Works Books

No one comes colose to sapolsky in having fun with genetics and evolutionary science. This set of essays is just a blast.

It should come as no surprise that Monkeyluv, as with all of Sapolsky's books, is a masterpiece. There is no better science writer of our day.

I absolutely LOVED this book! I read it very quickly and had trouble putting it down. It is fascinating, educational, funny, enjoyable and well written about complex issues.

Sapolsky, who is the author of A Primate's Memoir, The Trouble with Testosterone and Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers, is a professor of biology and neurology at Stanford and a recipient of a MacArthur "genius" grant. I found his genius not only to be in his insight and ability to frame questions and pursue their answers, but also to be able to write about it in a way that is accessible to a "nongenius."

This book is a collection of previously published essays that are updated for this edition (the updates include notes for further reading and on source materials). Sapolsky divides the book into three parts ("Genes and Who We Are," "Our Bodies and Who We Are" and "Society and Who We Are") and introduces each section with cogent current thinking on the issues addressed. For example, to introduce the first section, Sapolsky writes about how the nature-nurture argument is a red herring; genes contribute to personality/behavior when the environment interacts with them in ways conducive to gene-induced behavior! For example, in "Of Mice and (Hu)men Genes," Sapolsky writes about genes that may indicate a proclivity for depression, but only in certain environments, and summarizes that the reader should be wary of simple expanations. (And, he asserts, as humans we may have more responsibility to create positive environments that interact benignly with risky genes than to understand which genes cause what.) In the second section's "Why are Dreams Dreamlike?" Sapolsky illustrates how answering some questions about how the brain and psyche function just brings up other, deeper questions.

Sapolsky's illustrations of his points are fascinating and enlightening (and often funny!). In "The Genetic War Between Men and Women," he writes about how the genes from the father of a species have one goal ("greater, faster, more expensive growth") while genes from the mother have another ("countering that exuberance"). The success comes in nature's ability to balance these goals: "The placenta is ... the scene of a pitched battle, with paternally derived genes pushing [the placenta] to invade more aggressively while maternally derived genes try to hold it back." He lists other examples of this balance in humans and other species. This view of nature and how reproduction is nurtured fascinated me and helped me to see things in a new way.

Sapolsky's topics are wide ranging, and the book reminded me a bit of Freakonomics in its tendency to turn its problem-solving focus on whatever issue crossed its path. For example, in the final section, he writes about the differences between the
religions of desert peoples and the religions of tropical peoples -- the former tend to have a single god with miltaristic iterations and few rights for women while the latter tend toward pantheism and matrilocal marital residence. "Most evidence suggests that the rain-forest mind-set is more of a hothouse attribute, less hardy when uprooted." I guess that's evident, but Sapolsky's writings on the topic, again, gave me a new way to look at something I hadn't considered before. In this book, he addresses game theory, gene mapping, musical tastes, gender-communication issues and neurogenesis with wit, clarity and insight.

I recommend this book if you're the least bit curious about your brain, your body, the natural world and the society in which you live.

This guy knocks my socks off. Read him just for pleasure and learn loads while your at it. I find this truly fascinating.

I have never read anything by Sapolsky before. Now that I have he goes right to the top of my list with Richard Dawkins and Desmond Morris.

This easy to read grammar book fit the bill for me when I needed to brush up on some basic rules quickly for an exam. There are plenty of examples to help cement each concept and the authors also use comic strips to emphasize each point. I highly recommend this book the anyone who wants to learn how to write a paper correctly.

This book, the authors' second, is just as great as their first. Who knew grammar could be so fun? The text is enlivened with hilarious cartoons, and the grammar rules are arranged alphabetically so it's easy to find what you're looking for. It's a great tool for both students & teachers!

On this cold, winter day in January, I'm reading More Nitty Gritty Grammar. Who would have thought that a grammar book could be entertaining? Edith Fine and Judith Josephson have found the perfect formula. Similar to their first book, Nitty Gritty Grammar, this one is organized in an appealing, accessible way. I actually enjoyed testing my grammar skills with the quiz. Their compilation of nationally-syndicated cartoons addressing grammar issues adds visual interest and levity. They explain the rules, state the exceptions, and give plenty of examples. It's an excellent resource guide for yourself or for a friend. I highly recommend it.

