Guides and Directories Books

I am a High School Counselor and I have referenced this book often. I buy a new edition every few years to add to my professional library.

This book is great. When picking which college to go to, use this book along with Princetonreview, Fiskes, and another book of your choosing that catches your eye. Don't just rely on one book, each has it's own personality and will give you different insights on the schools.

The book was a great help for the college search. The layout is much more friendly and easier to read than other guides, and more personalized details make it less like an editorial staff writing it and more of your best friend tell you about the college.

This book is quite good. After the Fiske Guide to Colleges, I think this is my favorite. Even though Kaplan makes it plain that they are biased as the "un" in "unbiased" is crossed out on the cover, the book is more balanced and less negative than Princeton Review's Best 357 Colleges. Kaplan says that the book covers the "most interesting" colleges as opposed to the "most selective." However, they say right away that highly selective schools happen to be very interesting, so you will see mostly the same schools you will see in Fiske. Princeton Review has been faulted for including some big public universities for the sake of sales that, according to many, don't really belong in books on the best universities. Well, for better or worse, Kaplan has a few less state schools (as does Fiske). The "interesting" schools that other books leave out include many music or art schools or other specialty schools. For example, I haven't found Julliard or the Culinary Institute of America or Gallaudet University (for the hearing impaired)in any other books of the best schools.

The statistics in the book are understandable and helpful. I feel that Princeton Review does a slightly better job with their coverage of financial aid, but Kaplan is sufficient. Kaplan does something smart by offering a range of SAT scores for the middle 50% of accepted students for each school instead of giving a specific median score. Even though I think it's fun to see median scores, it can be discouraging to students who score below the median, and is therefore a less useful statistic.

I think parents and students will find this a good compromise between Fiske and Princeton Review. One reviewer said he felt that Princeton Review quoted student statements that made good copy instead of statements that accurately reflected a school's true nature. There's no way to know that for sure, but Princeton Review is pretty gossipy, so I have a sneaky suspicion that the reviewer is right. Fiske does a really great job explaining the academic strengths and opportunities of each school, but someone else pointed out that Fiske says so little that's negative that the reader has a hard time figuring out which school is best. Kaplan provides readers with more student opinion than Fiske, and while the reading is a fair amount drier than Princeton Review, it focuses on the classroom a bit more than the frat parties.

I wrote this review for Tell-A-Woman, Philadelphia's monthly women's newsletter:

It's that time of year when I start to ask myself, "What can I look forward to after the holidays?" Well this year I've come across the perfect resource to answer that question. Ellen Lederman has compiled a comprehensive directory of more than 200 adventure opportunities "for the mind, body and spirit." Lederman's book has given me vacation ideas to fill my time-off for the next several years.

The book is organized by vacation types and includes Holistic, Spiritual, Healing and Health-Promoting, Self-Improvement and Learning chapters. There are easy to use state-by-state and international indices in the back to quickly search for adventures in particular areas. Since I'm always looking for that mid-winter, warm weather vacation I immediately searched under Florida and Mexico for my adventures. The general index is also very helpful for finding more specific offerings. I found 40 entries next to the "Women's programs" index and 30 for "Music programs."

The directory of adventures, retreats and workshops includes the seemingly content-free Disney Institute in Florida, and at the other extreme, a five-day intensive workshop for abuse survivors offered by Safe Harbours in California. There's a listing for you if you want to spend your vacation painting, learning to build houses, or cataloging fossils in Uganda. There's even one for those hungry for some intergenerational bonding at the Sagamore Institute's Grandparents Camp.

Of course there are also entries for the usual mud baths, tennis lessons and more yoga retreats than I ever expected -- but you can find those listings most anywhere. The real value in this book is the recognition that a vacation can offer more than just a great view and a seven-day lounge by the pool - admit it, leisure does get a little boring. Many of us have been hungry for a way to use our time off to rejuvenate but we also hope to get something more than a few nice pictures - we want to add to our lifeskills resource bank. Thanks to Lederman's book I think I'll be learning to build my own home in Massachusetts this Summer and within the next two years I'll finally get to see the changes going on in South Africa first hand.

Prices for the getaways vary. Lederman uses a coding for under $1500, $1500-$3000 and over $3000, but don't let that scare you off. Many of the health and healing programs may be partially or fully covered by your health insurance and quite a few of the other programs have scholarships available. I encourage you to pick up Ellen Lederman's book and find out all the things you can do on your next vacation.

