In CEO Capital, Leslie Gaines-Ross has written an insightful and enlightening book for those who want to increase the positive visibility and reputation of their CEO. It is a surprise to this reviewer that more books have not been written on the subject of how to master the art of building your reputation when both your own personal future and corporate future may be resting on it.

The celebrity hungry society of today looks to corporate movers and shakers especially the CEO as icons of a particular company. Think about Lee Iacocca, Jack Welch, Richard Branson, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs to mention just a few. How much of your opinion of these companies (and notice I don't even have to mention which companies they run/ran) is based on your perceived image of the CEO? The phrase 'you are your company' has never been more true, especially in the post Enron & Arthur Anderson world. How has your opinion of Enron changed now that you know more about Jeff Skilling and Andrew Fastow? Despite any fraud at Enron being committed by the few and not the masses of the organization, our entire perception of Enron has shifted to the iconic few.

Part I of CEO Capital is a contextual look at CEO capital: what it is, where it comes from and how it can be built. Gaines-Ross draws us in by looking at the CEO Effect by citing some examples as far back as 1985 starting with Roberto Goizueta, then CEO of Coca-Cola and the whole 'New Coke' revolt, that could have been a fatal disaster for the company. But Goizueta, trading on his CEO capital, not only avoided being removed but was able to bring the company back even stronger.

Part II is most interesting and is centered on the five stages postulated in the CEO capital model which take you by the hand, and step by step go through best practices (ed: hate that term but in this situation it is apt), principles and linkages to factors affecting the building of CEO capital. As the book says, 'the reader may be left with the impression that the stages read almost like a manual on how to lead a company. This perception is quite acceptable and entirely reasonable because nothing is more conducive to building CEO capital than building a strong, high-performing company. Any similarity between the two is entirely intentional.' Which is indeed how it reads, but in doing so, broadens the scope of the content to be relevant to a wider audience of business managers and executives who may not be leading Fortune 500 type companies (yet!). In fact, they may be the very leaders who will gain most from this book, since they are not too arrogant to learn and may gain the most from any capital building opportunities presented to them.

Chapters in the book include guidance on the Countdown (the time before the CEO-elect takes office), the First One Hundred days and the First Year, and then of course the second year in office which is always much harder than the first.

Gaines-Ross has written a truly pioneering work - overall an excellent book on a little-written about subject. The book is practically written and you should not let its somewhat 'user manual' style detract you from putting its advice into action. Recommended for CEOs and CEOs to-be of all sized companies, as well as other corporate officers and marketing/PR professionals who may guide along the process.

Immense credit must be given to Dr. Gaines-Ross who bravely and successfully takes on, notwithstanding the post Enron anti-CEO environment, the hypersensitive issue of CEO reputation. Yes, agrees Gaines-Ross, being a high profile, ego obsessed CEO is asking for trouble and is to be avoided like the plague. She refuses, however, to engage in the now fashionable tendency toward unrestrained CEO bashing, preferring instead a reasoned, astute and carefully researched analysis of the CEO's role.

While adding her voice to those who deride media hyped personalities, what she refers to as big "C" Celebrity CEOs, she cautions that old fashioned leadership is still desirable. When engaged in by talented CEOs, it may, indeed should, lead to the creation of an executive persona. Such a persona need not require media exposure and is entirely compatible with sound corporate practice. Such persona bearing CEOs are small "c" celebrated CEOs, who "by dint of strong leadership, discriminating vision, force of character and other admirable traits become celebrated by their employees, their industry, their peers, and occasionally (though not necessarily) even the media for jobs well done."

Gaines-Ross' book amounts to a much needed, intellectually honest warning not to let the anti-CEO backlash go too far. Refusing to jump blindly onto the anti-CEO bandwagon as have so many business pundits, she stresses that executive leadership is still necessary and if effectively and ethically rendered is something which should not be hidden under the rug but promoted openly. In pursuing the cause of sound, old fashioned corporate leadership, she lays out a roadmap, based on original research, on how CEOs may repair their reputations, stressing among other things the need to communicate internally, build a management team, develop a thematic stamp and a vision.

