The book does not add anything over the Professional Series Oracle 8 Tuning Book. Hits a lot of topics superficially. I was expecting a book like this to dig deeper than the Professional Series based on the experience of the authors. Consider this book an abbreviation of the Professional Series meant for the non-professional public. Cost is also about half the cost of the professional series books. This review is appropriate for the Oracle Press books in general. Frank Davis --- Oracle8 Certified Database Admininstrator

There is a wealth of information in this book for both new and experienced DBAs. For the new DBA the book presents a panoramic view of database tuning that begins with installing a new instance, coverage of each facet of tuning, and putting it all together as a holistic approach. Experienced DBAs will probably discover that they already know most of the techniques; however, having them collected in a single book that systematically addresses each facet of the tuning process makes for a useful reference.

What I especially like about this book is the collection of rules that are on almost every page. These would have been even more useful if they were repeated in an appendix and cross-referenced to the chapters in which they appear. This would allow DBAs to skim through the rules, then jump to the applicable chapter and drill down into the details. I also like the chapter on Other Database Issues. Even experienced DBAs will discover something new in that chapter.

Some parts of book are irritatingly redundant - the authors state a rule or fact, then restate it again a few paragraphs later. This does not, in my opinion, diminish the overall value of the book, although it can slow you down when you're concentrating on a specific topic.

I found that the best way to read this book for maximum benefit is to do a pass from start to finish with a yellow highlighter. This approach allows you to tag information that may be new to focus upon during the second pass through the book. Also note that the book is true to its title - it thoroughly covers tuning, but only touches upon capacity planning, which is closely related and often included in similar books. This is not a criticism of the book (after all, the title is accurate), but to inform potential readers of what's actually covered.

Great buy, we improved processing time by 40%, many new techniques for setting up initialization parameters and SQLs.

This is the book for begginers , it gives you
basic rules about creating webpages , it gives
you scripts that you can find in web without any help.
It has true words and nice photoes but nothing more, if
you're searching something about : how to do nice-looked
webpages , how to organize work by using grid, make good color
combinations , work with typography to find attractive
solutions, you will not find it here.

Finally! Someone who knows what makes a website work, and is willing to tell the rest of us. This book is very aptly titled: "Layout", as opposed to "Linux". It teaches me what to look for in a web site design that is effective in both marketing and aesthetic. It gives me all the options I need to design well with plenty of compelling examples. This is not an advanced programming book. In fact, it starts with very basic things. Like using legible fonts. Like pale colored backgrounds (instead of black backgrounds with red lettering). As a professional artist, I know how I want my images to come across on my website. If my site is poor then I lose business. I don't want to spend thousands for a site that looks poor, nor to learn a new career in order to market my current career. The structuring of the lessons, the online resources listed, the tips and commentary in Layout are all excellent.

This book offers a host of useful design suggestions that will help to avoid many of the most common mistakes. If you are a technical person like myself and you frequently wonder why some pages are so much more appealing than others you will find the answers in this great book.

It was develped from a good premise and veered into a companion to the school sisters of Christian charity guidebook. Another more professional volume of this nature is necessary and one would hope Mr.. Paulos will then be a contributor rather then "author".

"Behold The Women," by Daniel Thomas Paulos, is a lovely book, filled with nostalgic photographs of numerous orders of Catholic Nuns, from yesteryear. These beautifully displayed pictures are joined with, simple, moving, naratives, written by some well-known individuals,a nd others, who grew up in a gentler era, where nuns abounded in Catholic schools throughout the world! The point of this book was not to create a "scientific," approach, to remember the history of religious life, but to join these wonderful pictures, with equally simple, direct, and personal rememberances of the leadership these great women have provided us all for decades!

"BEHOLD THE WOMEN" Reviewed by Sister Mary Thomas Noble, O.P.

Fling the pages wide open and let out the fresh air! Here is a new view of nuns to overturn the sterotypes we have been fed for too long. The nuns of the persecution complex, those of the psychological suffocation, the ones with a political agenda in the world of woman's rights and feminism - with these we are sated.

In "BEHOLD THE WOMEN," Dan Paulos gives us not "nuns," but THE nun, that unique, irreplaceable woman that he, or you, or I, once knew, were touched by, and can never forget.

It is a collection piece. The 217 photographs were selected from the more than 400 submitted; the written testimonies represent writers from a broad spectrum of life and levels of society. Through them all runs the feel of genuineness. These nuns are real people.

Some of the photographs have the quality of portraits; others were probably snapped by a Brownie. Some of the tributes come from professional writers; others are are totally simple in style.

