So you didn't play much baseball as a kid. Or, maybe you played so much baseball that you know too much to work with your inexperienced kids without loosing your patience.

This handbook has it all. How do you get a 4 year old to throw a ball effectively? Not an easy task for someone with a short attention span an no idea what you are talking about. Swing a bat level? Why bother when you can hack at the ball like a woodsman? Tips, techniques, and pictures either teach a parent what is important, or remind him or her what they have known for so long they have forgetten to pass it along.

These are just a couple of examples of the problems I faced in teaching baseball to my kids and areas the handbook was helpful. From catching, throwing and hitting for the youngest of players, all the way through to strategy, baserunning and conditioning for older players. This book will help you get them started on the right track and help them help themselves when they are old enough to read on their own.

Talk yourself into coaching your kid's team so you can be sure they get quality instruction - only to find that the parents are the ones who drive you to give it up? This handbook can help you lay the groundwork up front that will turn your parents into assets.

I could go on and on. This book may not have everything you will ever need, but it does have something useful about everything. A great read and a great resource.

I bought this because because of the JXUL project. To that end I found this book very handy to understand that basics, intermediate aspects and application of XUL, RDF, XBL, etc.

A lot of time is spent talking about Mozilla (obviously). The problem is that a lot of that content will be quickly out of date. Discussion of other projects like Luxor (like JXUL), Xavier (server side) and the enhancements made in Mozilla since being published would make a welcome second edition. May-be wait for Mozilla 1.0.

In my line of work with SGML, the transition into XML comes pretty natural and with that the notion of "Hey, there is really a lot of cool stuff one can achieve with this!". Especially when you add XUL, XBL, RDF, and JavaScript/DOM to this.
Thats where this book comes in really handy. The chapters are laid out pretty well and don't require a lot of experience with XML, although some basic knowledge of how a markup language work helps. The only downside about the whole XUL at the moment (in my view) is that its currently only supported in Netscape 6.x. The XUL support in Mozilla got broken somewhere between milestone release 0.92 and 0.94. However, the jXUL project looks really promising and would certainly make up for the lack of browser support since this will run as stand-alone applications in a "Runner" application.

As others have mentioned, the chapter on RDF was pretty scary and daunting and should be revisited by the reader a couple of times. There are of course lots of RDF resources on the web that could provide more help and insight.

The chapter on Netscape Themes (including the appendix containing all the different images and buttons used) could probably be left out in the next edition, to give more room for RDF or DOM?

Grand total; A very good book on this topic that certainly will inspire the reader for further research in this area.

Bought this book about a month ago, so I think I've had a pretty good chance to review it. It's very good, despite the fact that Mozilla hasn't got up off their keesters yet! I'm an XML developer with limited Java experience, but the JXUL project they put in there as their open source project is very, very cool! That I think was worth the price of the book.

I personally thought the RDF chapter was a monster (scary to me!) but very well covered! I'm sure when I progress as a programmer I'll be doing a lot of the RDF.

I think the book is very well written, especially considering I am still a beginner/intermediate web developer.

I cannot even begin to describe how fantastic this book is. I've been working in gourmet restaurants for about three years now and have checked out many books on wine to try and understand every nook and cranny of wines; most of the time I still felt a little confused. The way the book is organised helps you to easily understand every aspect of wine including the varietals (grapes), laws of appellations for each country and so much more. It's so easy and detailed to understand (studying is still required, trust me) and also uses graphs, maps and tables to make the information even more clear. Yes, the book can be considered a bit pricey, but if you are a student, in the industry or want to know more about your hobby, I can't think of a single reason why this wouldn't be a worthwhile investment. There are cheaper books out there, but the information they provide is no where near the quality you can get with this book; believe me, I've got a mini-wine library where most of the books will now be collecting dust because all the information I need is in this book.

Also recommended: The Oxford Companion to Wine (detailed definitions to wines, regions, etc...); Wine Lover's Companion (nice pocket guide for quick definitions to wine)

I cannot even begin to describe how fantastic this book is. I've been working in gourmet restaurants for about three years now and have checked out many books on wine to try and understand every nook and cranny of wines; most of the time I still felt a little confused. The way the book is organised helps you to easily understand every aspect of wine including the varietals (grapes), laws of appellations for each country and so much more. It's so easy and detailed to understand (studying is still required, trust me) and also uses graphs, maps and tables to make the information even more clear. Yes, the book can be considered a bit pricey, but if you are a student, in the industry or want to know more about your hobby, I can't think of a single reason why this wouldn't be a worthwhile investment. There are cheaper books out there, but the information they provide is no where near the quality you can get with this book; believe me, I've got a mini-wine library where most of the books will now be collecting dust because all the information I need is in this book.

