Brian Books

This book contains lots of interesting techniques, many of which are essential to the business of software development. Excellent value for money.

This book is one of a series on OPEN (Object-oriented Process Environment and Notation). Unlike the other books in the OPEN series, this book is independent of any methodology and can also be used in non object-oriented environments.

The title is appropriate: this 426 page book and accompanying CD ROM is a toolbox of techniques that can be applied in any environment or within the context of any methodology. It is, literally, an encyclopedia of techniques that consultants and business analysts can use to perform a variety of tasks or produce associated deliverables.

If you are using this book as a generic compendium of tools and techniques, or you are not interested in OPEN, you can safely skip the first chapter that is an overview of OPEN. If you work within an object-oriented environment you may find chapters 2 through 4 useful. These chapters describe OPEN and how it relates to other O-O approaches. If not, you can also skip these and jump to Appendix A, which is the heart of the book.

Appendix A is a collection of core techniques in alphabetical order ranging from abstract class identification to workshops. There are over one hundred core techniques, each of which is presented using the following format: Technique Name and Star rating - 1 star = well tried, 2 stars = reasonably well validated, 3 stars = experimental. Focus, typical tasks for which the technique is used, related techniques, entry criteria and underpinning concepts. This header information is followed by: Technique description Technique useage Deliverables and output

The CD ROM contains additional techniques that make this one of the most comprehensive resources available to a consultant. The content on the CD ROM is in PDF format and is divided into three additional appendices. Additional techniques are in two of these appendices, with the third covering supporting reference material.

What I like about this book is the wide coverage of techniques. All of the standard fare is covered, and a lot of esoteric ones are also included. I use it as a memory jogger or idea book when I an trying to find that "perfect" approach to performing a task or creating a deliverable. Some minor irritations include the star ratings - I found them to be somewhat ambiguous, and the fact that the techniques are presented in alphabetical order instead of grouped by class. A cross-reference in the front of the book would remedy that complaint.

However, this book deserves a solid five stars because it is comprehensive and packs a lot of information into 426 pages and a CD ROM. If you are a consultant or analyst this book is money well spent, and will make a great addition to your short list of everyday tools and references.

If you are serious about the actual business of developing OO software, don't go past this book. Have one on your shelf, although mine doesn't stay there very long.

I love this book. Daisaku Ikeda's children's books are some of my favorite children's books of all time.

Akiko and Hiroshi move to an new island because of their parents' work. They don't know anyone on the island and are terribly lonely until they meet Pablo, who shows them the tropics entrancing secrets, teaches them to paddle outrigger canoes, and shares the delights of the coral reefs.

However, suddenly, Pablo decides that his new friends are his enemy. He has asked his grandmother about the wreck in the local bay and learned that people from Akiko and Hiroshi's island attacked Pablo's island many years ago. Hiroshi then sets out on his own in a small canoe and, caught in a strong current, is rescued by Pablo. They then learn that their ancient ancestors all came from the same place, carried around the world by boat and realize that humanity is truly one large family.

World renowned illustrator Brian Wildsmith outdoes himself in splendid paintings of a lush tropical island, a luminous sky and the beautiful tropical sea.

Three children overcome age-old prejudices to discover the unique value of their individual lives and the eternal bonds of friendship that connect all humanity through a rescue from a storm at sea.

Brian Wildsmith works his color magic on the tropical seas and fishes that provide the setting for this tale.

This is an excellent work which covers both conventional
and alternative medicinal protocols. The author describes
the various massage methodologies which involve the
artful manipulation of soft tissue to achieve healing.
The craniosacral rhythmic therapies are described as part of
a spinal realignment regimen. In 1997, the author describes
how the National Institutes of Health released findings of
a "Consensus Panel reflecting the opinions of many experts on
acupuncture for pain. The panel found 'clear and promising
evidence' that acupuncture helps to relieve low back pain."
The book describes how Boswelia relieves chronic colitis.
In addition, the atherosclerosis protocol shows how the
condition may be prevented with a low fat diet, increased
intake of fruits and vegetables and various bridge techniques
of both conventional and alternative medicinal protocols
utilized in unison.

As a fellow medical writer, I'm very impressed with the information presented in this book, and with its easy-to-follow format. Besides telling the stories of various individuals who have found relief for their conditions with combinations of allopathic and complementary medicine, Weisman and Berman give readers detailed backgrounds of treatments/techniques such as meditation, Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine in sections called "A Closer Look." "What's the Evidence?" sections concisely summarize the published research on various treatment modalities. The "Take Action" sections offer practical advice for patients coping with pain, aging, cancer, menopause and childhood illnesses. Weisman's candor about her own recovery, as well as about her son's challenges facing a chronic illness, engages and empowers readers in a way that most self-help medical books cannot and do not. Whether you are a patient yourself, or are simply reading this to become better informed, you will surely own your health by the end of the book. Bravo to both Weisman and Berman.

