If you're from the Mainland and have visited Kaua'i, you are no doubt still haunted by its charms - this book will bring you right back. The photography is wonderful.

My wife and I have been to Kauai several times and have not, until now, been able to fully relate to friends on the Mainland the awesome, magical sensation that is Kauai. This collection of embracing color photographic art does just that and even more. Absolutely phenominal color photography. Panoramic, comprehensive and select Island views that truly capture the magnificient beauty that is uniquely Kauai; unspoiled, tropical island paradise. If you've been there, this book will vicariously return you; If you haven't been there, well, this is the second best place to experience "da kine" Garden Isle. Aloha!

I really enjoyed seeing the towns, instead of all the usual scenic things, like those unavailable westside beaches. I had spent 6 weeks over there after hurricane Iniki working and had driven to so many areas that it was nice to see where I had driven from the air. I liked seeing where roads went from a new perspective and the towns like Kapaa where I lived near, and Wailua, etc.

Okay I like cemetery books, and I received this as a present recently (THANK YOU AGAIN!!)and I gotta say, it's really nice. You get a nice selection of styles of monument and outstanding photography! I was also interested in the pictures of the Community Mausoleum at Mary Queen of Heaven and the name of those annoying little flies that live there (buy the book, or better yet, get it as a gift!).

This is the greatest book for people who are interested in cemeteries and sepulchral monuments. It specializes in mausoleums, mostly small family ones, but shows you what the larger ones are like, also. Doug Keister actually takes you inside a few mausoleums to see what they look like inside. The book also tells you a lot about the architecture of the tombs, so you can visit your local cemeteries and be more knowledgeable . The photos are outstandingly clear and crisp even in book form. If you get a chance to see Keister's travelling exhibit, you will be even more astounded at the large photos. I wish Mr. Keister would write more books, with Mr. Cronin's photos, about this subject. The statuary is just gorgeous, and so emotional. The information is so interesting.It is just a "must have" for anyone interested in these subjects.

I bought this book...sight unseen because of the reader reviewsand the description of the book. It is indeed a beautifullyphotographed book and is filled with fascinating (not just interesting) synopses of people who "went out in style". I was hoping for more pictures of cemetery statuary (as pictured on the cover of the book), but when I started reading about the masoleums, etc. I was enthralled. (The book "Saving Graces" is totally cemetery (female) statuary, but almost all from European cemeteries.) This is a new interest for me and is quite beautiful and interesting! Not at all morbid. One interesting note: all photos taken in the cemeteries photographed for this book have NO living people in them. I wonder how the photographer managed that? Or was it requested beforehand? END

I found this book very helpful as I was developing a paper on improving performance for my company's enterprise application. It is the only book I could find that generically dealt with the techniques for designing applications with performance in mind. It covers a broad range of topics explaining the causes of performance problems and possible solutions. I particularly liked the realistic view of a "distributed" architecture which is a hot topic. I did have some problems relating to the "standard" architectures presented; none of them exactly matched the current popular standards like J2EE.

