Departments Books

Great physical science facts for the average person endeavoring to grasp concise concepts.

Originally compiled by the Science and Technology Department of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, and now in a thoroughly revised and substantially expanded "Centennial Edition" collaboratively edited by James E. Bobick and Naomi E. Balaban, The Handy Science Answer Book is an impressive, 660-page compendium of easy-to-understand definitions and explanations, and is packed from cover to cover with answers to common questions and puzzles relating to a wide variety of scientific and technological fields. From how fiber-optic cable works, to why the Hindenburg exploded, to the average weight of the human brain, to why golf balls have dimples, to how many bees are there in a bee colony, to why leaves change color in the fall, The Handy Science Answer Book entries are arranged in seventeen broad categories and is very highly recommended for family, school, and community library collections as an outstanding, "user friendly", educational, enlightened and enlightening science reference resource for readers of all ages.

This book is jam packed full of very interesting facts that make this book perfect for all ages!

As an experienced science teacher, I found this book quite informative. It combines the old (e. g. the Mohs scale, Morse Code) with the new (computer science, the Science of Chaos, buckminsterfullerite, etc). It teaches about astronomy, weather, the human body, breeds of cats and dogs, the Leyden jar, space travel, the largest meteorites, dry ice, the work of Einstein, the Spruce Goose (the largest wooden airplane ever built), and much more. In fact, the book centers on extremes: the first, the largest, the heaviest, etc.

Some parts of the book are timeless, while others become rapidly outdated. For instance, there are quite a few more known natural satellites orbiting the outer planets than enumerated in this book. Also, the west now knows that the dog Laika did not live several days in space, as the Soviets had originally claimed. She actually died a few hours after launch--from an overheated cabin.

This book touches on other matters. For instance, the authors acknowledge the fact that the Poles played a major role in the cracking of the "invincible" German Nazi ENIGMA Code during World War II. (p. 478)

For anyone interested in a one-volume encyclopedia of science, this is it. There is also an extensive bibliography provided for further study.

I own the The Handy Science Answer Book: Centennial Edition (Thoroughly Revised And Greatly Expanded). I agree that it is well put together and easy to understand. But they need to correct some errors, some may be argueable but some are way off. As I went through the book and started coming across one error after another, I decided to go back and document them. So here is what I found.

P.06 Does water running down a drain rotate in a...
***The Coriolis effect isn't strong enough to influence something as small as a toilet boil. Water flows the same way in both hemispheres. However, depending on the plumbing, it can flow clockwise or counter-clockwise.

P.22 Which elements are liquid at room temperature?
***They forgot to add Francium

P.24 Which elements have the highest and lowest boiling points?
***Tungsten has the highest boiling point, not Rhenium. They are close though.

P.171 Is glass a solid or a liquid
***Old window panes are thicker at the bottom because they used to spin them to make them flat, not because the glass is slowly flowing. Also, the waves in glass can be caused by acid in rain.

P.321 What is the most popular state insect?
***California isn't nicknamed the Beehive State, you're thinking of Utah. I live there. California was the first to adopt a state insect though, which is the dog-faced butterfly.

P.394 Why do various parts of the body fall asleep?
***The cause is not poor blood flow, it's from crimping your nerves. If it was from blood flow, your limbs would be purple.

P.398 What is the purpose of goose-bumps?
***Goose-bumps are vestigial. They are pretty much useless without body hair. The effect of them on animals with fur can be to raise the hair on their neck to make them look more intimidating and to lift up there fur a bit to trap in air to keep themselves warm, you'll notice that quite a few animals puff themselves up a bit like this in the cold.

P.406 What are the primary sensation of taste?
***The tongue taste map is a myth. This myth originated from the misinterpretation of a PhD thesis written in German by Hanig and published in Philosophische Studien in 1901.

I also found mistakes on some information listed about the gravity of the planets. Some just could be old information, but one, I think Pluto, had a decimal put in the wrong place.

Not a bad book except for the fact that the author's liberal leanings were too obvious. HBS (or any business school for that matter) is meant to teach business leaders, not focus on making graduates respected social agenda leaders. The author took several shots at the decade of the 80s and the Reagan era, but certainly gave a pass on the corrupt 90s (WorldCom, Enron, etc.) and the Clinton years.

