Berg Books

I'm giving up on this book about 3/4 of the way through it. That's a rarity for me, but this one is a bit of a slog and I've grown weary. I finally realized what my problem is with it: From the title (no doubt a take-off on "Catcher in the Rye") I assumed that Moe Berg was a catcher WHILE he was a spy. In fact, he was a catcher and THEN a spy (other than one over-blown incident where he furtively filmed in pre-war Japan). And to be honest, he wasn't even much of a spy--he never went behind the lines, wasn't incognito, etc. The true story of the book is what an eccentric character Moe Berg was. The thing is, as charismatic as he was, I'm sure I would have been as spellbound as everyone else he met. Ultimately, though, he comes off as a tragic, pitiable man, living on past glories and the generosity of others.

I felt like I was reading the sports pages for the first 140 pages. Too many stats, facts and figures. The storyline didn't flow, the plot was sluggish and languished for the most part. The story of Moe Berg's life should have packed some punch! I expected more pizazz. His life warranted it, but the book didn't deliver.

Moe Berg was completely unpleasant. I found myself wondering why I should care about his life. He was a mediocre ballplayer, a mediocre scholar and a mediocre spy. His talent was that he was pleasant to be around. Why write a book about him?

Why read about him? I wondered that. My reaction was, "So what?"

This interesting biography covers a most unusual person. Moe Berg (1902-1972) was a talented linguist, ballplayer, and U.S. espionage agent for the OSS (forerunner of the CIA) before and during World War II and briefly for the CIA after the war. Author Nicholas Dawidoff describes Berg's mysterious life, including New Jersey boyhood, studies at Princeton and Columbia, and years as a second-string catcher for the Dodgers, White Sox, Indians, Senators and Red Sox. Even as a player Berg was better know for his linguistic skills and stealth than for his baseball exploits. Then readers learn of Berg's years as a spy, which probably began when Berg toured Japan with other big leaguers in 1934. The author describes Berg's secret wartime activities, including his 1944-45 mission to ascertain the status of Nazi nuclear research. We also read of his later years, when except for brief CIA assignments, Berg chose to freeload off relatives and friends rather than employ his superb linguistic and legal talents (he had a law degree). A Overall, Berg was an enigmatic man, and this biography, written two decades after his passing, fails to uncover much about him - perhaps Berg would have wanted it that way. Still, this is an interesting and nicely researched biography.

Moe Berg is truly one of the most interesting, and enigmatic, characters in sports history. What always fascinated me was how, after WWII and no longer in baseball, Berg never worked. He would stay at friends and relatives' homes throughout the country, reading multiple newspapers, and maintaining strict control of those papers. My guess, and this would make for an interesting investigative study, is that he stayed on the OSS/CIA payroll and was working for them, in some capacity: Dissecting the news, dealing with Communist espionage - or who knows, maybe he was working with foreign elemnets. Berg was something. He has to be considered a major hero. Surely the fact that he was an ex-ballplayer makes him stand out from the other heroes under "Wild Bill" Donovan, as does the fact that a Jew was sent to Nazi-controlled Finland to get German scientists. This is a terrific story. (...)

The text is somewhat redundant. The basic idea could easily have been summarized in a few pages. A great effort was made by the author to repackage a superstitious idea and make it appeal to an intelligent mind.

I had a beautiful experience having a "red string" ceremony with two other seekers whom I had shared a previous Kabbalah resource with. It was extraordinarily moving. I wish the instructions had been more explicit as I "wasted" some string by cutting it in thirds (there were of us). It should have been more specific about how to "measure" the string size before cutting.

If one could get their mind to belive what this book offers, it would be great. Without that the book is just another self-help book on the shelf.

I don't know about the rest of you readers but I was so turned off by this little book I didn't even finish it, so maybe I should not comment.
I did not like the idea of commercialising Kabbalah. Something very profane rings here. Advertised as the Power of Protection is that a gimmic? Who needs to be frightened into reading a book?
Read the beautiful books by Kushner if you are interested in Kabbalah.
Turned off and turned away.

i know many readers were disappointed that the string didnt come with the book but i am glad that it doesn't. the red string is not a fashion statement. if you read the book and still feel compelled to wear the string than order it. the wait is that much sweeter.

