Resources Books

You have to keep in mind that this is written by a real estate agent, so he really has an agent's best interests in mind, not yours as a buyer or seller. That said, the book does contain a complete survey of buying/selling homes (mostly buying, actually), assisted by online websites. I found the text too verbose, and I wonder if the publisher or author gets paid for the sites they recommend, for a lot of other useful sites aren't mentioned at all.

Over a year ago I borrowed this book from a friend, and read through it during the entire process of my first purchase of a house. It helped very easily to follow all that was happening, all the terminology, etc. and in some cases, to be ahead, and expect the next steps.

It was so helpful, that I decided to buy it for myself this year, as we're considering the sale of our place, and getting us a larger house.

If you're going to buy or sell a house, you have got to read it: it'll be of extreme help.

This book made my life so much easier by explaining in easy to follow steps how to do everything i needed to sell homes and purchase a new one. It is very thorough, covers all topics from A to z and the recommendations on web sites were right on. The author knows his stuff. This is the first Idiot's Guide book I've bought and I'm so glad i did.

I had to take the time to review this book because my husband and I almost lost our dream home. This superb book helped us save our transaction at the last minute and avoid a horrible lawsuit. Thank God a friend referred us to this book or we wouldn't be living in the perfect home for us. We were buying a home For Sale By Owner and were working with the most difficult seller imaginable. With the help of this guide we not only salvaged the deal, but got better terms and more repairs made to the home. Thank you so much to the author and publisher for writing this book-it's phenomenal. The negotiating chapter is worth thousands of dollars. And to all those buying or selling homes By Owner or even with Realtors-don't do anything until you buy this book. You will be so glad you did.

I got this book for my dad for Father's Day because he and my mother are planning on selling their home and buying a smaller home. the For Sale By Owner comments in some of the other reviews caught my eye because my parents want to sell their home themselves. I started looking through the guide out of curiosity and found myself reading more than half the book. Besides being informative and detailed, it's actually interesting and somewhat funny. i ended up giving it to my father early and he read the entire guide in two days. he said it was the first time he's ever read a how-to book from cover to cover and he's bought over 50! i recommend this book to all people who are planning on buying and selling a home in the future (which is just about everybody) because it is exceptionally clear, informative and jam-packed with advice, facts and data. And it makes a great gift. My dad loved it and is using it to get their home ready to sell By Owner.

At last!!!! Harriet Schecthter's inspirational book "Conquering Chaos at Work" is here and it's a gem, providing practical, no nonsense solutions to those organizational challenges that frustrate us daily at work.

"Conquering Chaos at Work" fills a gaping void in previous organizational literature by not only addressing and resolving where our personal attempts to get organized may have failed, but also providing vital suggestions and systems to encourage and help the organizationally impaired people around us who may impact negatively on our own effectivess.

"Conquering Chaos at Work" is a must for anyone who aspires to becoming more effective at work and at life.

Do yourself and your organization a big favour and pop one in your shopping trolley now!!!!

A lot of books about organizing only deal with time management. In this book, the author deals with other types of disorganization. I had to laugh when I read the part about the deceptive chaos creating boss. I now think of that former boss as only a guy with nothing more than a clean desk and a leather Day-Timer. On the surface, he looked organized, in reality, he was never prepared for many of the meetings.

At last!!!! Harriet Schecthter's inspirational book "Conquering Chaos at Work" is here and it's a gem, providing practical, no nonsense solutions to those organizational challenges that frustrate us daily at work.

"Conquering Chaos at Work" fills a gaping void in previous organizational literature by not only addressing and resolving where our personal attempts to get organized may have failed, but also providing vital suggestions and systems to encourage and help the organizationally impaired people around us who may impact negatively on our own effectivess.

"Conquering Chaos at Work" is a must for anyone who aspires to becoming more effective at work and at life.

Do yourself and your organization a big favour and pop one in your shopping trolley now!!!!

