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Book reviews for "Ryskamp,_John_Michael" sorted by average review score:

Microsoft Visual Basic 6 Introductory Concepts and Techniques
Published in Paperback by Course Technology (21 December, 1998)
Authors: Gary B. Shelly, Thomas J. Cashman, John F. Repede, Michael Mick, Cashman Shelly, and Gary B. Shelly
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This has been my VB bible for the last 4 years
I cant tell you how happy I am of owning this book.

I bought it for a class I took at San Josel, CA 4 years ago and up to today it is my number 1 reference for VB programming. I has a complete set of projects scalating from simple to more complex. As you follow each chapter/excercise your VB knowledge becomes more and more solid.

It is also a great reference book (but only if you have been through al the excercises) since it is full of code and tables with imprtant data and concepts. The book is formatted as a cookbook. A step by step tutorial takes you through the chapters while learning in a painless and fun way.


Minidoka: 937th Earl of One Mile Series M
Published in Hardcover by Dark Horse Comics (09 September, 1998)
Authors: Edgar Rice Burroughs, Michael Wm Kaluta, J. Allen St. John, and Peet Janes
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Fairy Tale for Every Child, Even Those of us Who Are Adults
Minidoka? What kind of a word is that, you say? Then you stop and think, "Oh, Edgar Rice Burroughs, creator of Tarzan and John Carter. It's a made up word!" WRONG. Minidoka is a small town (or was, I don't know if it is still there) in Idaho where Mr. Burroughs worked in one of his many failed careers as a gold miner (1901 to 1904) with his brother at the Yale Dredging Company. It didn't pan out, pardon the pun, and the world is much more richer for the failed attempt.

Burroughs has never been accused of being a literary genius, although his stories have reached every corner of the world, his books are published in over sixty different languages (not counting dialects), his tales have been the basis for dozens of films, TV series, animations and comics. What Mr. Burroughs was gifted with was the art of storytelling and that trait has made him a legend.

Mindoka, 937th Earl of One Mile Series M is a story that sprung from that ability. No one knows for certain when this wonderful tale was created, perhaps it was one of the series of bedtime stories Burroughs told his children each night. All of them created on the spot as he paced the hall of their small home and spoke in a loud voice so that all in the house could hear. What ever occurred, Burroughs liked this particular story so much that he committed it to paper. Of a sorts, at least. He used the backs of old letterheads from the mining company, photo bills from Pocatello and letterheads of the American Genealogical Society to compose this story. None of the hand written manuscript is dated, nor was it discovered until 1955, five years after his death, in his personal belongings. The paper the story was written on gives proof that this is Burroughs first ever written work, never before seen by another beside himself until after he had died and never published until today. This makes that story almost a century old!

The tale is very strange, not at all like his works that were published in his lifetime. This is a children's story, it is written with the intention of being read aloud to children and has all the classic elements of fairy tales. Horrible monsters, magic spells, beautiful damsels to rescue and battles to be fought, all of these are in there along with a never before seen look at the man's sense of humor.

The story itself is quite captivating, even if it is a bit difficult to read for an adult. I dare say that I will be hard pressed to pronounce some of the words that Burroughs has created for this story, but many of the characters and creatures are quite endearing. I really liked the hoobody and hookidooki. The hoobody reminded me of one of the mythical creatures of my people, the Apache, (perhaps that's where he got the idea) and the hookidooki was just plain fun to read about even if it was a villain.

The setting for the story is Idaho of a million or more years in the past, but with European type kingdoms all based as the origin of Irish names. Very interesting concept and for the life of me I can't determine why he took that tact in the story. But it matters not, as the tale is fantastic.

Many aspects of his published works can be seen in this story. The way his heroes act and react is based on this tale. Many animals and places for completely unrelated stories are mentioned here as something else. It is almost as if he created an entire universe from the seeds that he planted for himself in this story to his children.

There is something else that is very special about this book. The cover art is a painting by J. Allen St. John that has never been published before. Who is St. John, you ask? This is the man that made every single cover painting for Burroughs books starting in 1915 with The Son of Tarzan and ending in 1942 with The Tiger Girl (I have copies of all of these). The painting was made over 50 years ago when an art director told St. John that it was impossible for an artist to do an illustration using all known mediums that were known at the time. St. John went to his loft and created a drawing he titled Minidoka by those exact means just to prove the man wrong. This cover is the first printing of that painting.