There has never been a friendlier invitation to master English usage basics than Nitty-Gritty Grammar until its new companion, More Nitty-Gritty Grammar. I recommend them for all my community college students. Not in the ivory tower crowd, authors Fine and Josephson are, however, astute observers of language ills and, if laughter is the best medicine, most-palatable healers. Their topics are relevant, their well-researched explanations straightforward, their examples fresh and funny. My students agree.

Better organized and more comprehensive than even the popular _Transitive Vampire_ series or _Woe Is I_, this second book by Josephson and Fine is whimsical and easy to use. It's packed with humorous examples that are current and uncontrived. This is the only book I've found to cover some of the finer points that have always bothered or confused me--such as when British convention differs from that in America. Indispensible!

By nature I am an organized person but for some reason I have had trouble translating that organization to my home and specifically with my children. This book lays out very practical steps in guiding your kids in being a part of keeping your house clean and orderly. There are some excellent lists of 'age appropriate' chore suggestions as well as many ideas for implementing and encouraging your kids to be a part without whining and complaing.

Excellent Book! A lot of great ideas to get the house in order. One of the things I especially like are her suggestions for including kids of all ages in practical matters around the house. Get your two year old to clean?! She offers many idea on how to do it. From that angle, her ideas are rather "Montessoriesque", giving kids a challenge and a sense of accomplishment when their task is acheived.

I do agree, however, that some of her idea will not work with every house and family. (She really does like those disinfectant clothes. Not very economical.) But, if you take what you need and adapt if for your own needs, this book offers much.

Thank you, Tara Aronson! As the mother of a four-year-old, who is on the cusp of being able to do so many things for himself -- but who doesn't -- your book was immensely empowering for me to take control of the situation. It gave me the tools to teach my child how to take reponsibility for himself and help keep this house running smoothly. Your book is so easy to read and spells things out succintly -- and with wit. Your book is now my new gift to all my mommy friends. Thank you!

I'm one of those moms who found it easier and faster to do all the housework myself. Now with teens in the house who won't lift a finger, I wish I'd read this book 10 years ago!
What's best about this book?
* Chore lists broken down by age brackets that make cleaning fun, even for toddlers.
* Surprising storage ideas for my always-cluttered garage.
* Smart ways to reorganize your kitchen to cut cooking time in half.
If you're starting a family, buy this book first. You'll thank yourself some day in the not-too-distant future when your kids not only take part, but have fun, sharing housework.

She has some good chore charts that are organized by the age of the child. Some very good room ideas too, but they're not always easy to find in the chapters.

However, some of her ideas on things other than cleaning are just bizarre.

For instance, she discusses carpools in great detail, even going so far as to say you should inquire about insurance levels of all the drivers. Well, gee, if you're going to do that, shouldn't you go as far as getting driving records from DMV too? And if you're really that worried about it, should you be doing the carpool thing at all?

And, be forewarned, this author has apparently never lived outside of a large metropolitan city, because for her, cell phones are a fact of life--she apparently has never lived nor traveled where there is no coverage. She is so dependent upon them, that when there was a minor injury to a friend's child, had practically a panic attack when she couldn't reach the parents (either didn't have the phone with them or turned it off). Cell phones are not foolproof, folks--they stop working, there are areas with no coverage, people turn them off, people leave them behind in the car or at home, people actually choose to ignore the ring, really! For someone so "organized", in this situation she came across as fairly helpless. Hopefully she learned her lesson and has a signed medical release form for her friend's kids somewhere, or better yet, taken a Red Cross First Aid class.

If she stuck to the cleaning issues only, the book is okay, although she seems very into disposable anti-bacterial wipes. Her other advice, well, it's good for a laugh. Buy used, after checking it out of the library first.

I've worked in the telecom industry for years, and this dictionary accurately defines more telecom terms than any other. However, it is not very well-written. The style is really colloquial and inconsistent. One definition may read like it's straight out of IEEE-100, while others sound like a hallway conversation between engineers. Even within a definition, the same term may be capitalized in one instance but not in others. So, I'd put it in the library for sure, but get The Authoritative Dictionary of IEEE Standards Terms (IEEE 100), Seventh Edition and McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, too!!

