Bonds Books

"So just for today... We'll breakfast on popcorn, and talk about our wishes. We'll make some paper airplanes soar and forget about the dishes." -from the book

In an increasingly busy world, Mama and Papa Bear have proposed a radical plan: just for today, the Bear family and their pets are going to do absolutely nothing but have fun and enjoy one another's company.

Choosing to ignore the laundry, turn off the telephone, and postpone bills and taxes, the Bear family indulges in a day of pleasure: squishing clay, playing dress up in funny hats, pretending they're opera singers, walking barefoot in the grass, juggling jelly beans, splashing in puddles, and riding bikes until dark are just a few of the wonderful activities they share.

Illustrated in gentle watercolors, Just for Today reminds us of the importance of quality time with loved ones and the inherent value in exchanging the demands of life with silly games and relaxing pastimes.

Alison Bonds Shapiro illustrates the radical story of a Bear family who decides to defy an increasingly busy world by turning off phones, faxes, and more. Beginning with parents promising a day free of nagging to bear cubs who decide to hide all the clocks, Just For Today by Jan Phillips evolves into a fun and thought-provoking picturebook story.

Just For Today is a delightful little book. It is about the kind of a day that many children dream about, when daily stress is gone and the hours are sweet with sharing and being with loved ones. There is time to pay attention to the lovely things in life and chores are put aside for a time. This is a sweet winsome book and I am sure children would enjoy it very much. I think this is a "read it again" story. There is a message for the grown-ups too, maybe spending time with loved ones is more important than getting everything done. The illustrations are beautiful -- a very special little book.

Wouldn't we all just love a day with no work, rules or responsibilities? I would!
This tale of a day off from everything but family just shines with love. The text is deceptively simple, speaking to how often we are weighted down with dozens of reasons NOT to just be with those we love, and the watercolor illustrations are whimsical, bright, and beautiful. Have your child, (or grandchild) look for all the bears' shoes when they decide to go barefoot (bearpaw?)
This is a book you'll read over and over; it will be the answer to "what shall we read tonight?" for years to come.

all our busy families occasionally took time to JUST enjoy each other's company. This simple, yet inspiring, read aloud will make children yearn for days just like that and, hopefully prompt harried moms and dads to take time to savor the families they've created. The delightful verse of the story comes joyfully to life with bright, fun, water-colored illustrations. This is a book to read over and over.

Leland Crabbe's knowledge of the corporate bond market is just awesome.

If you want a detailed overview of the corporate bond market and how to manage corporate bond portfolios - this is the book for you. I highly recommend this book, it's educational and well written.

great for professionals in the fixed income field or those studying for the CFA.

great for professionals in the fixed income field or those studying for the CFA.

Finally a book written for practicing professionals. This is a book to have on your shelf. You'll be amazed at what these two can teach you.

When wealthy restaurateur Ian Bentley's girlfriend proposes to him and gives him an engagement ring, he quickly heads to Mudville, Mississippi to personally work with Blythe Industries food scientists to develop a signature dessert for one of his new coffeehouse chain.

Piper Shephard is the chief food scientist for Blythe Industries in Mudville, Mississippi, population 1,200. Piper is responsible for creating the deserts that Blythe sells to restaurants around the country. Piper's job is somewhat hazardous because she's allergic to chocolate. Piper has been a bridesmaid so many times she could open her own bridal boutique with her bridesmaid dresses. When she learns that she is the last single girl of the 25 girls in her sorority, Piper realizes it's time to get serious about finding a man for herself, even hypochondriac Tillie has gone to hospital so many times she's bagged herself a rich doctor. When Piper discovers a guide on how to catch a husband among a box of items her Grandmother gave her, she decides to follow the book's advice, after all, it worked for Gran. Although the selection of eligible males in Mudville is somewhat slim, Piper is determined to stay in town so she can be close to her Grandmother. In fact, if Piper comes up with a desert good enough to get Ian Bentley to sign a contract, she will earn a large enough bonus to put a down payment on Gran's house.

Piper's attempts at attracting a man go hilariously wrong from the moment she begins. From the moment Ian leans over Piper when she's lying in a mud puddle, he's immediately smitten. The sparks fly between Ian and Piper but Piper is determined to stay away from Ian because of the ring on his finger.

This is a very funny book with charming, funny characters. I especially like Piper's neighbor; he's a hoot.

I enjoyed this fun story, and I thought the location was wonderful. It was great to get out of the big city. I also thought Pipers vocation was interesting, but imagine being allergic to chocolate! Stephanie Bond never disappoints, excellent writing and characters.

Bond's latest effort is funny and cute, and delicious! As usual, she creates interesting, quirky characters which break the mold one usually sees in Harlequin novels. I love the recipie at the end -- and the hilarious secrets the characters keep from one another. Keep up the good work.