Now that client-server is mainstream, it is OK to knock it. Specifically, performance problems arise with enterprise client-server systems due to the complexity of the distributed processing. The more hops between platforms, the more overhead, and the more points of failure. Client-server architecture is inherently distributed and often has to occur across multiple platforms connected by skinny wide area network (WAN) pipes. What can help? This wide-ranging diagnosis and treatment of the many aspects of the dilemma is highly recommended for its extent, depth, humor, and penetrating insight. Part One on performance fundamentals list 23 components of response time, offering incisive distinctions for both the beginner and the advanced practitioner. When cross-referenced in the extended application resource usage matrix to identify bottlenecks, these components become powerful drivers of response time tuning using trade-offs, choices, and priorities to squeeze every once of performance out of the available computing configuration. Part Two treats the software performance engineering process. One important goal is to build a performance model out of the hardware/software environments, application flow, data structures and business factors. In addition to complex interrelations of computing components, Loosley provides pointers to some very simple principles and methods for tuning complex systems. Part Three on principles is the heart of the book. Software engineering principles - formality, completeness, simplicity - provide the foundation for design principles of abstraction, decomposition, and information hiding - which, in turn, support refinement, independence, and localization (p. 207). These are explained and applied in sufficient depth and detail so that practicing performance engineers will find both helpful tips and techniques, amusing anecdotes, and theoretic principles. Queuing theory is explained but not treated mathematically other than the marshaling of a few simple metrics of practical interest. With the emergence of parallel processing as a relatively new candidate solution for decision support and data warehouse applications, the Chapter on The Parallelism Principle contains one of the best concise explanations I have seen in the literature of the differences between massive parallel processing, non-uniform memory architecture, and clusters as a processing resource. Part Four on Applications drills down into middleware and performance. The authors argue the concept of logical unit of work transaction management is sound and well proven in the world of host-centered (i.e., mainframe) computing. However, when the architecture of synchronous communications is transferred to distributed client-server, then problems arise. As soon as one of the multitude of processors waits, the entire system is at risk of log jamming. And since all computers wait at the same speed - both a humorous and sobering anecdote called "Bell's Law" - no amount of souped up hardware or software will make a difference. The authors document at least twenty points in which enterprise client-server - that is, three tiered - systems can experience bottle necks. The problem with client-server is that frequently only the database and the client workstation are suitably instrumented to gather performance metrics and data; and, even then, it is the interaction between the component that is most significant, not what goes on within each taken in isolation. Therefore, there is no easy answer. The bottlenecks must be worked and pushed down stream and squeezed out of the system. However, in the view of the authors, what will make a difference is a high performance architecture built on a form of asynchronous multi transaction workflow using decoupled processes (sometimes called "message-queuing" or "MQ" middleware). This is a major conclusion for which the authors argue persuasively in the climatic Chapter 16 on Architecture for High Performance. Part Five on Technologies looks at the inner workings of relational database management systems, transaction managers and monitors, and data warehousing technologies such as OLAP, ROLAP, and multidimensional data analysis (MDA). The availability of this material rounds out the completeness and comprehensive scope of the treatment provided. The authors set a high standard for collecting insightful and humorous one-liners, with proper credit to many other brilliant contributors, which also cut to the heart of the challenges of delivering performance in a client-server environment. "Software workloads expand to consume the available computing capacity" (p. 11). "There is nothing so useless as doing with great efficiency what should not be done at all" (p. 80). "Always work on the biggest bottleneck" (p. 113). "If you can't see the bug, you are looking in the wrong place" (p. 333). These zingers kept me returning to this text time and again. The book contains a rich assortment of illustrative and instructive graphics. The figures and tables are superbly drawn and produced in attractive gray scale. The performance guidelines - and as benefits a thorough compendium of over 700 pages of encyclopedic proportions - are separately listed at the back in a voluminous section of over 500 entries, extensive enough to be designated as Part Six. Given the challenges of mainstream client-server, Loosley and Douglas are like the cavalry to the rescue with a comprehensive and richly-ladened resource of distinctions and methods for understanding, addressing, and resolving the dilemmas faced by those tasked with building and managing distributed client-server. -- review originally submitted to Computing Reviews in 1998 -- but the good folks there already had someone else reviewing the book, so they decided not to publish it

This book should be required reading for all professional software systems engineers and software development engineers. It is an outstanding overview of the performance engineering discipline as it applies to client/server architectures. I am a practicing systems performance engineer with 20 years experience--10 in development and the last 10 in systems engineering. Many of the things I've learned through "experience" are included in this book. It is definitely worth the money.There is only one area which is not addressed in the book--how to apply SPE to one-of-a-kind complex multiprocessing/multitasking shared resource systems development which are without precedent (as far as I know this is not addressed anywhere in the literature). Such systems do not lend themselves to the preassigned quantitative software budgets required by the literal application of SPE. But because I am major proponent of designing in flexibility and performance all the other SPE principles certainly apply. Again, I highly recommend this book.

