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This is the third book of Parkman's that I've read. Previously, I read Pioneers of France in the New World and The Jesuits in North America. About all three I would say a) they are absolutely amazing works of brilliant, inspired scholarship, b) Parkman's measured, objective, caring approach to the topics -- and the beauty and tone of his writing -- is extremely compelling, and c) my grade school, high school, and college education did not provide me with the gritty, fascinating facts about what REALLY happened back in the 17th Century in North America.

This is not James Michener (as much as I have enjoyed his works) packaging and making sense of history -- or the dry, intellectualized expert texts I had to read in school -- or the politically correct wholesome simplified upbeat teachings of my youth, with for example the perfect Puritans and the friendly Indians sharing Thanksgiving.

This is what really happened, detail by detail, based on exhaustive research of original texts -- letters, reports, maps, government documents, earlier histories, etc. Fortunately for Parkman, the early adventurers did a lot of writing, including many of the members of religious orders who accompanied or in some cases led the explorations.

My main takeaway from these true histories is how incredibly dangerous, unsuccessful, and unpredictable the courses of events were in these times (and probably in our time as well). In a way they are like anti-stories, or anti-history. Good often does not prevail over evil; heroes do scandalous things; scoundrels act heroic; no one is assuredly, consistently good or evil; when you least expect it there is a generous caring act; and when you least expect it, when all is going well, there is a foolish, unfortunate, destructive act that ruins all that has been accomplished, etc.

That is, while there may be certain patterns in events, these patterns themselves are constantly shifting, and the most logical and predictable outcomes almost never happen. In other words, Parkman has truly captured life in all its shades of grey and inconsistencies.

His treatment of the Indians is a perfect example. By modern day standards, it is egregiously politically incorrect. But he reveals them in all of their savagery, helpfulness, childish immaturity, wisdom, thievery, generosity, deceit, and unpredictable kindness. The commonplace cannibalism and similarly common extreme forms of repulsive torture done by Indians are carefully documented and reported throughout his texts, as well as the way their easily given friendship essentially saved the lives of most of the key European adventurers at one time or another.

These books are definitely not for the faint of heart or people who want a simplistic "Dummies Guide" to history!

While there is a new Introduction, this is the historic account of Robert LaSalle's exploration of the Louisiana territory in the 1680s. Parkman first published this treatise in 1869; it has since been reprinted numerous times. An excellent, thoroughly engrossing recounting of the exploration of the territory which LaSalle claimed for France in 1682, through which the reader not only learns of the daily travails of the little band of explorers, but also, the human frailties of the man, Robert Cavelier, known as LaSalle. This book gives life to a name from history, and exemplifies the methodical research done by Parkman in the days before telephones, faxes, and copiers. I was thoroughly impressed by the subject and the writer. Excellent; informative, totally enthralling reading-writers of today should take note! Kudos to the publishers (and Krakauer) for bringing this series (back) to life!

For those who liked Ambrose's "Undaunted Courage" or Lansing's "Endurance", make room on your bookshelf for another favorite. Parkman tells the story of LaSalle's journeys in North America with a novelist's style and a historian's attention to detail.

Of particular interest were Parkman's references to things which exist "today" referring to his time, the mid to late 1800's. As such, the reader is treated to a double dose of history by viewing past events through the eyes of someone who wrote over 100 years ago. The book was an exciting and enjoyable read.

My only criticisms of the book were that the volume of the footnotes was somewhat distracting, and that a few key phrases were not translated from French. Otherwise, excellent.

Parkman is that unusual combination of great scholar and wonderful writer. His books depicting the history of French exploration of North America and the conflict between the French and the British for control of North America remain the basic narratives of these events. Parkman's writing, combining narrative, psychological insight into major historical actors, and use of rhetoric that seamlessly reflects his narrative, is often superb. This particular book is almost entirely devoted to the career of the Sieur De La Salle, the French explorer obsessed with establishing French control over the Mississippi valley. Parkman provides vivid portraits of the almost incredible hardships of travel in North America, the character of politics in the French colonies, and an insightful treatment of La Salle and his associates. Parkman's powerful but restrained language often recalls the style of Tacitus.

I picked this up on a lark and found I couldn't put it down. A fascinating story, extremely well written and a pure pleasure to read. I travel extensively and found it amazing how many places I go to regularly have a direct link to La Salle. Couldn't recommend it more.