Harriet Schechter's Conquering Chaos at Work is fun to read and very comprehensive. It covers different types of chaos creators and provides methods to deal effectively with these habits, whether they exist in ourselves or other people. In describing the way that people can contribute to unnecessary disorganization, the book does more than describe general behavior and various tips to overcome these tendencies - she gives interesting case histories as well. This is part of what makes it fun to read! It has just the right balance of substance and light-heartedness. I highly recommend it as an easy read that is well worth referring to again and again.

Without a doubt, this is one of the best organizing books I have read in quite some time! From the very beginning, the author defines CHAOS to make sure the reader understands exactly what she is talking about; the rest of the book is common-sense organizing written in a humorous style. A very easy read.

If I had to choose one specific topic I liked most in CHAOS, it would be the fact that most of our disorganized lives come from outside sources, and this book teaches us exactly how to resolve that chaos. Put that way, it seems very simple doesn't it?

Help is on the way. Ms. Schechter provides a Chaos Questionnaire, and gives the reader permission to skip to problematic topics first without reading the book cover to cover. Anytime I read this, I am relieved, because this is truly a time saver that we all welcome.

Conquering Chaos at Work targets time and paper management that we all face, reminding us that we are not alone in our efforts to organize our workday, constantly resolving challenges that others create. No wonder we all have such a problem getting things together. After reading this book, you will be able to identify, classify, and conquer the chaos creators in your own life; and if you can smile and heave a sigh of relief along the way, all the better!

In this book Erdman strings together a series of meditations on the process of preaching, including philosophical and theological reflections, practical thoughts on preparing to preach, the art of preaching, and prayerful reflection on Scripture. I like the variety of expression this book has. Instead of being a string of "how-to" tips and tricks (though there are some in it), it avoids that kind of simplicity by broadening its scope to questions about why and how we prepare and preach in the real world.

On one level I am torn about how to rate this book. From time to time the things Erdman writes are insightful, helpful, and outright wonderful to read. His encouragement for pastors to be pastors and keep their own souls and congregations rooted in the Word of God is a sorely needed corrective for the self-help pop-psychology that passes for most preaching today. There are several chapters I will keep with me for future encouragement, and several have already influenced my own preparation (to its benefit).

On the other hand, there are ways in which the meditations don't deliver the kind of direction and insight they could have. I don't think it helps pastors very much to be encouraged to not take moral stances when clear moral issues rise to the surface of culture and church. I agree that one of the more important jobs of a pastor is to listen and listen and listen (pg. 103), but another job pastors have is to speak clarity into cultural confusion where it can be spoken. Then there are moments that seem more to be a result of a fairly tinted political view of the world rather than a biblical reflection on things. At times even prophets like Jeremiah seem to be snatched out of context to support a hesitancy to proclaim God's Word into a broken and rebellious world.

As I read I wavered between genuinely appreciating Erdman's insights and writing style, and being irritated. Sometimes irritation is good for the soul as it exposes our own shortsightedness, but I am not sure that's the kind of irritation I felt. Overall, however, I am glad this book is on my shelf.

"The best way to be a really good preacher is by not trying to be good at all."

"Go ahead, preach as badly as you can. You can't do it."

If I could just keep those two great bits of advice in healthy tension, I'll be a much better preacher this Sunday.

Knowing Chris Erdman and his giftedness, I was prepared for a great read on the "countdown to Sunday." Not only was I not disappointed, but I feel I am somehow far more prepared for the rest of my Sundays; and far more prepped to engage life and God in a number of ways. Yes, it is officially a practical book about preaching (but far from a cheesy formula or bad sermon itself), but unlike any book in this genre since Dennis Kinlaw's "Preaching in the Spirit," it is far more....it is spiritual formation woven into the stuff of daily life and world events; with a special focus on sermon preparation and preacher preparation.

Of course anyone who grasps the implications of:

1)our living "in modernity's last gasp"
2) U2's "inhabiting" their songs as an encouragement for us to inhabit the text
3) working your week so one can actually spend time with loved ones and sleep well on Saturday, and actually worship with, and enter sabbath with, the congregation
4)"our fear of each other... is at bottom, fear of death"

is a genius in my book!