She deserves immense praise not only for her honest appraisal of the role of CEOs in today's business environment but also for presenting an immensely practical and useful format on how to lead ethically, energetically and effectively.

A major, original addition to the literature on leadership and reputation ... no doubt about it.

Until I read this book I did not realize the importance of communicating the 'how','why', 'when' of each executive decision. Given the crisis environment dominating corporate America today, I think CEOs need to add another word to their title and become chief executive and communications officers. Without communicating and finding their voice as leaders, I think CEOs will have a hard time earning public trust. This book provides a great blue print for understanding the commotion we read about in the papers.

i've been going thru quite a difficult time with my own divorced guy, as have many of my girlfriends, and this book really helped me see that there is a possibility to make things work. or if not, to dump the guy...which i see now i needed permission to do. thanks leslie, i feel now i have choice in the matter.

jean

This book is a must for any woman over thirty who has not yet found her man. It's wise, funny, informative and written in a clear and comprehensive way.

Not only does it tell you the in's and out's of dating and wedding a divorced man, it gives vital information to help you meet the many challanges along the way.

I laughed, I cried, I loved it. I'm giving it to all my friends who still haven't been able to close the deal, or are completely sure they want to.

Finally there's a soul out there who understands what i'm going through and can help me to see the light at the end of the tunnel. i've been on the verge of breaking up with my own fabulous/impossible divorced man but now, finally armed with the real scoop and the necessary tools, i'm hanging in there and slowly starting to soar.
ladies, if you think you might need this book, then trust me, you do. i highly reccomend this to you.

Angel: a Mighty Fortress is the kind of book that has to be read in one sitting---from the first word to the last, you will be enthralled with each member of the crew and the paths that their lives take. From each little mystery to the innocent yet powerful love affair, Don Gaddo and Leslie Barnett beautifully show the dichotomy between the tragedies and miracles of war. This book is one that should be in everyone's home library!

I enjoyed this book so much because you see my husband grew up with the author and we know or knew most of the people in the book personally! This book is an amazing story about WWII and the men and women who died for their country. We knew last summer that Don was writing this book when Sharon [Don's wife], and Don stopped to see us while in Illinois visiting with family and friends. We went out to dinner and while talking about old times and reminiscing Don told us of his search for information about his cousin, Lt. Joe Doglio. He told us of his stop at a Military Museum while on a vacation and how he found the information about the crew and the Angel and how he called the men who were still living to get the first hand accounts of the events that led to the death of the crew and the demise of the Angel. It was a heart wrenching story that needed to be told. We are forever grateful for their friendship and hope to be able to read a sequel to Angel some day soon!

"Angel: A Mighty Fortress" is a refreshing blend of WWII history and insight into the lives of the Angel crew...neither aspect dominating the other. It is novels like this that make people want to read about history...In part because they may not realize that is what they are doing. It is possible to walk away from this book aware you are touched by the tragic deaths...but unaware of the historical knowledge gained at the same time. It is also easy for younger generations, such as mine, to look at the WWII gneration as "them". People whos sacrifices are part of a time long gone. The personal accounts of this novel bing to light the fact that "they" are me, only a generation earlier. This novel is a work the soldiers, their familes and the authors can be proud of and that readers can use to connect to them.

The drills in this book are the easiest way to learn basic strategy and counting. I never could learn from those funky matrices in other books, but picked it right up from these. A great first book for gambling.

I bought this book several years ago when I took my very first trip to Las Vegas. Since then it has gone with me every time. Mr. Ortiz covers everything: from etiquette at the tables to calculating the odds for all games to managing you bankroll. This book has it all, and it is very easy to read and understand. I can't recommend it enough.

Mr. Ortiz's book is a good introductory book that deals with the basics of gambling, while also including some elements of advanced gambling technique. The book covers the basics of every major casino game as well as slots and video poker. One of the great strengths of the book is that it teaches how to figure out the odds and payoff for casino games and tells you which ones you're more likely to win at. It also goes into detail about the basics of things like card counting, gambling systems, and even casino credit, junkets, and comps. It is the easiest and most pleasant book I've read for the beginning gambler and I would recommend it to anybody wanting to better their gambling skills.