Stephanie Bond is known for sassy, fun. In MANHUNTING, she adds intense sexual tension. Bravo!! Don't miss the recipe in the back. It's a keeper.

Stephanie Bond is a master of comedy, but in this book, she mixes her rare talent for "funny" with some of the hottest sexuality and quirkiest characters seen in Temptation to date. You can't help but love a heroine who willingly risks an allergic reaction to chocolate in the name of sensual delights! I can't wait for her next one!

This book is a great read for market researchers and the general population alike. Dr. McEwen has put together a truly compelling "tale" of how certain brands entice followings, and how or why said followings are either maintained and groomed, or discarded. A fascinating cultural study, as well as a meticulous scientific one, this is a great present for anyone who's ever wondered how Disney or Coca Cola has come to the prominence they enjoy today. To have put together so much information in such a fun, readable way is Dr. McEwen's true gift, and he should be lauded for it. Bravo!

Why do some consumers bond to brand names for life? Sixty years of Gallup research into consumer habits and their psychology lend to MARRIED TO THE BRAND: WHY CONSUMERS BOND WITH SOME BRANDS FOR LIFE. Many marketers work on first impressions without considering the reasons why consumers will stick with a brand. MARRIED TO THE BRAND tells how the most successful marketer not only creates the bond, but strengthens it over the years so that consumers come to equate the brand with quality and value. Chapters survey pride levels, common brand dilemmas, and more.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

This book gives you a good insight about a brand and the marriage it has with its customers. Its very easy to read and enjoyable.

Dr. McEwen is a consultant with the Gallup polling people. For over sixty years they have researched brands and branding. In this book he analyzes and explains what he has discovered.

His comparison is that branding is a lot like marrying. It is a merger of company and customer and both have obligations to the other. The company has most of the responsibilities because they are the ones that have the power to change things that attract or drive away the customer. But like any marriage, the customer also has the obligation to buy the brand so long as it meets their needs.

And if brands are a marriage, he also talks about divorce. My family has always used Crest toothpaste. I go to the store, I want the same old Crest I used as a kid. Now there's Gel Crest, Mint Crest, Crest with special this, and special that. New is a magic word in marketing, but I don't want NEW, I want the same old stuff I had before. I honestly couldn't tell which was the same old stuff. I bought Colgate.

Sears was a great brand, then they went all goofy. But the Craftsman brand of Sears tool has held it's place. I bought some tools for Christmas presents. They were Craftsman -- but it was the only thing I bought in the Sears store.

This is the best book on understanding brands and branding I've ever seen.

Disney has a brand loyalty that is the envy of Hollywood. (Ever hear anyone say, "Let's go see the lastest Columbia movie?" But ask a dad on Saturday what he's doing, and you may hear, "Taking the kids to the new Disney flic.") How did they do it? And how can they keep it?

This book delves into the mystery of brand loyalty with interesting anecdotes and examples from the marketing kings: McDonalds in America, Coca Cola in Asia, and of course, Disney. But the author doesn't pull punches. McDonalds marketing, once so effective, now reeks of 40 year olds in suits trying to sound "hip." That's where the book is well worth a read: the author's discussion of how brand loyalty is built is carefully balanced with how it can be lost.

Fascinating reading for anyone--marketing pros or consumers who enjoy the ride.

I read this book before my first trip to Nashville and was miles ahead of others coming to town who had not read this masterpiece. It is by far the most thoroughly researched, informative, complete, concise guide to Nashville's music industry ever published, and should be on the best seller list. If you have ever considered a career as a songwriter or want to be a successful recording artist, you must read this book cover to cover. It's easy reading, packed with useful info, and written by a very nice, successful woman who lives in Nashville and knows the industry because she has worked in it her whole life.

This compact little book is a great read and full of great advice for songwriters and musicians looking to pursue opportunities in country music, specifically Nashville.

Ms. Bond is a music publisher and has worked in the Nashville arena for years. She gives examples on the Nashville number system (for reading/recording music), how to label your CD's and inserts and she gives the addresses and names of some of the best and more affordable recording studios in and around Music City. She also included the contact info for some of the top producers, publishers and A&R in country today! There's also a great section on all of the best open mic spots, restaurants and accommodations in and near Nashville.

In my opinion, this book is for someone that is seriously considering a career as a country musician/songwriter. And if that's you, then it's a great reference book to have in your arsenal.

This is a great book that fills a real need -- practical advice for anyone who aspires to be a songwriter or performer in Nashville. I work in the music industry in Nashville and am often asked for advice from songwriters new in town. I'm not necessarily qualified to give advice, so now I can recommend this book. One of the most interesting features is a chapter that suggests a week's itinerary, including where to eat lunch. Often people will come to town and not have any idea of what to do. They'll try to drop in on busy publishers, get turned away again and again and then go home thinking everyone on Music Row is unfriendly. Bond explains the right way to get your foot in the door. Again, highly recommended.

