Pvt. Murphy's Law is an outstanding glimpse at the lighter side of military life. As a member of the military for over 16 years I can appreciate the situations that Pvt. Murphy finds himself in. It's obvious that the author has found himself in many of these situations and has chosen to see the humor in many aspects of military life (especially the Letter to the Editor that a Lt. Col. wrote in response to a Pvt. Murphy cartoon.) Mr. Baker's art work is great and the cartoons themselves are extremely funny, but not disrepectful to the military. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants an enjoyable read and a brief look at how funny and fun the military can actually be. I give Mr. Baker and his book five star's and hope that he continues putting Pvt. Murphy in these comical situations.

Mark Baker truly captures the essence of military life in his comic book, Pvt. Murphy's Law. The book is a great read whether you're in the military or not. It also makes a wonderful souvenir for people who've served in the army or their friends and family.

I can really relate to Murphy's mishaps because I'm in the army myself. After 15 years of service, it's refreshing to see so many different army quirks captured this well in art.

It's great following Pvt. Murphy through his transformation from a civilian into an airborne soldier. I read the book from cover to cover in one sitting when I first bought the book. Since then, I've reread it several times and still catch myself laughing out loud!

I had the priviledge to see Pvt. Murphy when he was first shown in public, in the Ranger Rick books at the local PX. When The 1st edition came out on post, it was snapped up off the shelfs so fast, i was lucky to get myself a copy. If you have ever been in the modern military, you love this book with all the memories that came with your time in the service.. good and bad, and things you never forget. Mr. Baker follows Pvt. Murphy from the recruiters office, thru basic and airborne school, to his 1st assignment. If you have ever served, or are just an afictionado, i highly recomment Pvt. Murphy's Law to you, he's the Beatle Bailey of the modern Military.

As I read Beyond Selling Value, I was completely consumed by the content. Our company has faced all the typical challenges - "product and priced focused", "a perceived commodity", and "just like our competition". The IMPAX sales process is exactly what we've been looking for! My thanks to the authors for spending the time to talk tactics instead of theories - information that can be used immediately! Our sales teams will only get stronger with these new strategies.

Most companies are under incredible pressure to join the herd, and "your product is a commodity" is a mantra on the lips of many of our customers. Beyond Selling Value delivers the tools and processes that your company needs to set it apart from the crowd. Chock-full of stories that illustrate each key concept, this book lays out a step-by-step roadmap that will help you win customers for all the right reasons.

Unlike many similar books, Beyond Selling Value has a nice balance of material - conceptual explanations, stories, and clearly-written how-to instructions. You will find this book both readable and useful, if you are in sales (or run a business, as I do).

This is just a super book - as I read it, I found myself saying "I can't wait to do this!" Not only are the concepts and processes laid out elegantly, but the highly relevant stories do a great job of supporting the key points. I will definitely be sending copies of this book to my clients!

I love the IMPAX process! I was first introduced to it a year ago. Since then I have used it to make over a dozen sales presentations, with fantastic results.

I was excited when I heard that Shonka and Kosch were writing a book as I was looking forward to a refresher and a chance to get a deeper understanding of the IMPAX process.

The book exceeded my expectations. There were new stories, additional insights into the philosophy and practice of the IMPAX sales process. A plus were the examples and checklists designed to kick start the readers thinking. I found it an easy read, the chapters are short, focused and kept my attention.

Beyond Selling Value has all the details stories and logical flow that will make it easy for someone new to the IMPAX process to very quickly begin using it to improve their sales. It also makes a great refresher for people who have seen IMPAX before. I thoroughly recommend it.

Sheltered by the walls of academia, I had forgotten that the writing process itself is a mantra of social change, that our awakenings lead to a more united world. Reading the poignant and inspirational stories submitted to Chicken Soup for the Volunteer's Soul reminded me of the many people who give selflessly of themselves, who teach us that heroes are everywhere we cast our eyes.

Janet I. Buck, Ph.D.

Have you ever read a book that actually inspired you to contribute to the world..........to make a change? This book will do that. The authors have put together a tool for transformation..........helping others brings more love to everyone.