This book is perfect for computer enthusiasts, business owners who utilize computers and telecommunications, scientists, a wide
constituency of educators, computer programmers, web designers and just about anyone who may need to understand computerese in simple English. Important definitions are listed; such as, ADCU, back lobe, card cage, isochronous distortion, etc. There are strategies to minimize calling charges by utilizing prepaid cards for national and international calls. Important computer user groups may be accessed at:
o atmforum.com
o ectaportal.com
o ecma.ch
o gigabiethernet.org
o 10gea.org
o 3GPP.org
o aitp.org
o ansi.org
o apcointl.org

The book is a solid investment for any computer professional, teacher, computer user group or business person.

I use this book all the time. This is the perfect reference book for every engineer working in the Telecomm field

Less than nine months ago I started working for a software company that makes OSS/BSS solutions for Telecommunication operators.
As an economist I had a lot of problems understanding the sector and the acronyms that telecommunication people love to use. Having this dictionary at hand did definitively help me a lot. I do recommend it to every person wanting to get a general understanding of the sector. Only a pity that Harry did not include more graphics to help with the explanations.

As a telecommunications student, I was leery of all the abbreviations and unfamiliar terms. This book was very helpful in explaining new words and phrases, especially since the telecommunications industry is full of strange acronyms. Very worthwhile!

Incredible book! It has helped my mother, that has fibromyaglia, more than any doctor ever has! After a month she is better already! And she was in the worst shape of any fibro patient anyone had ever seen.

I received the book very promptly and it was in good condition.
The information is very good on what I have read so far.

Great book. I have taken some of the ideas to the Dr and they have helped. Would highly recommend this book.

I would recommend this book to any one who has pain. Their are ideas that I have found nowhere else. This Doctor believes the body can not heal if it doesn't have what it needs to do so. If the cell lacks energy, how can the body heal? I have purchased this book for several people. Pain is a complex problem. This book has answers.

Here are some of my favorite quotes:
"Although both allopathic and natural medicines have their weaknesses, when you combine them, almost all pain can be effectively treated. It's the difference between having only one tool- say a hammer, which is like allopathic medicine - or a whole tool kit that includes the dozens of other healing arts available in natural medicine. A hammer can be a very useful tool, but unfortunately when all you have is a hammer, everything starts to look like a nail! It's much easier to get the job done safely and effectively when you are using all the tools available." (Keep in mind the author is a medical doctor!)

"I simply propose that you use the best of both systems. To make this easier for you, and to maintain objectivity, I have a policy of not taking money from any companies (natural or pharmaceutical) whose products I recommend. In addition, for the products I make, 100 percent of my royalties go to charity. There's nothing wrong with money, I simply don't want to get in the way of your getting well!" [Wow, now isn't that refreshing!]

"...most Americans are chronically dehydrated, and this can make you feel worse as well. I do not recommend that you count glasses of water; this is an annoying way to spend a day. Simply check in with your mouth and lips every so often. If they are dry, you are dehydrated and need to drink more water." (How many times have we all read that we have to have eight or ten glasses of water a day? Really, how many of us spend a day counting how much we drink?! What a practical solution to the problem!)

You will find this book engaging, informative and practical.

Needed some fresh ideas for paper crafting. Saw carols' book at a book store and thought it was very interesting and offered an assortment of ideas. I came home and found it at a GREAT price on Amazon. Wonderful book and a must-read for paper crafters.

This is well put together book, neat, sometimes the projects did not show how to get to the finish, but use your imagination. If you have the skill, rather beginner or experienced, I believe you will enjoy doing these projects. I can't wait to get stated.
JP

I WAS SO HAPPY TO GET THIS BOOK. IT GIVES SOME BASIC REVIEWS OF THINGS AND YOU'RE ABLE TO REALLY CREATE WITHOUT ALWAYS COPYING.