Sherry Bond's book is an absolute must for anyone who wishes to pursue a career as a songwriter or performer. Her book covers many areas other guide books leave out, such as the importance of networking and where to go to make contacts. For me, it gave me the confidence that I could go out and make a living as a songwriter. I recommend it for everyone interested in the music business as a whole - not just Country.

The fine art of songwriting and marketing it to a music business audience is covered in this title, which provides an examination of the Nashville music industry and how an aspiring songwriter or musician can get heard in the big city. Bond is a songwriter and music publisher who blends interviews with music professionals with details on record companies, producers, recording studios, and others. Chapters cover all the basics, from preparing a product to marketing and avoiding common errors.

The book was wonderful, but the ending was a little tame. The nickname "Pinky" was cute. I just wish there was more conflict to be resolved at the end.

Stephanie Bond is a talented writer who just gets better and better with each book. About Last Night is a fabulous, fast paced read with stupendous characterization and sizzling sexual tension with plenty of those laugh out loud moments that will have people looking at you like you're nuts. You're not though. Just show them what you're reading and tell them to get their own copy. They, and you, won't be disappointed!

This was the very first harlequin temptation I have ever read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Janine meets Derek when she sets out to seduce her fiance the day of his bachelor party. She slips into his room but instead encounters his best man, Derek. Derek and Janine are forced to stay together in the same room for several days as the hotel has been quarantined. If you're thinking that she shouldn't get involved with her intendeds best man and maybe best friend, don't... this man is only attending because his brother Jack, the grooms real best man has disappeared and he feels it only right to step in. The book is a fun fast read with no boring parts and a great ending. I cannot wait to read Jack's own story, 'It Takes a Rebel'

If you're looking for an adorable story, look no further than Stephanie Bond's latest! She's written an adorable story with a hero that will capture your heart and your imagination. Put ABOUT LAST NIGHT on your not-to-be-missed list!

This is a great primary reference work. It has a few amusing bits of Classical Test Theory-bashing polemic, which seem both pointless and de rigeur for IRT practitioners. In almost all other aspects, however, this is a well thought-out and highly useful primer for anyone looking to get up-to-speed quickly on using IRT methods to expand and improve their measurement strategies.

I expected this book to be another barely undestandable book on Rasch-type model fitting, written by authors who's principle purpose is first to dazzle readers, then discourage them with mysterious statistical spells and mathmatical enchantments. I was wrong. This is a highly readable book which contains powerful arguments for the application and utility of the the Rasch model. The content is rational, and it's presentation lucid. After a few pages it becomes surprisingly clear these authors actually like their subject and want to share it with others!

If the statistically challenged wish to learn more about a very important new direction in measurement, and can afford only one text, this should be the book.

An excellent contribution to theory and practice. The book is a lucid introduction to the one-parameter IRT methodology that is extremely well-written.

This is a book which takes a daunting subject and treats it in such a fashion that immediately draws the most novice researcher to the topic. The authors take their subject seriously, and take themselves not seriously at all. The result is that rare combination of the "how-to" technical aspects of Rasch Analysis with an entertaining and informative discussion of the theoretical basis of the subject. An enjoyable read, and filled with helpful and useful information. A must for the professional library of any researcher!

This book tells the story of Dr. William Karesh, a wildlife veterinarian. Karesh tells us about his early interest in wild animals, and how he came to study veterinary science in graduate school. Following his studies, he used his skills working for zoos and the Wildlife Conservation Society. Now he spends much of his time traveling around the world studying the habits and health of various wild creatures. Highlights of Karesh's stories include nursing an injured okapi back to health, and chasing peccaries through the Peruvian forests. The best tale of all, however, has to be that of the time he was high in a tree, attempting to stare down a jaguar who thought he smelled like a nice hunk of meat. The point of the book is not all light-hearted stories, however. Karesh provides us with some important points to ponder about wildlife conservation and the future of the planet.

Simply put - this is my most favorite book of all time! If you love wild animals, adventure, and a great read - this well-written, heart felt book is for you!

Books by vets are usually very interesting and concern more common animals. This book is different as Dr. Karesh only works with wild animals and puts his life on the line many times during the year.

It is always interesting to discover how a person got into his line of work and this story is no exception. Though he loved animals from birth (almost), being a vet was furtherest from his mind.

This is a good read and highly recommended.