Think of your image of "volunteer." Now disregard it and check out "Chicken Soup for the Volunteer's Soul." Volunteer authors describe their experiences volunteering, and the variety and creativity of their work is truly amazing and inspiring. I loved the variety of volunteer stories in this book. It made me realize that if I don't have a lot of time or there's no big disaster around at the moment, there are zillions of ways that I can contribute to my community and the world, so I'm dumping my guilt and getting creative. . . . A big thank you to this great crew of authors and editors!!

First of all, I am amazed that the authors have been so generous in sharing this code, pages and pages of TradeStation code for various technical analysis patterns. This is clearly the result of many years of hard work of developing and testing trading systems. My only caution is that this book may not be for beginning traders - the book jumps right into a fairly technical 40-page introduction about their trading model and systems, which are all standardized on volatility, a brilliant stroke. Lots of good trading system ideas outside of the realm of traditional technical analysis...

It's rare when someone goes out on a limb and actually shares the realism of system trading -- warts and all. Ever wonder why vendors are reluctant to tell you the performance of their systems? I use two of the systems from this book every day, especially the R system for intraday and daily breakouts (these patterns have been killer the past few months). Some of the other systems do not seem to be as useful now, as all systems seem to cycle in and out of favor. But I find it comical that one of the reviewers can find nothing of value in this book -- apparently missing all of the free code in the appendix -- I counted 65 pages of code in total. Did he really expect the authors to hand out a dozen perfectly working systems? Sounds like someone who is too lazy to do the work... At the very least, there is a huge library of TradeStation code with two very simple but elegant daily systems that work on the indices, confirmed by my own backtesting on historical data. Lots of great ideas, plenty of charts, and some non-traditional technical analysis. Well worth the money. Great job guys.

This is the real deal, and I truly believe that this book has some revolutionary concepts. They developed a pattern recognition system that recognizes combinations of bar patterns, candlestick formations, and breadth indicators. They also automate some of the recent interesting work from Steve Woods and his float analysis stuff, not to mention a complete pair trading system. The book emphasizes the automation aspect more than trading system design, and I would have liked to see them step through the design of one of their systems from conception to implementation, but certainly I had a lot of ideas just from reading the book. I sense the authors have a lot more to give and look forward to future editions of the book. I would like to see them eventually include code for other trading platforms such as MetaStock or WealthLab.

Outstanding! Mark's style of writing is so engaging, down-to-earth, and motivating --I couldn't pull myself away! I've been behind the scenes on several film projects and can't believe they had the audacity to shoot without knowing what Mark shares in this book. My highlighter is nearly empty! When it comes to marketing a project, ignorance is certainly not bliss! Mark's book is an absolute MUST HAVE if you plan to DO something with your film other than show your parents!

With the information I gleaned from this text, I can now rival the Hollywood marketing machine in promoting my movie! I learned how to research, contact and get results from the media best-suited for my independent film, as well as what NOT to do when working with these people. Also, the book taught how to move around the traditional distribution system and get copies of my movie into video stores, libraries, Best Buy and others. Good stuff!

I couldn't believe the amount of information in this great new book. Bosko covers absolutely every angle of independent film distribution, from finding your movie's hook, to creating a presentation package, to researching and contacting the correct distributors, making a deal, and maybe, most importantly, what to do when all that fails (self distribution). Bosko never shys away from telling of his own misfortunes in this trade, and it helps the reader relate and learn as they go. Plus a huge appendix and offer from Bosko to email him direct anytime - what a great resource!

In this sequel to Palace (written jointly by Mark Kreighbaum & Katharine Kerr) Mark Kreighbaum goes solo and brings this tale to it's long awaited conclusion. I definitely recommend your having read Palace prior to starting Eye of God as the book leaps right in where Palace left off and doesn't waste time explaining back story to those who don't know it. In fact, even if you have read it a re-read is a good idea, as you'll find many themes and hints followed up in Eye of God that you may have forgotten.

