Competitions Books

The models, framworks and methods given in this book are very useful especially for executives. It gives interesting insights as to how to align information systems with business strategies to bring solutions to critical business problems. This book has been a very good reference for me. A little tough/detailed but fun to read/understand. It contains essential information for CEOs about their role/involvement in strategic planning of IT and alignment within the organization.

Having my PHD and MANY years in the IT field at several TOP managerial positions, Professor Luftmans book really inspired several companies to initiate new programs that ALL have benefited from...As well, I refer to this in all my lectures as well as w/in the company that I am CEO for....

The book contains the essential details for strategic management of an IT organization. It contains interesting concepts about the essential ways to manage a company from the perspective of CEO

I found this book very rich in concepts and models for the ITStrategic planning and Alignment. The book is a tough reading ifyou're looking for something more practical. It has been a goodreference for me in a couple of cases but there are other books thatcan give a less theorical explanation and tips to embrace the ITstrategic alignment.

If you're in Research or at a University, thisbook if for you. If you're an IT Manager, CIO, CTO o else, you maywant to try another books (perhaps "Leveraging the NewInfraestructure" or "The Business Value of IT" fromHarvard Business School also available at Amazon.com)

I trained with the Ms. Snyder-Smith and worked with Ms. Kanavy in a week long clinic, and I can say unequivocally that the two practice all they talk about in the book. If you want to learn the basics of endurance riding, horse and human biomechanics, and just soak up some real state of the art saavy, Donna Snyder Smith and Valerie Kanavy are the ticket!

This book gives a good, solid foundation to the sport of endurance riding, and for every rider who wants a horse at its' prime. I am just starting in the sport and this book tells you where to start and how to prime your horse and get it ready for the competitions ahead. Through this book, I have broadened my knowledge of both the sport and how to work with a horse to get it in its best condition. The author includes valuable tips, exercises and pictures which demonstrate what you need and how to use them. I highly suggest this book for anyone interested in getting started with endurance riding.

This book has some really great pieces of information and I have shared it happily with my barn-mates. The author is somewhat brief in spots, and I finished it feeling like there were gaps in my knowledge that I needed to get other books to fill. I understand that everything about endurance riding cannot be covered in one tome, but I wish she had shared more of her obviously large bank of knowledge. Good ideas and great perspectives are sometimes hidden in sections where they don't belong, so read carefully.

Want to feel good, cover a lot of ground, and enjoy a real sense of accomplishment? And spend a lot of time with your horse? Then read this book. Endurance riding (strictly speaking, going 50-100 miles a day across the countryside for 1-5 days on or with your horse) should not be attempted unless you and your horse have some basic training, including physical conditioning, but with the right approach almost anyone can do it. Donna shows you how, from basics to true competition (not only how to reach the finish line in one piece but how to be one of the first arrivals on a horse that is ready and able to keep going). There are a number of books offering advice on endurance riding, and most provide valuable information, but I find this one the best starting point. Besides covering the fundamentals found in almost every endurance book, Donna offers exercises for you and your horse that help you both to finish without being cramped, exhausted or otherwise unfit to continue (I can testify to this!). She also injects many nuggets of wisdom from her extensive personal experience. Finally, the format includes many helpful diagrams, illustrations, photos, boxes, summaries, lists and references that get the necessary concepts across much better than plain words in a paragraph, which makes for easier reading and quicker comprehension. My only complaint is that the book is too big to fit in my saddlebag.

The novel is a fascinating romp through the dance world with cutthroat competition and lusty dancers. I found it involving, and the characters intriguing, even the evil ones, the prose is open and accessible. The pages flew by and I wished it wouldn't end.

Anyone who has ever danced will love, hate and empathize with the characters in this gossipy, gritty, angry novel about the ballet world. And for everyone else, it's great eye-candy, a fast read and a darn good story. I found Dando's prose a bit sparse, but there are moments when he perfectly captures the essence of a daily barre, a dancer's desperate need to dance, and the exhilaration of performing. My favorite character is Allison, a Hillary Clinton of the dance world. Despite the plethora of women in ballet, everyone knows the industry is more sexist than any company in corporate America. I loved Allison's determination to fight against the patriarchy and go for what she wants, with her backbone of steel and legs like knives. Still, I would have liked some more depth to the characters. Is Allison really dancing for herself or to please a pushy 'ballet mother'? But these are the reflections one has when a book touches a nerve and brings back memories. I heartily recommend the novel to anyone who loves dance, loves to dance, or loves a dancer.

