Titles Books

DEEDS FOR CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE by Mary Randolph, J.D. is another excellent updated guide: this to choosing the right kind of deed, creating it, then filing it with a county recorder. Step-by-step instructions for so doing have been updated in this latest 7th edition to include the latest forms and reflect the most recent legal changes.

If you need to change a deed on your house or other real property -- changed your name, separated, married, adding a survivor to inherit -- don't pay a lawyer or title company hundreds of dollars to do it. Buy this book. Read the instructions carefully, fill out the forms and then go to the county recorder's office and file it yourself. Even if you have to pay for parking.

If I can do it, anyone can do it. After finding this book such a great help, I have turned to Nolo Press time and again for self-help legal books. Written my will, created powers of attorney for my domestic partner, even helped my folks set up living trusts. If you read the book and decide you do need legal help, you'll be better prepared to ask questions and direct the professional to do what you want, and to do what you can yourself to save dollars. Just shaving a half hour off a lawyer's time spent more than pays for the book.

I am experiencing some Deed problems in California and to try and get detailed information from the clerks office is impossible. This book has all the info you need. I highly recommend it!

If you are looking for a well-organized, comprehensive, detailed book in the subject of detection and estimation, this is the book you must have. The author explains every subject very clearly, elaborates on important points, and, most importantly, supports the theoretical basis with many useful examples. It seems that Prof. Van Trees used his experience as a professor teaching this subject very effectively. In the book, there is nothing unclear, nothing too complicated to understand.

Van Trees, Part I (together with Wozencraft/Jacobs' Principles of Communication Engineering, and Gallager's Information Theory) is a must read to establish a solid background in detection/estimation theory and form connections to applications such as communications engineering and information theory.

Although most recent graduate education uses Kay's book (which is also a remarkable book), there are still a lot of details in which Van Trees, Part I excels. Especially, the exercise problems are actually lectures by themselves, and first time reader is encouraged at least to look at selected problems listed at the end of the book. Note that there is a solution manual floating around for these selected problems.

A good comparison between Kay and Van Trees, and their complementary nature, can be established how they treat the description of the Cramer-Rao bound, Kay emphasizes the recent developments and derivations (mostly of arithmetic and bookkeeping nature, results from post 1968 papers), whereas Van Trees goes leaps and bounds and discusses other bounds which apply when Cramer-Rao does not. I appreciate having both books as a result.

It is interesting to note that after almost 20 years using Van Trees in a couple of courses, I can still navigate my way through the book with ease since it well organized and methodical.

RECOMMENDATION: BEST BUY.
But dont stop here, and buy Wozencraft/Jacobs and Gallager as well.

I have just taken this course from Dr. Van Trees at GMU. Est&Det organized many concepts taught in other graduate engineering courses into a coherent philosophy. The result is not only a rich understanding of estimation and detection, but also random processes, Wiener filtering, Kalman filtering, radar and communications theory etc.

The course was taught directly from the text with little outside material. Very little has become obsolete in the 30+ years since it was written.

The strong positives of this book are the philosophical organization, clear concise writing, and incredibly well conceived homework problems.

The only negative of the book is that there are many proofs done in great detail. This provides the necessary foundation for the material, but also makes it easy for the student to lose track of the bigger picture.

Dr. Van Trees tends to try to drive home the higher level concepts while glossing over many of the details when he is lecturing. The exercise problems then force the student to give the necessary attention to pertinent details. In my opinion, this is an excellent approach to teaching the material.

Overall, this course was as good as any I've every taken. The text is as important and useful as any other I have.

The illustrations are amazing and Sherry Meidell has a distinctive style. It's a fun story too!

I am a great fan of Sherry Meidell and her artwork. I enjoy collecting children storybooks. This is such a fun book and I love the illustrations! I highly recommend this as a great addition to any library or personal collection.

