Bell Books

This book is great! Its a great coffee table book or a nice piece to briefly cover the topic of sustainability in Minnesota. It gives brief overviews of individuals and families that are incorporating community building and sustainability into their lives, business practices, business models, and architecture. My hat's off to the authors of this book and to the people whom made this book possible, the many subjects of this book.

I purchased every volume of this directory and found them all to be very useful to me at one point or the other. The information is very fresh and up to date. Thank You - Balil

Very complete information. Extremely helpful. Let's of sources and contact information. Definite must buy!

I've been reading this strip since it's debut and I was so pleased to have a book come out--I immediately had to purchase it! Bell and Heir are a fabulous team and have created a delightful group of characters that are an incredible mix of age, wisdom, thick headedness and fun. They poke fun at our obsession with coffee, computers, news stories, and the government. My favorite character has to be Sadie Cohen though---the cranky old lady who says everything we all think but that we're not always gutsy enough to express for ourselves. Go Xtreme Scrabble!!!!!

I was surprised how on-point, hilarious, and gutsy the political and social commentary in this book is. I've been reading this comic strip since day one on the NY Times website, and later in my local paper. Long before the 'sixteen words' in the President's speech made such an uproar, and back when the only other voice critical of the Administration was 'The Boondocks,' 'Rudy Park' was calling it like they saw it. This strip has spoken out when so many others in our Media have wimped out. But unlike 'The Boondocks' which is rarely funny, and is too mean-spirited for my tastes, this satire really does 'poke fun' at its targets. It's in the same spirit as 'The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.' It's honest and unafraid, but it's also light-hearted and whimsical at times. Also unlike Boondocks, it devotes a LOT of time to the characters, including Mrs. Cohen, a cranky but wise old lady who reminds me of my grandma, and Monkey, an orangutan Rudy bought from a broke day-trader. This first book also shows how Rudy is a constant victim of unrequited love, how his boss Armstrong is a greedy 'George Jefferson' type, and introduces us to several other endearing characters who are each a little bit mysterious. One, Randy 'The Rock' Taylor, got a job in airport security after 9-11, and routinely checks to make sure people don't have guns, knives, or ugly polka-dot underwear. My favorite is Uncle Mort, the wild-eyed, Liberal conspiracy theorist with a bullhorn who can never get anyone to pay any attention to him, no matter how loud -or how right- he is. This book is a great start, and I can't wait until the next one comes out (the next one, if they're doing them in order, should have even more commentary on the War on Terror and more developments with Rudy's unrequited love of Darlene Desai.). The strip is a wild ride, and I recommend getting this book for anyone who likes cafes, cares about politics and social issues, or who likes looking at really cute Orangutans that dream about Taco Bell value meals. If you want social satire that's endearing instead of mean-spirited, buy this book!

If you're looking for something that has funny characters, great writing, and great artwork, this is for you. I never read comics until my boyfriend got me hooked on "Rudy Park" and "Get Fuzzy." But while Get Fuzzy is a good escape from the world around us, Rudy Park is great because it lampoons the world around us.

It even manages to make the horrible job situation we're facing today funny in unexpected ways. If you're afraid of the direction our country's headed in, wary of terrorism and corporate scandals, and you're worried that your job may suddenly disappear, nothing will make you laugh like this.

I am a fourth grade teacher in the southern California area. I bought this book online about six months ago. My students have learned a lot about the California Missions, and find the games entertaining as well. It's easy for them to understand, and gives them creative ideas to work with their information. Learning can be fun! Just ask my students! There need to be more books out there like this.

I got this book from Santa on Christmas. Its so cool! There are lots of games to do, and it helps me with my California Social Studies class too.

I ordered this book for my two sons. Since then, they have enjoyed hours of fun. I even tend to join in on the fun once in a while. The artwork is FABULOUS and the easy learning history is great. This book is great for kids and adults. My kids are actually having fun and learning at the same time. Great job guys!

I bought this book after an introduction to Sandra Shamas' work in Anthology of Canadian Humor (Will Ferguson). A Trilogy of Performances is very, very funny. I found myself giggling and laughing out loud as I read the book from cover to cover. Since it is a compilation of several of her stand-up performances it is loaded with funny stories and honest but humorous observations. I wood characterize Shamas' humor as adult, feminist, and humanist. Not Lenny Bruce adult, but the work is a bit raw and if you have problems with expressions like ski-jump tits then maybe this work is not for you.

Sandra Shamas is a rare, one-of-a-kind talent who can capture everyday life experiences with hilarity, high-fun and humility. I can't believe she isn't a COLOSSAL, HUGE, HUGE hit in the U.S. yet (though I understand it's of her own choosing). Her book will brighten your day or make a dark, dreary night seem like a trip to the circus, but if you get a chance to see her show live, YOU MUST GO! I guarantee you will laugh until food comes out of your nose (Yuk!), and you will reminisce about her shows for years to come. Take a good friend with you -- you'll have the time of your life!