Without spoiling too much of the story and the surprises I'll give you a small overview. Rico and Vida are still in love and struggling to cope with her marriage and Rico's investigations into Riva, which have disastrous consequences with a surprising twist. Cybersorcerers after all? The Peronida family continue their political machinations, against each other and anyone in their way, regardless of the possible consequences. Dukayn's instability, only hinted at in Palace, comes to the fore when Sister Romero discovers Karlo's deceit. Dukayn's obsession will not allow his 'God' to be threatened, by anyone. Jevon's misery is compounded and brought to an ugly conclusion and to top it all off the secret Lep movement guided by Riva achieves it's horrendous goal, bringing the Map to it's knees and endangering the lives of everyone on Palace.

Eyes of God has a much faster pace than Palace, it's riveting with so much intensity and build-up putting down the book is something of a struggle! You discover so much more about each character and all the skeletons come tumbling out of those closets! Not a book to pike out with a syrupy ending, Eye of God isn't afraid to kill off characters for realism, even the ones you really liked! I found this added to the drama and enjoyment, nothing like the odd tissue moment in a good story. It becomes a real thriller with a gripping conclusion that satisfies all those hanging ends. I still feel vaguely abandoned though, as while that story is over there's still so much more, the Garang Japat for instance. There's a story there and what happens with the saccules? Mark Kreighbaum may have finished up one great story but he's definitely left the door open for more. I'll be keeping an 'eye' out for future novels from The Pinch.

After waiting almost two years Mark Kreighbaum's book was finally available in Australia, much to my delight. What a blast! I finished it in one day, then went over my favourites bits to relish and adore the characters, structure and plot. Frankly, it was well worth the wait. Vida, Rico et al were very real. Mr Kreighbaum is on par with William Gibson. The story was alluring and exciting. His explanations of cyberspace and the Map mysteriously exciting, making me wish I had neural jackins and other glorious things that may free the mind and flow - The Map moves. It left me wanting more. I am, however, grateful that Mr Kreighbaum chose to explain the story in two books instead of a long drawn out saga which normally results in a frustrated reader. The book was spellbinding and enthralling. I cannot wait for his next one. Congratulations Mr Kreighbaum

It took me months to find this book. But it was worth the wait. To finally be able to read the conclusion to the whole Rico/Vida love story, the lengths the Lep terrorist Riva would go to to destroy Vida, and the whole swirling sci-fantasy world of Palace, was definitely a story worth waiting for.

This book comes alive on every page, as the original did, and completes a well-written, intricately thought out story that grabs your attention and refuses to let go.

And to top it all, a signed copy !!! Thanks, Mark.

Where was this game when I was a kid? I bought this for a recent long car trip with the kids and we all had a great time playing it. Now even if we are driving thru town someone will call out items that they have found. It is entertaining for the whole family!

Don't think Rubber Neckers is just for kids during family vacations. I own a business and a job required us to send four employees to a customer's site, 3 hours away. I left Rubber Neckers on the dashboard. I can't tell you the laughs and fun my employees had on this trip. It built comradery amongst them and they arrived at the job site eager to work efficiently so they could hurry back to the car. Now they want their children to play. It's addicting.

This is a great game to have for car trips (especially the long ones)! Plus, I've found that my kids (ages 4 & 6) are even learning new items... things they didn't know before, now they do. To make it simpler though, we just made it team game, instead of indiviually. And we don't keep score (so there are no hard feelings). We just have a great time finding things together!

For family fun in the car... buy this game! It's great!!

The chilling details of Zorachus' fall from Grace and decent into madness are well thought out. The magic system that is used is very fresh and original. The dept of 'darkness' and depravity is unlike anything I've ever read in a fictional book before. It's real close to reality and that's the frightening part. Read just the first 5 pages and see if you can put it down. The story concludes in The Nightmare of God, but Mr. Rogers decided to take us on a completely different trip with the next 3 in The Blood of the Lamb series. Get them! Read Them!

Zorachus is one of the finest novels I have ever read (and believe me I have read a lot). The imagination and excitement that is put into this book is amazing. The story is fast paced, the characters well thought out, and the settings are absorbing. If you like a thought provoking, original story this is one for you. Also, follow it up by reading the others that come after: Nightmare of God, The Expected One, The Devouring Void, The Riddled Man, and last but certainly not least, the newly released, Blood and Pearls (Zancharthus Book 1). They are all well worth whatever it takes to get them. It is a truly epic series and I can't wait for the next book to follow.