This well-paced thriller quickly introduces key characters by showing us how they act in their environment rather than just telling us who they are. The author fully engages the reader, successfully juggling disparate cultural elements with ease and making the reader eager to learn more without feeling one is trapped in a National Geographic episode. Readers who like authors such as Tony Hillerman will love this book; so will those who like global thrillers or those who like a hint of the supernatural.

What's not to like in this book? The title! A book with mass-market appeal needs a less stodgy, more energetic title than "Lawbringer." I almost didn't read this short because of the dull title, but had I followed my first impression, I would have missed a very enjoyable piece of fiction.

Smartly written with characters possessing obvious depth - it makes you want to find out just what they're made of. The author demonstrates his knowledge of different cultures through creative use of local language inflections, "though". Can't wait to find out how all the threads of these lives ending up interwining and what the final result will be. Kudos for catching my interest in such a short excerpt - that's not easy to do.

Written such that as you leave one story line you can't wait to return to it, yet excited to catch up with another. Descriptions that take you to the places and details that stir memories of "I've been there before". I enjoyed the visiting of old traditions forgotten by many, and would love to see how they intertwine.

Too bad we did not get more-- I was just getting into the story and the well developed characters when it was over. Should be a scary and interesting overlap of cultures as the story unfolds-- bring on more for us to finish the story. Author has obvious knowledge of cultures described and shows sensitivity to all perspectives. Let the characters swear-- we will not blush!!

This tid-bit is just enough to get my salivary glands pumping...where's the rest? I like the balance between the cultures and how smoothly the author moves from one apparent story line to another. My attention was had by the end of the first page and I seriously want to read the whole thing. Ooo I do so love a fast moving mystery and this has such promise!

Little Butterfly is one of my favorite so far. Though there is child abuse in the plot that doesn't really get resolved, it has a sweetness that at least for most, won't find objectional (no non-con). From kissing and a little groping in Vol. 1 to the consummation in Vol 3 the story is believable and endearing. Could one ask for better that that? Well one thing that can be confusing and it may be because of the translation is that: Are they really going into college? I mean Kojima looks 14 at most and Nakahara looks nearly the same. Could it be they changed it from going to high school to going to college to make some more accepting? Well over all, if you look past the potential ages, it is a good read and something you can re-read.

Why such an odd rating for one of the best series out there (at least from DMP!) because it's just so predictable. If you were looking for a fantastic un-expected ending...nope. You can just already guess. Happy, dull ending. Don't get me wrong; I woulda loved a happy un-expected ending.
Mother gets fixed, father stays away, boys together, go to collage. That's the end in a summary.
But at least we have our main characters together. With smut scenes!

I love the new plot to this series though, it was more real-life. Lovely Sick is another one, and that Manga was adorable.

As I've said before, be aware of some of DMP's releases, many are just slash or just plain horrible choices, much like their choice to license anything by Lily Hoshino, whose work of Alone in my King's Harem won number 8 on the worst Manga Ever Award. by AnimeNewsNetwork.

I love the conclusion, vol 3 is the best in this short series. Kojima and Nakahara are simply adorable. This mangaka's artwork is something to behold. The facial expressions of her 2 boys are vividly alive, expressing their emotions and individual character beautifully. The ending is not an entirely happy one. Nakahara is never united with his dysfunctional parents, which actually gives more depth to the emotional pull of the story. The scenes between mother and son are painful to read, bringing a few lumps to my throat. His father's implicit heartlessness is chilling. Fortunately Nakahara has Kojima, who is simply endearing. Sunny, caring, earnest and wide eyed Kojima is just the balm Nakahara needs. Nakahara finding the courage to say "goodbye" in Osaka and his few words as the 2 boys stood outside Nakahara's now abandoned family home are such effective and stirring scenes.

In Vol 3, the mangaka does a marvellous job expressing the boys' love for one another, their emotions built-up and the sexual tension. Kojima's awakening desire for Nakahara is a delightful read. The quiet and more experienced Nakahara has always been the "lusty" one in their relationship and Kojima's initiation in Vol 3 is just something so sweet and cute.
This is of course soft core Yaoi. Anything more explicit and "rough" would have been completely unsuitable. The boys hugging/clinging to each other so tightly really gets to me. There is an innocence and sweetness in their love which is deeply moving. (right I am getting sappy here...)
Ultimately this is a beautiful story of two boys very much in love and no BL/Yaoi fan should miss it.