Along with James Collins' THE MIND OF KIERKEGAARD, Professor Mullen's study is a comprehensive yet concise exploration of Kierkegaardian thought and its implications. The book is divided into two parts. CONTEXT: which is a discussion of fundamental Kierkegaardian propositions and jargon. And APPLICATIONS: which presents concrete examples of these ideas as lived or ignored/defied. The focus of CONTEXT is an explanation of WHAT IS A PERSON AFTER ALL? Here is SK's metaphysical assertion that Man is Spirit...a dynamic, tension-defined RELATION (p. 44) of the Self to its continually renewing potential as a free person. Mullen frequently draws on SK's "Concept of Dread" (existential anxiety) and despair, "The Sickness unto Death" to propose the Kierkegaardian formulation of authentic life and humanity as a task (not a permanent niche; cache of possessions, or plateau of knowledge, wealth or power). A THEORY OF HUMAN CORRUPTION (chapter 5)is a disturbing, theoretical explication of SK's meta-ethics that assert man...to protect/realize his personhood...must acknowledge the essential PARADOX of his own being. To wit: he is a finite creature with "infinite" desires and possibility with yearning for infinite goodness. He is also (often quite comfortably)capable of choosing ...by action or inaction...evil which distorts or damages the very Image (logos/Self) he would actualize as fully human. Part 2, APPLICATIONS presents brief but telling elaborations on the numerous "escape routes" many choose to AVOID or DEFY the task of being an individual. Some of Mullen's examples are patently obvious; others are surprisingly...and threateningly...subtle. The final chapter, BEGINNINGS, barely profers a "solution", ironic and demanding, of where the pursuit of AUTHENTIC SELF...in the uncompromising belief of Soren Kierkegaard...must lead. Professor Mullen's study of the thinker who is regarded by many as the seminal expositor of modern existentialism (the philosophy of THE PERSON) is, I believe, destined to be a classic. KIERKEGAARD'S PHILOSOPHY: Self-Deception and Cowardice in the Present Age, has been out of print for 15 years. Its republication is an opportunity for the careful reader not only to learn, but to experience a prodding to renewal that just might make this authentic, "melancholy Dane" smile with approval and hope......

As a technical person just beginning philosophy study, this book was recommended as a prerequisite. It is that and more. Very well written. John Mullen obviously knows his Kierkegaard and communicates the essence of his works very fluently and clearly. I am grateful that I was directed to this book before tackling the personal philosopher himself. This book is a road map and indispensable reference. It is not light or humorous -- in keeping with the subject matter -- but it is very engaging and readable. I do intend to re-read it to extract the finer points I missed the first time.

I just finished reading the book. It is still sinking in. I thought I had understood what little I had read of Kirkegaard. I know now I was seriously wrong and that I must reacquaint myself with his works and thought.

The margins of my copy (which I stole from my brother) are full of observations of relevance to my "style" of living. In one case, under the discussion of "The Group - In One Dimension," in VERY LARGE LETTERS, I wrote "OUCH! That hurts!" This is an illustration of the degree to which Mullen and his subject can pierce your armour.

While I will not agree with Kirkegaard's stance on Christianity as the only possible life of faith, I see where there is a need for "faith" in something larger than ourselves--whatever we deem that something to be--so as to round out what all too often turn out to be one dimensional existences, focused on the immediate.

After letting the book sink in some more, I intend to browse through it again . . . and to have it handy when I open Either/Or to READ it for the "first" time.

Living Better is a comprehensive book that explores all aspects of coping with an illness from the practical (dealing with hospitals, tests, finances) to the spiritual (finding a purpose, nurturing yourself). The authors own experiences with illness make this book a valuable companion to anyone who is trying to cope and live fully in spite of an illness.

