Z Books

THIS REFERENCE BOOK IS ONE OF THE BEST I HAVE EVER USED IN MY DAILY WORK AS A MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTIONIST. I FIND IT VERY USEFUL EACH DAY.

This is a very good reference, but needs to be more current. As a medical transcriptionist, I find the most useful feature to be the clear, detailed anatomic diagrams and word lists that are included in each surgical area (general, ortho, oto, etc.) The general overview of each surgical type is also helpful. However, the surgical techniques, drugs lists, and equipment lists are very outdated. Still, I use this book in my work on an almost-daily basis.

THIS REFERENCE OF OVER 1000 PAGES IS THE BEST I HAVE EVER USED TO TRANSCRIBE SURGICAL REPORTS.

I was introduced to this most comprehennsive reference as a student in a local college. Ihave used it since to train surgical transcriptionists with excellentresults. I can developa competent secretary in 6 weeks using this book. Nothing onthe market rivals it! BARRY MANN NY,NY

This book has so much vitually important information for the employee going through a worker's comp situation. It covers all from the begining to the end. THIS BOOK WILL GIVE YOU THE KNOWLEDGE NEEDED TO FIGHT FOR YOUR LAWFUL RIGHTS -- DO NOT GIVE IN OR GIVE UP -- WITH THIS BOOK YOU WILL UNDERSTAND AND REALIZE THAT THE FIGHTERS ARE THE ONES THAT RECEIVE WHAT IS RIGHTFULLY/LAWFULLY INTITLED TO THEN.

KEEP FIGHTING AND BELIEVING THAT 'JUSTIFICATION FOR EMPLOYEER'S WRONG DOING CAN BE ACHIEVED.

READ THIS BOOK AND YOU WILL UNDERSTAND!!!

As a Workers' Compensation practitioner, this is the book that I recommend to all the aquaintances that ask for free advice. I also tend to recommend it to large companies that operate in CA and other states, because it gives the law and requirements in terms that a high school graduate can understand.

There is more emphasis in this book on answers and "by the number" processes than legal precedent or analysis, which I find easier to follow for the lay person. Chris Ball also has a number of forms included with simple completion directions.

If someone is looking for an overview with more legal justification or reference to statutes, the California Workers' Compensation Handbook is an excellent choice. This book by Stanford Herlick is updated every year, and has shorter sections with less hand-holding.

I think that the Herlick paperback is the reference source of choice for the attorney or paralegal to carry in the car or briefcase for quick review of issues and solutions.

I bought this book when I was first injured after getting so frustrated at not being able to get answers to my questions anywhere else. I searched the internet, talked to people, but I just kept going in circles. Then I discovered this book. It saved me. I have since hired a lawyer, however, you will feel more empowered and in control if you understand the process and the terminology. Plus, insurance companies try to "get away" with some things, assuming the average person won't know their workers comp rights. This book has saved me several times in that instance. (For example, they made doctor's appointments for me, sent me the info on their legal letterhead saying I was required to go to that particular doctor. Since I knew my rights from reading the book, I challenged them and didn't have to go to their doctor. Basically, I think they try these tactics just because most people aren't informed, and will just do what they say) It's so important to understand what is happening with your case, and what your rights are. I've been injured for four years, and find I research something in this book at least once a week. If you have a workers comp injury, you shouldn't be without this book! (Also, Nolo puts out a great book on filing for social security disability too) Best of luck to you!

The average consumer has no idea of the laws and the rights he has when faced with an on the job injury.

This book is easy to read and understand. I am a nurse case manager for workers comp injuries and found this book extremely helpful. I encourage all my clients to obtain this book even if they have a lawyer. It gives them a solid knowledge base when the docs, attorneys and insurance people are throwing terms around.

It is well organized and follows a normal sequence of events. It was written by an attorney who handles workers comp cases.

I highly recommend this book.

An old fashioned story with old fashioned charm. Makes you long for an era that is lost to children of this day and age. Simple and sweet.

A great book for younger readers and those with smaller children. The art is superb too!
Sincerely,
A.A. Riley
Author of The Key of Aramath

Tasha Tudor is classic. I am so thrilled to have purchased this book for my "bookworm" daughter - I purchased this charming book through Tasha's own web page and had it signed by Tasha...however it cost me LOTS more than what the price is listed here - this adorable Easter tale which is beautifully illustrated is one to add to your child's library....The Easter Bunny will be leaving it on Easter for my little girl...and surely it will be a special added treasure to her collection.

