The book is well written, organized, and indexed, with plenty of interesting stories of today and years gone by, and I highly recommend the book. The only negative thing I can say about the book is that very little skeptical research is indicated. However, the author does provide a list of his sources, so that any skeptically-minded readers may check things out for themselves.

Generally, I'm don't get scared by things I read or see on television. This book, however, was quite frightening. I definitely did its job. Many of the stories in this book occurred near where I live, and I never would have imagined these stories had even existed previously. I always knew that New England had a rather strange past, what with all the Salem Witch trials and all, but these stories actually dug deeper than all of that. For instance, could you imagine strange monsters inhabiting Bridgewater, or a strange spirit force on top of Mount Washington? Naturally, these stories are merely legends, but they really make you stop and think. The documentation for this book is also quite good, as first hand accounts are recorded. When people in the law enforcement agency see things, as in this book, you know that there's probably something going on. This book only took me two nights to read. That should give you some indication as to how addictive and gripping it is.

Having been a native Vermonter and New Englander, I had not realized the ghostlore involved with this section of the country. Many of the stories occur within minutes of my own location. This book points out the origins and as much fact as can be researched. The end result is left with the reader as to which can be explained and that that which can not. Read this book alone at night and you will hear sounds that you used to take for granted, or did you?......

This book is of immeasurable value to anyone who wants to begin learning the essentials of Catholic theology. Mr. Sheed wrote this book in such a way that anyone can understand. As Scott Hahn writes in the introduction, "Frank Sheed never composed an incoherent sentence...he wrote simply, but never simplistically." This book is an invaluable resource. I find myself going back to the pages I highlited when reading more complicated works.

The book is at its best in discussing some of the more complicated issues, such as the soul, the trinity, and grace. I learned a great deal from reading this book, and it gave me the impetus to read more advanced theological works.

I really can't praise this book enough. If you are a Catholic who wants to learn more about your faith, or someone from outside the church who wonders where Catholic practices come from, definitely read this book.

If you want to know God in a more profound way, this is the book to read. Sheed really delivers with his easy-to-understand, explanations about the mysteries of God, the Trinity, Mary and the Catholic faith. There were so many "lightbulbs turned on" in reading this book that I now feel immensely closer to God and more knowledgeable of His plan and His works. This book is invaluable as an introduction to Theology.

I am now reading Sheed's "Theology and Sanity", which is a deeper study of the subjects found in "Theology for Beginners".

"Theology for Beginners" is a MUST READ for anyone who wants to know God better.

A great recap for lots of areas. Worth buying for the trinity discussion alone. Very useful and clear. You will find yourself referring to the material in the book to explain things to your friends. Highly recommended.

In 'Words That Hurt, Words That Heal', Joseph Telushkin talks about the tremendous power of words and the negative effects we could unravel if we don't choose them wisely. He also talks about positive and effective ways to deal with anger. Although the book is written by a Jewish spiritual leader, I highly recommend it to any person regardless of creed. I believe that as long as we could grow spiritually and could bring peace into our lives, it does not matter which religious background the teaching is coming from. I highly recommend this book.

This book changed the way I speak.

This book has taught me the damage that can be done by words and words alone. It has taught me that words need to be considered before they are spoken. Because of this book, I have examined the way I speak to friends, relatives, my children and complete strangers on the street.

Written in an easy style, Rabbi Telushkin shows by example, how important it is that we monitor our speech to avoid unnecesarily hurting others.

I heartily recommend this book to anyone who has any concern for the way their words affect others.

I recently re-read this book since I submited a review and without question, my review didn't do justice to the importance that this remarkable work deserves. Now, more than ever, we are faced with a plethora of problems that is directly related to our unconscious use of words. We can and we should be reminded by the weight and the impact on our lives and our community when we don't constrain our will and our words. Miracles, I once heard is a direct result, a byproduct (if you would) of one's intent and the right use of words. I've seen it happen several times recently and can attest to the direction that the good Rabbi offers to us in this tome. It is my strongest recommendation that anyone wanting to live above the circumstances in life and have meaningful interactions should strongly consider purchasing a copy of this book for themselves and their loved ones.

