Finally, the definitive book for expecting fathers! Here Mr. Dunton combines the sensitivity of Spock with the writing talent of a modern Fitzgerald. I've read alot of baby books, but this one is the best. I recommend it to all Dads and Moms.

Excellent, excellent, excellent! This is by far the best book available on this subject. A friend of my wife quietly slipped me a copy a few weeks back and I couldn't be more grateful. I've since bought several copies to hand out to all my "expecting" pals. I (and my wife) look forward to more from Mr. Dunton in the future.

Most fathers-to-be have no idea of the changes taking place in the bodies of their wives other than what they have read in pamphlets about pregnancy.Even the most self-reliant woman needs babying while she is herself "babying".

This book describes NQL version 2.0, and the CD ROM comes with trial versions of NLQ (a Windows version and a Java version in Linux and Macintosh formats). Note: the trial versions are good for 60 days, after which you need to purchase the commercial versions, but the trial period is more than sufficient to evaluate the power of NQL. Also note that the commercial versions are somewhat pricey for individuals, but are reasonably priced for consultants and developers who decide to develop commercial-grade products.

NQL is thoroughly covered in detail, serving as a guide to the language, as well as an idea resource for how to effectively use the NQL language and development environment to create and deploy intelligent agents. The examples cover the full range of web-enabled and e-commerce applications from LDAP to credit card processing, as well as going into surprising topics such as web crawling, statistical analysis and XML parsing. These, individually or combined, are a solid foundation for automated competitive intelligence gathering, online bidding and intelligent supply chain management.

As a scripting language NQL is powerful. The book's many examples clearly show how you can incorporate powerful functions in 4 to 5 lines of NQL code that would take hundreds of lines of Java or C++ code. In addition, NQL can be called from other languages, such as Java.

If you're a professional developer who wants to evaluate NQL this book is an ideal way to get started, especially with the trial versions that come with it. You will also find a wealth of additional information and scripts on the web site that supports the book.

NQL simplifies development of bots, intelligent agents, middleware, and web applications, and this book simplifies the use of NQL. This language really does make finding resources on a network as simple as querying a database. The book comes with a full working version of NQL included on disc, so you can see its power first-hand. Definitely worth checking out.

Written by the inventor of the language, what better authority do you need? With more than 500 pre-built code routines in its basic library, NQL is a language you need to know, and Pallmann is the one to teach it to you.

It should be obvious that Shakespeare wrote great literature. That fact is assumed by the authors of this book. However, Allan Bloom and Harry Jaffa demonstrate a deeper awareness of Shakespeare than one will find in literature departments. Shakespeare combined poetry with an acute knowledge of politics, and these excellent scholars have written a clear and convincing account of some of those facets of political wisdom. Read this fine book and help rescue Shakespeare from political irrelevance.

I am admittedly not too familiar with much of Shakespeare scholarship out there, but I would venture to suggest that (considering the elgance of Bloom's prose as well as the depth of his insights) this work should rank among the finest in Shakespeare scholarship. Such a statement would surely offend the academic snobbery of the Shakespeare scholarship cabal who would reflexively question the authority of one who is not a Shakepeare specialist, in particular, the authority of one who has specialized in expounding the thoughts of Plato and Rosseau. However, I would argue that this is precisely the very reason that elevates Bloom the political philosopher in a privileged position in understanding Shakespeare. The rationale is supplied in the beginning of Bloom's study itself: the great classical dramatists or poets were not proponents of the art for art's sake or creating art for purely aesthetic reasons. Instead, through their art, the great dramatists and poets sought to convey certain timeless truths about human existence, in particular, about political existence, for man is a zoon politikon according to Aristotle. Hence, Bloom's account is a necessary corrective to those language nabobs who would rather prattle about the meters and stanzas and in so doing lose sight of Shakespeares account of the Whole.