An entertaining and well crafted look at the excitment, grace, glamour and underbelly of the ballet world - written by someone who seems to know that world intimately. An interesting plot mixed with a sly sense of humor. I learned alot of backstage info I had no idea was part of the world of ballet. Reads like a movie - very enjoyable.

A perfect description of the hard reality behind the world of ballet. One says every sport is hard, but art seems even harder, competition between dancers is without mercy. Mr Dando discribes this very well. The ongoing "battle" between young dancers and especially Temple and Allison is perfectly put on paper. I was not familiar with the world of ballet, but this novell opened my eyes, it is so well written that the reader is immediately into the story and feels for one of the two main characters ; who both have their reasons to dance. The main issue is the very need Allison and Temple feel to dance, to be a star. Are all means allowed to obtain this goal ? This novell is the answer.

Alan Johnson, the 4-time SSCA National champion, is the founder of three-graded scale to categorize the corners by importance. This scale is often cited by the modern writers like George Anderson (A Race Drivers Handbook) and Ross Bentley (Speed Secrets). Alan Johnson is considered the classical author and is often mentioned in the "references" or "recommended reading" sections of the modern published works on competition driving.

Most of motor sports champions are eager to publish volumes about their career, illuminating the bright point in it, being reluctant to teach which underlying techniques made them outgo their competitors. This publication is not the case. It contains analysis and examination of competition driving in quantities sufficient for a novice to enter the subject yet enough not to frighten the beginner. Although the book contains the topics about formal automotive associations and about getting your competition license which are somewhat outdated since the last edition published in 1976, it may be of great historical interest. The book is also jam-packed with photographs of competition cars of Fifties, Sixties and Seventies, which big retrospective worth.

This book is the friendliest title on competition driving I've ever seen! This is probably first textbook you might want to read on this subject! As an example of the friendliness, the author managed to explain such perplexing terms as "understeer" and "oversteer" in the most concise and clear way ever possible (however he has used the term "slip angle" in the explanation of "oversteer" without previously defining what "slip angle" is).

If you need a deeper book about competition driving, I recommend "Sports Car and Competition Driving" by Paul Frere, but don't get frightened by formulas that might seem obscure from the first sight, Paul Frere is also a clear writer!

I was refered to this book by an ex.IMSA GTU racer as a starting point. After studying the basics for months I was able to qualify an arrive and drive two seconds off the pole and had never drivin at speed before and at SEARS POINT !!While this is not indicative of most,I believe the FUNDEMENTALS of this book are necessary!For six years I have competed in many classes and endurance races.It all comes back to the same basics.Next book that is really great is "Thinking To Win " which hits the mark on competition thought,prep,feeling and application. If your just starting or just interested in roadracing this is the 1st book that gives you what you really want to know.

Johnson's method for analyzing a race course is unique and excellent! Several years ago I was a crew chief on a race car. I used his method to analyze some changes that had been made at one of our tracks. While everyone else was struggling to figure out the right line, we set a lap record, qualified on the pole and led the race from start to finish. That chapter alone is worth the (miniscule) price of the book. His advice on driving techniques is just as relevant. Every racer owes it to himself to read this book, and every fan will gain a much better understanding of what really goes on out there.

This book seems to be a little outdated. I've read a number of racing instructional books in the past couple of years, and this book doesn't go into near enough detail. However, Mr. Johnson does go into some areas that others do not, like how expensive racing is!

It was quick reading but I only recommend it to someone who is "contemplating" entering racing - not for the present racer.

I've trained many, many dogs using the methods described in this book with great results. The methods are not 'purely positive' or 'clicker training' but they really work, dogs enjoy learning with these methods, they learn quickly, and the occasional correction is done so the dog thinks he's correcting himself for an error, and does not see the handler as the source of correction. There are no 'harsh' or 'cruel' corrections, so don't get the wrong impression. Best of all, the methods work great even if you don't have a 'typical obedience breed' like a Sheltie or Golden.