A most beautiful conclusion to the trilogy that is "Little Butterfly". A sweet, well-illustrated and written yaoi manga. I would have liked to have seen the story carried on further than it is, but that is all I can say without giving away the ending. All-in-all though a satisfying read. I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys yaoi with a plot.

I admit, when I first started this series, I thought it was going to be another fluffy boy's love book with just a little kissing and maybe groping when they made it to the most exciting part of the story. Man, I was wrong and how happy I was to realize that.

These boys are so cute, especially when they get all blushy. The art is fantastic (it's one were I look at it for 20 minutes trying to figure out how Takanaga can draw so well...) and although the storyline is strange, at least it's not cliche boy/boy that seems to keep coming up in yaoi books I buy.

I definitely recommend this one to those look for juicy boys' love, and also those who want a really cute love story.

This is a soft yaoi about Matsukawa a manager of an adversiting company and Nishioka a photograher who are always agruing with each other. The story starts of slow but as you go along it get interesting as they realize each other's feelings for one another.

Toko Kawai artwork is pretty good but I like the way she puts more emphasis in the characters expressions as the story develops.

I actually read this book waayy back when it was fan-translated and I made SURE to get my very own copy! The translation is better and tighter then the fan work- which is how it should be, but often is not.
Toko Kawai's art is beautiful and her characters tend to be more adult,less hormonal. Hey, these guys have carreers that DON'T depend on sleeping with the boss or a co-worker. The story itself has a slow build for most yaoi fans, but the resulting relationship is cute as brash photographer Nishioka comes to realize he has feelings for his contact in an advertizing co Matsukawa, and comes to realize that said contact has always, quietly been watching him since they first met- 5 years ago.
And hey, if you're anxious for action, the last chapter and the short- showing 18 year old spoiled, directionless Matsukawa and reveals the reasons why he is so gentle and patient TODAY- should be right up your alley!

I love this manga. I'd vaguely heard the name before but never paid attention to it until I stumbled across it on Amazon and read a few reviews, then decided to just go for it. I'm so glad I bought it!

I tend to like character development in my yaoi/shounen ai and get a little irritated with the stories that have characters go from thinking they're straight or not questioning a relationship with someone they know to sleeping with them in 0.002 seconds. That's not the case with Loveholic. I'll try not to repeat too much of what other reviewers have said though I agree with the fact that this is a great manga and I love the expressions. I actually like the art as well, and Nishioka is adorable in his glasses.

So aside from the fact that this story has a plausible plot, good character development, and likable characters (Nishioka yells and complains a lot but I find it endearing for him and Matsukawa's gentle, reserved nature conveys a sense of almost sadness at times without it ever explicitly being stated), what I actually loved the most were tiny little details in the art that made the people seem more realistic. For instance, there's a part where Matsukawa is leaning between elevator doors and the way he's posed is how I've seen real people pose in similar situations. In another part, Nishioka is staying late and he's troubled, has a lot on his mind, and is trying to act casual so his assistant doesn't notice; rather than having him sitting statically at the table, he's drawn leaning against the table with his upper arms, one leg supporting him on the ground, the other bent and resting on a rolling chair next to him. I saw that and thought, "I've done that before when I was in a particular mood."

The expressions and poses of the characters convey their own sense of emotions and thoughts without needing little bubbles all over the place stating, "And now Nishioka is feeling sad." I never realized before how much that can impact a story, and how little other manga does that, until I started noticing the details in Loveholic.

Another thing I love is that there are two little stories included in this volume that show an excerpt of each of Nishioka and Matsukawa's pasts, giving a glimpse into why they are the way they are now, and also giving an explanation as to why they could accept having some sort of relationship/ sexual relationship with each other. The flashbacks/back stories are well done, in my opinion, although Nishioka's did briefly confuse me because I couldn't tell if it was a flashback or something current and the borders around the panels weren't black. But I figured it out in the end.

