Alex To Books

I did not find the book very useful. The explanation are not insightful. If you are a management consultant already, then the content would be too light for you. The only thing i like is that they have collected a nice list of 2x2 matrix, some of which is a relaxing and fun matrix to know.

If you want to learn about how to go deep in strategy this is a really good book. The authors propose a method to help you define core dilemmas facing your business and then use that as a starting point for developing strategy. They say that dynamic tension and conflict are the starting point for change and growth, both in the firm and as managers.
The second half of the book is devoted to 55 classic and not-so classic 2 x 2 matrices. The typical business student may be aware of many of these such as BCG portfolio grid and Stephen Covey's urgency and importance. However, the best value is the 2 x 2 models and cases in areas such as marketing, risk, and organizational processes. I think every organization will see itself in these examples. The authors include a method for each 2 x 2. You can literally begin to apply the thinking right away. I think anyone in business or a business strategy course would benefit.

Alex Lowy coauthored "Digital Capital," which was arguably one of the best books on the internet economy. Now teaming up with Phil Hood, "The Power of the 2x2 Matrix" has the potential to become a timeless reference. Lowy and Hood take a familiar tool, the 2x2 matrix, and turn it inside out in a book that offers a rich new approach to structuring business problems, iterating them until core dilemmas are revealed, and finding solutions that might even draw a smile from Hegel. The book is a hybrid of sorts, offering context and advice for the practitioner in the first two sections, with the final 200 or so pages devoted to an encyclopedic look at 55 different 2x2 matrices that span strategic, organizational and individual realms.

While the ultimate aim of the book is to show how to use the 2x2 matrix to improve decision-making, it is apparent that the process of distilling business problems into two opposing axes is where much of the value lies. At the heart of this book is how to use 2x2 thinking to gain a better understanding of the key tradeoffs in decision-making and to identify solutions which transcend those tradeoffs.

The three sections of the book are:

(1) 2x2 Thinking - Discusses the Hegelian dialectic which underpins the logic and structure of the ideas behind the 2x2 framework. This includes a thoughtful analysis of the nature of the conflict between the X and Y axes in a 2x2 matrix, as well an explanation of how changing the context of the problem space helps to iterate the issues to the point where new and more powerful solutions emerge. The section closes with an examination of eight archetypal dilemmas, including Head-Heart, Cost-Benefit and Change-Stability. Interestingly enough, rethinking these dilemmas in a 2x2 manner adds depth and clarity to issues where typical thought processes tend to be restricted to well-worn paths.

(2) 2x2 Practice - The second section makes the jump from theory to practice and outlines an eight step approach for how to incorporate 2x2 thinking into the course of solving business problems. The eight steps are simple enough that a novice practitioner can dive right in and have a reasonable expectation of success. The Fujitsu case study that closes the chapter, however, reveals how experience is important to help navigate the more subtle aspects of the 2x2 approach. While this case study draws upon much of the theory that precedes it, I suspect most readers will be left looking for additional examples.

(3) 2x2 Frameworks Inventory - The inventory of 2x2 frameworks contains the nuggets most of us are likely to return to again and again. In fact, while the first two sections are easy to breeze through, the inventory is a conceptual thicket that readers will likely prefer to tackle bite by bite, with ample time to chew on the ideas packed into each matrix. In some respects, reading the frameworks inventory is like reading an informal history of strategic thinking through a new lens. On the other hand, the 2x2s cover a wide enough range of ground to incorporate a discussion of Myers-Briggs personality types, the works of Stephen Covey, and even game theory problems, such as the classic Prisoner's Dilemma. All told, the 55 frameworks captured here comprise a virtual 2x2 Hall of Fame.

This book is first and foremost a fun read. I particularly enjoyed seeing the Hegelian dialectic brought to life, dusted off, and used as a means to evaluate conflicts and tradeoffs in such a way that it makes it easier to get at the root cause of complex issues. The ideas in the book can be applied across the entire problem-solving universe, yet the authors tailor the book to focus on decision-making in the business world. Their approach will appeal most to consultants and managers who struggle with complex problems, but also to anyone who wants to improve their ability to think about a wide range of issue and make better decisions.