Probably before you were born, the bookmobile would stop off at our school and I looked forward to reading "Freddy" books. I enjoyed all of his adventures and friends (Jinx had a few adventures of his own). Now those books are collector's items and rarely show up in used book stores. As much as I miss the originals he is back and just as ornery as ever. One Day I hope the earlier one will get republished. In the mean time Even thought these books are geared towards young ones, they still can hold the attention of old codgers.

Kurt wise does a good job of illustrating and for those that have never reads Freddy you have a great mystery ahead of you.

This may well be the best of the Freddy books written by Walter R. Brooks (its only competition is Freddy the Magician). Children and adults alike will find this one of the most fun books they've ever read. I can still remember the delicious chills I felt when reading this book at twelve, and still enjoy reading it today. As usual, Freddy gets into trouble trying to help friends -- Mr. Camphor to get rid of his aunts and an innkeeper whose hotel is haunted.

My first encouner with Freddy the pig left me feeling like I had just found Tut's tomb. His stories are loaded with treasures-wit, well-developed characters, and clear evidence that Brooks understood and RESPECTED children's intellect and character. Two foretrotters Up!!

Totally disgusting is about a cat named Mewkiss, a dog named Barkus, and another cat named Allergies. Mewkiss is afraid of rats until Allergies tells her a story about a cat named Mukiz. That builds up her courage to go find them. they go on many adventures and you'll have to read this book to find out about it.
I would recommend this book because it has good details and is a good adventure book. I like llamas.

Everbody should read this book it is exciting adventurous and scary. People who love animals would love this book. It's about a dog and a cat that try to eliminate these two rats that are trying to hurt their owners.

I read this book along time ago, and I enjoyed it very much. I lost it for a couple years and i couldnt remember the name; I found it again last night and stayed up and read it,I couldnt put it down!! It is the cutest story, and was pretty exciting, especially when Mewkiss was fighting the rat. If you want a good book that wont take you too long to read i would really recomend this book.

I was disappointed in this volume, only because it contained very little instruction, but instead demonstrated the techniques through projects. If you want a grand and slightly garish display of zebras or dolphins on your walls, this is the book for you. If you are trying to learn how to enlarge something and create stencils from it, you can probably find more information elsewhere.

This book widened my perception of stenciling. Previously I thought of stencilingf as a neat, precise, predictable repeated pattern. A craft to add embellishment to a piece of furniture or a border around a room. When I first flipped through the pages of this book it was hard to believe I was looking at stenciling. If this process at first looks difficult, don't be fooled. Clear step-by-step instructions walk you through the process. I found once I had done a few projects from the book I was ready to produce my own original artwork. This book is a nice addition to the library of any decorative painter and a must for the wannabe artist.

This is one of the better "how to" books I have ever read. The patterns are provided so that you may actually create the items shown and enough direction is given so that you can easily use what you have learned to create many more projects of your own.

Field has produced an excellent balance of text and pictures and has done an exceptionally thorough job of documentation. I was fascinated by his descriptions of how the jewelry was modified over the years to accommodate the fashions of the day and the taste of the current owner. The only reason I did not give this 5 stars was due to the pictures. Most are black and white (for obvious reasons), however some were of very poor quality, and very few taken with the intention of displaying jewelry. There was one delightful story of a gift to the young Princess Elizabeth, a necklace and bracelet, which the Queen now refers to as "my best diamonds". But do we get to see the diamonds? No, the only available picture was a distant news photo of the young Princess sitting at an angle and the jewels nearly impossible to see. For Princess Diana fans, don't bother buying this book. There are less than a half dozen images of Diana, and nothing you haven't seen before. And just a reminder, this is her personal collection. You won't see any of the crown regalia.

Leslie Field's "The Queen's Jewels: The Personal Collection of Elizabeth II" is a splendid, splendid book in every way. Field has gathered together hundreds of important photographs (of the nearly half million she saw altogether) of Queen Elizabeth's jewels. These are shown both in their cases and being worn by various monarchs, and we see how different royal family members have altered the look or the purpose of pieces as fashions and times changed over the years. Field has complemented these photographs with her outstanding, meticulously researched text. Even if you purchase the book mostly to drool over the photographs, you will end up being both captivated and educated by the accompanying text.