For those who have been fortunate enough to know nuns "in the flesh," this book is an affirmation. In the face of the current discussion in the media about nuns and their relevance, in the face, even, of the self-questioning that nuns can sometimes be driven to by modern pressures, in the face of our own aching nostalgia for the values nuns stood for 'when we were very young,' the book is a message of life and hope for the future.

It takes an artist to see things whole. He needs the eyes of a child because children see things in the round, and the eyes of an artist, because artists pursue the details of things relentlessly. In this fine book, Dan Paulos has achieved the perfect blend. He portrays nuns with the huge simplicity and the keen attention to detail that mark the true artist.

In his own right, the compiler is well known for his silhouettes in black and white, having been introduced to the art of paper-cutting by the celebrated American silhouettist, the late Sister Mary Jean Dorcy, OP. It is tempting to see a connection between his mastery of the silhouette, with its delicate tracery and filigree finesse, and the effect he has succeeded in bringing off in this book.

"It is a simple book," he admits. "It is a reminder that 'once upon a time' there were silent women who were, in reality, heroines without even knowing it. It is to all of these unsung activists that we owe our eternal gratitude."

It is indeed a simple book, with the all-inclusive simplcity of truth!

The drama injected into the readings of these kabbalistic texts takes away more than it adds. As a sincere Ed Asner fan, I am truly disappointed. These renderings are reminiscent of the dramatic readings done by William Shatner (which can now be heard only on programs such as "The Annoying Music Show"). So, where is Alexander Scourby when you need him?

One of the better books I've read on Kabbalah. The author shares some insight into the study of the deaper meanings of the Bible. He puts it in such a way that makes this form of study less mysterious. Quite frankly, I don't understand why it is so secretive to begin with.

This is the first book that I ever read on the Kabbalah and I would recommend it as the best starting place to anyone who is interested in the subject. The reason I recommend it over Major Trends in Jewish Mysticism (by Gershom Scholem, arguably the most important and influential scholar in this area) is because this book gets the reader directly in touch with the texts (and, thanks to the commentary, the meanings derived from them) that make up what has come to be known as "Kabbalah."

Matt divides his book into sections by topic and each entry contains an excerpt from a text that fits the particular topic. The introduction contains a brief essay on the development of the Kabbalah; in the back of the book is a commentary on each passage, helping the reader to understand aspects, meanings, and references in the texts that otherwise may have not been understood.

Highly enriching.

The first half of this text seems be be a bit simple. Many of the problems are confusing at best. The authors are not very clear on what they want. Many students in my class were frustrated by this time and time again. Still other times the questions were way to easy and never really chalanged the students. Basicly the first half does not provied a good solid base for Calculus. The second half is just flat out poorly written. It leaves the students constently scraching their heads wondering what the authors want. Questions are asked in such a way as to not make sence or not to follow the chapters very well. Chapt 7 is very much like this. Bad. The faculty agrees by having to put out an additional book of their own to help provide a better understanding of Trig.
Over all this book needs to be re-thought out. A poor choise for instructors wanting their students to get a solid base so as to takle more advaced math classes.

I like pictures of people on bikes. It makes me feel better because riding mountain bikes is fun. So when I work on functions, I feel happier.

Great book! It is especially good for understanding what different functions do, and how. This is very important for understanding calculus. Great examples, always linking functions with things in real life.

Don't let this book deceive you! Like the Momentus training from which its principles derive, this book is pure New Age psychobabble rooted not in the Bible or Christianity, despite the claims of its authors and the glowing reviews of the deceived, but in the secular humanist-potential movement. This book sums up in print form what the authors inflict on people in the Momentus training (recently changed in name to Breakthrough because of all the bad publicity from the people it's hurt), although it's watered down from what actually goes on in the training. Momentus, in turn, is a watered down version of the Lifespring human-potential training, a first cousin of Werner Erhard's est trainings, with a thin Christian facade used to trick Christians into taking and accepting its decidedly non-Christian teachings. And these teachings have caused physical, emotional and mental damage to countless unwary trainees over the past 10 years.

Killing the Victim appears to be an attempt by the authors, who are also the main trainers of Momentus/Breakthrough, to reach a larger audience (and likely recruit more people for the trainings themselves). (Co-author Pinci was no longer a trainer at last word, having left the parent ministry.) The book is full of New Age concepts and pop-psychology and all too short on scripture. (Which is understandable, as its tenets have no basis in Christian scripture at all.) Telling, too, is the fact that none of the authors even have any professional credentials in any psychological discipline whatsoever--so by what authority do they speak? This book is no more valid to true, beneficial change in anyone's life than if it were written by any other self-proclaimed, untrained "expert" on the subject. It is, in fact, quite dangerous to one's own mental and emotional health should a reader actually try to follow the advice in its pages. And to a Christian, it is absolutely destructive to one's spiritual life and Christian walk.