My daughters received this book for Easter and it is definitely MY favorite Easter book - it just took my breath away. Incredibly sweet and old-fashioned; no chocolate or hype. Just the essentials of this lovely Springtime holiday - new dresses, adorable baby animals, gentle little children and some colored eggs. I am enchanted and thrilled to have found Tasha Tudor. You will love her!

Thanks to ICCA for publishing this book. There is a lot of literature on CSR but this book has become an essential in our library as it really is a great (most probably the best) reference guide on CSR.

Being interested in CSR and attending CSR lectures in a British university I was amazed about the (academic) quality and comprehension of CSR related terms covered in this encyclopaedia.

Beside explaining essential basic terms the authors also focussed on related terms which build together an excellent understanding of CSR, its extent and impact for academics as well as practitioner.
The book fulfils these theoretical and practical expectations by including the expertise and experience of 102 authors. These authors are specialists in particular CSR related areas resulting in specific definitions and descriptions.
It became apparent that the books' editors made a competent and up to date choice when compiling authors and terms defined in this encyclopaedia.

So every page of this book delivers valuable information, written by specialists who are well known from everyone interested in CSR. Therefore this book combines "right" terms with "right" authors for doing "right" things in CSR.

I really like this book! For a start the 300+ terms and organisations etc are clearly laid out in a jargon free format in alphabetical order. Secondly, many of the terms are described by the experts in the field, for example Mary Robinson on Human Rights or Archie Carroll on CSR. This is the first time I've seen such an accessible and comprehensive guide to CSR, sustainability or business ethics including everything from carbon taxes, bio diversity to sweatshops, sin taxes and Greenwashing. The authors seemed to have tried to include everything - there's even a "Zen of CSR in there as well! I can thoroughly recommend this book to anybody interested in CSR!

Finally! Probably everyone interested in and working with or on Corporate (Social) Responsibility will be glad that this publication came out. Indeed, it was about time: In the last two decades, CSR has become an `en vogue' topic and more and more dealt with in theory and practice. However, many misunderstandings, misinterpretations and prejudices circulate on the contents of CSR. The "A to Z" manages to clarify many aspects of CSR and paves the way for a common starting point by providing for a holistic approach. Hopefully, it will thereby contribute to further inhibit mere window dressing by just including the term CSR in corporations' annual reports and media info.
The book can serve as an important basic tool for everyone dealing with CSR. It covers a wide range of topics and core terms related to CSR (like human rights and the environment) and defines the most important concepts, codes, organisations and landmarks. It therefore lives up to even a critical reader's expectations as well as to the various developments in regard to CSR and the broadness and pluralism of the CSR debate. It is very useful encyclopaedia which can be used by students of all fields, academics, researchers, NGO workers, business people etc. because indeed it uses a `common language' which is understandable independently of the specialization of the reader. Luckily, the information provided is neither influenced by interests nor superficial, yet the encyclopaedia-style allows for precise and neutral information and definitions which are based on contributions by over 100 experts, so to say the crème de la crème of the CSR-community. Nevertheless, many of the definitions include pros and cons and sometimes critical remarks which allow for further food for thought and are an important input to an independent forming of opinion by the reader.
Despite the fact that the "A to Z" includes contributions mainly by authors of Anglo-American or Western European origin, it is by no means ethnocentric or cultural relativistic - in the contrary, it can be used by a de facto international CSR community. However, it would have been nice to have a universal encyclopaedia with contributors with various national backgrounds. Maybe the next edition will consider this. Though the price might seem shocking at first sight, I think the purchase of the "A to Z" makes a valuable long term investment for anyone really interested in the subject.

This is a great book for anyone seriously studying Taiji as a martial art. It's a collection of articles on the history, various styles, principles and weapons of Taijiquan. There is information on some lesser known facets as well, such as the 2-man fighting set, free fighting, and Taiji whip, and there are articles by William CC Chen, Doc Fai Wong, Chen Xiao Wang, Jane Hallander and others. My only complaint is that they waste ~75 pages showing the Yang long form--as the rest of this book covers some very advanced subjects, and is NOT a "how to" guide for beginners. If they had filled those pages with more articles of the same quality as those in the rest of the book, I'd give it five stars.