When Norman Cousins wrote, "The capacity for hope is the most significant fact of life. It provides human beings with a sense of destination and the energy to get started," he offered us motivation to meet our challenges head-on. The Langenfelds do the same. With clarity, compassion, professionalism and a rich understanding born of personal experience, this husband and wife team examines the process of coming to terms with disease and chronic illness. Together, the authors help the reader to not only define their experience of illness, but also explore the complex interface with their physician, treatment options and the larger medical system. Their practical heads up and informational approach is laced with gentle humor as well as their own experiences which serve to reassure the reader that he or she is not alone. The artful examination of the mind body connection offers a framework to understand this dynamic relationship. These chapters serve as an invitation to segway into the interior journey of discovering how to live with chronic illness and create meaning and purpose in one's life.

Living Better is written for people coping with illness, but its value extends to family caregivers, and beyond that, to those for whom life long self-care is a priority.

When Norman Cousins wrote, "The capacity for hope is the most significant fact of life. It provides human beings with a sense of destination and the energy to get started," he offered us motivation to meet our challenges head-on. The Langenfelds do the same. With clarity, compassion, professionalism and a rich understanding born of personal experience, this husband and wife team examine the process of coming to terms with disease and chronic illness. Together, the authors help the reader to not only define their experience of illness, but also explore the complex interface with their physician, treatment options and the larger medical system. Their practical heads up and informational approach is laced with gentle humor as well as their own experiences which serve to reassure the reader that he or she is not alone.

The artful examination of the mind body connection offers a framework to understand this dynamic relationship. These chapters serve as an invitation and segway to enter the interior journey of discovering how to live with chronic illness and create meaning and purpose in one's life.

Living Better is written for people coping with illness, but its value extends to family caregivers, and beyond that, to those for whom life long self-care is a priority.

My two-year-old son is a *huge* reptile fan, and he loves this book. The playful language is wonderful, and it's an inspiring way to talk and think about different types of animals. It's one of those books that *I* love reading, too!

This book takes an offbeat subject like lizards and makes the subject fun and entertaining, while it also informs. Very much like Jim Cherry's book, Loco for Lizards, a laugh-out-loud funny book that packs an amazing wealth of information in at the same time. Highly recommended!

Florian delights! He's carefully observed the reptiles and amphibians in his book, and the poetry and collages are witty and subtle. This is good for kids and like great animation, terrific for herp-loving adults. --Ae Nash, Director, Colorado Reptile Rescue

because our teacher is giving this book away to those who get the best grades...
I GOT IT THIS MONTH !
And this book was worth doing my homework and behaving in the classroom..

Besides, I'M LEARNING SPANISH AND, WITH THIS BOOK IT'S SO FUN..

MY GOLD CHEST OF LAUGHS...

llenos de gracia para los nenes!
Colabora eficientemente PARA DESARROLLAR SU SENTIDO DEL HUMOR!
Y los dibujos infantiles, SON ESPLÉNDIDOS !

el mejor de la serie de 9, PORQUE TODOS SON MARAVILLOSOS !
HECHOS ESPECIALMENTE PARA ALEGRAR A LOS NIÑOS
PARA QUE LES SIRVAN COMO PREMIOS
PARA QUE LE PIERDAN LA DESCONFIANZA A LOS LIBROS Y LOS CONVIERTAN EN SUS AMIGOS..

MIS HIJOS YA TIENEN LOS NUEVE TOMOS..Y LOS CUIDAN Y SE RIEN CON ELLOS INACABABLEMENTE !

Ask Mom to buy it for you!
It's GREAAAT !

Los dibujos para iluminar son espléndidos..Pero LOS CHISTES SE LOS LLEVAN DE CALLE !
Tus hijos se divierten, iluminan y se alejan un buen rato de la TV y los juegos electronicos para ser ellos mismos !

As an infectious disease fellow, I recommend that anyone who want be an ID man should have such a book. Most infectious problems and diseases have been detailed in this book, although there are far going of emerging diseases and new antibiotics.
The only shortcomes of this book are lackiing comprehensive details and reveiw of antimicrobial therapy for some disease entities.