Truly a marvelous guide to identifying the new dimension of vacation. It is best put in the quote from the other book I bought from a truly enlightened author: "In this tidal wave of change upon us, the vacation 'want to get away from' has turned into the 'need to get in touch with'. What sufficed to relax and rejuvenate the body must now encompass the increasingly confused and troubled mind. Until now considered a frivolity, the new definition for vacation encompasses a need that is vital to the balance of our mental and physical well-being. Our world is in a core level identity crisis which extends all the way into biblical prophecy. In the turmoil of reidentifying our very foundation stones of belief, finding a temporary sanctuary for the mind may become a matter of survival." from "The Secrets & Mysteries of Hawaii" by Pila of Hawaii.

If you're looking for a vacation that will change your life, this is your book. Clear chapters, where to write or call info with every destination. Definately worth the money!

I received this book as a gift. It is very informative on interesting places and workshops not only throughout the US, but other countries as well. Great ideas for get aways with my mother and a group of friends! I highly recommend it. Prices are not listed, but a general range is provided plus address, phone number and website info to get more info if needed.

Only two chapters of the book are very helpful. The sections on the neighborhoods provides a good overview but overall the book is outdated and not reliable as a resource.

This book served as the number 1 resource I found when relocating to New York City. It provided me extremely useful and practical information relating to schools, apartment finding, weekend retreats and dog runs for my dog.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is moving to New York from any other city and needs some starting point, regardless of whether or not you are married or single.

I just moved to NYC from Utah, and needed one source of information from everything to finding a school for my 9 year old daughter to where the appropriate apartment for my family was. Welcome to New York was the only book I bought, and continue to use it on a regular basis as a source for all my New York needs.

-Cliff

I have been in NYC for 1year.I am from Japan. This book covers all information that I need as a newcomer to NYC.I was especially interested in the subject"for foreign newcomer".It is about New York Culture,etiquette and how to get a job.Now I am sharing this book with all my friends who are in the same situation as being a foreigner in NYC. I believe that this book is the most practical guide book about the Big Apple.

This volume produces classic research engines and E-mail addresses consistent with job hunting and research. The book lists well-known distance learning on the net. i.e. detc.org educationdirect.com and uwex.edu (clearinghouse)

The distance learning industry has grown to a $120B market with
18,000 programs at the post-secondary level. The Old Dominion
University, umuc.edu, apus and careeronestop are important
job-training and job-hunting sites. A strength of this work is that it provides very specific information on internet sources.
The acquisition is current. It is a solid value for the price
charged.

Over a thousand great websites for savvy job seekers are featured in a title which examines employment websites from the perspective of job seekers. From using search engines and exploring gateway employment sites to networking and mentoring and accessing Usenet newsgroups, America's Top Internet Job Sites is packed with important information.

Want a quick and easy guide to finding a job online? Choose Ron and Caryl Krannich's America's Top Internet Job Sites, which lists well over a thousand web sites for job seekers. Keys to using search engines, directories ,and gateway employment and employer sites provide invaluable information and tips.

This text holds a lot of information for writers seeking to publish articles, books, essays, etc.

For freelancers, and genre writers alike.
Unlike the writer's market, the American directory of writer's guidelines, has the best comprehensive information I've experienced.
The book has easy to read, and far more information than writer's market. The book is choc-full of easy to understand magazine and book publishing guidelines.
Also included, are text illustrations on,

*Query letters.
*Selling your book to a publisher.
*Author's rights.
*Standard manuscript format.
*Periodicals guidelines.
*What are writer's guidelines, etc.
I recommend this essential to the writer literature tool.

Now in an expanded and thoroughly updated fourth edition, The American Directory Of Writer's Guidelines is collaboratively compiled and jointly edited by Brigitte M. Phillips, Susan D. Klassen, and Doris Hall. With current and invaluable information drawn from more than 1,100 magazine editors and 400 book publishers, The American Directory Of Writer's Guidelines is designed specifically for the freelance writer seeking to be published commercially. Listed by category (book publishers, periodicals, etc.) and arranged in alphabetical order within categories, each entry includes basic information concerning submission guidelines for writing (and photographs if applicable), contact information, a summary of the mission and general inclination of the publisher, and more. An invaluable resource for locating potential customers for one's work and conforming to the requirements that will protect one's labor from being instantly rejected, The American Directory Of Writer's Guidelines is a snap to consult and a first-class resource for freelance writers that literally pays for itself.

Having worked as a contract archaeologist years ago, I bought this book last summer to refresh my memory on archaeological procedures and techniques for a summer enrichment class that I was teaching.It was extremely helpful and I would recommend it for those who are thinking of taking an archaeology class.Archaeology is one of those professions that has pershible skills.