This is one of the most concise, and complete histories, and "how to do it" books on Tai Chi that I have ever read! The photos of the person performing the different moves in the Yang form of Tai Chi are excellent! Any Tai Chi student should have this one in his library!

This volume is a compilation of the various article in the aforementioned magazine. The variety of authours creates a wide viewpoint of the physical and metaphysical theories. The history is thurough and informative, the philisophical theory is highly accesible while still being vivid and accurate, and the still photos of the Yang style set are a gift to readers interested in the practice. Being a follower of the Taoist philosophy and a student of the higher martial disiplines this book remains a favorite of mine second only to Bruce Lee's legendary work "The Tao of Jeet Kune Do".

This is a collection of 29 articles on different topics in tai chi. The is range of subjects is quite diverse, from tai chi history to theory and practical applications, and even an article on tai chi in the National Football League. There are four main sections: Histories and Traditions; Basic Techniques: Advanced Techniques; and Profiles and Personalities; and there is also an Appendix showing practical spplications. Last but not least, there is a complete pictorial presentation of the entire yang form that is practically worth the price of the book by itself.

The articles cover just about every aspect of tai chi, and I also noted there are several articles on the chen family style, reflecting the increasing interest in this style in recent years. It is a style especially known for its chin na and martial applications, and have always wanted to study it because of that, since my first tai chi style, known as the "square wu style," because it atypically contains both linear and circular movements, is especially rich in chin na applications too, but I've never had the opportunity to study the chen style yet myself, being mainly a wu and yang style practitioner, but I am pleased to see the chen style finally getting some of the recognition it deserves.

About the only lack in terms of coverage in the book is on pressure point strikes and dim mak. Many people aren't aware that tai claims to be the original dim mak technique and that originally there were no "pushing" techniques in tai chi, or pushing hands exercises, it consisted only of potentially deadly pressure point strikes, the severity of which only depended on how hard the point was struck. But as this knowledge is perhaps the only remaining area in tai chi that remains closely guarded I wouldn't expect it to get discussed in a book like this. But overall the book contains a lot of good information on tai chi, and is the only book in this format that I know of on the subject, with articles by so many recognized experts.

Since we're on the subject, I wanted to say a little more about the dim mak. Although I value tai chi as the most physically profound and difficult of the martial arts I've studied (and I hold instructor and/or black belt rank in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean systems), one has to take the Chinese medical theories of chi and meridians and pressure points mainly as descriptive analyses for further scientific analysis. To give you an example, my first kung-fu and tai chi instructor would occasionally say that a certain point was more vulnerable in the afternoon. Well, being a polite student (and his senior student) I never contradicted him on this, but this is now 25 years later and now I'm the teacher. The simple fact is that almost any pressure point strike could have a greater effect later in the afternoon than in the morning since that's when many people reach their physiological low during the day, and things like blood sugar and circulating catecholamines (such as epinephrine and norepinephrine) reach their lowest points and people just don't have as much energy. Furthermore, neuroactive chemicals that can cause drowsiness build up in certain areas of the brain. Finally, the brain, which can only digest glucose, is sensitive to a drop in glucose blood levels. All of this means that presure point and dim mak strikes could potentially have a greater effect at this point in a person's diurnal physiological cycle, but the ancients who devised these theories had no knowledge of blood chemistry, neurobiology, or any other modern medical science area.

That having been said, I still regard tai chi as the most complex, difficult, and profound system of martial culture I've ever studied, and getting back to the present book, this is a fine volume on tai with a lot of good information that should be of interest to beginning and advanced students alike.

I'm so glad we have the reader reviews on Amazon. The Publishers Weekly evaluations are often very biased and dismissive. "Though another book criticizing the Bush presidency is of questionable necessity" - really? We've reached the limit on books examining and critiquing the performance of the President of the United States? Thanks, PW! I'll stop worrying about the health of our democracy and go straight to bed.