Peace. I am a messenger and warner of God (warning of Hell, and propounding good news of Paradise). With regard to this book, I have some declaratives I wish to promulgate:

1) It is indeed good because it is CHEAP.

2) It is good because it is CONCISE (251 pages).

3) It is good because there are EXERCISES to aid comprehension.

4) It is good because it contains SUMMARIES to aid memory.

In light of this awareness, it follows as a logical consequence that a pursuit of this book with an intention to speed read would indeed be prudent and judicious. The author claims that being able to read a page in 3 seconds is possible, and one may react with a sense of astonishment at such an awesome promulgation. This may NOT be possible, although being able to read a page in approx. 5 secs IS POSSIBLE. Five seconds is indeed quick but it is possible because I have now accomplished it using the techniques in the book! Praise be to God!

The book urges an 8 WEEK program. However, being a genius myself, I accomplished a speed reading ability (i.e. a page in 5 seconds approx.) in approx. 2 days! Praise be to God! Buy this book and try speed reading yourself even if you are not a genius (it is NOT a pre-requisite).

I recently took a class with Mr. Berg at the Learning Annex in Manhattan. Seven hours long!... It was very interesting, and yes my reading speed did double within the first half of the day, and by the end of the day I was at about 800 words/minute. Mr. Berg is an extremely wise man, very enthusiastic and encouraging, and I'm glad I did take the class which gave me some practice, making it a lot easier for me to understand his ideas in the rest of this book on my own time. Only a little disappointing was the fact that in both the book and the seven-hour lecture I experienced, the focus did seem to be on studying and special techniques for recalling and the like. He was able to answer any and all questions asked during the class, and I really trust that he's very accomplished and knowledgable on this subject. I learned a lot from him and from the book. Though this book seems pretty good, but I definitely plan on checking out some others on this subject.

I picked up SUPER READING SECRETS because I was and am still interested in learning as much as I possibly can. Being able to increase my reading speed would allow me to read more books than I can now and in turn I would learn more information. After reading the book, I do know how to increase my reading speed. The techniques that Berg suggests in SUPER READING SECRETS really do work, however, they are not something I intend to do frequently. I like reading. Even when studying, I take pleasure from most things I read. For me, there really isn't much distinction between reading for pleasure and reading for information and reading for studying. Just about everything I read is for pleasure. Most of the techniques that are suggested in the book are directed towards reading for information and reading for study.

Besides the speeding reading tips, the book is also full of useful study techniques and tips. If I was still a student in high school or college and had never discovered these tips and techniques on my own, then I would have found these parts of the book to be quite useful. However, since I already knew about these techniques I didn't get much out of these parts of the book either.

True to the title, SUPER READING SECRETS really does explain how a person can learn how to read one-page in three seconds. It takes time, but it does work. Students who have trouble studying from high school and college will get the most from this book. However, if you're someone like me who likes to read (even most textbooks) for pleasure, then you probably won't gain much from reading this book.

I took Berg's class and read this book, but I still can't read as fast or nearly as fast as him. I admit I read a lot faster now, but I can't say it is because of him. I owe it to practice. Simply, the more you read, the faster you will read and understand it better. There is no magic formula. One of the techniques Berg teaches is to use your hand as a guide to train your eyes to follow your hand, so the faster you move your hand, the faster your eyes move and therefore read faster. I actually read faster without the hand and using it just gives me headaches. Plus, if you really enjoy reading, I cannot believe reading a page in seconds will be an enjoyable experience. This may be a good thing for students trying to get all the information they need for exams. And the book provides some really good studying tips. Unfortunately when I read this, I already graduated. This is a must-read for all students. Berg is definitely a talented guy that can do what he claims, but you would have to be just as talented to used his speed reading techniques.

'Just another in a spate of hallucinogenically self-evident books on reading like a maniac. I read faster than anyone I know, but I've always read faster than anyone I know. And, in evidence to my claim, when asked questions about what I've read, I don't require that the questions be formatted as multiple choice or as verbal "meta tags" that merely require recognition/recall. I'm happy to provide context and interpretation. Of course, I may misinterpret, but the questioner can readily determine that I have thoroughly read the book and have a good grasp of its broad issues as well as many of its fine points.

