Gray Books

Excellent and interesting, not stuffy at all. Easy to follow with practice lessons at the end of every chapter. Good essential information for the beginner investor, not just for online traders. Covers the "how-to's" of analyzing stocks and mutual funds to add to your portfolio put in easy to understand and fun terms. By: Ellen Hochman

This is a very detailed book which covers all aspects on online investing. Most people can skip chapter 1 which shows basic Internet browsing and navigation. The rest of the book shows web pages you can look at. I like this book because the authors highlight and explain the different parts of each of the web pages. At 400 pages, this book is short enough so that you won't get bored and long enough that the author just don't explain a concept in a sentence or a paragraph. The authors give enough detail so that you can understand and profit.

"Teach Yourself Investing Online", by Thomas S. Gray and Claire Mencke, is the ideal book for online investors, both novices and old-timers. The information is easy to understand, easy to read, and very interactive. There are sites to visit, quizzes and worksheets to fill out, and pages and pages of screenshots and sidebars and intriguing reading. This book can be used for quick reference or for straight-forward research. Very up-to-date and needed in this fast-paced Internet world, with online catalogs and stock trading sites, this book is your manual to succeed in this day in age. The book covers such subjects as stock quotes to saving for your child's college fund to shopping online. I was clueless and, frankly, frightened of the stock market and Internet investments before I peeked at these pages -- now I'm hooked, making extra money, and learning how to budget my finances. This book is for young and old investors alike, and it's easy to follow, with clear language and straight-forward visuals. It was obvious to me that these authors know what they're talking about. A must! If you think you could never make it in this busy online investing economy, you need this book! If you think you know all there is to know, you need this book! Finally, I read something I needed so much!

This book was very good back in the "buy and hold years" of 1998-2001. It's still a good read and very enjoyable.

These days, in my opinion, a trader needs more practical and up to date strategies especially if he wants to start day trading online on a regular basis.

Stock trading is all about making buy and sell decisions. When you make a trade either your going to lose money or your going to make money, and some other times you will break even. When you win some body else will lose and so forth, but that's NOT what's important.

The most important aspect of day trading is the "know-how" strategies you employ to make your buy & sell decisions. There are many "surefire" systems outhere, but you need to test them in order to discover which ones help you the most. That's part of your homework as an online stock trader. Test, test and test again.

Complicated systems that rely on a truck load of technical analysis indicators can make you slow, and being slow in this game can be as dangerous as not knowing what to do in the first place.

I think the worst thing that can happen to a beginner trader is to get information OVERLOAD. It's better to go step by step, and test a simple trading system that can show you how to focus on concrete ways to profit day in and day out.

Fortunatly there are some good sites on the web today that can show you how to trade in a practical and effective way. One of those sites is Smart Day Trading (SmartDayTrading com)

In the end, day trading is all about buying and selling according to your knowledge FILTER. Once you master and follow youre proven filter parameters like a clock, you can expect to start making serious amounts of cash on a consistent basis.

Newspaper columnist compilations are enjoyable enough--that is, if you like the columnist. A collection of columns by your favorite journalist looks great on your bookshelf (and makes for great bathroom reading!). But note the subtitle of Michael Heaton's book--this is not a collection of columns from The Plain Dealer's Minister of Culture, but a collection of reporting from a longtime Cleveland journalist. And what reporting! Heaton tells us of an undercover G-man and a goodfella turned snitch; the sad aftermath of the life of a man who crossed the Atlantic solo in a tiny boat; Cleveland's version of the drunken paisanos of Tortilla Flat; the surprisingly upbeat story of a popular sportscaster with terminal cancer. Some of these pieces are hilarious, like Heaton's attempts at boxing and demolition derby. Some are serious, like his reports on stalking, or at Ground Zero in the days after 911. The book also has some older pieces on some folks who we know better today: Cleveland mayor Frank Jackson, back when he was a new councilman; pre-movie star Harvey Pekar from American Splendor; and Chef Michael Symon before he was knighted with the title "Iron." There is something for everyone in here. In a time when newspaper subscription is in decline, Michael Heaton's book shows us the importance of that medium. Read this book and you'll be looking for a newsstand to plunk down your four bits.