All in all, though, I enjoyed the background on some of the key graduates, but I would not buy another book by this author.

I bought this book for a friend of mine as a congratulations gift on her acceptance to the Harvard Business School class of 2005. Knowing I'm a voracious reader, she asked me to preview it for her. I have to admit I was a bit disappointed.

To be sure, Mr. Callahan has a difficult task - to shape several hundred biographies into a coherent work in 320 pages. It is difficult enough to write one compelling biography! Unfortunately, Mr. Callahan was not able to pull out enough personalities, interesting trivia, or intersecting events to weave an interesting tapestry, instead writing about those experiences virtually everyone has shared -- drinking and reminiscing at old reunions, talking about how we went our own way and returned older and wiser, and in this case, how the collected group rose the corporate ladder. The book lacks the space to give more than a cursory examination to any single business leader, and it does not bother to illuminate us at to what experiences at Harvard tied directly to the success of the class, or exactly what common values they shared (other than some trite yet vigorous finger shaking at the fact that nearly the entire class participated in WWII). However, there are some eye-rolling and oft-repeated lines about how some members of the class suffered the hardship of working their way through their undergraduate years, as if tens of thousands of college students don't do that today (in fact Mr. Callahan alludes that they do not.) As a result, the book reads more like a long resuscitation of facts than as a compelling narrative.

The quotes on the jacket cover promised, "A time when values had meaning, with lessons we can learn", and included the engaging hook "They stormed the beaches of Normandy and the islands of the South Pacific, but the exceptional generation of Americans that won World War II also produced the greatest group of business leaders of the post-war era", but Callahan seems to give up his thesis of common experiences forging common values from the first pages, revealing that several graduates of the esteemed class of '49 have been investigated variously for insider trading by the SEC, by the Justice Department for bribery, or by the FBI for mafia connections. In fact, several of the alums he writes extensively about have extremely questionable business backgrounds. Additionally, it would be hard to differentiate between today's top business school graduates and those of the middle-last century, who went to find job stability and make money, "although millions, not billions as some leaders today." To paraphrase Mr. Dickens, in short, the period was so like the present period, that one of its nosiest authorities insists on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.

This isn't to say that there isn't a fascinating story to tell in the graduates of Harvard Business School, or the class of '49. In my opinion, it just hasn't been told here.

At this point I'll share that this is a qualified review -- I stopped reading about halfway into the book, which is rare for me. It is entirely possible that Mr. Callahan successfully ties the book together and presents its lessons in the final pages. I'll never know. I've since moved on to purchase "Pinstipes and Pearls: The Women of the Harvard Law Class of '64..." which thus far is much more personal and compelling.

There are a lot of things to like about Kindred Spirits. Its written with a solid pace, with a fair eye to both the achievments and limitations of a notable group, and with care not to overreach its modest ambitions. At the same time, I found this book somewhat dissapointing.

The deepest dissapointment comes from incongruity of the book's central thesis and the data it presents. The back cover carries the blurb "It was a time when value had meaning, with lessons we can learn from." In it, though, I found an account of a group no more or less scrupulous than those I've worked with over the last 10 years - in Business School and in industry. The subjects of this book donate to charity and don't seem to drive exotic sports cars, but they do bribe officials, fake the numbers, and repress unions. Its not that they're a bad bunch; the men portrayed here work incredibly hard and seem genuinely insightful about business, but they're not substantially ethically different from MBAs today. I had trouble identifying where the bygone values were - criticizing the tech bubble? questioning the wisdom of 80s LBOs? - its pretty easy to make those calls in hindsight.

The other dissapointment for me was the story not told. In the book there is a subset of the class - the most dynamic, smartest, most successful - called "The Group". There's a handful of them, 8 or so, and every year they make a ski trip with all their families. They stick together in an usually tight, powerful network. I would love to hear more about what personal and professional bonds keep that kind of association intact for better than 50 years. What's missing here is the personal dimension behind that concentration of power. An in-depth look into that could be a book on its own.

Other complaints ran a bit less deep, but were nevertheless distracting. Worst among these was pretty shoddy editing - there were several pieces of narrative that were repeated verbatim in different parts of the book. Initially, I thought I'd lost my place and was re-reading an earlier chapter.