Carol Duvall's new book is like meeting up with an old friend. I was a regular viewer for years and years, and I really miss seeing her show. I still don't know why she was taken off the air (boo! to the network), but I hope she is doing well. This books has many of her wonderful craft projects as well as hints and tips from "THE SHOEBOX" ! There will never be another craft show like hers - she can't be replaced. Write more books Carol!

When my mom heard this book was being published, she shopped all the local craft stores for it, so I was happy to be able to purchase it for her for Christmas. She and I both agree that many of the crafts in the book can be found on the hgtv.com website in the Carol Duvall show archives, but it's great to have them all compiled.

My special favorite is the project for decorating a wrapped gift with a stand-up/pop-up diorama. Although much work is required to put it together, the surprise factor of receiving a gift so lovingly created would be well worth the effort. I also love her idea for storing rubber stamps and put it into implementation immediately.

The authors say they would be pleased "if academic historians find a few unexpected tidbits". Most historians will probably be enraged by this book, and by the fact that it's getting positive reviews here.

A few examples that I know about, making me wonder what else is accurate in this book.

This book says Hollywood had 500 inhabitants in 1911, when in fact it had about 10000. This book states, to make a point, that "Sound of Music" was released in the same year as "Easy Rider" (1969), when in fact, "Sound of Music" was released in 1965, invalidating the point. Discussing the death of Thelma Todd, this book still uses the nonsense found in "Hollywood Babylon", an book full of fabricated stories. Samuel Goldwyn was not born with the name Goldfish, but Gelbfisz. And so on?

Most of the pictures are very small.

Incredible compendium of all the events and characters that created and still shape this most unique city. Much more fun than hunting down similar information on the internet, "Picturing Los Angeles" offers readers hours of fascinating reading, aided by an astounding collection of pictures. A seemingly impossible task to put together, the authors have provided a wonderful encyclopedia of the culture, architecture and citizenry of a town that continues to impact the world. You'll see why!

Photos we hadn't seen before...insights we hadn't considered before.
"Picturing Los Angeles" is a show-and-tell book of the highest order.
If you're looking for the perfect gift to give newcomers to the LA area, a gift that will help them make sense of this unique community--this is it. Congratulations to the Wilkmans for delivering a history book that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. [Review by Albert Greenstein]

This looks like a coffee table book, but it's really an incisive narrative accompanied by fascinating pictures. The authors give us a whirlwind tour of the explosive pattern of growth and change that is the true history of Los Angeles. Propelled by a colorful array of eccentrics and geniuses we see the city constantly reinventing itself and leaping into the future. I had so much fun reading it I almost forgot how bad the damn traffic is here!

This book is basically a photographical introduction to the history of Los Angeles . If you are interested in knowing about the history of Los Angeles, from it's very early beginnings , up until the early 2000's, then you will find this book very informative.


There are many many photos that go along with the historical text. All photos are in black and white.

In living with someone with a disability, the hardship is obvious. The reverse side of this life, as the author describes from his own experience, is the beauty of God's face, His love for us, and how the ability to show compassion and love grow as we care for disabled individuals. Mr. de Vinck's beautiful book will renew one's faith, or light it for the first time.

This is one of those books that can cause a dramatic change in perspective for some people; you will never view a mentally and physically challenged person in the same way again. It confirms the wisdom that God has a purpose for us all, and is written with great tenderness and intelligence by Mr. DeVinck.

This book is so perfect for anyone, but especially someone who has a disabled person in their life. It is touching and beautiful...you'll want to read it again and again, and you'll definately want a copy to give to others! I wish everyone would read it and maybe change the way we think about certain things!

The Power of the Powerless is a beautiful testimony to the power of love. It includes true stories of four individuals whom society would consider to be disabled and shows how they brought growth and joy to their families and others. The book is a reminder that we ought not judge the worth of others by how much they can do, but rather by how much they can cause us to grow. We are the ones who benefit from the power of the powerless.

My daughter is Special Needs and this book is so heart warming. It is always a pleasure to read that other people see the love and joy that I find in my daughter's eyes in others. If you are just looking to open your eyes to the Special Needs community this is a great start. Happy Reading!!