Even if you never plan on competing in obedience or conformation, this book is well worth reading. It outlines training methods to use to gain attention, animate the dog, improve the dog's attitude, and make working with your dog fun and enjoyable. There are sections on conformation handling and training, and obedience handling from the very basics up through utility exercises. The obedience sections are divided into what is needed to earn a qualifying score and what is needed to earn class or trial placements, so you can work according to your wants and expectations. Instructions are clearly illustrated and easy to follow. This is one of my favorite training books and one I refer to often.

This is an older book, "pre clicker", and so has a more traditional approach. But the methods are not harsh. There are two authors, one a breeder of Am Staffs, who prefers the conformation ring but also does obedience, the other primarily a performance person who also does conformation. They explain early on, that they will each offer their own perspective.

Each AKC obedience exercise, novice through utility is explained, and a method of training it is offered. Then, for each exercise, they provide a couple of lists. One is a list of what is the responsibility of the handler, another is what is the resonsibility of the dog, and then a list of common errors is offered, with suggestions on how to deal with this.

They also explain the minimun you have to do to pass the exercise, if you are just doing something with your conformation dog, and basic titles are your goal, rather than a perfect 200.

It has some good ideas, and is a good addition to your toolbox.

The advice they gave worked on my dog and it WILL work on your

We found this book (although now out of print) to be informative, and containing excellent tips on training your dog for competition. The illustrations are excellent, and a real source of entertainment for the reader.

This is an offhand lecture by a professional in the field. It's not a textbook or a monograph - it is a side look at the state of the field. The author explains why game theory was useful in explaining various phenomena, but at the same time gives us hints for why it failed to explain others. You will learn that the abundancy of equilibria and structure in repeated games will enable you to prove almost anything, which is the weakness rather than a strength of this tool. Kreps defines the limits of the field and tells the reader what is yet to be done in game theory - and why.

A good read after a theoretical textbook. It allows you to stop, turn around and ask yourself a few fundamental questions.

The intro suggests that this book is for a casual reader who is looking to understand Game Theory. I agree. I read this book along with the text by the same author and am very pleased that I did. I can understand his textbook much easier after reading the book. I feel like the book is a very interesting read, which never gets too technical. He indicates several points where a textbook would be better, that in this format he is just looking to give an overview. Regardless, I have found that studying game theory is much better having read this book. The topic can be a little overwhelming at first, but with Kreps, it comes out fine in the end.

I picked up this book a couple of weeks back in order to broaden my knowledge of Game Theory in the field of economic modeling. Since I was looking for an introduction with brief explanations of topics, a few pointers etc.; I would say, I was very pleased with the content matter as well as with the manner of presentation.

What it is NOT: As have been mentioned by a few reviewers, this work is NOT a detailed text-book in Game Theory, or its varied applications, or Macroeconomic and Microeconomic Modeling. If you're looking for any or all of these, kindly refer to other works.

What it is: Instead, it's a very nice introduction into the world of "non-cooperative game theoretic economic modeling" especially in the context of bargaining between employers and workers, optimizing production function(s) for monopolistic firms, detecting incredible and credible threats etc. The introductions to Normal and Strategic forms of non-cooperative games theoretic representations, the "Folk Theorem", "von Stackelberg" type repetitive games etc are very nicely exemplified.

Kindly bear in mind: As the author mentions at the very beginning, it is not a text book. Anyone starting out on a journey of Game Theory in Macro-economic and Micro-economic modeling would do well, if he/she would read this work and then move on to a more comprehensive text-book. Since this work is not voluminous in size and very easily piled up (both to the author's credit), it's a very nice introduction to the subject.

4th March, 2006

Subhasish Ghosh
St. Cross College, University of Oxford

Its alright, I guess. Rasmusen is much better.

Just an all around amazing book! Buy it, and change the world

Collaboratively edited by community activists Mike Prokosch and Laura Raymond, The Global Activist's Manual: Local Ways To Change The World is an invigorating, practical, "hands on" and user friendly guide to making a difference and fighting back against the worst excesses of corporate globalization. Individual chapters cogently address methods for building local, national, and international coalitions; confronting explicit and implicit white supremacy; informing consumers and organizing boycotts; working with elected officials to effect change; getting media coverage, and a great deal more. The Global Activist's Manual is very highly recommended for anyone, anywhere, who wants to put forth a genuine and effective effort to make the world a better place.