The book is a model for how to work your week as the sermon grows. Interspersed among the daily guidelines are powerful prayers and fantastic theological and cultural insights. Erdman's eminently helpful suggestions and his engaging conversational tone dovetail with his loaded prophetic statements about (for example) the subtle insidiousness of extreme nationalism. He must be wrestled with.

His four page chapter on hospital visitation shines. I don't dare give it away, but I dare say it changed almost everything about the hospital visit I made today. And probably my sermon this Sunday.

And coming to view funerals as "dissent from death", as well as coming to terms with the fact that "Death would love to help us write our (funeral) sermons" refill me with the hope and life of the gospel.

I particularly enjoy that many of the author's suggestions I have stumbled onto over the years; and several of his ideas I can now incorporate and test-drive. But how I wish I had this book, and Chris Erdman as my preaching professor, twenty years ago.

But if I could eventually say with him that"I nearly always come out of my Fridays with a much clearer sense of what the Word wants to do among us come Sunday," it's not too late.

And I am already drawing from it as I teach preachers in our network.
Maybe I'll eventually practice most of it, and not just preach it.
Let the countdown begin.

This is a book that all who call themselves preachers should read. It confirms those things which we know to be true about preaching and at the same time challenges the task of sermon writing. It reminds the reader of what the task of preaching is, which is bringing the Word of God to God's people, not God's people bringing a Word to God. As Erdman writes, it is more than a how to book on preaching. It offers the reader a new way of looking at the Word and how it frames our lives. As one who dares to preach and teach regularly it reminds me of the true frame of all that ministers are called to do and that is scripture. This manuscript is a challenge and a joy all wrapped into one.

Mr. Erdman is a preacher. He gives a simple outline on how to prepare sermons through the week. The book was strong in slowing down the preaching preparation. I tend to develop a sermon in one day. Maybe this is done because I preach twice and teach twice, where Erdman seems to develop one sermon a week. His book also gives a lot of grace to the minister as he encourages us to try to fail. He implores to allow the Biblical text to be the highlight of the sermon and not the illustration. He makes a good point in stating that we are too concerned about making the great sermon or making the top delivery of the material. Instead we must focus on allowing the text to mold us. The book is good as a counteraction to the success mindset in the church. It is not the best book on preaching, it is more of a book on some of the poor practices within the Christian world when it comes to preaching. If you are looking for a book to help you develop sermons, this is not the book for you. If you are a perfections when it comes to sermons, this is the book for you.

This is a great pastoral tool designed to help a pastor preach more faithfully and realistically. The author encourages the reader to preach their own sermons using their own life experiences, not the experiences or words of others.
The book is broken down into daily "spiritual formations" which help the minister focus on the sermon at hand that they will be preaching on Sunday and live the principles in that sermon.
Countdown to Sunday helps the preacher to peel off the mask they often feel forced to wear and to and be themselves. His best advice? You have to be real. It's only then you can be useful to God.

This is a good book for every new pastor to read. It should be required reading.

I bought this book, along with the Organized Teacher. Both of these books are filled with awesome printables, resources, websites, ideas, and projects for every content area from reading and writing to art and gym. I really enjoy both of these books!

This book is filled with creative ideas. It provides tweaks to assignments and projects one would already use in the classroom.

This book arrived quickly and in excellent condition as promised. Would definitely buy from this seller again!

This is a wonderful addition to any teachers library. There are activities to fit any classroom. The directions are clear and concise and my students love the writing activities. I use it everyday.....

I bought this book last year while working on a unit plan for my student teaching. I really needed some creative new ideas for teaching literature and I found some really awesome activities! Although this book is recommended for grades k-6, most of the activities are easily adaptable up to grade 8 or higher. I taught two of these lessons with eighth graders last year and they loved them! It is by far the best teacher resource book I own-- and I have many.