All that said, these are inspiring people, particularly in their courage and their confidence, and the lead interesting lives. Callahan succeeds most when he lets them speak in their own words. I was not at all sorry to have read this, but wish more of the potential depth could have been realized.

The example of the Harvard 49ers is inspirational, and their adventures in business make for an exciting story.

As I read this book I became aware of just how much times have changed since 1949. Nowadays no Harvard Business School MBA student learns this style of business. Now they teach students how to line their own pockets while dismantling successful American businesses and putting all the employees out on the street. They also teach that this is simply good business.

Though very sensationalized,the facts are correct and were taken from court documents. As a local born and raised here, I am familiar with all the players and events..... I felt that Beth Togioka was maligned which is too bad because she was and is a hard working good county employee. It is time we changed the way our county government works. The good old boy network is broken.

The title was catchy. It contained a lot of interesting and enlightening info regarding the local style politics on Kauai. Poorly written so as to make it seem more confusing than it actually was. Would like to have had more complete info re numerous items presented in the book. Seemed like incomplete reporting. Those with any knowledge or experience with local style and Kauai politics will find the book worth the read.

This book can be read very quickly and should be read by every resident of Kaua'i. Anthony Sommer has a pretty negative and static world view, but he is an excellent writer who has done his homework. Many government entities and police departments are made up of corrupt good-ol'-boys who think they are the "good guys," and Kaua'i is no exceeption. Some of his revalations are shocking. For instance, former Sargent Mel Repozzo's particpation in, esentially, a rape of a prisoner in police custody has been called by everyone on the island a "lap dance." This was no lap dance. Sommer gives us the blow by blow court transcript. Rapozzo wasn't even disciplined for this and instead was elected to Council. Had this book been out, he never would have been elected.

Although based on a factual event, the author does include much of his own opinion and does jump to certain conclusions because of his slant against the "locals." Many events are placed in incorrect chronological order, which makes many of his cause and effect premises inaccurate. KPD and Kauai does have problems that needs to be worked through and the newest Chief seems to be the right one to do that. However, this book is sensationalized and full of exaggerations.

The rotten and corrupt facts surrounding the accepted illegal practices of a local island government, come spitting out of the covers of this book, like the staccato blasts of a machine gun! Tony Summers is my kind of author. As a Private Investigator, I don't want the fluff of "it was a dark and cloudy night." I want the facts, and that's the way this book is written! Most paragraphs are only 1 or 2 sentences long. There's just enough pertinent information for you to digest before the "blast" of the next sentence hits you with the "punch line" of illegal behavior. And the dirt just doesn't stop!

This short book weaves a large cast of corrupt island characters, politicians, cops, and common crooks around the corrupt Kauai government agencies so well, that you have to remind yourself, that this isn't a fiction novel. Can such blatant disregard for common law, and ethical principles really exist?

They must, because Tony divulges names, of the bad guys, and the government agencies that perpetuate this islands choice of ethnicity over morality and the rule of law. Kauai is now off my "travel list"!
Joe Maxwell, P.I.

I really liked this book, we were looking for books that included children with Down Syndrome, but did not ever actually say they had it. It was also great because Russ was doing something that all kids like to do, and overall I think it was a good message

Our neighbor across the street has a little girl with downs syndrome and my daugther who is 4 has started to notice that she is different from her. I wanted to get her a book that showed someone with downs syndrome doing real things so that I could use it as an example. Unfortuntately the pictures are so far away that you don't really get to see Russ. It would have been better if there were some closer photographs.

As an educator, I absolutely adore the inclusiveness portrayed in this book. So many books today which include characters with a disability, spend so much time trying to teach about a specific disability, or trying to impart a message of acceptance, that they forget the storyline. This certainly can't be said about Russ' books. If it weren't for the pictures, we wouldn't even know that Russ has Down syndrome and that's exactly how I like it- disability naturally.

This is a terrific book about a little boy with DS who visits his uncle's firehouse in Chicago. The story is simple and clear. The photos are lovely. The actual story never mentions Russ' DS which I think is just the way it should be. He's just a little boy visiting a fire house, however, kids with DS will be excited to just see him in the photos and other kids will benefit from what I can only describe as his "normalcy". I purchased this book initially because my own son, who is almost 3, has DS. He really loves this book and it has become one of our regular story books. Which puts it in the ranks of classics like Brown Bear, and Goodnight Moon at our house. Russ is just a little boy who gets to help out around fire engines one day. What kid wouldn't want to do that!