It is difficult to convey how wonderful I found this thin little book to be. It is no larger than a slice of rye bread, but the food for thought contained therein could feed a soul for a thousand days. It took me two mesermizing hours to get through the Introduction and Bloom's essay on 'The Merchant of Venice'. At first, I mistrusted my recollection- was there really so much there? Had the dry old play decayed so completely in my estimation, or had Bloom inserted his own opinions? No, after more blissful consternation, I relived what I had long taken for dead. Allan Bloom really sees things. His deft insight makes Shakespeare seem real and urgent again, despite how unfashionable and out of vogue the debate may seem to contemporary minds. The Jewish and the Christian come to light, the entire legacy of each Faith revealed keenly, sharply, and decisively in favour of one higher power. The authority of thought, the power of unaided reason brought to bear nakedly on an eternal, ever-so tender, sore. Bloom's essay on 'Othello' and 'Julius Cesear' prove out this reviewer's intial wonder at the work. To readers familiar with Bloom's other works, I include myself, this book was additionally worthy because it showed that the issue Allan Bloom later became famous for, the decay of education, was already at the forefront of his mind in the early 1960's. He states in the book's introduction and claims it as his motivation for publishing the essay. This was 1964, several years before the signifigant events of the 1960s took full shape and bore full weight on American society. The introduction includes Bloom's stark assessment of Poetry and Philosophy. He quotes Napolean (one of very few direct quotes, the footnotes are rich, but few) to argue for the superiority of poetry over politics and then slyly demostrates the superiority of philosophy, or the philosopher, true and proper, over poetry. This is a book you could own and keep and reread often, even secrete it undercover and carry it across hostile borders, real and imagined.

There's no rabbi more famous in fiction that David Small! In this tres kosher series of the rabbi-as-detective, author Harry Kemelman has created one of the most interesting characters of this genre. In "Thursday the Rabbi Walked Out," Small becomes involved in another murder story--this time the victim is a notorious anti-Semite, and a number of his congregation are now suspects (they seem to be for good reason!). It is up to Small to match wits--and skill--with the actual murderer. (Billyjhobbs@tyler.net)

Certainly any of the "day" novels of Kemelman are a treat (the first was "Friday the Rabbi Slept Late") and on this particular "day" (Thursday) readers will not be disappointed. Kemelman's style is fast-paced and his detective revelations are logical, solid, and do not insult the reader. Clearly, he takes the time and patience to weave his tales--and they are worth the wait!

If you like the Rabbi Small stories you will enjoy this one as well. It is not so good as the "Classic" Friday the rabbi slept late" but it is brilliant as well. Rabbi Small finds himself in troulbe (as usual): in a middle of a murder case and his job is in danger too. naturally he solves the problems with his clear logic, so you can count on the next stories.

If you like Rabbis Small misteries do not miss this one. The story is as usual: Rabbi Small's job in danger (he is going to be fired), and he is involved to a murder case. All good if ends good.

I am a former Russian journalist and a documentary filmmaker who has also worked at NASA in the US.

"The Anatomy of Russian Defense Conversion" touches on many more subjects then just Russian Defense Industry. This is a very thorough, informative and important work that analyses the history of US and Russian Defense Industries, weapons exports and conversion, and possibilities of transformation from a militarized to a civilian economy in the new millenium.

The book also reflects on the current state of defense industries in the US and Russia, and "brain drain", or loss of intellectual capital in Russia and other countries after the Cold War.

I found reflections in Arkady Yarovsky's chapter "From the Culture of War to the Culture of Peace" very contemporary, especially in the light of recent events in the Middle East:

"Our time is unfortunately still characterized as "the culture of war." The culture of war is evident first and foremost in the hostilities between people and states, between nations and faiths, and in the inability to solve conflicts by peaceful means... Humanity has made it into the third millenium because the lust for power has been restrained by fear of nuclear war, but this restraint is not to be counted on permanently... The danger hidden in the separateness of people of different countries, unfortunately, remains a legacy for the next century... If humanity renounces the legacy of the culture of war, it can start down the road of cooperation, peaceful creation, and enlightenment. This is the only road leading to the culture of peace."