The main reasons I read so quickly and effectively are:
***1. I learned to read very early--before first grade--and in an extremely positive and supportive atmosphere which made fast and attentive reading seem as normal as breathing. In short: I developed the HABIT of reading, reinforced EARLY, often, and for many years.
***2. I was MOTIVATED to read. My parents gave me extraordinary reinforcement through the manifest joy they shared with me in seeing me reading. (They also were brilliant professional people who were emotionally balanced and loving.) My reading "environment", that is, was superbly supportive.
***3. OPPORTUNITY. My home had thousands of books--a miscellany of types/genres. They were readily accessible whenever I wished to read.
***4. FOCUS. All the above factors gave me great powers of concentration when reading. I never remember NOT reading and have rarely felt anything but anticipatory pleasure when contemplating a book or article or poem, etc., I had intended to read. I was ready, willing, and able, with visceral pleasure, to plunge into a book.
***5. PLASTICITY OF READING TECHNIQUE. Like a tool kit, some items I read with mental verbalization (such as poetry) and others without verbalization (technical material). In general, the more affective or aesthetic in orientation, the more I'm likely to verbalize. (Who wants to speed read Shakespeare?)

The more sheerly informative or formally declarative a book is--that is, the more non-affective is its content, nothing is to be gained--except reinforcement of ineffective habits perhaps?--by subvocalizing the words. (Exceptions to the rule, to be discussed elsewhere: Some extraordinarily well-written informative literature has abstract beauty, architectonic economy, and/or intrinsic order--e.g., an elegantly written technical manual, or an ingeniously written computer program.) With such info-laden, and relatively affective-empty materials, I skip the subvocalization and dramatically accelerate my reading speed and factual comprehension. My selection of technique is invariably intuitive and immediate, without conscious choice. Even if I stop and contemplate the consequences of a given info-laden paragraph, I will have read that paragraph very quickly, without subvocalization. Following that reading, the subsequent few moments are invested in reflection upon that paragraph and perhaps its connections--its innate "hyperlinks" to other paragraphs within the same text, other texts, knowledge I otherwise have, and various degrees of conscious and semi-conscious connections to information, relationships, and experiences within my memory and current awareness.

Reading is not only about comprehension, fast or slow, as I have indicated in my observations about reading affective materials. Indeed, reading is also about: being affected by the reading; being transformed in heart and mind; reconceptualizing habitual thinking, perceptual, and feeling patterns; pure pleasure; vicarious participation in imaginary domains; etc. These are also reading skills, and skills that "power" or "photo" reading do not even address. They are options not considered. (Some do obliquely mention such reading skills/aspects, without addressing the concerns I've expressed. As such, the various speed reading books omit many of the aspects which make reading a valuable, exciting, and pleasurable experience, and which motivate many of us to read in the first place. If the authors were intellectually honest and clear with the reader, the entire genre of speed reading books would acknowledge that they primarily address info skimming and gleaning skills.)

No book can teach such intuitively and immediately available reading virtuosity within a few weeks, any more than any basketball coach can teach the fluid moves of Kobe Bryant in a summer clinic. Of course, there's a difference: all persons of normal intelligence, I submit, can develop a much greater degree of reading virtuosity, while physical virtuosity is more sharply related to biological determinates. Reading virtuosity is more a result of fortunately provided, or consciously chosen, psychological determinates, including the formation of determinable reading attitudes and habits.

Also, and not "PC" (politically correct): intelligence does make a difference. Of course it does! Does not rapid/ fast/ speed/ any-other-type-of-reading involve interpretation? Is the meaning and implications of the words, sentences, and paragraphs self-evident? Of course not! So intelligence must necessarily matter. Yet, importantly, none of this should dissuade any of us from working to improve reading skills, of which speed is only one component (if an important one). We all can. I am simply arguing against any misplaced "affirmative action" in reading education. You are where you are in your skills. Accurate assessment is vital. You will do yourself no favors by fantasizing of reading pages at one glance. (Yes, you can learn to skim very quickly and effectively, and remember an enormous amount of information--especially when such skimming is complemented by interspersed and selective reading of chosen sections of the material you're reading. If one has never learned to so skim, and especially if one also reads slowly and ineffectively, learning to skim with skill can seem like an epiphany! One's new skimming skills produce results that are superior to one's previous reading results. One is thus converted to Berg's or Scheele's "super reading" or "photoreading", misinterpreting the chosen reading system as THE reading system.