I seriously wish I could buy the entire series right now. I can't wait for Volume 2...

i have been a fan of this series for a long time when it was scanlated by fans, and could barely contain my eagerness to see it in print in english. loveholic displays all the delicate touches inherent to all the works of kawai-sensei, and then some. compared to her earlier works, the themes, characterization and the writing in loveholic is a testament of her maturity as an artist and storyteller.

the manga revolves around two seemingly opposite characters; nishioka the eccentric and temperamental photographer and matsukawa, the cool, calm and collected advertising executive. both are involved through work and despite the differences in personality, both actually shares a long history and friendship. the volume slowly explores the growth of their initially platonic relationship as it deepens into a more intimate bond. nishioka and matsukawa recognizes - subconsciously or otherwise - the strong attraction to each other, and takes their time in figuring out what exactly they want from the other. their cautiousness stems from the fact that both has been scarred by personal tragedies in their past. on his part, matsukawa's maturity comes at a bitter price, while nishioka still struggles to reconcile with his past.

the sedate pacing underscores the poignant revolution of their love story and showcases the intricacies of human relations. in this sense, it is truly an adult romance. kawai-sensei's gentle touch graces the tale with a sensitivity that is often overlooked by many yaoi (even traditional romantic) mangas. it is not to say that the characters does not resonate on a sexual level; they do, but it is their deep understanding of each other that serves as the foundation of the plotline, making the manga utterly beautiful and fulfilling.

the art, as always, is typical to kawai-sensei. her character designs are lanky and gorgeous, the lines simple and uncomplicated. the facial expressions are delicate and expressive, which reflects her themes and writing style very well. i enjoy the chibi-fied forms as well. her panels are generally simple and clean, but not too sparse. the plot, while angsty, is interspersed with many comic moments, with a natural flow to it and she makes some of the most memorable supporting characters, especially kumi, nishioka's perky assistant. like most of her work, loveholic so far remains soft yaoi with not too revealing love scenes. those looking for racier mangas should look elsewhere.

this volume is a magnificent start to the loveholic series. i look forward to the continuation of the adventures of nishioka and matsukawa in the future. being a big fan of touko kawai fan, i may be biased, but this is one of the better offerings in the genre, and worth a check.

This soft core Yaoi between Matsukawa, a successful executive, and Nishioka, an independent photographer, is just the type of heartwarming and emotional romance I expect from Toko Kawai. Her artwork may not be the best but I marvel at her ability to inject so much feelings into the facial expressions of her characters. Her words may be simple but they are underlined with emotional depth and her story telling skill is remarkable.
Both Matsukawa and Nishioka are well developed characters. They have been badly scarred by their unhappy pasts and therefore afraid to love again. On the surface they seem to drive each other nuts. But deep down they do care for each other as their feelings caught up with them over the years. Here the mangaka does a marvellous job building up the emotions, from the subtly hint of attraction to full blown need for the other. Her plot is well thought out, credible, engaging, warm and sprinkled with humorous moments. The revelation of both men's unhappy pasts does catch me by surprise, especially Matsukawa's story which is deeply touching and tragic. Finally the last bonus short story is especially sweet.
A great release from Junemanga and I definitely look forward to the evolution of their love in Loveholic 2.

COM is built on top of RPC. This book is a bit dated, but still a good guide for learning the technology that COM is based on. COM will make much more sense if you take a little time to learn RPC first.

using a microsoft rpc interfac

using a microsoft rpoc interfac

rpc programmin

The authors take the reader from the very first steps to rather complex applications of Remote Procedure Calls. Along the way, they explain how RPC works, and why it is one of the better tools for implementing true client/server systems.

Despite a very few factual errors (the page on memory allocation using RpcSs contains one) and despite a too-short description of when to use which memory allocator, I rate this book at nine out of ten. For a perfect ten, the authors will have to include material on secure, authenticated, RPC, too.

If you do serious DCE or MS RPC programming, or if you are trying to learn the ropes: Try to find a copy. And no, mine is not for sale. ;-)

I think it would be very difficult to be serious about DSP engineering without this book on your shelf...

Among the few books on filter bank and wavelets which I read and then gave up, this is by far the best, albeit the oldest, one. It gets right into all theoretic details about filter banks in such elegant words and mathematics that often pursuade me to read further just for the fun of it. Even its chapters about quantization and compression provide deeper insights than most other books that undertake singal compression as their only task.

One of the best in the field of signal processing for me. But It is very difficult to get the homework problems solutions from the publisher. I miss a wider treatment on wavelets.

You'll get in this book a complete treatment of the theory
of multirate systems and filter banks. The practical side
is not the focus. The large number of examples and figures
make it easy to follow (reading it from cover to cover is
not that difficult). The intuition beyond the theory is well
developed, at the expense of a light mathematical treatment.
The geometrical and algebraic view provided by Vaidyanathan
is unique and probably deserves to be taught in any DSP course
for engineers, even at the introductory level. Signal processing
people however could find its style too intuitive but engineers
should like it as a reference book in these topics.