As noted, however, the main problem with this book lies in its claims to be Christian in origin and tone. If the authors were honest in relating where they got their ideas and concepts rather than attempting to portray them as Christian, this book would be somewhat less objectionable (though not very). At least readers who are Christian and would never consider following humanist psychological or New Age advice would know where the authors are really coming from. Then, if someone really wanted this kind of information and wanted to follow it, they'd know exactly what they were getting. Instead, Killing the Victim actually victimizes its readers--those who are Christians, at least--by giving the false impression that its ideas come from the Bible and scriptural principles instead of humanism and the New Age. This makes Killing the Victim little more than modern-day snake oil.

I urge any potential reader of this book who is Christian and who wants to become a better Christian to avoid it like the black plague. Those who follow its recommendations invariably become more self-oriented rather than God-oriented, as Christian scripture commands. The supposed Christian authors who've endorsed this book obviously have either not truly read it or are themselves so immersed in secular humanist psychology that they're no longer reliable guides to a Christian walk.

I see that, as I write this review, the book isn't currently available. I'd like to think that means that it's permanently out of print and no longer lurking somewhere in bookstores as a time bomb for undiscerning readers. Unfortunately, as the ministry for which its authors work has recently undergone a name change to escape recent exposes of its trainings, it's likely it's simply going to come out later in a new edition with the relevant updates. Don't be fooled! The only victim this book really deals with is the one you'll become by reading it and following what it says. Let he who has ears hear these words.

Note: I gave this book 1 star only because the reviewing form doesn't allow me to give it no stars--or, what would be more appropriate, negative stars.

This is not a book for those who are looking for Jesus to be Mr. Rogers. The authors are honest about their humanity, which made it easier to relate to their journey. They are very insightful, direct and well researched.

The controversy that seems to surround their point of view is deomonstrative of the potency of their message. If the message has power to save it also has equal power to offend those who subscribe to the entitlement mindset. The spiritually flabby Christian will be overworked by reading this, but those who are used to thinking rigorously will be deeply moved and invigorated.

I have given this book to more than 50 people in the past six months. I am reading it for the second time and I look forward to the journey.

Some people say that Breakthrough and GAP are wrong, and that this book's principles are wrong as well. I just completed my GAP training Sunday, and will attend the graduation ceremony this Saturday. I would just like to kindly ask people not to speak against training they know nothing about, based on books they barely read.
GAP is the best thing I have ever attended. Unlike most retreats, the counselor's at GAP allowed you to examine your own life, to see what might be causing problems for you.
Everyone seems to think it is stupid to discuss with a person why they should have been in their seat on time. I don't understand this. Before starting training, every person promises to be in their seat before time is called, and should not be angry when they are held to it. People get mad because counselor's want people to stand when they speak, and not to side-talk with participants during discussions.
You should not make a promise you can't keep. It is as simple as that. You should not make commitments when you have no desire to keep them. And you should not speak out against training you have not attended. If you do, then who is the real victim? The person that realizes the problems in his or her life, or the person that mindlessly repeats the media's biased views?
As for the book, it has helped me and my family alot. When other books would have just quoted scripture, this book (and the gap training) applies them to your life, and asks the questions that no one else asks. Questions such as, "Why is it so hard to keep your promises that you made less than two hours ago?" and "Why do act like it is not a big deal to lie?"
If you go to the training, actually listen to what there is to be said, and really open up to the teaching, then you will not have any bad opinions about GAP, Breakthrough, or this book. If you do, then I will listen to you. Otherwise, quit letting the media put words in your mouth.
If not for the creators of this book and the GAP training, I would be lost right now. They did not tell me what I did wrong, they simply allowed me to examine myself and decide whether I was living my life right. I realized that I had issues with lust, lying, and not being truthful with people. In four days, my entire outlook on life was changed.

This book is about a man who runs away from his father because the father does nothing but yell at him. This book is one of my favorites, even though I gave it a four, because it had a lot of action and it made me want to keep reading. Although I still think that the orignal was one of the better ones that have been written.