The book could benefit from additional case studies, such as the Fujitsu case, and conceptual omnivores will wish there were more than 55 frameworks. The bottom line, however, is that 2x2s represent a new and useful way to catalogue a variety of types of knowledge, hold it in a format that is likely to yield new insights more easily, and apply it in novel and powerful ways.

A great book !

I really enjoy the book. This is a great book for person who looks for way to improve his/her problem solving approach. It will help your problem solving method more structure. It contains proven 2x2 Matrix ranging from Strategic framework, Organization framework and Individual framework.

I strongly recommend for everybody who are preparing for the case interview with big consulting firms. Also, this is the great book for all managers.

For years, people have thought that complex thought was the best way to address complex problems. What utter fools! Complex problems are just simple problems if you ignore enough variables. Alex Lowy and Phil Hood throw the idea of "Thinking outside the box" outside of the window! Or the Walls!

Purchased as a gift and he totally loved it... thought it was very funny! Makes a great gift.

I am 21 years old. I started a club with some of my friends. We are THE SCOTCH CLUB. Our meetings are all about finding reasons to hate France. We officially submit five reasons per month. This book has been a great help. I am really thankful to the authors of giving us so many reasons to hate France.

The authors are two Londeners who here offer up fifty researched vignettes on why the French are so hated, from the Tour de France to their secrets of being stylish and hip, and more. From dogs to fashion, 50 Reasons to Hate the French surveys French culture and oddities and is a top pick for any public lending library strong in French history or culture.

I'm a French living in the USA because I am a bit tired of France. I like humor about French things, and I loved "A Year In the Merde", which was really fun. But this book is not fun, it is just nasty. No kidding. There is some interesting things I didn't know, but it does lack of humor. There are simply mean comments about French people taken as a whole. Fortunately, I bought it cheap, but it really isn't worth buying ! I don't think that Americans or British citizens would appreciate if two French authors would write "50 raisons de haïr les anglais" and, actually, it would be forbidden as a call for hatred based upon natonality.

I didn't got my book the first time, and I waited for more than a month! I contacted Amazon and they sent me anotherone in no time! Good Job, however by the time I got the second one I didn't need it anymore so I am selling it back and its brand new!!!!!!!

The item came in 3-4 days as I was expecting and it was in excellent condition.

book was in good shape and was received timely

Even I had chosen the free shipping, I recieced my book only two days after I order it from amazon. Moreover, the book's qulity is good.

This solution is good and give complete answer. Somehow, there is still some mistake on answer. But not big deal if you truly understand how to solve the problem.

I thought this was a good primer on the subject and got several helpful tips. While I already knew a lot of the material, nevertheless It inspired me to make some changes in my own home.

I was also inspired by The House That Faux Built which showed how to give your home a facelift without ripping things out (and filling the landfills) It showed me how to paint and plaster over cabinets, tiles and floors for a complete update. the 2 books together made a big difference.

The text is well-written and can appeal to a wide audience. It's simple enough to understand for those without a great deal of knowledge in sustainable design, yet interesting and usefull enough for the professional who's more trained in sustainability. The text covers sustainable homes in a logical order, first stressing the foundation concepts like siting, orientation, passive solar, and building envelope efficiency, BEFORE moving on to less critical (but more popular) topics such as green materials.

I am a professor of Environmental Design and am currently building a passive solar, zero-energy home, and if I were to write a text that comprises the whole of the process and goals in sustainable home building, the format and breadth of topics would be similar to this book.

One negative of the book is the absence of color images to illustrate some points. The simple line drawings get the point across, but photos might have a better impact - especailly in sections discussing more advanced systems such as renewable energy systems or rainwater catchment systems.

I am an interior designer and work for an architectural firm. Because of the information I have learned thru my education and professional experience, I found very little new information in this book. If you have no knowledge of green building practices, this book would be beneficial.

This book was a overview/introduction to building a green home. Should be a must read for builders and anyone planning on building a new home. Not all strategies will work for every situation, but there's lots here that would apply for any situation or budget.