You know, I'm familiar with the story of The Devil with the Three Golden Hairs, but I don't think I've ever read the original...I believe I saw a cartoon version of it some several dozen years ago, so I'm familiar with the basics of the story, but can't really make a comparison with the original version and this one...so I'll just review this one on it's own as a story worth reading and/or telling to children. That said, The Devil with Three Golden Hairs is a fine story book with lavish illustrations done in a style that isn't my favorite, but is evocative of days gone by and quite effective for the story. Additionally, the illustrations are FULL of all kinds of extra detail (creepy crawly things in the dark forest) for kids to pour over and giggle about while reading or after the story has been read...it's a visual feast.

As for the story itself, it's quite well done. The king is selfish and greedy and upon hearing that a child has been born and it has been prophesized that he will marry the kings daughter...he can't abide the idea of his precious daughter marring a peasant, so he charms the child away from the parents with gold and promises to raise him in the palace. No sooner is he away from them then he tosses the child in a box into the river without further thought or worry. The boy is, naturally, found by a couple who desperately wanted children but never had any and they raise him as their own....we have several layers of the king tries to kill the boy unsuccessfully, which will make children cheer. Finally, fed up at the boy having been unwittingly married off to his daughter, chargers him with getting three of the devil's golden hairs, thinking that surely the devil will dispose of the boy for him...but we all know that's not what happens. I love the ending where the king, in his greed is actually tricked by the young man (who is never given a name) into returning to the ferry, where he becomes trapped, rowing back and forth on the river from sun rise to moon rise. A fitting end.

Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed this story. My kids loved the devil's grandmother and all the furniture made of bones and enjoyed hearing how to solve the riddles of the well, the golden apple tree and the ferry man. By the end they were giggling madly at the fate of the king. It's a fine version, well suited for young children. There is, what in this day and age might be termed, "attempted violence" many times in the story...but no one ever actually gets hurt and in the end, the king isn't killed, he's given his just deserts winding up a poor ferryman, rowing across the river day in and day out. The overall message that good perseveres is there, but not in an over the top, in your face kind of way. The text combined with the illustrations make The Devil with the Three Golden Hairs an entertaining retelling of this Grimm's Folktale. I `d recommend it without hesitation for beginner readers, the text is long enough to provide some challenge to a starting reader, but not too long or challenging that he or she will become frustrated with the effort. I'd say the ideal age range for this book is 4-8 or so, younger readers may also enjoy the story and there isn't anything so frightening in the text that this story could be read earlier and often. Additionally this makes a VERY FUN read aloud story, especially if you can do the voices of characters (particularly, the devil and grandmother)...what a fun read!!

This was one of the best fantasy/fiction books that I've read. Definitely worth the time and money.

The scene is set with an "Oldwife" (healer and almost-priestess) attending the birth of a daughter to Srill, an unmarried mother in a small village of Ve. An Oldwife is present at the birth of every child, to divine destiny and record it in a personal tapestry, which is a passport to acceptance. Those without one, we are told, are considered 'soulless' and are outcasts from society.

When Srill dies immediately after giving birth to the child (Marwen), for whom the Oldwife has forseen a dire future, & Oldwife adopts Marwen, out of affection for her mother & raises Marwen to know of her gifts & magic, as apprentice.

Because the tapestry was so dire, it has been hidden from Marwen
and she has been ostracized by the villagers of Marmawell as soulless.
(I know! Names ?!)

In her desire to prove herself, Marwen makes some horrifying mistakes, forcing her to start on her adventures. As she travels she is faced with choices at every step, until eventually she must confront her destiny, and vanquish the dragon threatening the realm of Ve.

Essentially a story of self-discovery, and latterly a tender love story, The Dragon's Tapestry is decorated with some very fine creatures and well conceived worlds. One of the most fascinating creatures are the "wingwand's" who seem to be some sort of butterfly/dragonfly amalgam, and are used for travelling - flying, rather. They are exquisitely described, and fascinating to imagine.

I was very impressed with the thought, and detail put into this (single volume I thought, and now know it is a trilogy) tale. It is certainly a better realised plot & world than most small (the book is only 183odd pages, paperback) YA fantasy novels.