One can imagine that I, as a small child living in San Antonio, Texas, next to three Air Force bases and an Army base, living through the Cuban missile crisis, thought about the threat of the Russian military. I also met my parents' wonderful emigre' friends, and to this day have had warm relations with Russian people.

This book tells of the enormous cost to the Russian people of building and maintaining their war industry for so many years, a militarized economy where people got second best. Since the breakup of the Soviet Union, defense industry just about shut down, but civilian industry has not grown great enough to support the population. There are horrendous unemployment, and terrible health and social problems. There is some danger that the path of least resistance for Russia, if we neglect the situation, could be to re-start weapons production, for export at first.

In my opinion, the United States also, to a lesser degree, has neglected the manufacture of quality consumer goods, importing them instead, and has let its physical economy deteriorate, despite much activity in the financial sector. We, too, have been insufficiently careful of the environment. This book provides some idea of what these trends could lead to, if carried to extremes.

Perhaps the involvement of United States companies in Russia, could lead to more of a recognition here, of the importance of the physical economy. Hopefully, both countries could also work to put industry on a healthy environmental footing as well.

There is awareness of the problem of Russian defense conversion, at high levels of our government. I hope this book helps educate people and sustain that interest.

Truman. An entertaining one hour speech peppered with anecdotes covering the failures & successes of Truman. There may never have been a person to succeed to the president as unprepared & in such a time of national crises. We were about to invade Japan with perhaps two miilion men & 600,000 casualties. One thing he did know. He could not be Franklin Roosevelt. Nobody could be. He had to be Harry Turman. He knew himself, grew into the job & ranks as one of our near great presidents. Apparently the most important experience of his life was World WarI which he could have avoided in several ways. He found he was brave, he could lead men in adversity & he liked it. He had known disappointments, hated farming, failed as a businessman & was largely ignored as "The Senator from Pendergast." He was honest, stubborn to a fault, loyal, humble but most of all confident in his abilities. You get a flavor of all this in a much too short tape. Read McCullough's "Truman."

This cassette should be compulsory listening for ALL leaders. I have heard it dozens of times and it never fails to keep me on track. McCullough's great voice speaking about the character of a great man has produced the finest short audio tape on leadership that I have ever heard. I bought several hundred copies and gave them to managers. Put the character traits of Truman into today's business world and what an improved world it will be. BUY THIS TAPE!! Listen to it many times. It will have a HUGE effect on your life.

All of Donachie's books are great! They are totally exiting and the main characters are rounded and charming. I always keep up all night to finish them. I have one criticism, however:What s really lacking is a map of a ship or a naval glossary because it is frustrating to have to skip over all the naval descriptions because you cannot understand them without background knowledge.

An excellent story , carrying on with the two main characters written in David's earlier books. I don't understand why this author is not so widely read or freely avaiable from WH Smith etc. David, hopefully writes one book per year, I am eagerly awaiting his next puiblication

I would recommend any of his books, The Devils Own Luck, The Drying Trade, both these books I picked up as a twin set for the ridiculous price of £2.99, that started the journey off, followed by A Hanging Matter, a Scent of Betrayal and his last book, A Bag Of Bones. As an ex sailor, it brought back a lot of memories about where our great naval traditions sprung from and how everyday usage of words came into the English language from sailors.

It is also a good " detective " story leaving you guessing right up to the conclusion. Well done David, BUT PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHEN YOU ARE WRITING AGAIN

After having attended Harry's classes and then rereading his book I keep finding more useful tips each time. I keep the book in my vehicle with pages marked for quick reference, expecially the formulae for tying leaders. It's an easy read yet full of useful information without a lot of fluff.

This book is an outstanding book on smallmouth bass fishing with a flyrod. The book has a wealth of information on equipment, smallmouth bass food and habitat, and techniques and baits for various stream and lake conditions. The recommendations and recipes for his flies are excellent. They really catch fish.

Having met and spoken with Mr. Murray on several occasions at his fly shop and at various seminars, I can almost hear his voice while reading the descriptions and examples in the book. He hides nothing.

I have owned the book for three or four years and review it regulary when preparing for a trip to the stream or when tying up some smallmouth flies. No smallmouth fishing library should be without it.