The book is a mere 63 pages long with about 15 of those pages being lavishly drawn full page illustrations. Each page also has drawings around the edges that have to do with what the story is talking about at the time.

The book is published by Dark Horse Comics and is available now at all book stores. You will more than likely have to special order it, because it is a limited edition print. The price is ... well worth it. I can hardly wait until it is mass produced so that I can get a reading copy to give my children when they are old enough. Get one of these first prints while they are still out there. You will never regret it.


Moral Absolutes: Tradition, Revision and Truth (The Michael J. McGivney Lectures of the John Paul II Institute for Studies On Marriage and Family)
Published in Hardcover by Catholic Univ of Amer Pr (1991)
Author: John Finnis
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Not only a brilliant refutation of proportianalism
This concise book is a much needed defence of the idea that there are exceptionless moral norms. Modernist theologians will not enjoy the way in which Finnis shows that their espousal of a proportianalist ethic is completely at odds with the entire Christian tradition. As well as thoroughly documenting the manipulation of textual evidence made by theological proportionalists, Finnis pungently demonstrates the philosophical incoherence of their position. In so doing, Finnis has many interesting things to say about the nature of freedom, and its relation to moral absolutes, and how our relation to intelligible goods and integral human fulfillment generates unconditional oughts in a way that doesn't fall foul of the Naturalistic fallacy. The final chapter of the book suggests that the proportianalist philosophy took hold amongst certain heterodox Catholic thinkers in an attempt to justify contraceptive sexual acts. The result of this attempt has been to promote an ethic which rejects not only the Church's teaching on contraception, but also the idea of any exceptionless moral norms. The irrationality of the arguments used in favour of proportionalism suggests a motivation on the part of modern theologians, far removed from the pursuit of truth. Admirers of Finnis will not be disappointed by this book, which furthers his reputation as one of the most important Natural Law thinkers.


The Music of Creation: Foundations of a Christian Life
Published in Hardcover by J. P. Tarcher (1999)
Authors: John Michael Talbot and Steve Rabey
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A beautiful book for all who are on any spiritual path
I really loved this book. John is not only a wonderful soul but he has done a beautiful job of expressing his thoughts on how we can all learn more about the principles of living a truly powerful and blessed Christian life. He also does a wonderful job of sharing ideas about other religions such as Buddhism and Taosim. As a Shaman and a Chi Gung master, I use slightly different terms than John does regarding some aspects of spirituality, however, we both speak the same language of the heart as it is expressed through the Holy Spirit. I highly recommend John's book to anyone interested in learning some beautiful ways to tap into some of the hidden secrets and mysteries of Catholicism. John's book has taught me some beautiful ways to open myself up to the Blessings and Gifts of the Holy Spirit. As a healer, I have personally experienced many similar stories to what John talks about and I feel honored to have learned some of his traditions and also to know John personally. He is a wonderful man and a great author who really knows how to touch your soul.

Lily of the Valley Carnie, author, Chi Gung: Chinese Healing, Energy, and Natural Magick


My Father, the Enemy (Riverdale High, No. 8)
Published in Paperback by Warner Books (1992)
Authors: Michael J. Pellowski and John L. Archie Goldwater
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The Saving of Trees
This story also happens in other parts of the world. It's all about Veronica's father (Hiram Lodge) a famous business tycoon. He will tear down all the tress in EVERGREEN FOREST now Veronica called the gang to help her stop her father in cutting the trees. Soon there were rallies, Signs, Posters around Riverdale. Then Mr.Lodge Decided to take only a small part of the forest for building for other to have a jobs and a bigger part for the forest. And it turns out everything turned out well!!


National Guard: An Illustrated History of America's Citizen Soldier
Published in Hardcover by Brasseys, Inc. (01 March, 2003)
Authors: Michael D. Doubler, John W., Jr. Listman, and Donald M. Goldstein
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A rousing, inspirational history text
The collaborative effort of retired Army National Guard colonel Michael D. Doubler and retired Army National Guard chief warrant officer John W. Listman, Jr., The National Guard: An Illustrated History Of America's Citizen-Soldiers combines black-and-white photographs with a rousing, inspirational history text showcasing this proud and honorable institution charged with protecting America's security. A straightforward and engaging account written for readers of all backgrounds, The National Guard is a welcome and appreciated contribution to personal, school, and community library Military History reference collections and reading lists.