How can community leaders and activists organize campaigns for social change when protesters have cause to fear for their safety? The Global Activist's Manual gathers success stories of organizers and organizations around the world who have battled against the odds to improve conditions for workers, address social issues, or improve community quality. Most important are step-by-step guides to different strategies for making community connections, connecting movements, and obtaining media coverage and support.

I salute the efforts of these authors, but the book did not do what the title suggests - provide a blueprint as to how the reader could become an activist.
The book primarily consists of brief stories of activism which, while interesting, do not provide enough detail or direction such that someone who wants to become more of an activist will know how to do it.
There's a section of practical tips that begins on page 242. These seem to be aimed mostly toward causes addressed by a group, and some are helpful (such as the suggestion that one call members who did not attend the previous meeting, so the members do not lapse into complete inactivity).
Some suggestions are perhaps not as useful. As a former newspaper employee, I would disagree with the author's advice that an activist send a press release to the media on the morning of or the day before the event -- the morning of is too late. Also, the authors suggest that an activist put 75% of their energy into writing the headline and first paragraph of a press release. But newspapers almost always write their own headlines, so I would suggest simply writing a clear headline that indicates what the content of the article is. Then move on. There are some useful websites and organizations listed toward the end of the book.
It is not that this book is without merit, since the stories of other campaigns are interesting, if not explored in great detail. They are written in an interesting way. But it isn't really clear how the reader could become an activist.

This is one of Molloy's first books. Its unedited style is great if you like to get to the heart of the matter: he tells it like it is. The techniques are great, but to me his best insights come in the single chapter on creative people. He surveyed people in non-artistic fields whose jobs are to create and who had succeeded at it by some objective measure: recognition in the field, patents, etc. He also interviewed their spouses and bosses. The habits and thought patterns of creative people differed significantly from those of the rest of the population. My arms ached from retrieving my jaw from the floor as he described - and reasonably explained - one personal characteristic of mine (I'm an academic researcher) after another. He talks about how some of the same characteristics that make someone creative separate him or her from societal norms. He also presents a set of principles that lead to creativity. He claims that many of these can be learned, and also states that many companies preferentially recruit such people. This book has changed my life and I wish I could get a copy of it rather than permanently borrowing my sister-in-law's!

The spirit of this book is great, but it is a discredit to the publishing industry (more than the author) in the form published. I found the experimental, data-driven approach wonderful compared to virtually all the time management and personal productivity books I have ever read.

Unfortunately, as published it is a late draft that still needs editing. At least one chapter needs to be dropped. Several sections are confusing. For example there are places where the author promises to make four points, but it is not clear after several readings of the following pages what the points were.

I may decide to write the better book that this one should have been myself. Now all I need is a publisher. Anyone ?

I found this book back in 1989, and have used it to great benefit. I wish I could find other works that have a similar approach and theme. If you find one, please let me know, prkwycoc@gate.net. This is truly an excellent book on helping personal productivity and happiness!

This is an excellent guide to very practical methods of improving one's work behaviors. Charts are included to teach one how to exactly monitor on-task and off-task behavior, how to find the things that distract one from concentrating and working, etc.

This is a one-of-a-kind book, but if one is interested in improving one's ability to work in a concentrated manner, this is excellent and well worth having.

This book provides new, novice and moderately experienced shooters with a wealth of information regarding the sport of High Power Shooting. The book is very well organized, layed-out and written very well. Persons considering the sport and novices will greatly appreciate the basics that are presented and are easily identified. Additionally, lots and lots of details provide tips and suggestions for experienced shooters.

This piece looks at everything and is great for the beginner. It is full of pearls for the advanced shooter giving insight that you may not have had before.

If you are looking to start high powered rifle shooting this is where you should start. I visited different forums and asked via e-mail to numerous people. I was recommended this book by most of them and they were right. This covers how you get started to techniques and other advanced stuff as well.
However, this book is recommended for beginners to intermediate users because they will benefit the most from the content of this book.