We first checked this book out from the library and my son (who was 15 months at the time) loved it so much that I had to buy it. He has learned a lot of vocabulary from reading this book (happy bugs laugh, sad bugs cry) and even tries to "read" it by himself now that he is two years old. There is an awesome page at the end where all the bugs in the book unite in one place and you can point out who is who. So cute!

This is SUCH a cute book. My 3 year old and 1 year old both love it. The book is fun to read and flows really nicely. I plan to buy this book for many 1 year old birthdays.

I bought this book for my daughter who is in love with insects. She really likes the book, but I have a few problems with it. First of all, some of the drawings look very similar to characters from the "Bug's Life" movie (especially the caterpillar, walking stick, and gypsy moth). Then, there are grammatical errors such as, "This bug walks fast, and that one walks slow" (not slowly). Also, creatures are included that are not bugs, such as snails and earthworms. Weird. I may be expecting too much from a children's book, but it still bothers me. Otherwise, cute pictures and a nice exploration of opposites.

"Division Street: America" isn't the first title that would pop into most people's minds when they think of Terkel, but I think it should be. I'll admit, I'm totally biased being in Chicago, but maybe that's the best way to read this book.
There is a lot of upheaval and suffering throughout the city due partly to the constantly changing demographics of the neighborhoods, and many of the ethnic pockets and pyschological ghettoes that Terkel talked to people in during 1967 were in the middle of those changes. From the near north area, tight in the protective grip of Mayor Daley to the old Eastern European neighborhoods of the north and west sides which would soon become almost purely Puerto Rican, Cuban and Mexican.
You can really see firsthand, how stupid, how intelligent, how altruistic and how mean people can be in a big city. That's the best part of this whole book: you're left at every page feeling that something monumental is taking place in urban America while the interviews are happening. Civil rights, white flight, Latin immigration, the decline of the manual labor factory job, Viet Nam, etc.
Reading this in 1967 must have been interesting, but knowing what we know about Chicago today and how it's still in a state of flux (and maybe always will be) is really a reason to go back. The problems, the people and the strange mix still exists throughout Division Street today; but thanks to Terkel, we have a little hindsight.

Chicago is the city of big shoulders. Carl Sandburg said that. Studs Terkel, in "Division Street: America," gives us the names of those people on whom those big shoulders rest. Like Edgar Lee Masters' collection of poetic epitaphs, "Spoon River Anthology," Terkel titles each chapter with the name of those whose lives are being described.

Division Street runs East-West through Chicago, ending at Lake Shore Drive. It is a major road, and Terkel could've chosen any avenue to name his book. What is important is that it cuts through the center of the city, and, symbolically, into and through the heart of it all.

Each story is a page or two. Some are five or six pages. None are too long. Terkel knows when to finish the story. However, to call the short chapters 'stories' isn't really accurate. They are edited conversations with people you might have known if you lived in Chicago in 1967 when this was first published. Some of the people are cops. Others are teachers, cabbies and nuns. There is even a couple CEOs and advertising guys. Terkel manages to connect with each interviewee, and allow them to do the talking.

Everything you've heard about Studs Terkel or this book is true. It is fantastically voyeuristic, and terrifically revealing without ever being cheap or exploitive. These people are so familiar, as if you overheard Terkel chatting with them at a diner or coffeehouse.

I wholeheartedly recommend "Division Street: America" by Studs Terkel.

Anthony Trendl
editor, HungarianBookstore.com

Words can't even begin to describe what a powerful and moving book this is. Studs Turkel shows that he is an American treasure with each book he writes.

I found the book very handy during my visit to Belize. Even when it was not 100% accurate it was not wrong.Furthermore it conveyed more of the spirit of the place than any other guide I red. In fact it makes a pleasant reading, even if you are visiting another country! Useful index at the back.

You can tell that Alex Bradbury loves Belize. Most tour books give you the facts about places to go and places to stay. Bradbury covers all that too, but he also tells you of the history and the culture of the country. Don't miss the story of the founding of the Belize Zoo and the way the people of Belize honor it. (Belize has the world's only jaguar preserve.

I used this book throughout my travels in Belize and found it indispensable. It is aimed for the traveler who doesn't plan to spend a fortune on the trip, but wants to enjoy every aspect of the country. Alex Bradbury offers great insights on the people and the sights of Belize, and makes some great recommendations.