"Home Waters" is a charming story about a fly fisherman and his dog. It is Monninger's memoir and tribute to his dog, Nellie, an eleven-year-old Golden Retriever, who he has recently learned has cancer. He decides to take a road trip from his home in New Hampshire to visit some of his favorite fishing spots in Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. Monninger takes the reader along for the ride, describing the details of his fishing trips -- where he sets up, which type of bait he uses, how he adjusts his technique to the circumstances -- and how Nellie accompanies him in all he does -- how she sniffs at each stick and stone as she explores a new area, how she snuggles into his sleeping bag on cold nights, how she taught herself to dive under water after him. As he makes his way through the trip, he reminisces about earlier fishing trips and other experiences he and Nellie have shared.

I loved the tone of this book. Monninger has a pleasant, matter-of-fact way of telling a story. I especially liked how he conveyed his simple love and respect for Nellie just in the way he interacted with her and in his reports of their conversations: "I told Nellie we were done for the night. She seemed grateful." Or, "I told her she was a good dog." When Nellie encountered a harvested potato field, she gave her best shot at retrieving the hundreds of potatoes left on the ground, only to be defeated by the magnitude of the task. Monninger says, "I consoled her on the walk back to the truck, telling her we all have such days, then fed and watered her. I told her to lay down on her dog bed and she did." After he returns to his hotel: "When I unhooked Nellie's leash inside the room, she put her nose on the edge of the bed, asking permission to get up. I told her to go ahead, but not to hog the whole thing. She curled at the foot of the bed, tail to nose. I sat besider her and gave her a rub. In a little while she began to snore. I read for awhile, then turned out the light." I especially related to his dilemma when he went fishing at Yellowstone. "The hard part was explaining to Nellie it is against park regulations to take a dog into the back country.... Nellie wasn't pleased with it... and when I locked her in the back of the truck, she whined to come with me. I was firm with her and caved only enough to give her a biscuit." I've never been fly fishing, but I enjoyed Monninger's equally droll explanations of how it works, the strategy (and luck) that goes into it. I think I now understood why "the one that got away" haunts every fisherman.

For those of us who are fans of Joseph Monninger's fiction (he has eight novels out and his short fiction is frequently published in literary and mainstream magazines) this book is something of a departure. A nonfiction memoir that is ostensibly a journal of a cross-country fishing trip with an ailing dog, the book is really about universal themes: life, death, relationships, man's place in nature. As with any of Monninger's prose, the descriptions are beautifully accurate and economical. You really feel like you are there with the author thigh deep in a Montana stream with trout sipping the water all around, or in some run down bar in the sticks surrounded by beer-drinking rednecks. Monninger is skilled at leaving just enough unsaid to keep the story flowing along at a good clip, and there is enough unpredictability to keep the reader's attention throughout. But what is truly wonderful about this book is its low-key optimism. Yes, life is worth living. Yes, it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. This is a book to savor. Upon finishing it I wanted to load my fly fishing gear into my old truck, whistle the dog into the back, and start driving. (And I don't even own a truck. Or a dog.) Buy this book, read it, and keep it in a prominent place on your bookshelf. There are passages you'll want to keep coming back to. Don't lend it out--you'll never get it back!

I originally bought this book for my sister, who has golden retrievers, but thought I could never read it because I don't fish and I'll cry for sure. We'll I was wrong! I said I would only read a few pages but once I started I couldn't stop.

The author has such a wonderful relationship with his dog Nellie and his outlook on life is great. I really enjoyed his descriptions about fishing and thought afterwards maybe this might be something to try. I also loved the fact that he let the fish go after he caught them.