Vaidyanathan's book is a very concise, yet enjoyable book on multirate systems and filter banks. Multirate systems and Filter banks represent some of the state-of-the-art research even today, and I'm a strong proponent of introducing the basic concepts as early as possible, even in the first DSP course.

Vaidyanathan is an engineer first, mathematician second. Note the difference between his approach and Mallat's approach, for example. He relies more on intuition albeit sometimes lacking purpose, which makes this book more readable for the engineers but hard to read cover to cover. This makes this book a very handy reference if you need to pick certain topics up in a hurry.

He also has a very nice, but very concise, review of basic DSP concepts and introduction of basic multirate system properties. However, the speed at which he covers this can be discouraging to some.

Some people would argue that his writing can be hard to read, and this is true sometimes. But his geometric interpretation of lattices and filter banks is more than worth the price of admission.

Nonetheless, I would still recommend this book to engineers interested in either learning about multirate systems and filter banks, or for a reference book.

This author captured my attention from the very beginning. I couldn't stop reading until the very end. "My Angel on a Harley" is a bittersweet tale of two people who fall in love. The problem is, they are already married to other people. Finding in each other what they are lacking in their perspective marriages, G. L. Parker takes her readers through all the emotional ups and downs of what these two people feel and the choices they must face. The question of should they or shouldn't they keeps you riveted to the very end.

This author has a knack of being able to touch on feelings that will take you on a ride. Good job and I'm looking forward to more of your work.

Tory Lynn, author of "My Charming Protector".

Which path do you take? Do you follow your feelings and hurt all of those around you? Or do you find the courage and strength to do what is right? Like the star crossed lovers in Casablanca these two must find the strength to make that decision. Will she abandon her husband for the back of a Harley, and an adventure that will last for who knows how long? I am not a reader of romance story but I found this one intrigued me. Ms. Parker did a good job of grabbing and holding my attention. Good job Ms. Parker.

What a warm and touching story. It brought tears to this old man's eyes and took me back to the days of my pony tail, ear ring and Harley. GG your story pulled me right in and made me wish I was your Angel.
Don

This is a well-written love story with deep insight and feelings. Her diction is excellent, her grammar is excellent, as is her syntax; she even fired her semicolons in the right direction. Please read!

I just read your story and I can realate to everything in it. I felt your pain, passion,love and ambition you had for this man. You will forever be his angel. Very nice story.
Thanks
Melissa

"My Hero, My Dad" by D. J. Stephens

A little boy is born with club feet and needs a special surgery to correct the birth defect.
Without hesitation a loving father and mother sell their farm to move to Chicage where
the surgery can take place. For over five years the young boy spends 9 mos. out of the
year in Shriner's Childrens' Hospital. Don the author and the same little boy he speaks of
grows closer and closer to the loving Dad he has. The relationship continues in love and
friendship through Don's life as the family moves from different locations and different jobs.
As a wonderful Dad as a hero this true loving family with strong ties to Father and Mother
make this an excellent read for anyone.

The bond between father and son is depicted with such clarity, one can not help but associate these feelings with enamered acquaintance. This short is the true measure of of a blessed relationship. Well done Mr. Stephens.

I am an avid reader of Don's novels, poetry and his short stories.
Shortly into this story, I had tears in my eyes. I realized then that I would need to print it to be able to continue reading it.To the best of my knowledge, I have read everything Don has written.
I am always checking out his web page [...] to see what has been added. It is one of the best creative web sites I have seen in a long time. I highly reccommend checking it out.

Jorja Ziller

What man on Earth would not love to have had the relationship with their father that Mr Stephens describes. In a time when so much is centered on the here and now, it is good to read about those who knew what sacrifice was all about. As with all of his work so far we get a glimpse of people who know that somethings are more important than our immediate gratification. While his father made great sacrifices for his son's benefit he never let his son know it. Once again good job Mr Stephens.

This is a truly heartwarming story that will leave you misty eyed. It epitomizes a father's love for his child and how his son's welfare was placed above his own dreams. Don Stephens captures the feeling and memories that we would like to all have of our own fathers. Don realized the sacrifices that were made for him and returned the love his father showed him. My Hero, My Dad is an inspiring example of how a father and son relationship should be.