Quick attitude changes, I suspect, can immediately help develop better reading skills by simply moving the reader from his/her (unfortunately) typical somnambulistic state to a more conscious and focused state of mind. That shift of conscious purpose may be the chief value--to the extent there is value--in such books as Howard Stephen Berg's (or Paul Scheele's).

PROS:
- Easy to read in one sitting.
- Healthy message.
- A subtle religious tone.
- Memorable anecdotes.

CON: Not such a big secret.

CONCLUSION: It's risky to call a book "The Secret." It sets up high expectations, which most books may fail to fulfill. With such a title, I expected to be wowed. I wasn't. But it's still a good book that makes for a perfect introduction to Kabbalism and religion in general.

"The Secret: Unlocking the Source of Joy and Fulfillment" by Michael Berg is an excellent book! The true origins of this book are ancient, based on the wisdom of Kabbalah. Michael Berg explores such fascinating concepts as transformative sharing, and how to apply Jewish mysticism in day to day life.

The central teaching is that "The only way to achieve true joy and fulfillment is by becoming a being of sharing" and includes meditations on living a life of generosity.

This book truly reveals the essence of LIFE and thereby enables you to set yourself free from sorrow in order to manifest greater joy and success in your life and the lives of others.

I found "The Secret: Unlocking the Source of Joy and Fulfillment" to be even better when read in conjunction with NEXUS by Deborah Morrison and Arvind Singh. NEXUS is a fascinating NEW AGE novel that works with some of the concepts found in Michael Berg's "The Secret" and demonstrates how this transformative life adventure unfolds in the lives of the main character Logan along with the other unusual & colourful characters in the book who are faced with life challenges. Definitely cutting-edge material that will make a difference in your life.

Highly recommended as a quality book filled with transformative wisdom along with:

Nexus: A Neo Novel

Though this is an inspirational and simple read, it is not what I was hoping for.

The book is very good. I purchased it in hardback for my wife. I believe the purchase price was $12.95. However the Shipping was nearly $18.00. This book is approximately 4"X6" and weighs maybe a couple of ounces. Unbelievable! What a RIP-OFF! I sent an e-mail to Amazon to complain, but as of today (10/03/07) I have not received a response, nor do I expect one. Needless to say this is my last purchase from Amazon. I employ over 400 workers for my company, and I made certain that they were ALL aware of this unethical business practice.
John Gremillion

Probably good for someone who has never read a word on anything Metephysical. I read it, sold it, didn't miss it. Nothing but rehashed info.

A good value book, that along with a book from Que and some experience enabled me to get 900. A good book for the exam and continas some general info that is above and beyond the exam but it doesn't get into any real depth. Good sequential order makes it easy to read.

The book is OK but the software on the CD-ROM is worthless. The primary reason why I gave it one star is because of the software and the publisher says they provide updates on their web-site but after checking out the web-site the update section to their site is under construction and has been for the last 3 weeks.

Before the exam, I only had some basic understanding about networking. I looked into the exam books out there. The one from SYBEX has some errors, but its answers to its review questions are really just the answers (I mean no explanation at all.) And it reprints the entire questions along with their options again at the end of the book!!! The ExamPrep and ExamCram are just like the others from the same publisher. They contain too many errors, have less details where they should be necessary, but too much "talking" if you know what I mean. This book presents just enough details (sometimes a little bit too much for the exam, but good to know anyway) for you to pass the exam. I did it with 866 out of 1000 in less than four weeks.

In the book they have a section that states you can download all the latest updates to their book. However, when you go to the website that section is under construction. Very annoying. The overall content of the book is OK and is a good introduction to Networking

The structure of the content is acceptable. I can follow it quite well. I think author did a great effort on this book. I find that the book does contain many materials. To a certain extent, it may cover more than the exam coverage. It is good to let you know the concepts even you do not want to take the exam.