One of the most touching parts was when he had Nellie get into his sleeping bag with him so she would stay warm. This man truly loves his dog as much as she loves him.

Very well written and I didn't cry after all. I just wonder where Nellie is today.

Anyone who loves animals in general will love this book and don't worry about the fishing part. It's a great book!!!

P.S. My sister loved it too!! And so will you.

With an abundance of books on the market focusing on the techniques built into Macromedia's Dreamweaver MX product, reading this book was a breath of fresh air as it takes the product, and completely blows it apart.

The techniques in this book, such as integrating DMX into your content management solution, extending the product using C++ as well as dealing with cutting issues such as accessibility will make you more productive and your workflow more refined.

Lowery leaves no stone unturned, showing clearly how to integrate through the extensibility layer with Fireworks; and explains how to link data into Flash in a concise, easy to understand way.

The techniques discussed are also fully extendable to your own ideas so the book will lay down a very important framework.

A fantastic tome which should hold pride of place on your desktop.

If you have been working with Dreamweaver for some time now, and are ready to take your skills to the next level, Beyond Dreamweaver is the perfect resource. Through a concise and straightforward writing style, the author takes you on a broad exploration of development possibilities beyond Dreamweaver's "everyday" usage.

The book begins with an excellent chapter on the ease of integrating Dreamweaver MX with Content Management Systems. While this chapter may not seem as relevant to developers since Macromedia's introduction of their content management system - Contribute, it clearly demonstrates the extensibility of Dreamweaver. In doing so, it opens the reader's mind to virtually unlimited possibilities for creating custom integrations. Additionally, it continues to be a valuable example for developers using other Content Management Systems such as Interwoven or BlueMartini.

The next chapter provides an excellent overview of Section 508 website accessibility requirements. It also discusses new features available in Dreamweaver MX that will assist developers in ensuring that their websites are accessible.

Beyond Dreamweaver goes on to provide a great introduction to XML. Examples clearly demonstrate how to use Dreamweaver MX, both to export template content to XML and import XML into Dreamweaver templates.

The next few chapters present a variety of techniques that will enhance productivity. You will learn how to build Sequential Navigational Systems for both small and large scale websites; about Dreamweaver's ability to cross-integrate with other Macromedia products such as Fireworks and Flash; and how to go beyond Dreamweaver's built in capabilities and actually build your own custom cross-product extensions.

If you are interested in creating your own extensions, Beyond Dreamweaver explains how to use the standard classes and libraries that ship with Dreamweaver as a starting point. And if you really want to dig in and explore under the hood, it gives you an excellent example of how to take this even further by using C++ to create your own extensions to JavaScript.

The chapter "Making Flash Connections" was of particular interest to me as a designer/developer who specializes in Flash site development and dynamically generated database driven websites. A valuable example that was provided demonstrates the ability to pass data - either static or dynamically generated - from a Dreamweaver coded page to a Flash .swf file. Additionally, a second example demonstrates the new Flash Remoting features which allows Flash to send and receive more complete data structures. I particularly enjoyed exploring the possibilities of combining the Macromedia tri-product MX powerhouse - Flash, Dreamweaver and ColdFusion. Quite a combo!

Beyond Dreamweaver does not extensively delve into any one topic. Instead it provides the reader with a broad range of examples that can be used as a springboard for further exploration.

I must admit this is the first Dreamweaver book that I have purchased since 2000. During the past two years, I couldn't find a Dreamweaver book worth buying. I have been using Dreamweaver almost daily since 1997 and I found that I have reached the point where I didn't need to buy a book with each new release. I just read about the new features in the Dreamweaver manual.

Now, like this book's title suggests, Joe Lowery has taken Dreamweaver far beyond the information found in any previous book or manual. Like a skilled mechanic, Lowery opens up Dreamweaver MX's hood and takes us on a journey through the program's vast javascript and xml classes and libraries. He shows how to use Dreamweaver to import and export XML templates, cascading style sheets, and how to template navigation systems. This is information that you won't find in any other book or even on Macromedia's manuals or website. If you are an experienced Dreamweaver developer and want to know more, this is your guide to all the nooks and crannies in this great program. No where else can you read about extending Dreamweaver with javascript interfacing with C++.