Indeed as it was explained to my son in law Mike by my converted to Judaism daughter Alex, "The reason you like your matzoh balls hard is because your mother didn't know how to cook-- and so they always turned out that way"!!! He has since learned to eat soft matzoh balls!!For my daughter is an excellent cook,and as I was reading Ms Lebrecht "Passover memories" it brought back all the smells and joy of my recent Seders at Alex and her family's homes on two successive nights.Reading the haggadah is always part of the tradition as is "let's skip these pages" (for it is extremely long and must be read in betwen courses.) Which in no way detract from the solemnity of the occasion..And I can't help but think how lucky some people are.. who like me navigate with pleasure and pride between those two religions!

Pierrette L Komarek .
Author of "le Cafe'de Cadix" and "Grandmére Awesome Family Cookbook"

Using a writing style without artifice, evoking effortless emotion, she writes about her Jewish grandmother ...

>> Her mantra was "I listen, so that I can learn." Every one of us heard her repeat these phrases... The table was always set with a cloth of starched white linen with linen napkins neatly folded, wine glasses of crystal, dishes of English bone china and sterling silver cutlery. Two huge silver candelabra's graced the table. There was never a need for a warning of caution to any of the children, as we all sat spellbound by the luxurious surroundings and meal of splendor: we behaved beautifully and as expected. We sat in silence as we gaped in awe. The candles from the lit candelabra's flickered and cast a spell as the crystal glasses picked up the glow, making flashes of lights dash across the room... <<

This story was taken from a young girl's perspective, though not as young as the romping child in the opening scene of another of Anne's stories, ON THE EVE OF CHRISTMAS. Here the girl was old enough to appreciate, observe, and listen to her grandmother, not only to her words, but to her behavior and repeated traditions. And to her cooking! The way Anne described this grandmother's culinary skills was abundantly appealing. Of course, the girl in the story would want to know her grandmother's secret ways into the pervasive world of YUM.

>> For years, each child and grandchild would persist in asking for her recipes. She continually ignored the questions. Her sweet smiles and silence was consistent every year. They all eventually gave up asking, all accepted the futilely of these requests. But not me.

>> While she lay in the hospital dying, I visited her often. I sat by her bedside holding her hand in mine, stroking her with tenderness and love. It was painful to watch this grand lady overtaken by the process of dying, the deterioration of a dignified human being. Kissing her for what was to be the last time, I whispered into her ear... <<

In PASSOVER MEMORIES you'll receive the Jewish grandmother's two-part secret ingredients to satisfying nourishment, and be stimulated to relive a few memories of your own. One of mine was about a special doll received as a Christmas gift, and how I cared for that doll and the others. Another memory was about my Mom's secret recipe for a sweet roll. The reason for holding the secret was Sloppy Joe.

Only minutes prior to beginning my read of PASSOVER MEMORIES, I had finished ON THE EVE OF CHRISTMAS, and had decided to read both stores back to back. As soon as I absorbed the warmth in the conclusion of EVE, I found and clicked the 49 cents for PASSOVER. Reading both took less than a hour, yet the distance traveled was immense.

These two stories taken together are so simply rich they're hard to describe. They're delicately, deeply sensitive yet easily uplifting. The way I felt after reading each was peaceful and hopeful. Yet, I began to notice another strangely uncommon feeling which seemed to have caused the others. Searching inside to identify what the feeling was, to comprehend what this pair of Amazon Shorts was, and how it affected me, I came easily to the word I sought.

Clean. I felt clean.

Though these two stories obviously have similarities, each has a unique mood and theme. What a lucky woman to have bits of both Christian and Jewish traditions in her family background.

All this for 49 cents? Such a deal. You'd better believe it!

A natural follow up story to PASSOVER MEMORIES might be THE ICE CREAM MAN. Of course ice cream is good before or after anything, any time!

Anne has a collection of books and stories on her Amazon pages which are well worth your time and dimes. Every Amazon Short I've read so far has made me hungry for more of their untarnished, sometimes refreshingly unedited variety, as well as more from each author.

Sometimes spirit can't get through too tight of an editorial choke-hold. So far Amazon Shorts have allowed Adam's Apples and pearly white necks the freedom to voice forth naturally, with a rare and addicting purity. True errors can be edited (by self or other) with the only loss being confusion; Voice cannot be edited without losing soul. Authentic, professional editors, those who are able to discriminate this difference with the precision of a brain surgeon, are as rare as they are precious.

