loneliness and fear. He states, "We all lie down. We all rise up. We do this every day. The Resurrection does not wait for Easter." This is the life of the children at Mott Haven. How they rise up every day is the heartwarming encouraging part of Kozol's book. Why they have to do it is the heart-disturbing part that makes the reader want to agree that something needs to be done to invest in these children's' futures, that they deserve a chance at something better. As Kozol asks, "why not give these kids the best we have because we are a wealthy nation and they're children and deserve to have some fun while they're still less than four feet high?"

Turning Numbers Into Knowledge deals with the fundamentals of analysis, research, and problem solving, not with their fashionable technical adornments. It is a tremendous resource for anyone wanting to critically review anything from costly, technical studies to everyday rhetorical argument.

The adjectives that came to my mind as I read Turning Numbers Into Knowledge were, "Engaging, comprehensive, down-to-Earth, well-researched, well-written, well-planned, well-documented, creative, helpful, entertaining, filled with useful resource material, user-friendly, personal, witty, and wise."

Whereas I had anticipated a ponderous technical tract, Turning Numbers Into Knowledge entertainingly deals with problem solving and analysis in its broadest context, including the often-ignored yet critical human elements. Because of its breadth, I can scarcely think of any scientist, social scientist, student, researcher, writer, or policy analyst who could not benefit from this book. Its lessons are brought home with cleverly chosen anecdotes and lucid examples. The reader is rewarded frequently with wonderful quotations and great cartoons.

What Koomey says about use of the Internet, web sites, and information dissemination over the Internet also has valuable implications for modern administrators, project managers, and executive directors whose organizational management responsibilities increasingly include management and dissemination of information.

As with other classics, I expect Turning Numbers Into Knowledge to be in print for a long time and would not be surprised to see students a generation from now relying on a future edition. Jon Koomey is a hard worker, clear thinker, and has produced an extraordinarily useful book that will help the practitioners of science, research, policy analysis, and journalism in the pursuit of truth.

"Turning Numbers Into Knowledge: Mastering the Art of Problem Solving" should be required reading for anyone engaged in producing, reading, or analysing information. Based on the title one might assume that I mean numerical information, but that is not the case at all. The basic principles, such as how to sift through information and the importance of documentation of sources, are important parts of any information product. In fact, except for the sections on graphs, tables, normalizing data and a few others, the rest of the book (fully at least three quarters of it) is dedicated to determining what constitutes good information, good techniques, good analysis, good documentation, etc. This is a book on problem solving techniques and analysis of the information products of others.

Filled with useful tools and tips for problem solving under real-life situations it is one of the most useful books available. "Turning Numbers Into Knowledge: Mastering the Art of Problem Solving" is a masterful work in the area of critical analysis and a highly recommended read for anyone involved in creating or using information of any kind.

A great book! Koomey uses quantitative data analysis only as a starting point; no in-depth knowledge of statistics is required to enjoy this book and learn from it. The main emphasis is on the art of data interpretation. Now that you have the charts, graphs, and correlation matrixes how do you draw meaningful conclusion from the numbers? While much of the process of turning data into knowledge is indeed an art, it behooves the practitioner to follow a scientific methodology in the process. This is where the book excels; it establishes a clear guideline (one could even say a methodology) for critical thinking that is applicable to every step in the process of qualitatively interpreting quantitative data. The book covers the range from raising the awareness of how personal bias and value systems might color (or even guide) the data collection and subsequent interpretation all the way to sound advice to presenting your own findings effectively and honestly. Aside from the interpretation of data the book also covers the creative process in designing experiments, building models, and the data collection process. The book is very well organized into mostly self-contained chapters that address all the major steps and issues in the process of distilling knowledge from numbers. The book is also peppered with pithy (but appropriate!) quotes from famous people that summarize the point covered. This book should be equally appealing to social scientists, engineers, and natural scientist, as well as anybody who appreciates clear thinking. After reading this book it will be much harder for anyone to "pull the wool over your eyes."

I love books that are different. When I saw this I bought it right away. I was not disappointed.

Day Job is just about the funniest thing I've ever read. The author is really demented.

My only complaint is it's physically tough to read at times, but it only adds to the charm of the book.

I laughed out loud-which I never do-while reading this book. Whatever your age or work experience, you will be able to appreciate and relate to aspects of Mark Thornton's experience in his job. I was relieved to laugh at the absurdities of work life that can frustrate me. I also appreciated the solid, sobering excerpts from other smart authors.

Jon Baird has written a book that should be read by everyone in the workplace. It allows for self-examination by every professional, and will help co-workers of all levels relate to each other's motivations and attitudes more completely. The book is extremely well written, and entertains in a way that other career-boooks fail to. It is far superior to either "What Color is your parachute" in terms of implicit career advice, and far more captivating to read than "The Goal," while conveying the same value of information and ideas contained in these other two commercially successful books.

I'm lucky to have studied with Jon in the early 90s when I attended Berklee. In short, I'm still learning from the materials and ideas he transmitted in our lessons. This book has all those ideas and more. It's an incredible wealth of information.

Buy the book and save yourself lots of money OR quit your job, move to Boston, enroll in Berklee (it's like joining a priesthood of a 1000 frustrated guitar players), try to become a jazz-snob (growing a goatee will help), and maybe if you're lucky, you'll get one half-hour a week with Jon each semester. (He's one of the most sought-after teachers at Berklee.)

BE WARNED: This book is not for beginners, it's only for serious players and those that really really want to learn how to play well. If that's you, then this book is an excellent guide.

-- gabriel perry
...

PS - The CD that comes with his book is great. The examples are very musical and inspired. So much so, that I contacted Jon (his email addy is in the book) and bought his "Dedications: Faces and Places" CD.

I have played the guitar professionally for over 25 years and have found Jon Damian's book to be very comprehensive and an excellent resource for developing student's improvisational skills regardless of playing style. I would recommend this book to anyone from beginner to advanced.

I really don't know which book the 1 star-reviewer read, definitely not Jon Damian's book!
This is the best guitar instructional book - and on music in general - since Mick Goodrick's "Advancing Guitarist".
It also addresses beginners, but intermediate and even advanced players will find a wealth of information in this wonderfully written book. This is a lifetime's achievement, it will revitalize your creativity, I promise.
It certainly is nothing for scale-nerds, it is a book for the "thinking guitarist" or, as Mr. Damian says in the subtitle, "The Curious Guitarist". So, go get this one, you can easily spend the rest of your life with it.