Still, this book isn't perfect. I wonder why Lowery bothered to devote a chapter to SMIL. SMIL is a multimedia language that has been around for years, and it has never gained a following. SMIL's biggest drawback is that it requires the user have either a RealMedia or QuickTime player installed. Most developers who are serious about multimedia will use either Flash or DHTML, which doesn't require a special player (Note that the Flash player comes standard on newer Microsoft and Apple operating systems). Yes, the Dreamweaver editor can be used to create SMIL applications, but this chapter should have been used for something more useful.

Nonetheless, this is a great read for the experienced Dreamweaver developer who is looking to expand their knowledge. Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down.

Pecar and Garbin have the rare ability to convey a complex technical subject in an easy to understand manner. The New Telecom Factbook can be read from cover to cover, piecemeal, or be used as a reference manual. This book weaves the confluence of Telecom Network Architecture, Technology, Regulation, and Services into a story of amazing clarity. If you need to rapidly come up to speed in Telecom, I highly recommend this book. If you are getting started in Optical Networking this book will be an important tool to help you place the current optical build-out into perspective. I will refer to this book often. -Brad Boersen, MIT System Design and Management Program

The New McGraw Hill Telecom Factbook 2d Edition by Joe Pecar and Dave Garbin is one of the best reference books I have ever used.It is long overdue and a must have reference on your shelf. It addresses subjects that other authors seem to treat only slightly if at all. The authors ability to explain complex subject s in a clear easily understandable manner is unique. The many illustrations and diagrams are usable by both lay persons and engineers alike. This would have been an excellent text to have had available for my college courses. This book is a key reference in my program office and I continually need to add more copies.I recommend the reading and use of this factbook to all professionasl and laymen alike who are serious about understanding the modern complex world of Telecommunications and Information Systems. Norman D Jorstad, Telecom and Information Systems Engineer and Program Manager.

Pecar and Garbin have the rare ability to convey a complex technical subject in an easy to understand manner. The New Telecom Factbook can be read from cover to cover, piecemeal, or be used simply as a reference manual. This book weaves the confluence of Telecom Network Architecture, Technology, Regulation, and Services into a story of amazing clarity. If you need to rapidly come up to speed in Telecom, I highly recommend this book. If you are getting started in Optical Networking this book will be an important tool to help you place the optical build-out into perspective. I enjoyed reading this book and will refer to it often. -Brad Boersen, MIT System Design and Management Program

Believe it, folks! The New Iraq is possible! Say 'no' to the naysayers who predict only gloom and doom and say 'yes' to The New Iraq! Think positive and read Joseph Braude's The New Iraq.

This nifty book has it all: a description of Iraq from ancient and modern times, interviews with exciting Iraqi personalities (Iraqi TV executives, refugees, diplomats, storytellers, torture victims, Baghdadi burger flippers,[] common folk, spies, technocrats, businessmen, and musicians). Braude delivers in-depth cultural analysis written with a warm, humanist touch, plus a dash of irony. The book's stellar economic analysis and forecasting are reasons enough to purchase the book. Braude reveals the strong economic assets that Iraq has beyond oil: the Iraqis are an industrious, highly competent people with great business savvy; in the past, the country was a leading manufacturer and agricultural importer in the Arab world.

Above all, I appreciated Braude's compelling story-telling and cultural descriptions that humanize Iraqi people living throughout the world. Also, the chapter on the potentially stabilizing role the Iraqi Islamic movement can play within a rebuilt Iraq is quite encouraging. Braude blends anecdotes and data quite nicely as he discusses plans to rebuild the Iraqi army, revitalize the economy, and revamp the educational system. The chapters on cultural, artistic, and journalistic revival are very unique. Even if you don't buy every argument in the book, you're bound to learn a lot and perhaps get juiced to help rebuild the country. There's really no book like this. Go for it! I bought a copy and am now buying one for my college-age niece.