This is a wonderful book on faith to read and reflect upon. I won this edition of the book in a Pentecost Praise Poetry Contest, sponsored by Brain Strand, in Aylesbury, England. I won the first prize and was mailed a copy of the book.

This book is very inspiring. Although I had to read several sections a second time to get a clear understanding, the language flows very well. Brother Lawrence's commitment was certainly to his Lord and Savoir and not man. There is a lot that a person of faith, and without faith, could learn from reading this book.

I really enjoyed the section entitled "Conversations" and the manner in which they are written. The style is a little different; however, the message is clear. The section entitled "Letters" is equally uplifting and sends a wonderful message of praise.

Part II of the book regarding "Spiritual Maxims" certainly drives home the theme of the book regarding daily worship and praise. This spiritual process, if followed, should erase unwanted and ill thoughts from the mind, and gives a person a clear focus on God. The essence of the book is that each person must have a clean heart and sound mind, because that's the way God desires us to be.

Other books to read are: Trilogy Moments for the Mind, Body and Soul; Everyday Miracles; and The Language of Poetry Forms.

This book was referred to in another book that I was reading. I was enjoying that book so I checked Amazon for Brother Lawrence's book and ordered a copy. It has proven to be one of the BEST investments I have ever made. This tiny book is just amazing in the Truth that it delivers. Brother Lawrence seems to have been an exceptional human being blessed with tremendous Grace from God. It was so because he sought after it. I have recently traveled through losing a job and beginning a new one quite different from what I was used to. After 25 years of being a manager I am now punching a time clock and emptying my own trash. When I begin experiencing pride issues I can pick this book up and immediately be put in my place. Praise God! This book may be small in size but is LARGE in content. Personally, I highly recommend.

This book contains a description of how one Godly man communicates with God and receives communication from his God and is obedient to that communication.

I dont have this exact copy, but just wanted to encourage everyone to get this book.

You can read this thin little thing and put into practice what it says, and let the Lord teach you. Or, you can buy and read a dozen 300 page books.

I have read book after book, for fun, or for seminary, and over and over again, I write in the margins "BL", because so much of what people are saying that has merit is really related to what BL (Brother Lawrence) writes.

This book did more for really bringing me into a relationship with Christ than anything else. I buy like 100 of them at a time to hand out to people who are searching for God's true heart.

Grace, peace and joy!

I bought at least 10 copies of this for all the guys in my Bible study, thinking this was just a newer version of the one which I had read. However, unfortunately, this translation is much tougher to read than the one which has a white cover, with a picture of a tree and a mountain. (Note this is still a step up from the version you can find for free online, which one of my guys said sounded like it was translated by a college student). Here's the one to get: The Practice of the Presence of God

My brother and I read this book every morning. It has shown us how to have a more honorable life for God. There is a reason we are here on earth. The Prayer of Jabez for Teens is like our strategy for life. This book offers great opportunities to receive the life God has for you. We sincerely enjoyed it and think you will too.

I didn't enjoy this book because it talked about how to please yourself. The book was suppose to be about bettering yourself but you seek God everything will be added to you.matt.6:33

I Really Like This Book It Is Good For Teens And Adults.
And Very Inspriational.

This book is much like the original but written for younger folks and has different examples. It is the story of a very old prayer that has the same roots as the Lord's Prayer but it is nice to get a new prayer now and then!

THE AMAZING PRAYER

Since hearing about Jabez, I walk around with a different composure, in a different mood. God wants to accomplish great things through us; he's just waiting for us to ask. Jabez's cry was that God would bless him so that he could bless others, change his generation, and change the world. God is trying to make you live like you never have before. God wants to inspire your life, so you can inspire someone else's life so they could live holy and peacefully.

I was just blown away by the simple truth in Jabez's prayer. It's challenging, and it really has touched me. I'm not much of a reader, but I became absorbed with this book and have immediately experienced the power of prayer. His experience has taught me to live expectantly, to be aware that God is at work around me and in me. It's okay to ask god for blessings because through it we're going to be able to reach more people/young people around the world are leading the way in prayer. They're seeing God do miracles.
(Yes this is a good book if you like stories about finding ways to get closer to God)