As a Best Buy Consumer Relations representative we deal alot with the satisfication of customers & the products that they purchase at our stores. The level of service that i recieved with the purchase of my book was outstanding & the follow up on this has been nice. I would reccommend this service anytime , and look forward to my future purchases :)

This book is a must for those who are finding themselves just put in a situation where they must speak with customers. Gives insight into customer types, reminds on proper etiquette both on the phone and in person and in general makes communication more effective. Good for a geek (like myself) who is finding himself talking with the clients that (s)he supports more and more.

I chose this book mainly because of its inviting format. Like so
many of the "Dummies" books, it's fun to read. Participants in my
customer service seminars heartily agree. I especially like the
summarizing "Cheat Sheets" of key points inside the front cover ... and the section on how to receive, not just give, good service. The cartoons and brief chapters also help make this a page turner. Fairly priced, too.

There is no way just reading this book will turn you into a customer service professional. But it does contain hidden treasures for those who already our customer service professionals. I was able to take advantage of the preprinted forms in the chapter called "Taking your Company's Pulse: How to Survey Your Customers".

I was grateful for the chapter called " You're Never Too Old (or young) to Learn: Service Training"

This review was dictated using the ViaVoice (ASIN: B000031KIZ) with minor corrections by Microsoft Word.

This is a good resource, no matter if you have your first survey to do or have a complex service problem to fix - there is some commonsense advice on the whole range between these.

For new or infrequent practitioners of surveys and service activities, this is a valuable resource - worth reading before you buy the more complex books.

I ordered this book because I saw it associated with some training and wanted to check out the content without attending the class. This was a quick read (approx 45 min). What I liked best about this book was that it offered practical, simple suggestions for action. I gave this to my boss to read and she asked me to order several more to share with others. This is a quick, simple book that is worth taking the time to read.

There were many things in the book I was already aware of but it offered some new insights as well. It was short and a quick read which I appreciate when trying to read business related materials.

This is the the most practicle book on employee retention we have purchased. It's short, straight forward, and gives you a plan of action.. rather than just pie in the sky ideas. We were able to implement several ideas from the book within the first 7 days. Our managers were each given a copy, and they also implemented specific, trackable policies within the first 7 days of receiving the book as well.

As my company grew into the hundreds, my old leadership style didn't work anymore. The common sense techniques in Mark's book make my life easier, my employees happier, and my business more successful. The Deadly Sins of Employee Retention is mandatory reading for our managers. I learn more every time I pick it up. -- Dennis Hoffman, President, CashBox

This is a superb book for some one who is just starting to investigate the subject of employee retention. It is short, easy to understand, and flows well. The information that is provided is practical and timely. A quick read on the subject of employee retention for those who do not have a lot of time to find, read, and analyze the multitude of books available on the subject.

This is the best book available on making diversity work!

Dr. Michael Beitler
Author of "Strategic Organizational Change"

Each chapter begins with a question: "What is diversity in the workplace?", "How do I begin to improve my understanding of people different from me?", "In today's environment of political correctness, it's too difficult to know what to do. Isn't it easier just to treat everybody the same?" After every heartened answer, she ends the chapter with practical tips.

I recommend this to everyone migrating or moving into North America.

I just read The Diversity Advantage. It was packed full of great ideas and easy to read. In a short time I gained useful knowledge and ideas for diversity training activities.

A short and concise guide to learning about the diversity that makes the United States the richest country in the world in more ways than monetarily. The excercises help to learn about diversity. Enjoyed the chance to read it.

This book represents a conversational approach to sharing critical information. Common sense steps to digging into our head regarding the value of tolerance and inclusiveness. I had the feeling of "being there" in a true teaching session. The analogy of The Wizard of OZ was delightful. The exercises are thought out and well organized. Thank you for providing steps on "how to make a difference"!

This book gave me insight into the methods, trials and tribulations of early precious metal miners in he US. Great Photographs! Fascinating page after page because the writer expressed himself in a way that an interested novice could understand. I read the paperback edition, known as the second (revised and expanded) edition, first printing 2003, purchase price $30.00 new.