Joseph Braude tries - in fewer than 200 pages - to offer a compelling, absorbing, and optimistic vision of Iraq's future. I think he does quite brilliantly.

Please understand that these questions of rebuilding Iraq are far deeper and ultimately of greater consequence than your position on this war. In the end, it means little to Iraqis whether you love or hate Bush or Blair. And thankfully Mr. Braude is wise enough to realize that his personal views on the conflict, now that the war is a reality, are not of surpassing importance. What will indeed matter greatly to the destiny of Iraq, its talented, beleaguered people, and the entire Middle East is whether American society and the world mobilize and commit themselves to compassionately rebuilding a thriving New Iraq. And Braude gracefully describes what that New Iraq must look like. It must do justice to the startlingly unique culture of that great land. And it must unleash the marvelous collective talent of Iraqis - a freedom-starved, proud people who have waited - truly voiceless! - for economic and political justice to reach their shattered homeland. The New Iraq offers a vision for success in all areas of the rebuilding - from the reconstituted Iraqi military to the cinema - without losing sight of Iraq's unique cultural, religious, and economic institutions that have (miraculously) survived the Ba'ath nightmare.

Saddam Hussein offered the people of Iraq a brutal police state, a fascist ideology, innovations in fear and torture. He almost succeeded in grinding the Arab world's most multiethnic society into dust. But Saddam Hussein is the past.

In the near future, many societies from across the globe will be uniting with Iraqis in an historic state building effort of almost unprecedented scope and importance. Joseph Braude's book, in my opinion, is a terrific starting point for their humane and historic discussions. Finally, some optimism and a sense of mission! A vital counterweight to the cynicism and fatalism in the air today. I heartily endorse it.

I was completely opposed to the war against Iraq (I even attended an anti-war rally here in San Francisco) thinking that it would be disastrous to Iraqis. Then I read accounts from Iraqis themselves about the unbelievable horrors of living under Saddam Hussein. It made me realize how little I know about the Iraqi people and what they have had to endure for so long. Just the other day, I saw Joseph Braude give an impressive interview on CNN, and I thought it would be worthwhile to read his book to get an overview of Iraq and a sense of what the future holds. I am happy to say that "The New Iraq" delivered. I found it to be extremely insightful, interesting, witty, and easy to read. Joseph Braude clearly cares about the future of the Iraqi people, and I hope that as many people as possible take his advise to heart.

I've been an admirer of A.J. Cronin since I was a teenager in the early 1960's. He was an author who knew the meaning of his craft. Starting with Hatter's Castle in the early 1930's and concluding many books later in the 1970's, Cronin just kept improving and expanding as a writer.

The Keys to the Kingdom is one of my favorites of his works. It is the story of Francis Chisholm, son of Alec Chisholm a Catholic in Presbyterian Scotland. Francis is orphaned at a young age when his father and mother are killed in a wave of anti-Catholicism. After his boyhood love commits suicide, young Francis decides to be a priest.

His vocation is an example of humility, love, compassion and tolerance--virtues which are contrasted with the worldliness and superficiality of the ambitious clergyman, Anselm Mealy. Cronin is a master at portraying the character of Scottish people whom he loves in spite of his succint insight and commentary on their faults and foibles.

I highly recommend this book to those who want to know more about Catholicism at its best.

I think this is the most wonderful book I've ever read. I found it very interesting and also helpful, I think is a good lesson of faith and love. There are a lot of things to learn from Father Chisholm. I recommend to read this book.