Nephrology Secrets (The Secrets Series)
Published in Paperback by Hanley & Belfus (1999)
Authors: Donald E. Hricik, John R. Sedor, and Michael B. Ganz
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Glomerular diseases/Hemodialysis/Peritoneal dialysis/ESRD.
The book comprehensively reviewed the important points in Nephrology. It is a great help for practice and exams as well. The authors uses easy language and simple phrases. Reviewed good. Congratualtions to every one participated in a job well done.


Neural Organization: Structure, Function, and Dynamics
Published in Hardcover by MIT Press (31 October, 1997)
Authors: Michael A. Arbib, Peter Erdi, and John Szentagothai
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CNS = Structure + Function + Dynamics
This reference considers the organization and function of the brain. The structural approach considers neural morphology and synaptic connectivity. It is noted that pasterns of reciprocal interaction are common, binding structural units together. The functional approach considers functional decomposition of skills or behavior. Computational neural networks are used in models but are constrained by neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. 'Schemas' are functional entities. The dynamics approach allows analysis of spatiotemporal neural phenomena, and provides another bridge between structure and function. The reference begins with three chapters, each an overview on structure, function and dynamics. Chapters on the olfactory system, hippocampus, thalamus, cerebral cortex, cerebellum and basal ganglia follow.


The New Living Heart Diet
Published in Paperback by Fireside (1996)
Authors: Michael E. Debakey, Antonio M., Jr. Gotto, Lynne W. Scott, John P. Foreyt, Mary McMann, Suzanne Jaax, Suzanne Simpson, and Daniele Brauchi
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Huge Help in Recovery
I purchased this book at the suggestion of a friend while I was recovering from Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery..(a triple bypass). I was in need of information that would help me recover and take me forward to avoid needing surgery in the future, to bring me back to a state of good health and to find ways to do it with little disruption. I had a few other books given to me, or suggested. I have found that The New Living Heart Diet is an amazingly complete "how to" manual for someone with heart disease or is trying to prevent it. I would reccommend it to a friend.


A night of errors
Published in Unknown Binding by Gollancz ()
Author: Michael Innes
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Burnt to a cinder in his own study
"...So that night began and continued to the end, in nothing but confusion and errors; whereupon it was ever afterwards called the Night of Errors." (Gesta Grayorum, 1594)

One of the most surreal butlers in all of mystery inhabits "Night of Errors (1948)." His name is Swindle and his conversation consists mainly of the croaked "Urrr" sound and displeasing snuffles through his nose. Most of the really amusing episodes in the book consist of Swindle's monosyllabic interactions with the long-suffering family whom he serves. Naturally, he is one of the suspects in this classical British manor house mystery.

Sir Oliver Dromio is found burnt to a crisp in his own fireplace, but this wasn't the first suspicious fire on the Dromio estate. Forty years earlier, Sir Oliver's infant brothers (he was one of a set of triplets) were supposedly burned to death in a suspect blaze in the nursery.

Sir John Appleby, recently retired from his august position at New Scotland Yard, has had his fill of burnt baronets. But he lets the local constable talk him into a midnight drive in his big yellow Bentley over to the neighboring estate of Sherris, home of the Dromio family since the seventeenth century.

There are a multitude of suspects in addition to the Neanderthal butler: Lady Dromio, whose two infant sons had died so horribly four decades past, and whose baronet husband had died mad; Lucy, her adopted daughter who might have been Sir Oliver's mistress; the Reverend Mr. Greengrave who sometimes drank a glass of wine too many, in order to overcome his shyness; Sebastian Dromio, the black sheep of the family, who was supposed to be in America; the rich, reclusive Mrs. Gollifer, who might be Lucy's natural mother; and her son, Geoffrey who is in love with Lucy.

Appleby and his sidekick, Inspector Hyland set out to solve the homicide in a night of errors compounded by several arsons, multiple corpses, mistaken identities, all sorts of motives (from blackmail to hereditary madness), and an over-full cast of suspects.

Including one very odd butler.


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