Benjamin Franklin, when asked what type of government we had created, is said to have replied, "A republic, if you can keep it." "Unchecked and Unbalanced" shows why America is in danger of being transformed into a monarchy by the Bush Administration, reporting how this new theory of unchecked presidential power developed and why it is wrong. The authors also contend that the theory is not a response to 9/11, but long nurtured by Cheney and his assistant David Addington from at least the days of the Iran-Contra investigation, and even followed (to a much lesser extent) by Bill Clinton.

Executive branch lawyers now describe an ongoing (not just emergency) power to set aside legal checks imposed by Congress and to even act when Congress is silent. This authority extends to treaties as well, and at least one Office of Legal Council (OLC) leader claims coverage of judicial decisions as well.

Lincoln acted early on at the start of the Civil war without Congressional authorization, and even ignored an order by the Chief Justice. The difference between Lincoln and Bush is that Lincoln did not do so on an on-going basis, sought subsequent approval, and did not act in secret.

"Unchecked and Unbalanced" provides rationale for concluding that OLC's conclusions are wrong; it also asserts that the OLC claims were developed without adherence to professional obligations - eg. they failed to identify, let alone respond to, weaknesses in their legal arguments, and failed to mention key Supreme Court cases.

Finally, to protect our republic, the authors recommend Congress hold hearings and act, and that the Supreme Court follow suit. Unfortunately this is made difficult by executive branch supervision of intelligence gathering and distribution.

The authors documents how the Bush Administration, in an effort to fight terrorism, has side-stepped the constitution, circumvented the Geneva Convention, and broken countless other laws. The authors describe how the net result is an erosion of the moral character of America, which, in the long run, is counterproductive in the war on terror.

Frederick A.O. Schwarz Jr. is senior counsel at the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law and a partner at Cravath, Swaine & Moore. He was chief counsel to the Church Committee. Aziz Z. Huq is associate counsel at the Brennan Center and previously clerked for the U.S. Supreme Court. This is a book you will not be able to put down, in which they demonstrate and document how the Bush administration has gone further than Nixon or Reagan ever dreamed to create a monarchical presidency with the acquiescence of a complicit Congress and a cowed judiciary.

Probably the most readable introduction to the Z formal method that I have seen. Jacky does a great job of showing the reader why Z might be useful, gently introducing the concepts, and showing how they can be translated into real code. While this book is not a comprehensive Z reference, it is certainly a wonderful introduction that will give the reader most of the tools they might need (and a great background for learning any of Z's more obscure corners).

This book is the first book I've read on Z or formal methods. It's very easy to read and understand, and replete with Z examples. I recommend it to anyone who's interested in learning Z.

The thing I found most helpful about this book is that the author presents Z in comparison to things that we are already (probably) familiar with: data flow diagrams, state charts, etc. He shows the difference between Z and these things, and walks you through a comparison of one system using all 4 different methods.

There are many good books on how to construct, verify, and establish actual program code using Z. I have read bits and pieces of many in an attempt to gain a general understanding of the whole development process and a breadth of approaches taken to it. I cannot say that I have come accross a book even approaching The Way of Z in both clarity and completeness. Dr. Jacky has left nothing out of this text and it reads extremely smoothly (without the sacrifice of complexity). I recommend it to any Formal Methods student, programmer and anyone interested in the formal specification, verification, and implementation process.

I believe the truest test of a good children's book is when the adult enjoys it as much as the children. I truly enjoyed reading "Welcome To The Bed and Biscuit". As with "Charlotte's Web", I found myself identifying with the animals, cheering them on, and laughing out loud as I read this wonderful story. Truly a "must read" not only for your children, but for you as well.

I wrote this book hoping that my readers would find at least one laugh on every page--and enjoy the mysteries, too. They'll recognize Ernest, Gabby, and Milly as kids like themselves, despite their animal "disguises." Being part of a blended family isn't easy at first, but it can be awfully funny, as it is here. If I'm not laughing as I write the book, something is wrong, and with this manuscript I had many happy days. I hope my readers will, too.
---Joan Carris, 2006

Grampa Bender can't run the Bed and Biscuit animal boardinghouse without the help of his three wise animals, who have always thought of themselves as his 'family'. But when he stops paying attention to his old friends in favor of something new, they begin to wonder about his loyalties. Black and white drawings by Noah Z. Jones brings a winning, engaging tale to life.