I'm such a fan of books from Woodbine House! My kids love this series of books about a boy named Russ, especially RUSS AND THE FIREHOUSE. I think it's wonderful that Russ has Down sydnrome and the book doesn't even mention it. It just shows Russ as a regular kid, doing regular kid stuff. Any child who likes fire engines will love this tour of a real firehouse. We have the first book in the series, RUSS AND THE APPLE TREE SURPIRSE, and we hear that there is a new one coming out soon. Looking forward to it!

I have always had interest in Business, though a software developer and database administrator. I'm currently running and MBA program with a University and was looking for a book that would enrich my knowledge. This book gives different dimensions and insights to the regular MBA Curriculum with life case studies and practical tools for each topic covered.

I have read a few other books on MBA and so far this is the best I have come across, though I wish there were chapters on Entrepreneurship and Business Negotiation.

I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting a business school refresher b/c it thoroughly covers the all the topics. You'll find yourself saying "oh, yes, I remember that!"

The approach throughout the book is to highlight "the big questions" around each topic, then discuss them in detail. I've found this a great way to hit the just high points when I want to refresh myself and to have a more in-depth read when I want more.

It has become a great desk reference for me. A co-worker just finishing an MBA has also read it and found it a great complement to his MBA program.

While all the chapters are well-written and full of information, the chapter on macroeconomics was outstanding. I was surprised to learn in the book how few of the top business schools teach macroeconomics. Fortunately, the book covers it well.

Great book.

Good intro to b-school for the non-MBA person or for someone who is looking to enter b-school soon. Also, can be used as a little refresher for long-time graduates, but don't expect to be able to run a business simply by reading this book.

This book is very well organized. There are some charts that may look confusing at first, but once you read through, it all comes together, and each element of the chart is clearly explained. I recommend you read this book, if you are looking to better strategize your firms objectives, or if you are building a company from scratch and would like a general guide.

I just started reading this today.

It is hard for a non-MBA to review the book, being that my only understanding of what goes on in MBA halls is based on my friend's stories and the plethora of business books I've read.

However, I can say that the book covers most of the topics being discussed in classrooms today.

What I find most convinient is the ease with which the authors handle the business language. Furthermore, the book is tightly organized, starting out with a basic review of macro/micro economics.

I think even someone just looking for a basic understanding of business and economic phenomena will take away a lot from this book.

This is probably the best (and only?) book available that gives a detailed overview of A/P procedures. It is especially helpful for those who need to design new policies to address difficult problems. For example, the book gives a very good explanation of procurement cards (p-cards), how to reduce T&E costs, and how to choose and hire new A/P personnel. In other words, it covers just about all of the bases. The only area the book doesn't cover is specific software packages, but I think that is beyond the scope of the book's title, and there are many other resources that have information accounting software. Potential buyers should note that there are annual supplements that update this book, and it may be worthwhile taking a look at them as well. Technology causes so many changes, that some business ideas are out of date within a few months, so you might want to make sure you have the most current information.

Gives a solid summary of most important parts of running AP operations. The case studies make the book very clear. For new controllers this would be a really good addition to your bookshelf.

This book puts forth a valuable resource for responsibilities that fall under the accounts payable umbrella. The book, through good outlined topics and case studies, shows how a company can save money, maintain internal control, upgrade its systems, as well as retail professionalism of the department. The book includes an excellent division of topics within, which are pertinent to those who are involved with the day to day running of the accounting manager and accountants.

Really interesting way to organize and understand accounts payable. I'm going to suggest that my company use this book as a tool for our employees. Every detail is covered with simple to implement instructions. Also great as a reference tool. And the best thing is that it is easy to read!

A number of international trade terms used throughout the industry are not included in this book. So the glossary is somewhat disappointing in this respect.

Hinkelman also did not provide a detailed overview of Documentary Collection payments (used less frequently than L/C, but still worth noting).

However, I would give a thumbs up to the L/C overview.