Margaret Way is a writer whose books I always enjoy. Her books are fast-paced and tightly-knitted with very realistic situations. In 'Holding on to Alex', we have Alexandra Ashton, beautiful principal dancer of The National Australian Ballet who gives up marriage to the man she adores in order to persue her dream , to fulfill her ambition and prove her worth as an individual. Scott Maclaren is devilsihly handsome, rich and powerful and can have any woman he wants. He is embittered by the 'betrayal' of Alex whom he is madly in love with. She chose her career over him on the eve of their engagement because he will not have his wife living apart from him. He sees it as a wilful act of defection. He has known her since she came to live with him at ten as the ward of his aunt because she was orphaned.

Now Scott is informed by his aunt that Alex has been injured in a performance and decides to bring her home for recuperation. His aunt sees this as a second chance for the two young people she loves most in this world. Although Alex tells him she has always loved him and still does, can Scott trust her ? Is Alex willing to be a hands-on wife and let him hold on to her?

This story explores their conflicts in life and with one another.For Alex, the desire to marry the love of her life and be a full-time housewife warring with the desire to spread her wings and be a successful ballerina. Scott cannot fully understand her desire so both lost out.This is a situation many young couples encounter . The choice between marriage and career is a difficult one and the outcome can be happy only if there is compromise and self-sacrifice. I love this story and love Margaret Way's writing . I enjoyed " Beresford's Bride " and " Boardroom Proposal" and will look for more of her books.

Description from the book back cover:

Alex had idolised Scott McLaren when she had lived on his family's cattle station as a little girl. But soon the wider world had beckoned and she had left Scott and the life they could have created together. Now she was returning home to recuperate after an accident, and despite his hurt, Scott couldn't leave her to struggle on her own. She needed him for now, but he feared there'd be no keeping Alex once she recovered - unless he could find a way to hold on to her ...

this is about this ballerina alex and the love of her life scott. who due to some miscomunications ,broke up. then alex got hurt during 1 of her practices ,so scott took her back to his ranch to recuperate . then like all good romances ,they fell back in love. this book is written with a great deal of delicacy and sensetivity. i love it !!!

This book is a great "How To" for lex/yacc beginners. It consists primarily of simple, readable examples of the Right Way to Do It. It's not going to make you into an expert compiler writer. But if you have been trying to employ lex and yacc and have been frustrated climbing up that first step or two on the learning curve, then this is a great book to begin with. Consume this book, then get a copy of O'Reilly's _Lex & Yacc_ and you'll be the office whiz at ginning up quick parsers.

This book uses LEX and YACC to write a "realistic" language. It's approach is very practical, not much theory. If you want theory, then go read the "Dragon" book (Aho, et al.). It covers the error handling in YACC in detail and shows how to read the error output that is generated. It explains shift/reduce and reduce/reduce errors and how to recover from them. Like I said, it is very practical and far better than the Nutshell YACC/LEX book.

This book supplies a practictioner with useful information to get moving quickly. It also manages to do so with a minimum of disorganization and chattiness that so plagues the O'Reilly book. I own both and rarely look outside this book's useful examples and clear typography.

First off, let me start off by saying that I like this book. The photo quality is first rate and the instructional text is also very good. The trouble as I see it, is that this is one of those books that assumes you know nothing about Judo and are an absolute beginner. There is nothing wrong with this per se (so we have ANOTHER book with a section on Judo history, how to wear your gi and break-falls) but it is just that this has been done to death already. In essence, I'd like to see a book (by this author) on solely advanced techniques (they do have a short section of these in the book) - show me the little details and variations of techniques that I'm not going to see in every dojo in the world. Bottom line: a quality Judo book for beginners. More advanced Judoka won't get too much out of it.

Excellent on the core 30 throws and basics on ground fighting.
Get this book with Renzos BJJ book and do Judo and BJJ each 2x per week to become an excellent martial artist.

This book, unlike most judo books available today, contains full color photos in an attractive format. The book contents are as modern and accurate as the design. Although geared primarily for beginners it covers a lot of material that anyone doing judo needs to know.

Watch for the next book by this publisher which will be a more comprehensive text with the same excellent format.