However, what my disappointment are errors errors and errors. The answer key, the content contains errors.

One more thing is I can get passed with this book.

** If you can find the errors, this book overall is good.

This book gives you a detailed understanding of threads, a lot of thread concepts have not changed. I have read only the first 3 chapters so far, I skimmed through them in just one day. I'm starting with the 4 chapter now.

In order to understand even the first 3 chapters of this book, I had to read about threads beforehand. I just finished reading the SCJP 5 study guide, which covers Threads in the 9th chapter. The SCJP5 book gave me a good basic foundation on threads. Also having a computer science background helps in reading this book.

If I didn't read the foundation on threads in the SCJP book, I couldn't understand much about threads after reading the first 3 chapters in this book.

In Chapter 4 , code example 4-5 , defining run() via an Inner Class in a Thread is a good example, but again to understand the example you need a solid foundation on anonymous inner classes (obviously this is not covered in a book on Threads).

In Chapter 4 T5.join() method - there is no explaination as to why we are making a mistake by calling the join() method multiple times. It just says "...you're probably making a mistake if you do."

It would be helpful if the code examples presented in the book were complete, and if they suggested the use of current thread names.

In order to read this book I tried to read it as a text book, just learning the concepts.

I like the 4th chapter, it explains Java thread functions clearly, but I have to try things with my own examples.

The important thing about writing threads in Java is that they should be written in a machine independent way because each machine schedules threads differently. The Java thread api takes care of this.

There's no need to memorize the details of how things work for a particular machine , when using Java Threads API, but it just helps to know what happens under the hood. Just the concepts are useful but not usable.

Any book on multithreading this well written and illustrated and going from test-and-set to volatile- well mon, you gots to
understand what you getting- the very best. Mucho kudos to the
writers and their collaborators- power players if there ever were power players. I give it a ten.

This is the only book I have seen that thoroughly covers how threads are implemented in a modern OS and how this affects how code runs. It's certainly the most useful book on threading I have. It's a good book to buy after you've written some concurrent code and have some problems.

It's not a Java book - it's a platform focused
multithreading book. It could do with some restructuring to make it more accessible.

This was the first threading book I read--which turned out to be a huge mistake. The material is very dense and only a small part of it is Java. Most of the book deals with operating system threading concepts. There is a lot of space dedicated to contrasting MS vs. Unix threading models. Also, comparisons between Java and c threading.

If you are looking for a solid beginner book on Java threading (or threading in general), I highly recommend Concurrency: State Models & Java Programs. This is the second threading book I read and I highly recommend it if your goal is to _understand_ thread theory and problems. It approaches the subject in a very rigorous manner and models all concepts using finite state machines and then showing the Java source code.

If you are already comfortable with basic threading concepts and some systems programming then I would recommend the Multithreaded Programming with Java Technology.

I deducted a star because of a few annoying typos and for a few convoluted sections.

That this book was a member of the Sun Java series was the primary reason make me take a look at this book.

I have been highly disappointed. This body of work for this book is primarly a rushed port of the authors other title - named, funnily enough Multithreaded Programming with PThreads.

The Java topics seem to be bolted on as an after-thought - and makes the book read and present very badly. For example a good amount of examples are presented in C not Java, demonstrating POSIX threading!

The author is also in the bad habit of presenting material out-of-order, so that the reader has to wait sometimes 50 pages for clarification. This does not breed suspense, merely frustation at the disorder.

The low-level OS technical coverage is quite adequate - with a good explanation of LWP and POSIX threading (if only this is what I bought the book for!).

The author is clearly a C type who has come to Java and tries to basically recreate the semantics of C POSIX threading in Java... while at the same time constantly drifting back to a topic that he is clearly more comfortable with - PThreads.

This is hardly an embracing approach for a book with the word Java in the title - an obvious cash-in on the behalf of the publisher, Prentice Hall.

Do not buy this book.

I enjoyed this book. Would give it a 3 1/2. This is pure romance. Patti Berg's style of writing is very easy to read. I liked both of the strong m/f characters in this book. I will look for other books by this author.