I read Zorachus 16 years ago. I just re-read it again. Zorachus is still leading the pack of imaginative fiction and no contenders are anywhere in sight. The youngest Grand Master in the history of the Sharajnaghi, Zorachus, is chosen for a grave mission to save countless lives, but in the end can he save his soul? If he can be corrupted is there hope for anyone?
The writing is well paced, the atrocities gruesome, the pervasive erotic assault stimulating, all of it shows us the temptations Zorachus faces daily, while the constant cruelty of Khymir stokes his downfall.
This book poses moral questions, exults in erotic scenes, examines ethics and offers a great ride through Mark E. Rogers' twisted world. I am so glad I found him. If you want a fresh perspective on fiction and aren't afraid to open your mind, then Zorachus is a book I highly recommend.

A comprehensive look at the making of the SPIDER-MAN legend, from comic-book to film. It's an excellent and interesting story to tell, although Behind The Mask didn't deliver in the graphics department. There just aren't enough illustrations, but there is enough to give the reader a feel of being on the set in the midst of the movie-making magic!

I dont know about you but when I heard that Spider-man was coming to theaters I went crazy. But I wasent about to wait that long to get a little bet of info on the movie so I got this book it tells you just the right amount of info without spoiling the movie I suggest you get this book!!!!!
SPIDER-MAN SPIDER-MAN DOES WHATEVER A SPIDER CAN!

A high quality glossy 200 page large souvenir book that tells the background to the making of the Spider-Man movie. Complete with an alliterate and eloquent introduction by Spider-Man creator Stan "the Man" Lee, and nine chapters of interesting text and richly brilliant and colorful glossy photographs from the movie, including the final version as well as pics taken during its making, samples of old Spider-Man comic strips, storyboards (including three that were left out of the movie), artwork of the characters that shows the examples of what they started with, what was rejected for the film, and how the final characters evolved, and lots of little tidbits, like backgrounds of the cameos, and lots more. Great book. I bought it right after seeing the movie, and it was a great extension of the experience of the film, but it doesn't give away the story - you'd be fine to get the book before hand. ...

When I was shopping in Sam's with my mother and nephew and fiance I was looking for a dvd. I found nothing I really wanted to buy. Seemed to me I can no longer really buy a good flick these days. So there I was walking the aisle getting bored out of my mind when I stumbled on this book. At first I was a bit angered that the Chicken book series would sink so low to print a book about the September 11, attacks to make a quick buck. I started to read just to see what they printed and I came across the poem "I AM THE AMERICAN FLAG", by: Howard Schnauber on page: 206. There I was reading and feeling some pride about to burst through me and I wanted to cry. The partiot in me shed some tear. My fiance asked me what I was reading that was making me cry. I showed him. In turn he asked me why not buy it. I did. It'll be worth it. Some of the stories are beautiful and some will make you grateful we live in the greatest country in the world. But this patriot who believes in God and Jesus is proud to say that I am proud to be an American living in the Republic of United States of America.

I love Chicken Soup for the Soul books and my kids know it, so they got me this one for Fathers Day. As a retired Coast Guard officer, someone trained to do just what those policemen and firemen did on September 11, this one in particular strikes at my heart strings - I found myself crying, then laughing, then struck with an overwhelming love for my country and all of the people that make up this great land.

It's this book that inspired the following article.

******

"Proactive Prosperity: How To Keep Filling Your Glass"

By Randy Gilbert (c)2002

A kindly looking man, who worked as a janitor in the World Trade Center, approached an old and graying homeless woman one cold September morning last year. She looked chilled as she stood there clinging to her shopping cart containing all of her meager belongings.

The janitor smiled and held out an old thermos to the woman and said to her, "This old thermos has been my friend for many years and I want you to have it. It's a very special thermos, because as long as you share its contents, it always has enough for everyone. Please take it, for I have a feeling I won't be needing it any more after today."

Do you have a favorite book that you read over and over again? I have one that tells about how people view the world and the profound impact that it has on their lives. It uses an age-old illustration of how some see a glass half empty and others half full. As I pondered this again, a story-like vision came to me, which doesn't happen often, so I paid close attention.