The book is a wonderful resource for the beginer archaeologist. It explains all the terms, tools, and tricks of the trade. It also has a wonderful list of places you can go to dig and companies that will help place you. The only issue I have with it is that it is 9 years old...a newer, updated book would be great because the listings of digs would be updated. Nice photos and diagrams...written with a sense of humor

This is a very good basic book. It explains almost all of the aspects of archeology. It is very good in explaining things. The book is very complete. Great for the starting archeologist.

Well, the book was exactly what I thought it would be. I was hoping for more, but was not disappointed. Most of the information was common knowledge via the internet. I would recommend checking it out from a library if available instead of buying it.

Thinking about getting a degree in a computer-related field to enhance your current position or to seek a new one? Have one of those jobs where you have to work 60 hours a week just to keep up? If this sounds like you, I'd like to offer you two recommendations:

1. Find out everything that you can about distance learning. Learn from where you are, be that a hotel room on the road or your kitchen table at home. There are many different formats available, including on-line, correspondence, video, audio, et cetera.

2. After you have done the above, rush out and buy "Bears' Guide to the Best Computer Degrees by Distance Learning". It provides all of the information that you will need to discover the best programs suitable to your unique situation. You will find many programs from which to choose your IT, CS, or CIS degree.

This book is well worth the... price because it will quickly pay for itself with your getting a new or better job.

Happy reading (and job hunting!)

This book is an excellent buy for anyone that is thinking of getting a computer-related degree via distance learning. The authors have sorted out what, in their opinion, are the one hundred best degrees offered and provided for each school their accreditation information, the computer degrees it offers, contact information, and a brief description of the program offered. This book gives the reader a good look at the types of computer degrees that are available and, in my opinion, cuts about 90% of the work involved in getting matched up with the school that best suits his or her needs.

This is a very informative book for anyone comtemplating a cruise and I can highly recommend it.

If you have ever taken a cruise you know how frustrating it can be just deciding which cruise to take? There are probably hundreds of books on the topic, not to mention the endless number of newspaper, magazine and Internet articles.
Now along comes a guide that probably could be called the bible of ocean cruising information, as its level of detail and rigorous research is unbelievable!

The Berlitz Ocean Cruising& Cruise Ships 2004, authored by Douglas Ward, just about answers all of your cruising queries. In other words, don't leave home without it before committing yourself to a cruise.

The guide's author is the world's top authority on cruising and cruise ships, and is the president of the Maritime Evaluations Group, an independent international agency that rates cruise ships worldwide.

In the introductory chapters Ward gives the reader interesting information as to what to keep in mind before deciding on any one cruise.

Readers learn about terrorism and its effects on cruising, quality of cruising today, destinations, history of cruising entertainment, different kinds of cruising, what brochures really mean, selecting the right ship, and how the guide evaluates the ships. There is also a section asking if in fact cruising is for you.

After reading these introductory chapters, readers are now prepared to pore over information pertaining to 256 cruise ships that are alphabetically listed.
The reviews of these ships reveal vital statistics and information pertaining to the ships' size, age, names of builders, original cost, former names, and what the ship contains insofar as cabins, swimming pools, floors etc.

Overview paragraphs indicate the ship's history and the author's comments concerning the honesty of the ship's brochures.
How often have we picked up a beautiful brochure and were subsequently very disappointed?

Succinct descriptions of the ship's interior, as well as the cabins, dining facilities; dress code, food quality, and transportation to and from the ship are also provided.

Questions as to the suitability of the cruise are clearly answered. As an example, some are more suitable for younger couples, others for families or mature individuals.

Detailed descriptions concerning accommodations are clearly presented concerning their size, what they include, bathrooms, closet and drawer space, showers, cabin voltage, spaciousness, amenities, special suites, and how they are decorated.

Cuisine and dining facilities are analyzed as to their general atmosphere, size, kind of meals served, choice, quality and quantity of the food, wine lists, quality of service and what to expect from the waiters and waitresses. Do they sing and dance during the meals?

Some ships offer alternative dining facilities. Generally, these require reservations and there is an extra cost. Here again, the guide goes into detail about ships that offer this alternative and their quality.

Always high on the priority list is the question of entertainment. The guide- book provides the reader with a description of the kind of entertainment they can expect, when and where the entertainment is held, and its quality.

Perhaps you are into spa/fitness? Consequently, you surely would want to have an assessment of these facilities, if they are in fact offered.