This is probably the most comprehensive discussion of smallmouth bass fishing on the fly. The techniques are very well described and easy to implement. The fly discussion is great, and is what is most often neglected in other books. Most other books seem to concentrate on top water poppers and crayfish imitations. In addition to these, there are other foods that the smallmouth eats and this book provides the flys to emulate them as well as how they should be fished. There are some 'top secret' flies in here that really work.

The book concentrates on stream fishing. I live on a large small mouth fishery - a northern river that is almost a lake. This sort of water was not treated completely and for that I would suggest looking for another book in addition to this one. However, this is the place to start.

McCullough's intensively researched, thorough, and moving biography of Harry S. Truman is an accessible account of a president who is almost effaced by the times in which he lived. Remembered mostly (if at all) as a little gray man who fell somewhere between Roosevelt and Kennedy, Truman's accomplishments, failures and personality often fade into the background, against the likes of FDR, Churchill, Stalin, or even Joe McCarthy.

McCullough's biography captures the man who inserted a civil rights plank to the Democratic Party platform, risking his presidency, and splitting the party; who fought in WWI, married his childhood sweetheart, failed at business, then succeeded beyond his wildest imaginings at politics; and who, yes, dropped the only two atomic weapons ever used in warfare. McCullough presents Truman in all his contradictions, and his affable, easygoing style. I went and read _Truman_ because I had profound ambivalence towards him, and his actions as president. While this bio did little to clear up my ambivalence, it was expertly and cogently crafted, and I found myself personally liking the subject, even though still troubled by him. In this world with few saints, this is the best one could ask for in a comprehensive biography.

McCullough writes from his subject's corner--one can discern a genuine affection for the man in his pages. However, the author does an excellent job of presenting the evidence; of showing the reader that McCullough is a man of his craft; of demonstrating that, while "objective" history may be a myth (yes, certain things did happen, and others did not. What that MEANS, however, is up for constant debate), responsible history is not. Readers who detect bias in the biography are undoubtedly correct. The reason this is troublesome, though, is more that the author's bias does not agree with the reader's, rather than the sheer existence of bias itself. Not that this is necessarily a problem; it simply is the way of things.

The last few years have seen an upswing in the reputations of Republican presidents--the renaming of Washington National Airport, and Oliver Stone's laudatory biopic of Nixon being two examples that come immediately to mind--, while Democratic Presidents, such has Clinton and Kennedy have, sometimes deservedly, sometimes not, come under fire. _Truman_ comes as a breath of fresh air to one who is increasingly disturbed by the tenor of our national historical dialogue.

I recommend _Truman_ to anyone with an interest in the period or the man.

This is the best biography, and one of the best books, that I have ever read! Even at nearly 1,000 pages, this book is a page-turner. Mr. McCullough makes President Truman come alive. Even though you may know the outcome of important decisions-like the firing of General MacArthur or the decision to enter the Korean War-Mr. McCullough's descriptions have such a dramatic sweep and uncanny vividness that the book reads like a great epic novel. The book pulls you into events so vividly that each scene has a movie-like realism. For example, when Truman meets Churchill and Stalin at Potsdam you can see the entire scene, clearly, in your mind's eye and feel the weight of history on Truman's shoulders. This book also illustrates the great character that Truman possessed. While certainly aware of the political consequences of his decisions, Truman always seemed to deliberate over what was right for the country-not what was expedient for him. For this reason, his popularity, prior to his miracle 1948 re-election, was at an all-time low. Yet even if you disagree with him, you respect him for following his principles. The book also shows that only in America could someone like Truman-a failure at business and farming-rise to the highest office in the land during one of the most dangerous times in U.S. history. Another enlightening aspect of this book is how the author contrasts many of Truman's public statements and seemingly bold attitude with his feelings of inadequacy or indecision as revealed in his letters to his wife and family. This book makes the case that Truman was perhaps our greatest 20th century president. If you saw the HBO special, starring Gary Sinese as Truman, don't miss this book!