The PI & Alligator wrestling themes were kind of silly but I still think Angel & Tom had great chemistry together. This is definitely romantic fluff with very likeable characters. Very quick to read & not a lot to try & sort out. A quick entertainment when you have a little time on your hands.

There were major flaws in this novel, but they were counter-balanced with some interesting plot devices.

Angel Devlin is a PI who spies on stray spouses for the Palm Beach elite. In her spare time, she hangs with her rich friends at the hip Jazzz nightclub and plans fundraisers for Alzheimer disease research. Her ex, a knife-throwing houligan named Dagger Zane, traumatized her in the bedroom so badly she hasn't been able to have an intimate relationship since.

Tom Donovan is a gator wrestler turned multi-millionaire overnight. He's in search of answers regarding his father's death and the theft of a one-of-a-kind statue. The source of his answers is only accessible through Angel Devlin.

The set-up for this novel was intriguing, and the plot line had great potential. Berg took the search for your past scenario and gave it a decent twist or two. Unfortunately, it became predicatable about two-thirds into the book.

There were problems with the physical relationship between Angel and Tom. First, and greatest, was Angel's sudden reversal from cold, frightened fish to steamy temptress. One night of gentle attention cannot undo years of trauma. Secondly, even if Angel's "on" switch could be flipped like that, this couple has unrealistic amounts of sex. One point in Berg's favor was that the sex scenes themselves were enjoyable.

There was a lot of missed potential in this novel. The characters, while likeable, could have been better-rounded. Angel seems savvy as a PI, but everything was a little too convenient, especially when she did anything BUT blend in to her surroundings. Everyone in Palm Beach knew her, yet she was able to do her job and get paid the big bucks for it. Tom is charming in his way, but he doesn't seem too smart at times. I kept expecting him to charge in or DO more to dig up his past, or to use Angel's PI skills, but I was left wanting.

I am giving this novel TWO stars. THREE stars is average, and this novel, while a fun read, was slightly below average. If you're looking for a slightly suspenseful, steamy story, go ahead and pick it up. If you're looking for something thought-provoking and/or containing a steamy, but realistic relationship between the characters, then move on.

I am a fan of Patti Berg's work, but I'm No Angel just about bored me into a deep sleep. Mainly because there wasn't any zing between the characters, and, in general, they weren't very interesting or believable ( a PI who dresses conspicously?).

If you are interested in reading a good Berg book, choose any book other than I'm No Angel. You'll very pleased if you do.

I had to give this book two stars, for potential and the fact that I could tell the writer had talent just not in this book. The main character Angel is so flaky,unbelivable, and well just boring.As for the male lead Tom.... well he sounds cute and thats bout it. His past is intresting and would make for a great story,the same goes for Angel but I just didnt feel any sparks between the two main characters besides having lots of sex. It was all together boring, ummemorable, and bland. Really just to reiterate.. The book had potential but lost it from the very begining with a lukewarm love connection, a very boring mystery, and nothing much else going on.

that there was a huge character development flaw? The heroine was emotionaly abused during a previous marriage, especially when it was time for sex. As a result, she has not been with anyone since, and the few times she's tried she's panicked to the point of running off. The first time with the hero, she does the same panic routine, but he chases after her, convinces her to come back to bed. Miraculously, she's fine after that and even manages to orgasm from penetration. I have to call foul. Nearly 10 years of fear and insecurity will not disappear from one pat on the head and "It's okay, you're not fridgid." I can believe she'd go back to bed with him; I cannot believe she'd suddenly become some amazing sex goddess. I couldn't help but think that if the heroine's first marriage was really truly that awful, she wouldn't be able to shuck it off so easily.

However, the rest of the book is a quick, fairly enjoyable read. The dialogue is usually good and Ms. Berg has a pretty cute turn of phrase here and there. There's also an interesting twist to the suspense plot. I don't think this will end up on any keeper shelves, but it's a good book for a day in the sun, or in front of a fire.

It is not a book for developers, it is just a book for people who needs to take some information about java technologies.

So, this book is not neither an advanced book. And absolutely nor a book for a developer, I think.