And non-Clevelanders shouldn't be scared off. These stories are mainly "of" Cleveland, but they "transcend" Cleveland as well. More to the point, Heaton's writing captures the humor, the drama, and yes, the optimism that is Cleveland. Cleveland isn't about rivers burning and sports teams losing, but that's part of it. Cleveland is also about big hair in suburban malls, about forever trying to bridge the gap of east and west, and about restaurants where mobsters and celebrities once hung out. Cleveland is about celebrating its history and looking forward to its future, however uncertain. This book captures that optimism that is the essence of Cleveland.

Sure, the guy appears to be the winner of the Rip Taylor Look-alike Contest but don't let that fool ya. This is a serious book by a serious fellow. Most importantly, Michael Heaton is serious about being funny and if not funny then clever and if not clever, then well, he is as entertaining as all get out. That's because this compedium of tales goes from the land to sea, from Berea to El Salvador, from mobsters and FBI g-men to the Most Famous Unknown Artist in the World. He covers the waterfront and the landlocked too. Everything gets a piece of the action as Heaton goes from one exploit to the next with courage and flair. Finally all his best work has been collected in one place- the story of the guy in the rickety boat and the artist who made work that you could only get by mail because he never left his house. Joe Esterhaus does his best weriting since Dreamgirls in introducing Heaton and it is whirl of poignant tests of inner strength, fast-moving adventures and uncontrolled hilarity after that. Reading the Minister of Culture column in the Plain Dealer every week is always a highlight and his longer articles in the Sunday magazine give him a chance to stretch out, but having Michael Heaton's unique voice on call on the night table was a treat that kept on giving. So sit back and enjoy the show. If you like this book as much as i do, then we are probably in for another one soon- a full length story I would hope, because these things have a way of working out. This one will sell like hotcakes but wait- people don't buy hotcakes anymore so scratch the word "profit" from the title. But maybe a follow up book, Michael? And don't despair, there is certainly truth and fun here in abundance.

This is a collection of Cleveland stories by a guy who has never been able to permanently escape Cleveland. This is bad news if you don't live in Cleveland, good news if you do. Michael Heaton, known locally as The Minister of Culture, covers politics and sports and people in Truth And Justice. The stories recapitulate the town and its people. They are a little rough around the edges, a little sad, a lot funny. They are always insightful. Heaton has an eye for detail and an ear for conversation and cadence. The stories ring true to those of us banished to the North Coast, but they go further than that. This is more than a bunch of "slice of life" Cleveland stories. Truth and Justice paints a rollicking canvas of America over three rather interesting decades, and is a rewarding read.

Read the very best of the "you are there" style of journalism. This is a fantastic collection of human interest stories about people anonymous and notorious and the amazing backstories of some high profile happenings.

From a reporter who's been around the block and around the globe, Michael Heaton has covered it all, and to say he writes with humour and pathos would be an understatement. This collection proves him to be one of the greatest story tellers of the baby boom generation, whose Minister of Culture savvy, has been honed by his own experiences living out the last half of the twentieth century. No matter who he writes about, he's able to empathize with them in such a way, that people really bare their souls. What we get is something hillarious, sorrowful, heart pounding and truly deep, about an amazing diversity of folks and their real life experiences.

A super fun and thrilling read.

I was impressed by the research done by the author to provide initial information about the state of today's church and its needs. The first two chapters got my attention. This is the most comprehensive ministry tool I've seen yet. I am purchasing a copy for each of our church's board members. It is a particularly valuable resource for any woman in ministry to other women or to anyone. I like the exercises that prepare others for ministry. Most helpful. I highly recommend this book as well as the workbook "Unleashing your potential" by the same author.

This is the finest book I have read on women's ministry in a local. It provides excellent ideas for structure and programing of women's ministries; however, its primary contribution is in the area of leadership. Any pastor would profit greatly in reading it.Unleashing WOmen in the Church

The book "Unleashing Women In The Church"; preparing servant leaders to serve in the church,if read thoughtfully and prayerfully by both men and women, could provide answers for the way to develop effective help and leadership in the local church for the glory of God.