David McCullough's Pulitzer Prize winning biography "Truman" is undoubtedly the best Presidential biography I've read in recent years. Written in a graceful and powerfully eloquent style, it is meticulously researched, and accurately captures the essence of the man who was the 33rd President of the United States.

McCullough challenges a commonly held view of history that Harry S Truman was nothing more than a common man of mediocre abilities who became President almost by accident, and owed his political success to his loyalty to the Democratic party and the Kansas City political bosses. By tracing the life of this self-made man - a farmer, artillery captain during World War I, haberdasher, local politician, U.S. Senator, Vice President, and ultimately President of the United States - the author acquaints the reader with a highly intelligent, competent and complex man. Here is seen the highly principled politician whose ability to judge the character of others enabled him to select outstanding men like Dean Acheson and George Marshall to serve in his administration; a Chief Executive capable of making some of the most momentous decisions of the twentieth century, such as ordering the use of the atomic bomb against Japan in 1945, integrating the Armed Forces in 1948, and firing General Douglas MacArthur in 1951. But, here also is seen a man who remained loyal to personal friends and Democratic party bosses and tolerant of their often disreputable activities; and who, in a fit of petty anger, authored a threatening letter to a music critic who wrote unfavorably about his daughter.

"Truman" is above all a fair and balanced portrait of one of the most unique and greatest of American Presidents. In my view, this extraordinarily well written book is destined to be the biography of Harry S Truman against which all others will be measured. Highly recommended!

I decided not to take any books on my (solo) vacation this year -- preferring instead to see what I would gravitate toward 'on the road' (my way of living dangerously -- such an exciting life I lead!). So it was, in one of the bookstores at Logan Airport in Boston that I came to be standing in front of the philosophy/self-improvement section. No -- PLEASE no self improvement (I said to myself). Aren't vacations supposed to be a respite from such relentless work?. But something (probably the link between my impending 37th birthday and the book's idea that a spiritual journey is natural in mid-life) intrigued me too much to let myself put this book back on the shelf.

When I reached my destination, I was still reluctant to start such a deep-sounding subject, but I picked it up anyway -- just to read a bit to get myself to sleep. Three hours later, I was still in the midst of this engrossingly descriptive guidepost to maturing spirituality. Reluctantly I put it aside to get some sleep, but the next morning I finished it -- somewhere between breakfast and lunch. Like another reviewer said, now I know what several friends will be getting for birthdays/Christmas presents!

I suppose the thing that touched me most was the inclusionary (rather than exclusionary) nature of the examples of different stages of 'the journey' -- tapping many different faith traditions rather than one particular dogma. Well, that and the idea that I have something 'new' ahead of me as I hit my forties and beyond, rather than more of the same old thing. I'd like to read it again soon (and I have a feeling I'll want to read it several times in the next couple of decades), but I'll have to get another copy -- my 'original' has been on loan since returning from my trip!

Rarely has a book affected me as profoundly as The Five Stages of the Soul. Like the mythic lighthouse beaming brightness into the dark, authors Moody and Carroll bring illumination into the deepest recesses of our souls and provide insight into the challenging and difficult struggles of life.

Actually, this is the first book that I've read suggesting the concept of stages in soul growth, especially during one's middle years. Those of the "baby boomer" era who are also caring for elderly parents may identify with many of the stories artfully woven into each chapter. While the content of the book is deep and thought provoking, the material is presented in language and style that is understandable and inviting.

Giving meaning to our daily lives, encouraging growth through struggle, and offering hope through spiritual commitment are a few of the gifts laden in the pages of this book. Perhaps you may even find, as I did, answers to questions unformed yet ever present and waiting.

This is a wonderful book.

I've just completed it a second time, in between readings buying copies for friends and loved-ones.

This is a book that normalises the feeling I, and as the book shows, amny, feel about there lives ... "Is this all there is?".

The book is full of spiritual wisdom, drawing from a broad range of traditions, religious and secular.

I really enjoyed this book. Yes there is more to life and as the author reminds us, there is still time.

Enjoy.