Field begins the book with the ascension of Queen Victoria to the throne. Because of the Salic laws passed by the House of Hanover in 1833, Victoria was prevented from becoming ruler of both the United Kingdom and Hanover. The kingdoms were split for the first time in well over a century. Immediately, King Ernest of Hanover--an uncle of Queen Victoria--demanded his share of the royal jewels, arguing that since the kingdom had been split, so must be the gems. Victoria disagreed, and the argument went on for two decades before finally being settled in favor of Hanover. Subsequently, Victoria gave up several important pieces of jewelry to her uncle's descendants--but was already well on her way to amassing an important collection.

Victoria was the first British monarch to make clear that some pieces belonged to the Crown and were for use by any Queen to follow her--and that some pieces were her personal property, and hers to dispose of as she saw fit. British monarchs have followed in her footsteps ever since and although Field showcases many sumptuous Crown pieces in the book, the bulk of what we see are the Queen's personal pieces. And what a collection it is!

The collection is vast and jaw-droppingly beautiful. Field wisely divides the book into types of stones, from diamonds and pearls to emeralds, sapphires, amethysts, turquoise, and more. We see everything from parures
(i. e., complete matching sets of everything from necklaces to brooches to rings to earrings and more) to necklaces and tiaras which were gifts from other governments or from such quaintly named organizations as "Girls of Great Britain and Ireland" to pieces designed by Prince Philip expressly for his wife.

Among the many stand-outs in the book are:

- Queen Elizabeth's three-carat diamond solitaire engagement ring, designed by Prince Philip for his wife and set with a handsome diamond taken from a tiara belonging to Philip's mother (p. 85);

- The Godman Necklace, which had been bought by an English naturalist in the 1890s while on holiday in Bavaria. His daughters, many years after his death, wrote to the Lord Chamberlain saying that they felt they owned jewelry once owned by Empress Josephine of France and that the Queen might be interested in it. Although it turned out not to have been of this provenance, it was undoubtedly a stunning and valuable piece, showcasing seven large emeralds and three smaller ones, and surrounded throughout with an encrustation of diamonds and platinum filigree (p. 95);

- The Cambridge's Lover's Knot Tiara, shown being worn by the Duchess of Cambridge in 1818, the Grand Duchess of Mecklenburg-Strelitz in the 1890s, Queen Mary in 1926, Queen Mary again in 1935 (this time without the upright pearls which originally adorned it), Queen Elizabeth in 1955, and Diana, Princess of Wales in 1985. This is powerful testimony that good design and fine jewelry are both timeless (pp. 113 - 115);

- Queen Mary's "Rose of York" bracelet, which is a breathtaking ruby and diamond pendant which was eventually turned into a bracelet (p. 143).

Of course these are but a few of the many treasures in the book. It is a fascinating read, and a wonderfully complete and detailed account of what is probably the finest jewelry collection in the world today.

I was so impressed with and have gotten so much Joy from this book, it has inspired me enough to go ahead and try my first on-line review. When I noticed this was out of print I was very surprised. Even more so when I realized there was also a 1997-revised edition. I am hopeful its simply because the newly expanded volume is getting its finishing touches. With digital imaging technology having come so far since the publishing of the first two editions (87/97), the detail that is now available will hopefully be prominently featured in the next. A unique aspect of this book is the thoroughness of information presented on several different topics.
The title subject is definitely covered in meticulous detail. Aside from the jewels it really is almost a complete mini-biography of most of the British Royal Family. After all the Men bought jewels too! It is amazing to see an 18th century piece on Queen Elizabeth and be able to trace it exactly from it origin through the centuries.
The information in text and pictures give a much better understanding of the whole concept of continuity, with many surprises along the way. Tidbits like how Queen Victoria stubbornly refused to return gems that another Royal House insisted it owned. How important Jewels were to Queen Mary, not for their monetary value but because of their family historical importance. Its the little details like this that give you a much more personal understanding of monarchs, without being dishy or gossipy.