Also recommended: The Oxford Companion to Wine (detailed definitions to wines, regions, etc...); Wine Lover's Companion (nice pocket guide for quick definitions to wine)

This is a fabulous book that belongs in the libary of anyone even remotely serious about this broad and beautiful subject. The authors have surveyed the wines of the world, and include accurate information, maps, and engaging "insider" viewpoints. The chapters on wine and food, wine and health, and wine in restaurants are particularly helpful. A fabulous reference now used in the wine programs of dozens of colleges and professional wine societies, Exploring Wine is accessible to all with an interest in enjoying wine. Well done!

So, you start reading this book with your Douglas Adams head on. At least, I did. it's a bit sci-fi, you see, but with comedy asides. It's not until you get about halfway through that you realise you actually care about the characters in a way that you wouldn't normally, it they were only there for comedic effect. As soon as this happens, you will find yourself unable to put this book down, as it gives the most accurate description of dreaming that i have ever read. This book lulls you into a false sense of security, but don't be fooled, it has very dark moments. Also, as the book is written in first person, as soon as you have a plot premonition, you are admonished by Stark, the main character, for missing the bigger picture. Fantastic book, great author. Read all his stuff. ("Spares" next, if i were you)

Starting with very original ideas the author takes us to a new Earth where hi-tech and violence intermix together to provide a futuristic story.
It starts with promising prolong that somehow keeps you tuned up through the first half of the book. Through out this first half, Michael Smith builds very interesting and deep characters. Each of these characters has his/her own complicated personality and life story. Except of few unreasonable facts - that I could not really accept - the story builds good tension and is mind provoking.

Then, somewhere around the middle of the book Michael Smith makes a sharp turn and changes this sci-fi story to something more like 'Alice in Wonderland'. I found this very annoying and hard to accept. Still I kept on reading as I was really attached to the characters and HAD to know their destiny.

This book deserves two stars for the plot and two stars for Michael Smith's polished, unique and fun writing style. Ideas are clearly conveyed, human life and survival is always at the center of events and day-to-day thoughts are brilliantly woven into the story line (in a rather compelling way)!

A couple of years have passed since I read this book, as I was desperate enough to order the British edition after reading a handful of Mr. Smith's short stories in the small presses. Needless to say, I was far from disappointed ... I read ONLY FORWARD in one night, hooked from the very beginning. Aside from the vivid world, the sympathetic and fully realized characters, and the gripping plot, the book contains some accurate observations on the world and its inhabitants, giving it more depth than one would expect from a first novel. Mr. Smith blends science fictional elements with a good mystery story, adding a touch of fantasy here and there to keep things interesting, and it all blends together artfully. I'm ashamed to say I haven't read much more of his work, but the praise for SPARES and ONE OF US is equal to that of his debut, and it's hard to imagine that he doesn't get better with practice. (But if you need reassuring, check out his latest story, "The Book of Irrational Numbers," in the anthology 999.)

Now that ONLY FORWARD is available here in the states, it would be a shame for anyone to miss it. Read it. Be amazed.

A decade after this book was written still proves that this is still the BEST book about Jordan out there. Reading through the book nowadays brings back memories of the Bulls and Jordan before they won a title. I recommend that all Jordan and Bulls fans read this book to learn what the infamous "Jordan Rules" are all about. This book tells a lot more of what happened in the 1990-91 to all members of the Bulls, not just Jordan. You get a look into a young Scottie Pippen's life, and learn where Phil Jackson and the rest came from. You'll feel sympathy for Cartwright and Paxson, and you'd wish Krause never had anything to do with the Bulls. I know that some parts of this book are exaggerated, but it still brings us the closest to the greatest athlete to ever walk this earth. Since it doesn't look like Michael is coming back this year, this may be as close as you'll ever get to him.

To me, the Bulls will always be the champs. I'm sorry, I grew up watching the Bulls and they were always dominant. Sam Smith's book takes the reader behind the scenes and shows what the Champion Bulls went through in 1990-91. There were things in the book that were a surprise and I saw how Michael Jordan really controls not only the ball, but to some extent, the coach as well. To get a behind-the-scenes look at the '90-'91 Bulls, read Sam Smith's book and see how Jordan Ruled.