Own Your Health: Choosing The Best From Alternative & Conventional Medicine is a solidly written, nicely organized, and truly "reader friendly" guide to understanding and making choices among alternative and conventional medical treatments. Anecdotes, judgmental weighing of facts and statistics, pros and cons, and so much more fill the pages of this compendium of information. Own Your Health is a quite excellent and very highly recommended resource -- especially for those wrestling with chronic ills with symptoms that resist standard medical treatments.

This is one of the best introductions to the philosophy to religion. The book forces the reader to think critically about the principle ideas concerning theology. An excellent buy!

Dr. Brian R. Clack has a welcome gift for anyone interested in the philosophy of religion. This book began my study of religion when I was only 15. Today, I keep THE PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION at hand whenever I need to rejuvinate my passion for this fascinating field of study.

Dr. Clack is particularly skilled at explaining several important key "proofs" for the existence of God. Although his discussion tends to favor the musings of Wittgenstein, his approach to other philosophies is rather comprehensive for a book of this size.

I've read a great deal of other texts since my first read of Clack's book, and I can say that there is no other superior introduction (or revision) to the philosophy of religion than this one. You'll keep it forever and will now have some profound things to say at your next cocktail party.

i know that brian did not expect me to read the text when it was given to me, but a nine hour flight doesn't offer a great deal to do. This is a compelling introductory piece that offers insights to questions that many of us fear to consider ourselves. It does so by offering ideas on God and religion, how they are related and what each means to you. It should be a required text for those at the introductory level and will bring about thoughts on the subject that otherwise would have never surfaced. It is masterfully written and stuctured in a manner so even the most elementary theologian/philosopher can read through it with great intrigue.

This beautiful book illustrates one mans realization of personal evil and his victory over it. The line-drawing illustrations and beatiful prose combine to make this picture book unforgetable and moving.

This book contains a story that you simply cannot forget. A story perhaps about the downfall of an incredible society or perhaps the rise of an even more advanced but archaic group. Beautifully illustrated...unforgetable pictures

The brilliant, fun poetry is equalled only by the totally engaging illustrations. I re-read it regularly, getting more out of it each time.

Recently I was doing some consulting for a company and performing a Windows XP Professional Rollover and upgrade. I was also teaching a class for A+ and the new objectives which has XP questions. This book while not a certification specific book, handled both jobs very well.

What this book is is more than how to configure the desktop and change the background or setup XP to look like the "Classic" windows interface. While it does all that it also takes you through security and networking and what I found to very interesting is that it discusses the Home and the Professional versions as well as the 32 and 64 bit versions.

There are step by step procedures throughout the book to help you learn to perform different operations, such setting up the ASR process, dual booting Windows 9X and XP and how to do searches for people, computers and more.

There is a great deal of pictures and diagrams in the book; however I think that some of them need to be in color in order to completely understand the full meaning the photo.

There is also a cd included which has an additional chapter that the book does not cover. It also has over an hour of video to show you how to perform certain technical functions.

Overall the book is very comprehensive and for those wanting to add to the knowledge they have or possibly use this book for certification exams you have a very good source of information.

If you know XP Home and XP Pro, but you either need to know more about it for home use, or more for tech support, this book is a great item.
Covers all conceive-able aspects, and then some...; very good section on networking in a wireless environment, especially if you are combining a wired and wireless home network that you need to lock down.
Now all I have to do is find out where the resource sharing sections are ( As in shared devices ).... lots to do, now even more; gives excellent scope for expanding your ideas for a better home network.

I have been a little overwhelmed with the various options, utilities, etc. and Windows XP Pro and was looking for a book that provides a comprehensive overview. I think this book is what I was looking for and am confident that if I have a question about XP Pro, I'll find the answer within its pages. The authors also strike a good balance between focussing on XP Pro out of the box and the various third-party utilities, etc. available to make your life easier.

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Brian Mitchell's Pocket Guide To Irish Genealogy draws upon case studies, maps, charts, and his own expertise to present the aspiring genealogist with the basics of Irish genealogical research in a "reader friendly" sixty-page introduction. The nature and uses of all significant records sources in Ireland are listed and described, including civil and parish registers, gravestone inscriptions, wills, the Griffith's Valuation, Tithe Books, the 1901 and 1911 censuses, newspapers, hearth money rolls, the registry of deeds, estate records, ordinance survey memoirs and more. All major Irish record offices and heritages centers are listed along with their contact information, hours of operation, and major record holdings. Brian Mitchell's Pocket Guide To Irish Genealogy is an essential reference for any novice genealogist wishing to tap into Irish iresources.

Now in an updated second edition, genealogist Brian Mitchell's Pocket Guide To Irish Genealogy is a slim yet information-packed volume of information on reference sources to tracing ancestry in Ireland, including the 1901 and 1911 census to school registers, registry of deeds, estate records and much more. Of special note is the section dealing with Irish Genealogy and the Internet, and its guide to some of the most useful sites. A highly recommended, "user friendly" primer for beginning genealogists who wish to trace Irish ancestry, Brian Mitchell's Pocket Guide To Irish Genealogy also has much to commend it to experienced genealogists in need of a refresher for work with Irish genealogical research assignments.