Eagerly anticipating the other books, where we should see more of the romance, and certainly more of strong minded Marwen.

kotori, Dec 2004 ojadis@yahoo.com

Nay, not for Grades 2-3 rather for anyone who wants a good read, and loves magic. This writer doesn't cheat, Martine delivers the goods. Her ability to weave words into a spell, is her magic. Read it,don't fear the Taker.

Dream Catchers combines the talents of a world-renowned illustrator, Louis S. Glanzman, and and up-and-coming children's storyteller, Lisa Suhay. It combines educational fun with eye-popping illustrations. This is a book that adults can enjoy with their children and grandchildren. I can't wait to share the enjoyment with my own grandchildren.

My elementary school children loved this book--the story of two children who learn the joy of using their imaginations.... and the story is wonderfully illustrated. The text is simple,but it respects the intelligence of young readers. When my pupils finish their work, they often pick up DREAM CATCHERS to page through it to remember their favorite parts. Some of my students loved the pictures so much that they tried to reproduce the pictures themselves--especially the Dream Catcher, the craft in the water and the sunset! I would recommend this book to elementary school teachers and to parents to share with children. Another friend of mine from church is buying several to give as holiday gifts. Good idea....

I have never read a review that missed the point so far and missed the forest for the trees as Dona J. Helmer's review of Dream Catchers. I read this book and explained the illustrations to three of my grandchildren (ages 10, 9, & 8) and they absolutely loved it. All of them asked me to get copies of the book for them. Fortunately, they are not into political correctness as is the reviewer. They know who Santa Claus and Bugs Bunny are, but are not up to speed on Calvin Coolidge or Indian lore. The character is wearing blue jeans because he is supposed to be the grandfather participating in a story with his grandchildren demonstrating that art can take you anywhere if you have the imagination.
Ms. Helmer even manages to wound one ofthe past century's great illustrators. (Time magazine covers, National Geographic, historical drawings hung in historical places, and the famous Pipi Longstocking.) Perhaps that word has not yet reached Alaska yet and maybe the reviewer should spend some time in the lower 48. Lighten up - this is not exactly a Steven Ambrose or Doris Kearns Goodwin book. This is about kids' adventures and mutual love between them and a grandfather. I often tell my young grandchildren stories to make a point, but I do not pour over history books first.

Trying to explain magic in rational terms has rather fallen out of fashion, and sometimes you have to turn to the classics.

Half philosophy, half science, Troward's little volume builds a rational and plausible basis for controlling events in what most people would deem "supernatural" ways. His premise, condensed down to three words, is "faith changes reality" -- it's what comes up in exploring that hypothesis that makes the book interesting. The book is as well-organized and well-presented as you would expect any college textbook to be, although the flowery 100-year-old language might be a turn-off to some.

While "Edinburgh" is of use to people trying to understand (or accept) magic, its greatest value is by far for those who are already exploring the subject. I wish that this book came in clue bat form, so I could hit a number of would-be "mages" over the head with it, and have them absorb it instantly. While one may not necessarily agree with everything Troward says (I found the insistence on a Christian perspective rather extreneous, for example), his ability to build a rich and cohesive system is an inspiration -- and a solid foundation. Ultimately, those who wish to change the world must understand it, and this book can be a great first step on that path. It's one of the must-read books on my bookshelf.

I have been a student of quantum theory as it applies to our ability to create form from thougtht. "The Edinburgh Lectures on Mental Science" by Thomas Troward were published in 1909. They contain all of the same principles being set forth by today's gurus of quantam theory such as Deepak Chopra and Wayne Dyer. Very interesting book. Also recommend, "Your Invisible Power" by Genevieve Behrend. Ms. Behrend was the only student of Thomas Troward. Her book is a more basic way to apply the same principles.