As someone with very little mining knowledge, I greatly appreciated the explanations of the various mining techniques. The author's obvious enthusiasm for the subject made the book a joy to read. Highly recommended for both mining experts and for those simply wishing to understand more about mining in earlier years.

A very comprehensive book that is compelling and fascinating. I learned many unusual and intriguing facts. I thought that I was familiar with historical mining technology, but this book covers many topics with a new and different perspective. The chemistry of precious metal recovery is explained in such a way as to be informative and educational. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a book that is informative while still being lively and entertaining with great references.

Great Resource

I thought this book was very well written and researched. I would highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to learn more about precious metal mining in the old west. This book covers many subjects in detailed chapters that include the Gold Rush, Hard Rock Mining, Timbering, Pumping, Explosives, Machine Drills, Transportation, Power & Fuel, Fire Assay, Mills & Smelters, Mill Machinery, and an appendices that includes Mining & Milling Hazards. The many photographs, illustrations and tables were interesting which added to the pleasant reading experience.

Drills and Mills, which covers the history of mining, milling and smelting from the 1848 gold discovery in California to the late 19th century is a wonderful, well researched book.

Loaded with pictures,tables,illustrations,chemical formulae and many interesting side notes (factoids),the author covers the gamut in the machinery used to win the metals from the earth.
Excellent review on the evolution of the rock drill,explosives, crushing equipment, pumps, timbering, etc etc.

Also included within the 250 plus pages of good reading, is an excellent 10 page bibliography which is referenced to the chapter footnotes, to assist those who may have a futher interest in any of the subject matter. This is a must have book for the mining historian and for anyone interested in 19th century mining. In short a great book.

product was received in great condition and propt service.....would definately purchase from this seller again...thanks

If you sell on ebay, you should read this. It's a quick, easy read and one you should keep handy for a reference. Good for buyers too. One of the best for ebay sellers.

I didnt realize how many facets there were to ebay until I picked up this book. For those of you who have an interest in selling on ebay but dont even know how or where to begin, this is a great starter book to learn the market, learn the inside and out of the website and learn how to get started! The layout is simple and there are topics covered which greatly simplify the overwhelming amount of information that is out there regarding buying and selling on ebay. This book is a must if you are serious about starting an online ebay business!

Excellant Tips & Tricks even for the experienced seller

Lets face it...most of those "helpful" eBay books are meant to make money for the author...nothing more. This book is an amazing contrast! The author actually knows what she is talking about. I am an old eBay pro but I have found this book to be helpful. And the beauty of this book is that it is organized in degrees of "difficulty". From easy to understand instructions for the newbie to more sopisticated info for the "pro". Take it from me, this book is worth the $$. Buy it and make more $$ on eBay!

This little book is perhaps the best management book ever written. It is so simple, and describes the most important principles for managing, and just getting along with others. I love his emphasis on KINDNESS. I imagine this one principle is maybe the greatest of all. Read the book two or three times, and it sort of becomes ingrained in your life and how you treat other people.

Ed Nichols is a personal friend of mine, and I know for a fact that he uses these same principles of mangement to guide his personal life as well as his business experiences. The principles are simple and easy to understand and they can work miracles for those who use them.

I attended one of Ed Nichols' seminars and then read his book. The book is as great as his seminar. I only wish that I had read a book like this years ago when just starting my career. His EIGHT GREAT PRINCIPLES are so true and down-to-earth. Any manager who wants to advance should definitely read this book. And, if possible attend one of Ed's seminars.

Once I started reading this book, it was hard to put it down. How refreshing to be able to relate the suggestions and exercises to real life. By reminding us of these simple yet powerful principles of management in this easy-to-read format, Mr. Nichols' book may well be one of the most valuable management tools on the market. It should be read, re-read, and then kept handy for future reference.

When I started in management my thinking was totally different than it is now after reading this book. I have found it to be a great aid in my handling of people and in my personal life as well. A must for everybody who has to deal with people.