I listened to this book on audio tape, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I didn't realize a vet could enjoy his life so much. Each illness was an adventure, and some were quite dangerous. He obviously loves his work, and won't let anything stand in his way. His stories were humorous and interesting, and just technical enough to appreciate his vast medical knowledge. This book was a pleasure to listen to, and I recommend it highly.

Becoming An Investor: Building Wealth By Investing In Stocks, Bonds, And Mutual Funds is a straightforward primer to the basics of conservative financial investment specifically written for the novice investor seeking to establish a profitable portfolio. From evaluating risks and ratios to diversifying to improve one's margin of safety, just about everything a beginning investor must know is included. For anyone considering putting their money to work for them, Becoming An Investor is urgently recommended, essential reading for participants in today's volatile stock and bond markets in order to help them to make the most of their risk-calculated investment activities.

This excellent book is highly commended to anyone who is truly serious about investing. Peter Hupalo is a consultant and frequent columnist on money and entrepreneurship matters. With clear and convincing data to support him, Mr. Hupalo debunks many of the myths Wall Street pushes on the investing public. Author demonstrates the futility of trying to "beat the market", whether through stock picking and market timing or by following mutual funds that have shown high levels of performance in the past. After he makes a convincing case for trying to meet, rather than beat the market. Thus, Mr. Hupalo advocates investing in a diversified basket of mutual funds. The chapter on investing during retirement is particularly insightful.

Whether or not one ultimately agrees with Mr. Hupalo's point of view, "Becoming An Investor: Building Wealth By Investing In Stocks, Bonds, And Mutual Funds" is a book, which deserves attention. Anyone wishing to base his/her investment decisions on solid methodology needs to read this book. You will have a much clearer understanding of markets, and your investment decisions will be firmly rooted in proven soil.

I highly recommend this book for everyone.

Alexander Petrochenkov

Only available in paperback, no fancy artwork on the cover, no glowing reviews by a big time newspaper publisher, no forward by a prestigious luminary, even the editing is second rate. In a word, this is a rough book.

However, when it comes to content, this book is loaded as the author does not include a lot of fluff or selfish stories about himself. However, the author is obviously very well read, because he includes numerous references to plently of other investing books. Some may conclude it's a value investing book, but growth investing is covered as well.

So, what this book presents is a careful and comprehensive distillation of just about everything commonly available on the subject of investing. Also included are numerous clever stories which illustrate important investment truths and strategies and a recognition that a lot of what the mass media presents is almost worthless for somebody wishing to become an investor.

Hupalo gives you simple (good) advice to manage your money.

The book is very balanced and it is aimed mainly to the educated general public. You will need only some simple algebra to understand his few valuation formulas.

He writes basically about common stocks and has a chapter discussing bonds. But do not expect market timing methods. It is more directed to Investing than to Trading.

Conclusion: A good place to begin learning how to manage your money. To good sense people.

Wesley Britton has written an original. In "Beyond Bond," he offers pithy insights on both fictional and real espionage, seamlessly blending discussions of movies, literature, and television. Britton has a fine spy eye, as he shows how few "degrees of separation" there are between fact and fiction. Lucid and intelligent, this is a must-read.

I get many spy books across my desk but Dr. Britton's is outstanding in the field and he has brought exhaustive research to a blend of the real and fictional. Fascinating reading!

Just finished Wes Britton's Beyond Bond. What a fantastic compendium of spy-detective related knowledge! A veritable reference book of interconnected facts about the espionage genre and a great read. Included in the tome is a chronological outline of spy fiction through out the past 100 years. Anyone who thinks James Bond was the first; but wonders where he came from needs to read this book. The best part of the book for me was understanding how life imitates art and vice versa. The actual historical events of the times many times informs art and it's great to see how that happens in this book.

Recommended to anyone who wants a greater understanding of the espionage genre; while specific enough to pique anyone's interest enough to dig further. Enjoy.

Tom Pervanje, www.spy-fi.com. Guitarist for Spy-Fi, spy-detective band.

What an amazing and compelling book about spies and spying throughout history--in literature, entertainment , and fact. This is a must-have treasure especially for all spy movie fans, and anyone else interested or fascinated by why spy?, what makes a spy, how to be a spy, and who has created the spies you know and love.

Wes Britton's 'Beyond Bond' is a must buy for any spy aficionado worth the
radio in his shoe. (Get Smart, for those youngsters amongst us.) Wes
manages to cram more interesting detail about spies into a book than one
would think possible. I have been closely associated musically with the
film spy movement, James Bond Theme, The Prisoner and others, for more than
40 years and this book proves how little I knew. Buy it and enjoy. Vic
Flick
www.vicflick.com

Guitarist on productions of James Bond, The Prisoner, Pink Panther and
others, and for many composers including John Barry, Henry Mancini, Jerry Goldsmith and
Michel LeGrand.