The book "Rip Van Winkle" is about a guy named Rip and his father, Dame, who thinks that Rip can never do anything right. Dame is always yelling at Rip. Dame really got mad when Rip sold part of the family property, so he went away for awhile and met some strangers and started to drink quite a lot of beer. You have to read the book to find out what happens next.

Several of these other reviews are for a different version of this story. The one I am reviewing is an "All Aboard Reading" version. It is definitely written for beginning readers (1st-3rd grade)

This version is a good introduction to the classic Washington Irving story. I do not like the way Rip's wife yells at him to get to work or how Rip is only "maybe...a little" sad when we finds out that his wife has died after his long sleep. Neither Rip nor his wife were the most exemplary characters! :-)

Still, that is the way the story was written and can be a good launch into a talk about character.

I had high hopes after reading Duane's writing about the surfing world, but was greatly disappointed by the shallowness of this novel.

A favorable review had me looking forward to this one. Unfortunately, the self absorbed narrator's fuzzy saga of a mixed-up friendship never seemed remotely real to me. Throw in plot devices to include a poorly explained antipathy from the father of the "best friend" plus an unconvincing infatuation with a new girlfriend and it all spells a novel in need of an editor or a rewrite. Luckily the late chapter climb sequence on El Cap redeems some of the early awkwardness. Still, I have to believe that Duane's next work will be more coherent and better overall.

I enjoyed my first book of D.Duane's. It was "required" reading for our informal climbing club, although I'm not sure why. It was easy to relate to the narrator's search for fulfillment. The metaphors were entertaining and insightful and simple to digest. The narrator's struggle with relationships and where one fits in the bigger scheme of life fit well in the context of El Cap. However, I was left with a yearning of my own satisfaction or closure, perhaps a guide for my own quest for fulfillment. Regardless, I recommend this book and look forward to more from Duane.

One of the worst books I read. It uses many pages to explain what to click and how to proceed without giving any meaningful and indepth information. Also, the click guidance is incorrect since it applies for a different version of jbuilder. It is supposed to be a textbook (with excercises) to teach university 101 courses. Thanks God I am not in Mr Liangs's class.

This book does not explain the concepts involved. Instead, it dives into examples. Further, these examples introduce concepts that are not essential to the subject being discussed, leading to further confusion.

Might be ok as a work-book, if you take it, sit at JBuilder, and run each example. However, if what you want is an overview of concepts, this is not the book for you.

The typos are irritating too.

After my first Java class using Dr. Liang's other book "Java Programming using JBuilder 3" as text in the summer, I was able to write an applet to convert a C++ client program to Java using I/O stream, Socket and Swing before the fall quarter started. How was I able to learn these advanced Java features and used them in such a short period of time?

The answer is: during the quarter break, in front of my own computer, I followed each sample in this book to teach myself subjects such as JavaBean, Advanced Swing, Socket, RMI and CORBA.

Sample in this book is not only easy to set up and follow but also can produce very exciting results. For example, by following samples for Socket or RMI, beginners can easily set up two computers to play games with each other or by following samples for JDBC, SQL commands can be issued to manipulate popular databases in a remote setting.

Last thing I want to say about the book is considering the purchase price of JBuilder Enterprise version in the rank of thousands of dollars, this book is a real bargain because it comes with JBuilder Enterprise version on a CD for three months' free use.

Officially, this book is taken for the work of Captain Charles Johnson. It is a compilation of narratives about various individual pirates from the Golden Age of Piracy, names like Blackbeard and Bartholomew Roberts (the dread pirate Roberts, from Princess Bride fame), Anne Bonny et al.

The conclusion that Defoe and Johnson were one and the same has come under fire these last few years and is not the accepted fact it once was. This text includes portions of the original volumes by Johnson, but not the whole, although it can be argued that it includes the stories that most readers would want. There is also some question about the validity of the stories, but we may never know whether they are true or fiction. P-)

This is yet another of the knock-offs of Captain Charles Johnson's General History of Pirates. It includes narratives of all the old favorites: Blackbeard, Kidd, Roberts, Bonny and others. As usual, Johnson's prose is preserved and some of the original illustrations grace the pages. The editor/publisher has includes a glossary, bibliography and notes to the original text.

However, the down side of this particular volume is that it includes only a subset of Johnson's original writings. And, there is no added index with which to quickly reference particular names and such. While I don't quite agree that the editor has ruined the original, I do find that this version falls short of its potential. P-)

As in the case of all Daniel Defoe books, the work is of exceptional quality though in places, the tone is unusually harsh & chillingly descriptive of the havoc that a twisted mind can wreak in the world.