Both the front and back inside covers gives a complete family tree dating back to Henry VII. Inside, thirteen categories/chapters cover everything from Diamonds and Emeralds to Sapphires and Amethysts, explaining who favored a particular kind of gem or style over another. Do not expect a very in-depth education on gems, however you get a great understanding of the history and importance of gems through the centuries as a symbol of power and status. There is a generous amount of color and B&W photos perfectly balanced with the text. Generations of Royals Portraits set-up three or four to a page wearing the same Jewels over scores of decades are some of the picture highlights. I really don?t think you need to be a Royal Watcher to appreciate the images. From all the individuals listed in the Acknowledgments many of them with titles you understand this book was published with the complete cooperation and help of the entire Royal Family. Its the photography that makes you appreciate this. A perfect example of this is the cover subject. A magnificent necklace part of a set named: The Cambridge and Delhi Durbar Parure. Inside there is another full color page showing the complete set, however throughout the book you can see no less than ten or twelve different royals wearing some kind of configuration of it. Including the World Famous snapshot of the late Princess Diana wearing the necklace as a headband.
You cannot help but feeling like you know the members of the various royal houses a little better after reading a few excerpts. The entire volume gives you an impression that the author truly respects, enjoys and is highly educated on her subject. This is one of the few books that I own, that I know I will never post for sale used. I hope you enjoy!

I absolutely adored the idea that the romance of the two characters (three if you add Troy) was displayed for all to see through her window displays. It was so cute the way Chloe got creative and put real life into the creations. The love scenes were awesome and the ending was cute. My only complaint was that I would have been much harder on the mom in the end for her irresponsibility and not just blown it off like it was nothing.
Overall this book was sweet, romantic, funny and I would read it again and again.

And so is Ms. Kelly's writing. I have read every one of Ms. Kelly's books and I love them all. She started out great and just keeps getting better. As with all of her stories it's driven by great characters that you just have to love. Trent in the rain, oh my! Don't miss this one, I highly recommend it.

I can't wait to see what happens when brother Troy meets Venus from "Into the Fire".

I discovered this Harlequin author about two years ago and have read every one of her books. They're funny and sweet and unpredictable. This is my absolute favorite. In Two To Tangle (the PERFECT title for this plot), the 'wrong bed' mix up is adorable and sexy and left me with that special feeling that I am in on the "secret" and I couldn't wait for the characters to figure it all out. Very sexy, like all of Kelly's books, but this one has a special emotional kick and a delicious mix-up that kept me smiling all the way through. From the rainstorm to the roses, this book is a blast!

Blue Guitar is a sweet tribute to Jimmy D'Aquisto as a guitar maker and to Scott Chinery as a collector of fine instruments. The impeccable workmanship of the instruments in this book is a small oasis of patience and craftsmanship in a fast-food culture. It provides an insight into the type of people that create these wonderful pieces, as well as the zeal of one person whose passion was acquiring the best of examples of this art form. You don't have to be a guitar junkie to enjoy this book. It's fun to read and real easy to look at.

The book is an execellent reference to anyone interested in the making of guitars, and to know who presently, are among the "elite of luthiers".

Scott Chinnery, an avid collector of guitars, was instrumental in re-igniting a passion for the revival of the arch top, semi-acoustic guitar. It was Chinnery, that approached twenty two of the finest luthiers, and inspired them to the task of creating an eighteen inche (wide) semi-acoustic guitar. Chinnery also requested the guitars be made "blue" - all luthiers used the same color, yet were free to formulate and apply the color as they indivudally desired. The results and finding of this work becomes the topic of the book.

The text presents a challenge to continue the work initiated by these craftpersons. It is "inspirational", and very informative.

What does the ultimate blue archtop guitar look like? 22 master craftsmen were posed with this challenge: "make an 18 inch wide acoustic archtop guitar...make it any way you want, as long as you make it blue."

A virtual competition ensues as the top 'luthiers' get down to business creating their personal vision of the finest blue archtop. Scott Chinery, a collector of fine guitars had amassed a collection numbering over a thousand pieces when he had the notion to commission the best craftsman to make a blue archtop. You don't even have to love guitars to appreciate the wonderfully varied interpretations that came about as a result. The pride of craftsmanship shines through on each and every meticulously crafted piece. This is a handsome book richly filled with photographs of these masterpieces in blue, and the talented men and women behind them. This book is a gem for the price.