Bridges Books

Whether you're a new believer, thriving saint, or old traditionalist this book gives new light to why we are here on earth. For everyone that comes to a point where they question the things they where taught or need encouragement for what they know to be true, this book is for anyone that cares to know. After feeling discouraged about what I know to be true and in a current state that causes me to be forced in to a box, this book as given more reason to continue on my journey toward what I have always known to be true. I now realize that the uncomfortable state I am currently in has caused me to get back out of my four walls where freedom resides.

Although it's not a theological thesis, this book captures a crucial element of tactical evangelism, that is to say -- change. Throughout the tide of history, cultures continue to change much like the currents of a river. The author stresses that it's our responsibility as Christ-followers to examine these changes and adapt our evangelism to the moving ideas, beliefs, values, and social trends of our culture.

This book describes a current Christian church that has become burdened with the baggage of religion, which is really a man-made counteroffer to a God who demands much more than pharasaic ritualism and doctrinal narcissism.

And finally, the author pushes the reader to examine the broken bridge and to reconsider what it really means to be a Christian. Is Christianity a title of membership, or is it a way of life? Is being Christian a mere collection of doctrinal creeds and ritualistic observances, or is it much more?

Regardless whether you're a conservative or a liberal Christian, this book is a must read for those of you who have, at one time or another, scratched your head and wondered why we continue to do some of things we do!!!

Respectable Sins is an excellent book and this study guide is a great companion to force one to think through what was read and apply it to life. I'm currently using this with a small group Bible study and the reading and homework are just the right amount of work for the women and provides topics for deeper conversation and accountability.

This study guide and the book that goes with it is truly a great find.
It got me form the first chapter and couldn't stop reading! It really makes you think and is food for the mind and spirit!Don't forget the book that goes with it..

Full of real world advice and thoughtful suggestions, the book uses examples based on personal experience as well as sound research to educate others about the complex subject of retirement planning. I especially appreciated the well thought out worksheets covering all aspects of this life event.
It's refreshing to find a road map written by someone who has been there before, and is not afraid to admit there may have been other routes he could have taken. An excellent book to read and re-read.

Unlike so many other Retirement "advisories" this author relates his real experiences with real world scenarios rather than the "high road" of other financial authors. He clearly describes his/the situation, why/how he made his choices and the result. Sometimes good and sometimes he explains how he could have made a better choice using hindsight as his guide. For someone like me, just entering retirement, his aptly described experiences will allow me to make better decisions and have confidence that my decisions are the best option for me. Mr. Bridges clearly defines the un-controlables (and there are many) but also presents options/solutions to position oneself for the best result.

When I resided abroad I played Il Sistema Fiori Romano for many years as well as the other (more famous) Fiori Blue Club. For team events, I cannot over recommend the Roman System. The book in question is the first complete published exposition of the bidding method, which was revised several times over the years.

Finding hands of 17-20 points with the primary suit spades, hearts or diamonds and a secondary club suit difficult to bid in the original scheme, this pattern was added to the 1 Club opening bid in thhe early '60's.

Some responses to asking bids were modified to increase bidding accuracy and cue-bids were added to the system.

By 1976 Benito Garozzo and Giorgio produced Il Nuovissimo Fiori Romano published by Mursia which changed the "balanced" point ranges to 1 Club for 12-15, 20-21 or 24+ HCP and 1Notrump for 16-19 and 2Notrump for 22-23, necessitating wome question about minor-suit length with 12-15 point diamond-club hands ... not altogether a tragedy.

Like the previous reviewer I not only admire this system but am puzzled that American players never truly accepted the canape principle during the era the Italians were winning every international bridge championship in sight.

Provided a partner can be found, I believe the Roman Club as described in the 1959 book will produce superior results to the "Two Over One" approach now prevalent in the U.S.

I heartily recommend this book.

Pl.S. If you're interested in bridge bidding systems, find Forquet and Garozzo's book on Blue Team Club or the Terence Reese Blue Club book as well. Both Blue Club and the Roman Club are the Cadillacs (or should I say Alfa Romeos) of bridge.

The Roman Club system, although used very effectively by the Italian Blue Team and others, was never popular here in the United States. Part of the reason is that it was outlawed in many events. I think the proper response to that is to play bridge exclusively in events where such a logical system is allowed.

This is by no means an ideal bidding system. But it is a very good one. No, there was no information theory analysis done to make best use of bidding room. But I still like it. It has been around for about fifty years, and it is high time for it to be accepted everywhere.

With balanced distributions, points are the most important. With 12-16, you bid an artifical one club. 17-20 is one no trump. And with 21-26 you bid one club, but jump on the second round to show that you do not have the 12-16 one club. One diamond is an artificial negative response to one club.

When you want to play in a suit contract, distribution is more important than points. Those of us who know the law of total tricks realize that points are truly secondary to knowing the number of trumps each side has. In this system, you play canape, which means bidding the shorter suit first and the longer one second. If you have long hearts with diamonds as your second suit, you open one diamond. After a one heart response, one no trump shows long hearts and a weak hand, two hearts shows long hearts and a strong hand, and three hearts is like a reverse, long hearts and a very strong hand.

When your second suit is clubs, you have a problem, because the one club opening is taken. So with hearts and clubs, you open two hearts, with spades and hearts, you open two spades. With diamonds and clubs, you open two no trump! With all these suit openers, you count losers as well as points (losers are at least as important). Opening bids of two clubs and two diamonds are used to describe three-suited hands.