Years ago a friend and I went to see Sandra Shamas perform 'My Boyfriend's Back and There's Gonna Be Laundry'. We still talk about it to this day. It was one of those rare evenings in which the two of us sat staring up at Sandra, hanging on her every word, tears of laughter streaming down our faces which were permanently contorted into a big open mouthed laugh - we're talking sore face and belly muscles at the end of it all kind of laughter. Since then we've been desperate to see more of Sandra's work but were never able to - Until now! Thank you for writing it all down Sandra. This book is a real gift. Read it and weep!

This book showed me more than I could hope to learn...I am submitting a syllabus to teach Second Life and am asking for this book as the text. Remember me from Carefree Intellagirl and Typewriter?! Rah ;-)

Second Life for Dummies was more than I expected!!...It means a great help for all those who begin in this fantastic world, and for those people who already belong to the Residents. Also has an excellent paperback and pages quality.Beautiful colours and easy graphics to understand step by step, all the procedures (even the more difficults)to explore this infinite World....To all the Fans.....Don t miss it!!!!!!

whether you're a newbie, a long term resident, or thinking about getting a Second Life, this is the most contemporary and lucid guide to the essentials of a good life in SL. An easy, fun read that will enhance your journey into virtual environments. Perfect for educators like me as well, who are interested in teaching and learning using Second Life.

Why I bought this book:

This book was published by Barron's, giving it immediate credibility. This was important to me since a lot of the speed reading books and programs/tutorials on Amazon and eBay look to be obvious scams. Also, another reviewer--Bob Dekle, a top 500 reviewer--reported cranking out a book a day after applying the techniques. There is certainly merit in that.

Why I'm glad I did:

I consider myself a slow reader, and my reading speed did increase threefold in a very short time (about an hour) after consciously using this book's techniques. Also my comprehension improved considerably without having to reread everything.

The technique that helped me the most was using my peripheral vision while splitting the page into two or three columns.

This increased speed is incredibly helpful in my career as a software developer. The satisfaction of my job is found in implementing what I learn, not actually learning it. (I find reading up on most technology concepts horribly boring.) Therefore, this book is very helpful in shortening my reading time and getting onto the fun stuff.

This is indeed a great book on speed reading. It is a must read for those busy professionals like me. The authors were able to give insights on how to be able to read faster without sacrificing comprehension.

This book presents a basic do-it-yourself speed reading course in six chapters laid out as follows:

1: The Speed Reading Aventure Begins (a pep talk)
2: Understanding Why We Read Slowly--And How to Change (a little theory)
3: Learn to Jog, not Walk, through Your Reading (the basics)
4: Learn to Run, not Jog ... (adding some bells and whistles)
5: Learn to Sprint, not Run ... (kicking it into overdrive)
6: Understanding and Remembering What You Read (a presentation of the "Fistnote" technique for retention)
Appendix A: A syllabus for a company in-service on speed reading.

Each chapter gives a clear, concise how-to on the performance of the technique and exercises to perfect the techniques. As the student gains skill and confidence with each technique, the following chapter presents more advanced techniques.

Geared for the busy professional, and an excellent expenditure of funds for anyone wanting to increase reading speed. This is the second speed reading book I've read. "Remember Everything You Read" was the first. Previously I read about 2-3 books per week, mostly nonfiction. I'm reading one per day now. I'll probably burn out on that pace in a couple of weeks, but so far it's been great.

FOOTNOTE: After about a month, I burned out on the rapid pace of reading a book a day. Someone once told me that when you speed read, you "coil up with a good book," and that is an accurate assessment. I'm still reading much faster than before, but slowing down some has improved my enjoyment of reading.

Its good to see that the rural studios work is not unique but rather part of a movement, with other brilliant examples such as the work documented in this book. Beautifully illustrated. Probably the most in depth discussion I've read on the methods and challenges of work among the poor and underserved.
A great contribution to architectures claim to relevance.

This is a great book for both those people who are interested in learning about or those people who are already familiar with environmentally friendly "green" building pratices used in sustainable architecture. Studio at Large specifically chronicles the achievements of the UW BASIC Initiative program that Sergio Palleroni and his colleagues created in 1995. It is fascinating and moving to see the impact this work has on the local and global levels in society.

Prof. Sergio Palleroni teaches the "art-and-science" of "architecture" the old fashion way--with leadership and passion! He's not affraid of rolling up his sleeves, soiling his boot and spending his summer vacations whith his students (the future leaders): teachong design, scheduling and building sustainable communities in the "developing countries."