AJ Cronin (author of Citadel and Hatters Castle), tells the story of a Catholic Missionary to China. If you're not Catholic and, therefore, think this book is not for you, guess again. Father Francis Chisholm is an exemplary Christian of any genre. Though he faces trial, tribulation and persecution from early childhood through late adulthood, he stands firm and unwavering in his faith. As is always the case, AJ Cronin makes his characters come alive right off the page.

I read the other reviews and feel that Joe has taken a cue from Barnum on cross-promotions and networking. Pump me and I'll pump you. Nevertheless, they're basically right. A great bio on Barnum and a effective template for professional success. I'm an advertising creative director so I can vouch for Barnum's tactics and Vitale's insights. And I'm also a teacher of the history of advertising so Joe helped me a lot in dispelling Barnum myths. He was truly ahead of his time in marketing/promotions/advertising.

A great, fun book and an easy read.

P.T. Barnum was living proof that to be big you not only had to think big but you had to act big. He was the master of showmanship and Joe Vitale brought his secrets to life. If you want to know how to explode your business you have to be willing to be bold and step out of your comfort zone. This book will show you how...

This book is an absolute must for adding to your business library. But it's more than a book it's a marketing tool kit. If you doubt that PT's techniques apply today just read page 7, Vitale's ideas on copywriting in chapter 7 should be posted above your computer every time you attempt to write.

The punch in my gut though was 'the best marketing tool on earth' which you can find on page 120. I highly recommend this book no matter what type of business or service you are marketing. Read this book with pen and paper ready...you'll need them!

Joseph Jenkins writes about the history, installation and repair of slate roofs with a hands on approach. The sources for tools and slate listed in the reference section alone is worth the price of the book. Where asphalt and fiberglass shingles will possibly last 20-25 yrs., the ability of a slate roof to last 75-100 plus is a worthy investment, and can only add to the value of any home. This book should be required reading for home remodelers, contractors, builders, and historic preservationist.

Who knew one could get so excited about slate roofing. After reading this book, I am so motivated to tackle the roof on my house. Everywhere I walk now my head is pointed upwards to look at the slate on roofs. My father always told me that slate lasts 100 years - but never did I imagine it could last up to 400! The most interesting thing about this book is the geology of slate. Mr Jenkins clearly shows his experience but also his passion for this type of roof - which is more than a roof- it's a piece of architectural history. The book appropriately enough starts with a poem - because slate can truly inspire poetry. My only criticism is that in his passion for slate, Mr. Jenkins occasionally slights terne roofing. Being in a barn, garage or gazebo under a terne / tin roof during the rain is just as poetic as slate. I remember looking for books on terne roofing, a skill which thankfully my father passed on to me, and found in some complete guide to roofing (sic) that 'metal is no longer an acceptable roofing material because of the noise it makes during rain'. My God - they just don't get it. Tthe poetry of rain on a tin (or slate) roof. Pity the people who have never heard that soothing, lulling sound.

This book by Joe Jenkins is one of a kind. It's a comprehensive, kalidoscopic, multi-faceted tome that everyone interested in architecture, construction, or design must read. One is duly impressed by the encyclopedic knowledge and obvious love and care Mr. Jenkins has brought to his subject. The photos are outstanding and lead you to the conclusion that slate roofs are truely a work of art. This book not only explains the history of slate (as if that weren't enough), but it also devotes the last half to giving practical instructions on how to preserve slate roofs. It argues convincingly that the loss of slate roofs in favor of inferior materials reflects a lowering of aesthetic (and economic) values. After reading this book, you'll want one yourself, and if you already have one, you'll know how to preserve it. The writing is folksy, down home, and humorous, as if Jenkins were pontificating to you from the top of a cathedral as he's replacing a tile. As an example of Jenkins' elevated taste, he opens the book with a phenomenal poem that encapsulates in musical language the poetry of slate. Leaving no slate unturned, the poem artfully recreates the spiritual and aesthetic resonances that slate suggests. The poem is worth the price of the book itself, as is the creative cover by Tom Griffith. All in all, no house with a roof should be without it.