Slam bidding has a Roman twist, the infamous Roman Asking Bids (often mispronounced "Roaming Ashcan Bids"). These bids ask about controls in a specific suit. The response tells everyone at the table whether a suit is wide open or not. Blackwood is, of course, replaced by Roman Blackwood.

I know most folks will strongly disagree with me, but I think this is an ideal system for total beginners, not just World Champions. The authors tend to support this, noting that for beginners, errors in judgment are more frequent than lapses of memory. This system gives one less leeway than most others, which is a good idea!

The book concludes with some useful quizzes, followed by some excellent examples of the Roman Club in action in World Championship play.

I highly recommend this book.

The TARDIS arrives at the Rock of Judgment, an asteroid that combines the functions of court, prison and place of execution. Here they are drawn into a series of events including a crime committed with the modus operandi of a criminal some three years dead, the peculiar art of Menlove Stokes, and the operations of the Nisbett brothers and their Ogron thugs.

This novel is written with a very light hand, and flows wonderfully. Gareth Roberts captures the characters of the Doctor and Romana brilliantly, and Menlove Stokes, who returns in 'The Well-Mannered War' is a great supporting character. The plot line unfolds very neatly, and should have sufficient twists that you won't know how it will end.

Hugely entertaining, fast-moving and well plotted with some wonderful characters (especially eccentric 'artist of death' Menlove Stokes) and great villains in the Nisbett brothers, the welcome return of the Ogrons and the sinister all-powerful Xais. Gareth Roberts effortlessly recreates the fourth Doctor and second Romana era and this book features the very best of that combination. Great stuff! The editorial review above is completely wrong though, sounds more like 'The Plotters' also by Mr Roberts.

Unbelievable...this diary could be written by my husband, although he has not turned the corner. If he continues on this path, he will likely either change jobs or become seriously ill. I truly desire my husband to reach the crossroads that Tom Kettering did and follow the sometimes shakey road to God.
My hope is that he does so before he leaves this world without God.
Thankfully this is a short book, as my husband does not like to read. His dead heart needs to hear the lessons that Mr. Wyrick so deeply explores.
Thank you, thank you so very much, Mr. Wyrick, for telling us this wonderful story...it is truly a gift, one that leads us to the foot of the cross and into the arms of Jesus.
Julie Southerland

"'Rust on my soul?' Corrosion might be a better description." So Thomas Kettering sees himself in this first person account and, thus, begins one man's journey seeing how the futility of being caught up in the "busy-ness" of making money and finding human praise have made him uncaring and bent towards the materialistic overtake of his soul. These fictional musings are a "road map" for a lost individual in search of and finding the road home, wrapped in the arms of a very good God. In so doing, Neil Wyrick's famous zingers come through loud enough to prick one's concience, soft enough to gently lead us to find hope through another man's struggles. Well worth the reading!

This book was fantastic! A must-read for fans of male submission (be it F/m or M/m - or a bit of both ;)) The sex scenes absolutely sizzled! Rianna is a very likeable heroine and Tarn makes one fine pleasure slave... =) In a perfect world we'd have a lot more of Deanna Ashford's work!

I love this book. I'm not much into female submission...but male submission and domination of a man sexually is so friggin' hott. If you are into bondage and torture and stuff of that calibur, you will enjoy this book. Some of the scenes are so hott! I recommend this to any body who likes bdsm...

...and if you want something different than mainstream erotica...here you go.

This book is really increadible. The shape, color, composition, and gesture in every image is amazing. I would like to thank paul for bringing these images into my collective unconsciousness.

Paul Liebhardts photographs are incredible. His photographs capture the essence of life in people around the world. Liebhardt's incredible eye and his creative ability to see light is mind boggling. I highly recommend this book and consider it to have some of the most incredible photographs I have ever seen. Paul Liebhardt is a true artist and one of the greats.

If you want to be challenged in your Christian life then this book is for you. Great read, it will make you think about how you are living for God and if you really have the power you need to live it as you should. The main theme is "complete surrender" to God so that the Holy Spirit can work in you for God's glory. Do take into account though that the text in this book is the same as "The Secret of Success in the Christian Life" by the same author. Don't make the same mistake as I did and buy them both. Although the text was written over 100 years ago, it is still very much what we all as Christians need to read and reflect upon. Looking for a challenge in your Christian life? Want something more? Want to live the Christian life to the full? If so, read this book. Five Star reading!

This is a fairly short book but it isn't a quick and easy read. I didn't think so. I would read a few pages and have to digest what I'd read, reflect on and absorb what Moody was saying. It's not that it's difficult. He writes very simply and directly about the person and purpose of the Holy Spirit and how he guides, convicts and accompanies Christians through life.

But the ideas and meanings Moody reveals through Bible verses and his own life (100 years ago!) have a lasting impact on every reader today.

I'm a big fan of C.S. Lewis and I reacted the same way to this book as I have to Lewis' deceptively brief-looking books on Christianity. Their brevity may make their books look short but the depth of what they say will have a greater impact than whole shelves of other works on the same subject.

(Billy Graham also has a wonderful book called THE HOLY SPIRIT for more on the subject).

this is perhaps one of the best books on Bridge ever written, it is a classic, I recommend it for beginners and advanced players alike

Jeff Rubens's ageless book is on every expert's short list of the greatest bridge books ever written and should be in every player's library. Read once, it will be remembered forever. This edition is a bargain price. His ideas about hand evaluation are treasured gems sure to raise any player's understanding and enjoyment of the game, and Ruben's advice on duplicate, Swiss Teams, partnerships and conventions are among the best in the literature.