The 1989 version of the Basic Guide to Exporting is a good start, but one should look for the 1998 version in order to keep up with our digital global economy. Yes, the 1989 version is old and pre-Berlin Wall, but actually very similar to the 1998 new version in structure. The 1989 version of the Basic Guide of Exporting illustrates the essentials of exporting something to few exporters really appreciate. One of the best aspects of the 1989 version is the beginning sections on developing the exporter's international marketing plan. In the early chapters, one also learns the specific techniques and programs used in international marketing and research - the primers in exporting a good or service abroad. The other benefit of this cost-effective tool is the sample forms that one can use in corresponding with international importers and business contacts. Of course, one should always seek professional advice on all aspects of exporting and the Basic Guide is your source for those helpful contacts. However, the names and contact information in the 1998 version are much more relevant because they are more updated and reference many aspects of Internet resources. Exporting has also changed in the last nine years and the 1989 version is not up to date enough to cover those changes effectively. Although the 1989 version is good, one should seek out the new version so that one is prepared for the new global e-commerce environment. The 1989 Basic Guide of Exporting could be your start, but you must build from there. The price is right, too!

Written by the US Department of Commerce especially for small or medium sized businesses who have never exported before. Covers selecting a country, adapting your product, find a channel of distribution, government regulations, trade barriers, getting paid, terms of sale, and shipping options

This book is the single best summary of the subject that I have reviewed in my nearly fifteen (15) years as a commercial attorney. Ms. Alexandra Woznick, the author, is to be commended for an outstanding job of clarifying a subject that is to even experienced practioners, both mystifying and terrifying, and shows that she's the one to consult about such problems. Far from raging against the machine or leaving us down in a jungleland of complexity and regulation, Ms. Woznick shows that you, too, can understand fundamentals and basics of exporting. The edge that one will gain in the battle of evermore increasing regulation and red tape, both on the main streets and the backstreets of trade, from having this book in his or her corporate, professional or personal library more than justifies the small purchase price. The impressions one has from this work are lasting, and yet may field immediate responses to perplexing questions which come up on the run or in the air while doing deals. On business or in the midst of complex transactions, I can't get it out of my head that in the end, this little volume is a keeper. While one cannot guarantee removing all the kinks, contstraints and complications of export practice, this volume will take you past the long and winding road of complex research and easy misunderstanding to an easy short cut to straightening them out. While I had no expectations when I first picked up this volume, the impact for me will not fade away any time soon, lifting as it did the ball and chain of less clarifying works. If I had my way, this volume would be in every commercial practioner's bookshelf. All around the world, and under African skies where our President even now is encouraging export and trade, this book will help one break on through to an understanding of trade complexities in a complex and dynamic legal and regulatory trading environment. If one is drawn to the rhythym of international trade, one is well advised to keep this little volume in order to keep up with the beat of a changing world market.

If your having trouble finding which business school to attend this can greatly help you. Very detailed and ranks schools within given regions.

This was the first book we purchased on the subject, but is was similar to the top 300 undergraduate schools books - Princeton Review, etc.

This was very helpful in narrowing the field of possible schools and informative on the types of students.

The average graduate's salary was also very helpful.

This is a great resource for the money. I found the reviews of the business schools to be very helpful, and when compared to my other research on the subject to be right on point.

This book gives some information that can be helpful
1. A whole lot of stats (Academic rating, GPA ave, GMAT ave, # of students, student faculty ratio, joint degress, financial facts, and a lot more!)
2. A short description/info on academics, career and placement, student life environment, admissions, + more of every school.

Why I don't like it:
1. Most are just US schools. I expected more schools from Europe, Asia, Australia.. There are still a number of non-US schools. But I bought this book to have an idea of how other schools outside US are.

2. They are all MBA programs. I chose this book among others because it said "Best 282 Business Schools," not "Best 282 MBA programs." I intentionally excluded books with "MBA" on their title from my shopping list. There are a lot more programs than the MBA(Ms Finance, Ms Marketing, Ms International Business etcetc.) Business schools are not just about MBA programs. I was expecting see more of them from the book. The only non-MBA programs that they list are the joint-degrees available per school. If you're looking for an MBA program, this won't be a problem.

3. Academic rankings are........ absurd. I couldn't believe they gave University of Chicago just 78 points in academic ranking. Businessweek ranked that school #1, ahead of Harvard/Wharton/Stanford. They could have at least given Chicago an 85.