My thanks to Amazon for creating a venue in which souls can sing proudly through writers' dreams.

Yum! Dim Sum. And then some.
Linda Shelnutt

Anne writes a very alluring story of a tender memory that obviously has impacted her life. The joy of love filled family gatherings during the holiday season as she grew up with her family must have been something to behold. she describes the gatherings making you visualize what it must have been like, with vivid smells of holiday cooking and the secret of what makes it taste so good. She writes with love in her heart honoring the memory of the one who made it possible. I loved this story and recommend it to everyone. Thank you for a great read!

Tory Lynn

Passover Memories is a warm, family oriented story that leaves you feeling good and wanting more. I'd recommend this story to anyone who is looking for a great way to spend a few moments, and perhaps recall some memories of your own.

The smell of home cooked chicken drifts through the air as you read this warm tribute to a much loved Grandmother. Even if you have never attended a Seder this short story will put there, aromas, sounds, and the love of family surrounding you. You might even learn the secret of making Grandma's special chicken dish. I thoroughly enjoyed this warm tribute to some one who made a major difference in Ms. Lebrecht's life.

Very readable and highly useful book. One major hit. It is ironic that the author complains about the symbols in other books. For queueing he invents his own, instead of sticking with standard practices. This is very fustrating to readers that have other books on queueing and need to compare.

The book is well written and "user friendly". As Dr. Gunther said during a class I recently attended which is based on this book, "You will not look at performance analysis the same after taking class." -- or reading the book. He was correct ... I don't. My views have changed for the better.

The only mark against the book I have is it doesn't have an example section (with answers for each example as an appendix) at the end of each chapter to help people apply the concepts they learned reading the chapter.

The author provides good practical coverage of queuing concepts and then goes on to show how to use queuing models.

I found it interesting that he gives an example of typical computer time periods scaled up to human proportions. If a computer clock speed in nanoseconds were analagous to seconds then a main memory access of 100 cpu cycles would be like some minutes and a disk access would be like some months.

His coverage of queuing concepts is very accessible with a minimum of math.

Scalability is frequently discussed concept that often is not very well quantified. He has the most original approach to quantifying scalability that I have seen.

A queuing modeling package called PDQ is also provided with the book. The source code in C is provided for the PDQ package.
There are some PDQ examples within the book. This is a real bargain because certainly the PDQ software is worth much more than the cost of the book.

If you have and interest in capacity planning and performance analysis (especially if you work in this area) this is a must have book.

If understanding and managing computer systems performance is in your job description and you can only buy two books, this is one of the two (the other is Raj Jain's, "The Art of Computer Systems Performance..."). Neil Gunther's book is not just another tome on queueing theory. Immediately useful methods and formulas are presented in the context of real problems. The two chapters on instability in systems and scaling of multiprocessor systems alone make the book worth its price. Readers need to know that there is some math in the book (there is just no escaping it) and that some of the cited vendor products are becoming dated. The Web site associated with the book contains many items of current interest, an errata sheet correcting minor errors in the book, and downloadable programs related to performance evaluation.

Although this book's full value will be realized if you understand the C programming language (he uses source code it illustrate points throughout the book and provides a C library for performance analysis on the accompanying disk), anyone with good math skills will gain much from this outstanding book.

The core approach is Performance By Design, which is aligned to product development. His approach, if used properly, will ensure that performance goals are established in the design phase, and are met as a system or software evolves through the development life cycle.

Highlights of the book are:
(1) Through introduction to the foundation of performance: queuing, parallelism and multiprocessor systems.
(2) Coverage of contemporary issues, such as client/server and web system performance,
(3) Unexpected forays into performance characteristics and considerations that I've encountered in no other book. For example, Part 3 of this book addresses subtle issues such as transient analysis, scaling behavior and similar topics. Here the author integrates theoretical physics into performance analysis - while this may seem odd, it only reinforces that much can be added to the performance analysis body of knowledge by drawing from sources outside of computer science. His qualifications for this material includes a Ph.D in theoretical physics, and his ability to clearly explain concepts that are foreign to the average computer scientist or performance practitioner is excellent.

I like the conversation style that the author employs, the way he starts with the basics and builds upon them and the thoroughness in which all aspects of performance are discussed. More importantly, although advanced math concepts are introduced the way they are presented can be understood by anyone with high school or college freshman knowledge of probability and calculus.