A classic by one of the pioneers of New Thought; these lectures deal with the questions of spirit and matter, the nature of intelligence, the unity of spirit, and the relationship between the conscious and subconscious mind. Troward had a knack for conveying profound philosophical matters in a most understandable way and for formulating ancient truths so that a child could understand. He explains the difference between form (matter) and being - that the one is the mode of the relative and the mark of subjection to conditions, while the other is the truth of the absolute and that which controls conditions. Because spirit is infinite, it is everywhere and must be present at every point in space at the same moment. This is a fundamental fact of all being. The relation between spirit and being as idea (from which the elements of time and space are absent) and form (the relative which is dependent on those elements) leads to the fact that pure spirit continually subsists in the absolute and from it all the phenomena of being flow. In proportion to our level of recognition of this fact, our power for producing visible outward results by the action of our thought will grow. The book concludes with the practical application of this knowledge in our lives and affairs. I highly recommend the Edinburgh lectures as well as the Dore Lectures and Troward's masterpiece "The Creative Process in the Individual."

This book is awesome! There are so many things in physics that one can learn. This encyclopedia of physics will give you clear explanations of almost everything in physics. This is a truly wonderful book to have. I highly recommend it!

This publication provides a very useful reference for many areas of physics. The bibliographies at the end of each section serve as a starting point for further research in the particular subject.

The contributing authors of this book are impressive, e.g. J.D. Jackson (Classical Electrodynamics), H. Goldstein (Analytical Dynamics), E.C.G. Sudarshan, etc.

Most comprehensive text on physics seen to date. Excellent reference on virtually any area of physics. Deffinitely not an introductory text, but intended for those with a fairly solid background in mathematics and physics, ie. scientists, engineers or the very serious amateur. Plentiful photos, charts, diagrams and supporting reference material. A must for anyone employed in this field or with a keen interest in physics.

What a terrific story! I first encountered this version of a popular folk motif at my public library. I read this book to the children in my small home daycare; we were immediately hooked. The story is just the right length for preschoolers, and is fun to read aloud. I love taking on the voice of the insatiable cat and the children chime right in. Readers of children's literature will recognize the similarities between Fat Cat and another of our favorites, "The Clay Pot Boy" (Cynthia Jameson and Arnold Lobel). This morning at breakfast, I was reminded of the fat cat and said aloud, "I may be fat. . .", to which the children replied, "but I'm still a hungry cat." I have to get my own copy. . .today!

I *love* this book! I tutor early readers, and it will be perfect as a read-aloud when we tackle words built with _at--fat, cat, mat, sat, rat, bat, etc. Of course the kids will also love the SLIP, SLOP, SLUUURP refrain, and especially the BURP! And I enjoy that the cat reminds me of a certain rotund member of my own cat family. :-)

Our kids loved this book! It is filled with catchy and simple phrases which our kids could not help but repeat throughout the day. The theme is quite humorous, making this story very enjoyable to read again and again. As well, it conveys a good moral about greed!

Both of my kids loved this book and we have read it over and over. A gift from my parents because we have two cats. Simple storyline and drawings with a little surprise near the end.

Great Kid Stuff. A must for all cat lovers.

1. Great book for kids.
2. Great showing Fred Gallagher that you're a psychotic fanboy/fangirl/stalker at his next signing.

This has become one of my favorite children's stories of all time. The story of a boy who can't seem to do anything right but in the end saves the town - by accident. And also of a town that learns not to judge people, but rather to accept them for who they are. I have read this to many children in the grade school I work at and they all love it. In their own way, each of them can feel what it is like to walk in Jackie's shoes. The illustrations are wonderful too.

This is a sweet book with a lovely moral tale to it. It is also beautifully illustrated by Wayne McLoughlin ~~ perfect short story to share with all kids ~~ old and young.

Jackie is so clumsy that he trips over his feet all the time. He doesn't mean to but he just does. No matter what he does, he falls or disturbs something. One year, the fireflies that always bring spring never came. People started losing hope that summer would never come again. Jack gets teased by some kids in town when he kept falling on the ice while ice-skating. So he runs away. And that is the beginning of a lovely story.

This story brings to the point of how sometimes when you're the most clumsiest, that is when you are full of life and grace. It doesn't matter who you are ~~ and no matter how clumsy you are, there will always be someone who loves you. This story illustrates that.

It is a lovely story ~~ perfect to give to the one you love and to your children to share over and over. It'd make a wonderful Christmas present...

Our son (who is 9) really enjoyed this story of a 9 year old boy who discovers firelies. It is a quick read, and the illustrations are lovely.