The two volume set is indeed a comprehensive reference work, but individual chapter can be read by themselves. I use this book on almost a daily basis, the only negative against it is that such a large book by its size can only be updated at intervals of a number of years so a folder in which to put your acculated journal articles next to it, until the next edition is advised as, infectious diseases is not a static field. Since there is a CD rom available now that may well be worth checking out. In closing for anybody involved in anything from clinical microbiology to a infectious disease specialist this book is a must.

I'm an Infectious Diseases fellow, and everyone who rotates through this training program, obtains in some way or another, a copy of this book.

It is an awesome review of every known topic in infectious diseases. The first volume consists of I. Principles II. Syndromes. Principles focuses on topics ranging from antibiotics, their mechanism of action, pharmocokinetics and methods of bacterial resistance, to epidemiology and infection control. Syndromes focuses on various clinical problems from the "common cold" to endocarditis. These are heavily researched, and supported with your standard references section for further investigation. Each disease is discussed in detail and includes clinical symptoms, epidemiology, etiology, complications, and treatment. My only criticism is that the treatment sections - often the focus of any infectious disease consult, lack in sufficient detail. And often remain perhaps intentionally vague because of the controversy that exists in the literature regarding treatment duration, and antibiotic choice.

The second volume has two sections III. Microbes IV. Problems. Microbes goes into excellent detail regarding each individual pathogen and leaves no stone unturned. The Problems section discusses various clinical situations often facing the infectious disease specialist, infections in the transplant patient, immunization issues, prophylaxis for surgeries.

This textbook was written primarily as a reference by doctors for other doctors, and is certainly not a leisurely read to follow up The Hot Zone by Richard Preston. But if you're looking for the ultimate reference textbook dealing with infectious diseases, look no further, and have no doubt. Mandell is what you're looking for.

We had this book in our house at some point in the early 70's. At a time when we 5 teenagers were in almost daily conflict with our parents, this book was something that we all enjoyed and laughed about together. It helped us to make a connection with them at a time when connecting was not easy. The book disappeared somehow, and we have since tried many times to recall the words to all the "How 'bout them . . ." poems. Some we remembered, and some we debated. Amazon recently found a copy for me just after my father got out of the hospital after a stroke. His memory is spotty now, but when I showed him the book. He immediately started searching for "How 'bout Them Lunch Toters", his personal favorite. Once again, this book helped us to make a connection at a time when connecting was not easy. I've recited the poems to my daughter many times and now I'm glad I'll be able to get the words right.

I discovered this book a few years ago when my mother tossed it at me one day in our living room, thinking I might enjoy it. She remembered what everyone does: the comedy. Granted, this is a funny book. I laughed out loud at the essay about deriving maximum enjoyment from crackers. However, what is overlooked too often in this book is his real poetry, especially his love poems. Works such as "Wanderlove" and (my personal favorite) "Saturday's Night at the World" leave me awe-struck every time I read them. In "Saturday's night at the world" Williams says, "Her eyes seemed to answer the echoing silence from yesterday's asking and waiting and listening for something resembling a song to be sung back to me." These words linger inside my head, repeating over and over. I urge lovers of poetry to find this book. It is beautiful, it is humorous, it is touching, bizarre...everything thrown into one collection of poems, scribblings and pictures.

My sons grew up reciting not "Humpty Dumpty fell off a wall. Humpty Dumpty had a great fall," but "Hey, you Moose Goosers, Ain't they clods. 'Sittin' around goosin' those ...." and "How about them Toad Hoppers Ain't they Hogs." Sittin around thumpin' those Green Toadie Frogs" This rare book of '60's poetry and prose can be compared to Dylan's satire in his composition of lyrics set to music. The rhythm of the poetry is appealing to all ages and my children would beg for more and more and more. They would confuse some of the text as did I and the message to them was differenct than it was to me. But who cares? It was the very best reading matter around. But it vanished. Maybe the memory is better. The message to me was descriptive of occupations in our society, and how ridiculous the choices seem to be. A Moosegooser. A Toad Hopper. And the description of each follows. I am still looking for a copy. My ex-husband and I discussed who would receive the one copy we had more than who got the Mercedes!