If you like sports, basketball, MJ, you will love this book. Sam Smith had the opportunity to get behind the scenes with Michael, other players, management, and others in the Bulls organization. This allows us to be behind the scenes and see what is really going on.

Yeah, you learn about Michael's bad habits and some nastiness, but overall you find out what a great man he really is. Highly recommended.

The problem with this book is not the content; Chansky's stories are often interesting. The real problem is that Chansky has serious problems with the English language. Scarcely a page goes by without a mangled mixed metaphor or breathless cliche. If you're a Carolina fan though, you probably won't notice.

The Dean's List details every year of North Carolina basketball during Dean Smith's reign as coach. You get a brief commentary from Art Chansky, alot of good pictures and a team roster. The championship year of 1982 gets special attention, which is justified as it was a special team. You're not going to find any major revelations amongst these pages, but if you are a fan of Carolina basketball, this is an enjoyable read.

Great pictures, great memories, and great storie

We became owners of a Cavalier and wanted to know more. This is an excellant book that gives history of the Cavalier, the qualities, breeding, raising, showing and more! My husband and I argue who gets to read the book next. We have two book marks and compete to who has read more. The only thing that disappointed us is that there are no color photos of the Cavaliers. Lots of pictures but in black and white. But, don't let this discourage you in purchasing the book. I just look at my Cavalier and he is not only in color but 3-D.

This is an excellent book for anyone interested in Cavaliers, from the pet owner to the breeder and show exhibitor. Full of specific information related to Cavaliers and personal anecdotes, all aspects of the breed are covered, including history, health, grooming, breed standard, breeding, and Cavaliers in art. Photos and/or drawings illustrate every page - show champions as well as informal photos show the charm of the breed. I have several books on Cavaliers, but this is the best, and the one that I always recommend to others.

Any dog lover--but especially Cavalier lovers--will love this beautiful book. It is by far the most comprehensive book ever written about this wonderful breed. What a find! I highly recommend it.

this book is just a collection of too many thing without a deeper insight. at least for circuit design, john uyemura's book will give you a much organized presentation.

I strongly recommend this book after I read the first half one.
It contains lots of stuffs you need to understand if you are a circuit designer, or device engineer designing test structures.
The format in this book is very comfortible to readers, and you can also make notes on each page (lots of space for readers)!

Great book for beginners. I would recommend reading the first half of the book and then reading "Skew Tolerant Circuit Design" and then "Logical Effort." These books will give a circuit designer the basic tools to circuit design.

She Said Yes: The Unlikely Martyrdom of Cassie Bernall, written by Cassie's mother, Misty Bernell gives a eye opening account of the true of story of her daughters life, not just the "Yes" that spread through papers across the nation in a flash, there is more to the story. Cassie had a gloomy background containing satanic worship, drugs, alcohol, and obsessing with killing her parents. Later in her life she made a complete turnaround, renewing herself in Christ. It is at this stage in her life that she was murdered by the hand of one who, ironically, had a lot in common with Cassie's "old self." This book is Cassie's mother's account of her life, the good and the bad, the fear and the courage.
In the review of this book in Publishers Weekly on September 13, 1999, the reviewer shares many of my opinions of this book in that it is a powerful read. He explains how ironic it is that Cassie was murdered by someone who had many of the same feelings and thoughts that she had had earlier in her own life. He also addresses that thorough Family help, love, and example, any troubled teen can be helped. The reviewer then states that this is a book that reveals courage and honesty.
In the review from Publishers Weekly, the writer stresses and idea that is also heavily focused on in the book, the idea that any teen or any person, no matter how far from the word, can be brought back; whether it be through tough love, comfort and peace, or stricter rules and guidelines that are completely necessary for parents or guardians to succeed at the job which the Lord meant for them to have. I also agree with the reviewer's point that Cassie may not have been a Martyr, but she certainly died in the confidence of the Lord.
I would recommend this book to all teenagers, and to all parents of teens. This book caused me to reevaluate myself and the way that I look at life, and I believe it will do the same for any other reader. Through Misty Bernall's honest and heart felt writing about her daughters inspirational faith, I came to realize many things about my own personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and how I too, need to be ready to leave this earth at any moment. This book is a very interesting and heart-wrenching read.

Misty Bernall's story of her relationship with her daughter Cassie--slain at Columbine last April--has the authentic spiritual depth that comes from a mother dealing with her grief. After reading the book, the circumstances of Cassie's death seemed almost irrelevant to me. What matters is that an ordinary young woman could have such an extraordinary impact simply by choosing a positive and life-affirming attitude--something that Cassie did 2 years before "she said yes" to her killer.