Each of the reviews contains sidebars that present the Berlitz rating. These ratings are explained in the preliminary chapters to the book.
In 2004 Berlitz crowned the Europa as the winner with the highest ratings.

Ward has created a splendid, in depth guide- book, which even the more experienced cruise enthusiast will discover something new.

Norm Goldman Travel Writer and Editor of Bookpleasures

Berlitz does it right with this release - although as soon as something like this is published, it's outdated. But it's worth the $23.95. This title is good for the beginner as well as the experienced cruiser. Most of the information is relevant and accurate.

Douglas Ward does a splendid job of presenting the world of cruising to readers. He divides the book into several sections from: Who Goes Cruising? to Typical Extra-cost Items. Almost 700 pages. There's even a section for the physically challenged. The Booking and Budgeting section is excellent, although I think that the part where the services of a travel agent are questionable are overplayed. You can't ask questions to an Internet page when you're trying to book a cruise AND it's kinda unfair to call up an agent just to ask a quesion without any intention of booking...

I think this book is great. It has lots of information and I found it to be perfect for my needs. Kudos to the authors!

Had a book in this series for camping in Virginia, which was very helpful and this New York version hasn't let me down either. We've already tried a few of the sights and the camp site location guide is particularly helpful. A good resoure to have for those who love camping.

This is a very good camping book. I like the list of features it has for every campground, including whether dogs are allowed or not (very useful for us, we have 2 dogs). We definitely will try visiting a few of these campgrounds in the future. I also liked the camping packing list in the back of the book, it's a good checklist to check out before any trip to make sure you don't forget anything important.

Thorson has done her research in a very thorough manner. With each new edition, she redoes her research to make sure it is up-to-date and accurate rather than copy what is in the older editions like similar books do.

If you are considering a non-traditional university degree, you need to read this book cover-to-cover. First, Thorson talks about the key players, their roles and responsibilities. Distance learning may or may not be the way for you to pursue your college degree.

Second, and most important is a very frank and clear discussion about accreditation, the various accrediting agencies plus contact information. She explains the types of educational accreditation: institutional (state, regional, national, etc) and specialized accreditation. For example The American Dietetic Association for programs focused on nutrition or American Physical Therapy Association for Physical Therapists and more.) Read about accreditation before gettting an application to the program you think you want to attend. Then write to all of the agencies the institution says it is accredited through. Request a copy of their most recent evaluation of your chosen institution. I did and found out one program accredited through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)- a regional accrediting agency, had deep financial problems, had filed for bankruptcy and had received its second warning from WACS stating that it would lose its accreditation it did not rectify its financial problems. But, that university never told me that. Eventually they were forced to close by the bankruptcy courts for financial reasons leaving thousands of students hanging with only "part of" a college degree.

Next Thorson explains the process of getting university credits towards what one has learned through ones work experience and life experience through the various equivalency examinations, complete with contact info and what tests they administer. This saves time and money and is excellent for the military and minor students who have had to live outside of the USA due to their parents career. Also, is a chapter on high school diplomas via distance learning that are accredited programs. Some profiled are Texas Tech University High School, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Independent Stidu High School, North Dakota Department of Public Instrucion of Independent Study, American School Private and private correspondence schools like the American School, Citizens'High School, Hartcourt High School, Home Study International, Keystone National High School.

She explains the various types of long-distance learning. Some degrees are all "virtual" or all on-line and others require you to meet with the professor and other students either on the "real" campus or a satelite location. That involves your time and costs. She gives a comprehensive review of all of the colleges with distance learning degrees starting out with contact information, degrees offered, how the courses are delivered (online, site-based, etc), description of each degree and tuition. At the back of the book is an "Index of Study Area" allowing you look up the degree you want to study with the universities offering that degree and the degree program (certified, associate, bachelor, master, doctorate). The index of schools lists the colleges alphabetically accompanied by the page number where it is profiled. I am extremely happy with this book and it helped me find the program that meets everything I was looking for in pursuing a master degree program.

Thank you Ms. Thorson for a well-researched and well-written book!

I have an older version of this book, but I thought it was excellent. I actually am about to complete a degree program that I found in here. I have never seen another resource quite like it. The book lets you look up "non-traditional" degree programs by profession as well as by state. It also tells you what accreditations each college holds and what the degree program requirements are.

This guide book is well detailed, and interesting. But nothing to crown about when you read Peterson's Guides and the rest of the guides book. I have not verified the accuracy of information yet, but it seems to stand well on its own