The Bed & Biscuit is run by Grampa Bender, with the help of a small pig named Earnest, Gabby the mynah, and Milly the cat. As a family, they see to the comfort and care of other furry and feathered guests.

When Grampa goes to help neighbors through a devastating fire, he returns with a mysterious bundle in a basket. Ernest gets worried when Grampa's devotion to the bundle causes young Milly to withdraw out of jealousy. Still, he makes sure Grampa's Bed & Biscuit continues to operate smooth as can be, even when Grampa is very tired from staying up all night with the bundle.

Will the animals ever find out what's wrapped in the bundle, and will Milly see that Grampa's love is bigger than she imagines? It's a stressful time, but if the family at the Bed & Biscuit works together, they'll learn that love can cure just about anything.

This is a gentle story that addresses very real concerns children experience when faced with big changes. There is enough humor to offset the sadness felt by the animals when they become worried about their places in Grampa's life. WELCOME TO THE BED & BISCUIT is a wonderful story to introduce to children when real-life changes occur, especially in cases of new babies and adoptions. Kids will learn that it's okay to be worried or even a little jealous, because those feelings are natural, and their families' love will see them through.

Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Christina Wantz Fixemer
11/20/2006

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the basics of food and nutrition.

This useful book provides detailed nutrition information, preparation tips, storage tips, etc. for a huge variety of foods. For instance, after finding persimmons on sale at the grocery store, but not really knowing how to tell if they are ripe or how they are best eaten, I consulted this book and found all the answers! The book also explains what phytonutrients are present in the different foods and what health benefits they may provide. I highly recommend it!

Everyone should own one! Makes a great gift as well. I was fascinated by the information on phytochemicals.

This book has TONS of information on an enormous range of foods. It lists and describes varieties, health benefits/myths/concerns, nutritional information, history, and serving suggestions for everything from apples and asparagus to flour and sweeteners. I bought pasilla peppers at farmer's market today, and looked them up to see how they compared to anaheims in terms of flavor and heat. It's a very convenient resource.

I was recently diagnosed with type I diabetes, and this book has become absolutely essential to me. I can look up how many calories are in an avocado and how many carbohydrates are in a persimmon. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is trying to control their diet, or is just curious about their food.

Susan Dawes concisely summarizes day to day strategies for enhancing personal and family life. As she says "When mom's happy, everybody's happy". She presents a variety of suggestions for fulfillment whether one works outside the home or is a stay-at-home mom. She makes wonderful suggestions regarding dealing with demands and pressures facing American families. Each chapter is chocked full of great ideas that I have used over and over. These include topics from taking care of yourself to discipline. Her social work background is evident but the book is presented in a very readable fashion. As a woman's health nurse I recommend it to expectant moms as well as moms who are already experiencing parenting. It is a must reading!

Susan Dawes is a joy to interview. Her down-to- earth book is a must for Mom's and Dad's everywhere. Well written and entertaining. It will delight your audiences!! Darcy Blake, KUDL 98.1 FM

"When Mom's Happy, Everyone's Happy" is a brisk and lively read, but more importantly, it is also an excellent and insightful resource for modern Moms (and their husbands and families) in a stressful world whose demands compete with the good and enjoyable family life. Written in a light and highly readable manner, the first section provides valuable, very useable tips and ideas for Mom; the second, for the whole family. I highly recommend this book for Moms and Dads and Children seeking more from their lives and relationships with each other. I have found it useful and recommend it to new mothers and learners of all ages and types. "When Mom's Happy, Everyone's Happy" is a happy and helpful read for Mom and her whole family.

Charles RB Beckmann, MD, MHPE, FACOG, Chief, Women's Health / OBGYN, Samuel U Rodgers Community Health Center, Clinical Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Missouri at Kansas City

Susan Dawes wrote a wonderful book. It's very easily followed and very easily applied. She has some wonderful suggestions in her book including but not limited to: ways to take a holistic approach to your life, things to do to improve your relationship with your husband, ideas for giving yourself a break and creative ideas for shortening your days (when you are at home with children). I read this book from front to back several times and still reference it periodically. I agree when mom's happy, everyone's happy and this book brings me one step closer to happiness.