In face of Misty's very personal tragedy, one that her book communicates to the reader without too much "religious" hype, I'm only left with one question. Is there any excuse for the obnoxious and callous detractors who will doubtless criticize this beatiful book ... other than the excuse of having never actually read it?

I have just recently read a book called She Said Yes by Misty Bernall, and I would have to say it's my favorite book. It's about a girl named Cassie Bernall and her family. Cassie, the main character, was killed in a big shooting at Columbine High school along with twelve others. You might be thinking, what's so different about this family? Why didn't the other teens that lost their lives have a book written on them? Cassie was different - or at least her problems were different. They were not everyday teen-age problems. Her biggest problem was her best friend Mona. Mona made Cassie believe that that only answer to her problems was death. They even had a plan to kill Cassie's parents, then kill Cassie. I like this book because the story is so amazing about how God tuned her life around. I also like this book because it has made me think about what I would say if someone held a gun to my head and asked me if I believe in God and my answer depended on my life. This book has changed my life in many ways. For example, I now respect my parents a little more. As a result of reading this book I can now look at a person and tell if they're hurting just by looking in their eyes. And I live life every day as if I were ready to die any moment. All in all I would have to say Cassie Bernall was very strong in her faith and the book She Said Yes is a must read!

Mr. Smith here does for Victorian England what his Arkady Renko series has done for Russia over the last twenty years--renders it accessible & makes it fascinating.

It's 1872 and Jonathan Blair is a disgraced African explorer & mining engineer who longs to return to Africa & find his half-black (hence, the disgrace) daughter. His patron, Bishop Hannay, offers him the means to return if he will first undertake a bit of detective work. Bishop Hannay's daughter is engaged to marry a young cleric, John Maypole who has gone missing in the coal mining town of Wigan. Blair takes up the search, but soon finds that he's the only one who actually wants to find the missing man.

As in the Renko series, one of the great strengths of the book is that Blair is so powerless in the face of resistance from the mine owners, their henchman, the Bishop's daughter, the Church and the miners themselves. This aspect of having the "detective" work outside of the powers that be, rather than be an agent of those powers is an extremely effective device in adding an extra layer of tension to the story.

GRADE: B+

After being blown away by the Akardy Renko trilogy, especially the brilliant final chapter, "Red Square," I had high hopes and anticipation for Smith's next novel. What a huge surprise! Pit girls in a turn of the century English coal mining town? Who would have thought one of the finest and certainly most entertaining novels of 1996 would emerge from this premise? Smith is such a brilliant writer, as I write this, over a year and a half after reading the hardcover, I can still clearly visualize the town of Wigan. His grasp of mise en scene is incredible. A historical novel/mystery like this succeeds or fails on the quality of the world the author creates. I believe Smith more than succeeded. In addition, his characters are sharply drawn and memorable and, as usual, he has created a wonderfully strong and independent female character in Rose. What a movie this could make. Memo to Masterpiece Theatre: A six-hour adaption would be greatly appreciated. As I recall, this book sold about five copies, which is just tragic. Read it, you'll have a great experience!

In "Rose", Martin Cruz Smith demonstrates that he has versatility and depth beyond Renko and the Communist Soviet Union, taking on an ambitious and complex tale set in the dark and gritty coal mining region of Victorian England. As with all of Smith's novels, "Rose" is meticulously researched and rich in historical and cultural detail. Unike many popular authors of today who crank out hastily written and thinly developed book-upon-book to maximize commercial gain, Smith writes infrequently and carefully, choosing each word of dialogue and each scene for accuracy and maximum impact.

"Rose" is the tale of Jonathan Blair, a British mining engineer who longs to return to Africa and his African wife and daughter. To earn passage, he is sent to Wigan, a dark and destitute English mining town, to solve the mystery of the disappearance of the fiance of the Bishop's daughter. Smith's tale twists through Wigan in a series of turns - chilling in the bleakness and brutality of this 19th Century coal town and its guarded and mistrustful populace. Blair, suffering and often barely alive with malaria, sweats and feints through a series of beatings, discoveries, dangerous liasons, and ultimate triumph. The characters are richly developed, and as dark as the smokestack-blackened skies of Wigan.

This is a highly unusual, intelligent, and satisfying work of fiction. Like all of Smith's novels, you'd be wise not to miss it.