The clear glass that I was picturing turned into a metal thermos, like the ones carried by construction workers. Instead of big hands, small hands in tattered gloves held it. An old woman was stooping down in front of a small child and her mother. It was snowing and they were clinging to each other for warmth.

The old woman asked the little girl, "would you like some sweet warm cocoa?" She used the thermos top as a cup and I could see steam rise as she placed the cup in half frozen little hands. The girl drank it down and then flashed the biggest smile she had ever smiled and her eyes shown as bright as a rainbow.

"Mommy, is she an angel?" the little girl asked. "Yes dear, and that is what we're going to become. Do you remember that happy song we used to sing when your daddy was still alive?" They began singing the sweetest and most enchanting melody. People walking by and those coming up from the subway station were drawn to them as if by magic.

Some people stood there transfixed, tears welling in their eyes. Others said a quiet "thank you" and laid money down on the walk in front of them.

Two of the listeners were a young boy and his father. They had been shopping and the well-dressed man held a large bag of packages. "Father, are they angels?" the son asked. "Yes, I think so, and that is what we are going to become. Do you remember we used to make gifts when your mommy was with us and give them to people who needed them?"

The father reached into his bag and began handing the bright packages to his son, who gave them out to the homeless people along the street. I thought to myself, this is truly a miracle, the bag seemed to never empty.

My attention was drawn to a man in a wheelchair who received a shiny red pocketknife. In a voice that was choking back tears, he said, "Thanks son, I lost one just like this in Nam. You know, I used to be quite a toy maker; I can whittle just about anything with a knife."

The story in my mind began to fade as he wheeled himself up the sidewalk and breathlessly said, "I know an alley where I can get some wood and I'm going to start sharing this gift right now."

Wow, that's what it means to be proactive. Pessimists see the glass as half empty. They say, "it's not enough." Their negative attitude causes them to turn inward and be selfish. When a decision comes along they believe their doubts, which turn into fears, which then produces unhealthy stress and anxieties. They end up experiencing the lack they saw in their minds.

Optimists see the glass as half full. They say, "I'm happy to enjoy whatever life gives me." However, their positive attitude of sufficiency doesn't last long, especially after a few swallows are taken and the glass is nearly empty. Optimism without prosperity becomes a limiting belief of being content with poverty.

However, Proactive people see the glass as something to be used, both for themselves and to serve others. Like the thermos in the story-vision, there will always be abundance. You're a very special person. As long as you share your contents, you'll always have enough for everyone.

This story-vision extends to other things, such as your smile, your talents, your bank account, the skills you've acquired, and the knowledge you have. Your life will always have these in abundance if you use them to serve others.

Prosperity is not a glass half empty or half full; it's you becoming a glass and being used to bring joy and abundance to others, knowing that your source of supply will never run dry.

###

I have a very high regard for Mark, that's why I incorporated many of his philosophies into my life and into my first book "Success Bound." When it was completed I sent him a copy to read. I was totally amazed when I received back the following testimonial.

"If you're ready to be permanently success bound, read this book!"

Thank you Mark!!! You are now my super-hero.

I picked a great one as the first "Chicken Soup" book to read from start to finish. I read the majority of this uplifting book as a metro train commuter to and from my duty station, the Pentagon. Having known three of the victims of the September 11, 2001 attack on the Pentagon, I had personal reasons to read this book. I found the many short, direct, and moving stories from common people, and their sharing of their deepest emotions, very comforting. I consider this book to be another step in my continuing personal program of coping and healing. I believe many others would also find reading it a great spiritual and emotional experience.

The only flaw with this outstanding book is that it is almost exclusively devoted to or focused on the World Trade Center heroes, victims, survivors, and volunteers. The book has very few stories about what happened at the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania. I commend the authors for their tremendous job in compiling these great stories from the thousands received and for publishing such an important book in such a short time to help so many. Tragedy and devastation were equally shared by friends, family, and acquaintances in New York, the Pentagon, and Pennsylvania. I believe this book should have included a few more Pentagon and Pennsylvania specific stories since the book's cover proclaims, "Stories to Heal the Heart of Our Nation."