I'm new to the sport of Highpower Rifle competition. In fact, I've yet to shoot in a match as I've only gotten truly interested in it a couple of weeks ago when my best friend started to get into the sport. I got this book from amazon and poured through it the past few days.

This is the first and only book I've looked at so far regarding this sport. Overall the book is very informative. It answered a lot of questions I had and opened my eyes about the intricacies of the sport. It helped me to decide that I wanted to get into it. I will get into the arena and participate in what I consider the most intriging sport on the planet.

Though a book full of wisdom and must-knows, it is also somewhat dated. The classifications have changed and there is a growing tendency to use Service Rifles in .223 Rem chambering instead of the .308 or .30-06.

I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to participate in this sport.

I enjoyed it. Good story and art, though sometimes the side views looked weird cuz she would have a giant eye. But all in all nice. And it's printed in pink which is a nice change as well.

No Competition is the second Harlequin manga I've read. I'm not an Harlequin reader myself, but I'm a great manga, specially shoujo manga fan. When, the book is nice, you can read and enjoy a simple and sincere love story. The main character is a bit annoying but reliable, you may find many people like her with absolute lack of selfconfidence. Competition between sisters is very common too and the story is well constructed. Her love interest is a nice man, not the egoistic [..] of Holding on to Alex (*I almost gave up Harlequin manga after this one*). The art could be better, but it's not bad at all. Nice reading, not the best but I liked it.

Carrie the artists has always felt like a pale imitation of her twin sister beauty consultant Camille. When she does a portrait of the beautiful Carrie, critics think it is a masterpiece as it hangs in San Francisco's Daupe Gallery. However, no one seems to know that the model is her twin.

Architect Shane wants to buy the painting and meet the artist. When they do meet, they begin to date until Carrie falls in love with Shane. However, when she sees him dancing with Camille, she knows another boyfriend has fallen for the beauty of her sibling, but this is the first time her heart has broken.

This is a cute tale that targets twelve to thirteen years old girls as Manga art is combined with a fun wholesome romance with a bit of a message to believe in yourself and not waste time being jealous of others. Adults will appreciate both the art and text of this graphic book though we have to adjust to the right to left (probably take 3 or 4 pages) boxes while young adults will smoothly handle the transition. Though a paradigm is needed to accept manga in romance instead of the usual fantasy, NO COMPETITION is a fine well written and well drawn tale.

Harriet Klausner

Carrie Lockett has always lived in the shadow of her beautiful twin, Camille. Every time Carie had a boyfriend, he gravitated to Camille at first site. As a budding artist, Carrie paints a picture of her twin. When the rich, talented, and handsome architect Shane Reynolds buys the painting at a local exhibit, Carrie wonders whether the purchase was inspired by her talent or his fascination with her sister's beauty. When Shane commissions Carrie to do his portrait, will he discover her feelings for him? Even more, can she keep him away from her sister Camille? The surprise ending is classic Macomber and a perfect stroke --- a true delight!

In true Manga style, this book is read from right to left not only in the pages but also from panel to panel. At the back (or traditional book front), the publisher has a helpful page instructing the reader how to read Manga and shows a numbered diagram about how to read the panels in the correct order. Even without this guide, the order becomes apparent intuitively within a page or three, but the diagram gives the reader confidence. The artwork is "printed in flirty pink ink" to reinforce the appeal to the female reader.

The drawings by Yukino Hara could not be more perfect as illustrations of the emotions and conflicts in Macomber's story. The eyes are expressive and emphasize the inner feelings of the characters. Even the drawings of the secondary characters such as the art gallery owner dazzle the reader. The small panels of such items as a wallet, a telephone and a credit card, heighten the suspense and the side dilemmas that motivate the characters. Yukino Hara uses one type of panel to indicate a passage of time and helps the reader notice the time and location shifts. Her use of modified Japanese characters for exclamations heightens the emotions and the tension. Yukino Hara is a perfect match for Debbie Macomber in this Manga rendition of a fun tale.

The publisher recommends this book for ages 12 and up. Personally, I think this book is suitable for girls perhaps a bit younger who may be reaching puberty and wondering about boys. Other than a kiss, there is no explicit sexuality. Above all, this book reinforces positive body images for girls and also an appreciation for the talents of individual over expectations. This book is a must have for adult Debbie Macomber fans.