I bought it anyway and now I am regretful about it. I wish I could buy Deitel's Advanced Java book instead.

Believed the title, I bought the book. But unfortunately I have seen the book does not contain any advanced code or technique.

It gives brief explanations about java features for about 400 pages, and the book comes to the end like this.

I think the book is not for a developer who is seeking an advanced coding book, but this book is suitable for anyone who want to take some information about java technologies.

It's helpful for me to make a profound step forward in Java world.

Advanced Techniques for Java Developers provides a good overivew of the newest Java technologies. Topics covered include JFC, Java Media, JavaBeans, EJB, RMI, JDBC, Servlets, Threads, Security, JNI, Network Computers and the Java OS. This breadth of topics gives the reader a good idea of where Java development is and what Java can do.

The sections on JFC and 2-D/3-D media provided me with a needed update on the features of the Java 2 release. The also provides some good descriptions of the inner-workings of Java and the reasoning behind its design. This especially applies to the sections on Security and Threads.

My main complaint about the book relates to the amount of "Preaching" and "Advertising" it does. At one point, the authors devote page after page to the advantages of OO programming and a Three Tiered Architecture. I think anyone reading an "Advanced Java" book would already see the advantages. Two chapters are devoted to promoting Network Computers and the subsequent description of the JavaOS. I found little value in these chapters.

If you want to know what Java can do for you, then get this book. If you've already decided to use Java in you development and you need a detailed guide to a certain package (RMI, Servlets, Swing etc.) then this book won't meet all your needs.

Covers a number of different Java topics (both client and sever side) to a good level of depth. Recommended if you are familiar with the basics of Java and want to go to the next level.

That's all you have to do then the joke is pretty well over. If you want more skim through the book at your local book store. It's not really worth actually paying for.

...and the humor is great as well! If you're lookin' for a book that'll give you instructions on how to build a duct tape house or a duck tape boat - look elsewhere. This book is humor-based with silly ideas like "Gals - tape the toilet seat down with your duct tape."

It's nothing serious, but nice for a quick little chuckle - it's a great novelty gift for someone.

The Duct Tape book was a big hit at Christmas. We gave it as a gift to a close friend who is a builder. He perused it all day.

I love the humor with which this book was written. The book shows "real" ways to fix things, and it shows how to make simple items with DUCT TAPE. It also has a few silly ideas for fun. I gave this book, along with a roll of DUCT TAPE, to a friend for his birthday. (Well, you wouldn't give a toy without a battery! lol)

I was given the page-a-day calendar based on this foolish book as a Christmas gift. It's chock full of the same dribble mentioned in the previous reviews. Here's another fine example: "Refrigerator Repair. Jim's whole refrigerator door fell off, and he made a whole new door out of duct tape!" That's it. No further detail offered up. If it's actually true (hard to imagine) a bit more detail might of actually made the story mildly entertaining. I suppose it's meant to be a joke. The problem of course is quite obvious - it's simply not funny!

To put it quite frankly, this is a book written by idiots for idiots. If you're the type who thought those old Dorf on Golf videos staring Tim Conway were a hoot, then this might be your cup of tea. If Hee Haw and the Red Green Show strike you as high-brow entertainment, then by all means order your copy right now. And what about my calendar? After about a week of this crap I started to feel having it displayed in my office might in fact sully my reputation. It's now at home sitting upside down beside the phone for use as a tear-off note pad.

I found this book trying to teach to much. The example are to few and to small

Gosh Cliff you got it done...so this is what you do in your spare time...:)

A little about everything and a lot about nothing.

A great resource for the advanced java developer who is involved in creating a distributed architecture, but doesn't have the time to read all the newsgroups.

This book has saved me countless hours of searching for answers to the problems encountered when dealing with new concepts and technologies.

Solid, reasonably sized and organized guide on java applications for enterprise. Was helpful on general orientation and a number of lookups.

Don't think of it as of the last book you'll need to buy. Just like a map of MA won't be of much help to find your way thru downtown Boston, it should be supplemented later by more detailed information.

However, you'll find Boston very quickly.

On the minus side - author is not always precise in code samples. Not a big deal, though.