In his Pocket Guide To Irish Genealogy, Brian Mitchell skillfully blends case studies, maps, charts, and his own mastery of the subject to convey the basics of Irish genealogical research -- all in less than sixty pages. Following introductory chapters on the background to research on the American side, Mitchell describes the nature and uses of all significant record sources in Ireland including, but not limited to: civil and parish registers, gravestone inscriptions, wills, the Griffith's Valuation, Tithe Books, the 1901 and 1911 censuses, newspapers, hearth money rolls, the registry of deeds, estate records, and ordnance survey memoirs. Mitchell also explains the differences between the various administrative divisions of Ireland. Pocket Guide To Irish Genealogy concludes with lists of all major Irish record offices and heritage centers, providing addresses and phone numbers, hours of operation, contact persons, and major record holdings. Pocket Guide To Irish Genealogy is an invaluable roadmap to genealogical research in Ireland and ideally suited for those new to this branch of genealogical research.

The grit displayed in this book about two of NY City's finest, is awesome. POLICE is a photographic essay of two patrolmen as they work in the varied communities that comprise the Manhattan Midtown South Precinct. This area IS "the Big Apple"---where all levels of society walk the streets---an urban center composed of Times Square, the Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden, the Public Library, Grand Central Station, hospitals, churches, firehouses, and the Broadway theater district, all juxtiposed to sleezy welfare hotels, flop houses, sex shops, massage parlors, and porn theaters. From an alchemist's point of view, this was the prima material of high crimes and misdemeanors (in all its varied forms) which two NY City "cops" had to deal with on a daily basis. In their own insightful words, the policemen describe how they maintain their dignity and honor in the face of urban chaos. The photography is a priceless, visual document of the policeman's lot in 1980's America.

The grit displayed in this book about two of NY City's finest, is awesome. POLICE is a photographic essay of two patrolmen as they work in the varied communities that comprise the Manhattan Midtown South Precinct. This area IS "the Big Apple"---where all levels of society walk the streets---an urban center composed of Times Square, the Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden, the Public Library, Grand Central Station, hospitals, churches, firehouses, and the Broadway theater district, all juxtiposed to sleezy welfare hotels, flop houses, sex shops, massage parlors, and porn theaters. From an alchemist's point of view, this was the prima material of high crimes and misdemeanors (in all its varied forms) which two NY City "cops" had to deal with on a daily basis. In their own insightful words, the policemen describe how they maintain their dignity and honor in the face of urban chaos. The photography is a priceless, visual document of the policeman's lot in 1980's America.

The grit displayed in this book about two of NY City's finest, is awesome. POLICE is a photographic essay of two patrolmen as they work in the varied communities that comprise the Manhattan Midtown South Precinct. This area IS "the Big Apple"---where all levels of society walk the streets---an urban center composed of Times Square, the Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden, the Public Library, Grand Central Station, hospitals, churches, firehouses, and the Broadway theater district, all juxtiposed to sleezy welfare hotels, flop houses, sex shops, massage parlors, and porn theaters. From an alchemist's point of view, this was the prima material of high crimes and misdemeanors (in all its varied forms) which two NY City "cops" had to deal with on a daily basis. In their own insightful words, the policemen describe how they maintain their dignity and honor in the face of urban chaos. The photography is a priceless, visual document of the policeman's lot in 1980's America.

Collage is an art - or craft - form that is becoming very popular today, permitting as it does a great diversity of materials, treatments and subject matter. This is an ideas book for those who are interested in the craft. The authors treat collage in a wide sense, using paper, fabrics, stone, string, metal, wood and in fact anything handy as backgrounds and media. The ideas can be applied to clothing and to the decoration of the home, and the lively work illustrated - from a variety of artists - is sure to spark off new ideas in the reader. Brian French is an artist; his wife, Ann Butler, an embroiderer, and both are teachers too.

This book explores the different uses that collage can have not only in art but in everyday life- the pictures alone make it a fascinating non-academic work, with ideas to explore in greater depth if wished. Most highly recommended.

Brian French has here expanded on his previous book, 'Principles Of Collage', by coauthoring this book which takes collage ideas into the real world and examines how collage, pattern, shape and space is part of our everyday life. There are great illustrations from art works but also from everyday homes, showing how a little artistic innovation can transform any object or place

A book that is truly relevant in today's world. Provides real solutions that will work in the real world.

Kevin Blair
www.philanthroproductions.org
Party for a Better Future

Mr. Carlin has written a modern approach to an issue as old as the scriptures: peace. What kind of peace do we seek? Are we waiting for governments, foundations, organized religions to inspire peace? Or should we be more practical and let us citizens start the drive that will conduct us to a more stable and harmonious society. By demonstrating his own personal experience, the author leads us to believe that peace is achievable among all nations and societies. This book is a must read for anyone concerned about the future of man and how to end war.

It's a life changing book about the things that truly matter in life. A Prescription for Peace: A Practical Guide