Madison Smartt Bell does a masterful job of contrasting inner city and middle-class life through speech, thought, and experience. A good read...compares favorably with Richard Price's "Clockers"

I'm not much of a reader. As a matter of fact, I used to avoid books like the plague. Ten Indians is a book that I had to read during summer school last year in college, and I am glad that I did. The author did a wonderful job of grabbing my attention and keeping it throughout the entire novel. Basically, this review goes for all you non-readers out there, if you have to read a book, read this one.

Bell's ninth novel is a stunning accomplishment; alternating between the explosive language of Baltimore's drug culture with the meditative qualities of Tae Kwon Do, he examines race relations, hope and compassion, and most specifically, the moral dilemma of doing and not just saying. The novel takes places in modern day Baltimore, both in the suburbs of upper middle class, as well as the inner city urban homes.

Mike Devlin seemingly has it all, a successful psychiatric practice, a nice home in one of the wealthier suburbs, a loving wife and a daughter getting ready to go off to the college of her choice in a year. He is also a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and as the top student in his Master's school, Devlin is sent to start a new branch. This branch is set up in the inner city of Baltimore. It is here that the rest of our cast is introduced.

We meet many inner city youth at his school: Trig, Gyp, Kool-Whip, Freon, Sharmane, Tamara, Buster, D-Trak, Clayvon, Stuttz, amongst others. Here we see the opposite life to Devlin's; those with nearly nothing. Living in projects, one or maybe no parents, and children way before they were ready.

There are virtually no minor characters in this novel besides maybe some of Devlin's patients. They are used to foreshadow some events and to allow the reader the possibility that Devlin is not satisfied with his current life. Over half of the dope dealers and those residing in the projects are fully realized. We understand what they do, how they do it, and sadly, why they do it.

Bell is one of the few authors out there seriously writing about race issues. It's as if he needs to do so, as if his writing about the problem will help him come to some conclusions. In lesser writer's hands, this set up could lead to a very cliché book. In the hands of Bell it becomes anything but. His use of language is true; as the story alternates between various narrators (including an omniscient third person narrator), the language takes on the structure and vocabulary expected.

To the outsider, as Devlin gets more involved in his school, he begins acting strangely. To some it would appear as some sort of a mid-life crisis. Even his wife, an ex-social worker with some professional acumen, feels he is sliding down a tunnel of depression and warns him he won't drag her along. He even struggles himself at times to come to words for what he is doing, but before his final actions he comes to a realization.

He is not succumbing to the notion that one individual can't make a difference. He is following the words of his Master and doing what he says, not just saying it. He is getting involved in lives, trying to make a difference. For an hour a day, he is fairly successful. It is the other 23 that put him to the test.

There is plenty of action throughout the novel; both in and out of the Tae Kwon Do school. Bell does a great job of describing hand to hand combat. His writing allows the reader to visualize each action, almost well enough to believe he or she is learning Tae Kwon Do, banging along with the characters, or watching Devlin's patients describe their lives.

You won't soon forget Devlin, his daughter Michelle, Trig or any of the other characters in this book; their efforts, actions and plight will stick with readers for awhile. Amazingly enough, Bell published this book in between volumes I and II of his Haitian trilogy. With ten novels in print now, and two short story collections, Madison Smartt Bell has enough to keep you busy reading for a long time. Take advantage.

This excellent publication has examples of how it works. I little bit basic but explains TA as used in TOC in a very understandable way. The book should be on every bookshelf if you want to know how to really make it work. Good work authors!
E

Throughput Accounting is the best thing since sliced bread. The Goal is the most exciting book I've ever read.

This valuable book discusses the "other side" of the Goldratt constraints management approach: proper metrics. For the price, it is the best business accounting book you will ever buy. Period.

Though this is a thin book, it is full of good ideas for healthy snacks for kids that adults will also enjoy. The recipes are clear and easy to follow. I appreciate that there are plenty of egg-free and dairy-free snacks, which works well for us (household of food allergies). If you are used to lots of mainstream, store-bought junk food, the food might taste funny to you, but if you are into healthy foods and healthy snacks, it is a great book. The kids and I have been having fun with the recipes, and modifying some of them to add our own touches. I bought one as a gift for a friend, too.

This is an extremely useful and practical book full of simple ideas and recipes for snacks and lunches. The information on planning snacks definitely comes from an anthroposophical bent, which might be troubling to some readers, but overall it is a wonderful resource. It includes sample snack menus, information of eating "a grain a day" (as well as the energetic properties of the grains), and sections on bread, soup, fruit, birthday cakes & muffins, and special foods for the festivals. We use ours daily!

This book is wonderful!!! Everyone that has children or works with them should have a copy. The recipes are healthy and appetizing selections that are made from ingredients most of us have in our pantries. There are fun suggestions for celebrations and the charming illustrations just complete the package! Not to mention the very reasonable price! Even if you don't have little ones, get the book, you'll love it!!!