One final note, if you plan to use this book to gather research information for your essays in top 30 schools, this won't be enough. You'll still need to interview/talk to the adcom, teachers, students or alumnus/alumna.

This book is fine for people looking to get into a US school. If you are also considering a European or Asian school, spend your money on the Economist (EIU) review.

Feels good with the information that was discerned with an initial review ...

The information is up to date and useful for potential applicants

This book is not for the quant jocks. tells a story not a lot of numbers but gives the important stuff that every other book has.

This is an up to date and good textbook on IT auditing. It begins with an overview of IT audit, legal and ethical issues, risks and controls and ends with a chapter on fraud and forensic accounting. What makes this book especially suited for classroom or self-study is the inclusion of discussion questions, exercises, notes and recommended reading lists at the end of every chapter.

The authors cover a wide field but on the same time manage to touch upon all important topics. COBIT, ISACA standards and guidelines are heavily used and referenced throughout the book, providing a good link between study and practice and perhaps making the book one of the preparation resources for the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) examination. The book also includes a CD with ACL software and a sample auditing engagement, which may be useful in some cases, although it does cover only a fraction of knowledge presented in the book.

Overall, this book indeed teaches the core concepts of IT/IS auditing. This book exists in two identical versions: one is for the North American market, another is for all other countries, although the coverage is mostly limited to US and Canadian regulations and practices.

Although this is a college-level text, it can be effectively used by newly minted IT auditors to quickly learn the key knowledge and skill factors needed to function within their roles.

I like and highly recommend this book because of the emphasis on CObIT (Control Objectives for IT), which is the basis for auditing per the IT Governance Institute, which is, in turn under the aegis of Information Systems Audit and Control Association.

As stated by a previous reviewer, this book is wide in scope. The first three chapters cover the basics in clear prose and sufficient detail to give both students and on-the-job new practitioners all of the information needed to orient themselves in the role of an IT auditor. The emphasis on risk management in different domains is another strong point. The chapters covering risks associated with network and telecommunications, e-business systems, and system deployments are both technically accurate and portray realistic scenarios. Chapters 9 (Conducting the IT Audit), and 10 (Fraud and Forensic Auditing) round out the topic areas, leaving no gaps in the knowledge required to be an IT auditor.

The accompanying CD ROM has a software application to be used in conjunction with Appendix B case study. I did not work the case study, nor did I thoroughly exercise the application, so will refrain from making judgments about the usability or value of the application. The case study, though, was well put together and realistic, making it an ideal adjunct for class exercises, as well as working practicing auditors through real world scenarios.

For those new to IT Auditing in general and CObIT in particular I recommend visiting the following two sites: IT Governance Institute, ASIN B0001F8V14, and Information Systems Audit and Control Association, ASIN B00006BW74. You can paste the ASIN numbers in the Search box, select All Products and click the GO button to reach these sites. Once there you can explore additional material that will augment this book, as well as copies of CObIT, and an 84-page document titled 'IT Control Objectives for Sarbanes-Oxley', which is one of the hottest contemporary topics in IT auditing.

Affordable book compared to other IT books, it is well written that provides a comprehensive framework for IT auditing. I especially liked the many Figures/Exhibits that listed Key Risks for the many subjects covered. Working in the SOX compliance area, these risks were a useful summary/checklist to understand what risks should be assessed and managed for SOX compliance. It would not be a detailed book for implementation for an CIO and staff to follow, but for an audit assessment of an IT department, I found useful.

Also, solid instructional material on use of ACL, and of course, the software itself.

As an example, in the chapter on IT Risks and Controls, the only discussion of data integrity is buried in a few lines in a section entitled Security Risk. The examples in the book are mainly about Security issues. Take the subject of data integrity on file transfers. I believe the only mention of the subject outside of Security concerns is a Figure on the OSI Model (Transport layer alone won't detect if a mixture of old and new files are erroneously transfered to downstreams). There is no mention of detection/recovery of skipping/double-posting transactions, error thresholds, data base consistency on no-posts, restart/retry logic, checking for count and amount mismatches, balancing using checkpoints, etc. An auditor I believe should be aware of these types of issues concerning data integrity even in a core concept book.