The workbook, if used the way it is designed, could awaken women to their potential and give them the confidence and skills to be leaders in many needed areas of their churches.

Because this is such a good work, I am sending a copy to my former church to become part of their library.

This book should be read by every pastor and Christian worker interested in seeing God working mightily in their church. It is probably the most comprehensive modern work available on the subject and is written by one who has distilled the essence of many years of effective ministry among women into a highly readable, practical manual for fruitfully deploying one of the most under utilized resources of the church. Don't hesitate - get a copy today - read it and apply it. This is not an expense item, it's an investment - for eternity.

Valor in Gray: The Recipients of the Confederate Medal of Honor

Gregg Clemmer's style of writing humanized the soldier and made him (or her in one case) an individual with real dreams for a life. I could finally identify the passions which propel a person to fight for a cause and want to make a difference or maintain their way of life. I have bought several copies of this book and given it as gifts. This is truly a worthy addition to any library.

This is by far the most tantalizing book on Civil War history I have ever read. Gregg Clemmer describes the actual stories behind the men that earned the post-humous Confederate Medal of Honor. His writing draws the reader into the world of subject and let's you feel the bitter chill, and hear the whistling shells of battle.

Valor in Gray sends you back in time to the battlefields of the 1860's and clouds your nostrils with the smell of burnt powder. I have read many books on many wars, but none have captured my imagination or emotion as well as Valor in Gray.

Gregg Clemmer writes in detail about the events that occured that caused these men to be remembered. He has spent countless hours researching the character of each recipient and the things they did to deserve their tragic honor. Whether a descendant of the North or the South, this book will make you feel the emotion that drove these men to risk their lives for the values and beliefs they held dear. Each chapter is devoted to a separate Confederate Medal of Honor recipient and is devoted to that individual. Valor in Gray is destined to be one of the best books on Civil War history ever written.

Valor in Gray is an excellent book. If you love the Confederates, you'll love this book!

VALOR IN GRAY is an attractive and well written book. Gregg S. Clemmer explains the background of the Confederate Medal of Honor then presents a brief biographical sketch of each award winner. An appendix lists the Confederate Roll of Honor. For those interested in Confederate military exploits on a personal level, this book would make a welcome addition to your library. Minor mistakes are the only thing preventing a five star rating.

What a wonderful book! I send a huge and heart-felt thank you to the author, Doug Thompson, for being such an excellent spokesperson for the friendly Grey Whales of our ocean...for writing such an important book...and at a time when their very existence is beginning to be threatened again.

Each year we watch, from our coastal town in Oregon, as these magnificent creatures make their yearly journey to and from Baja. It is a journey that we look forward to each year as they make their way down the coastline and back again.
I have had the opportunity of looking into the eyes of some of these whales and I must say, I have been changed. And now, even more so, after reading this excellent book.

It is my hope that everyone will have the chance to read this book and to learn from it. It truly needs to be in the hands of every conservationist.
'Touching the Mystery' is a thoughtful and beautiful book that not only educates folks about the wonder of these intelligent creatures and the importance of protecting them, but also about the lives of those that live near them...the keepers of the lagoons and stewards of the land and sea.

This book comes with a 30 minute DVD offering incredible footage of these Whales. Doug's many years as a film maker certainly are apparent in this documentary. It is absolutely stunning!

I am about to order several more copies (after having already purchased an armload)
Thank you again Mr. Thompson!!! You are a hero!

This book really shines a light on a world so few of us see. Doug Thompson has written one of the definitive books on whales, their history and their future. His personal connection to whales and the way he introduces us to the people and places that are so crucial to their survival takes you on a journey filled with the passion of someone who deeply cares for these amazing sea creatures. The DVD that is included adds a visual element that brings the pages of the book to life. It's also great to hear the author narrate the DVD and get a greater sense of his commitment to these smart engaging animals. Whales: Touching the Mystery is an enjoyable read and one that you'll recommend to all your friends.

Whales: Touching the Mystery entrances the reader. Complete with a DVD showing incredible footage of humans interacting with whales and whales enjoying thier ocean journeys. The book explores Gray Whales teaching us the beauty of their life and the impact of their journeys from Alaska to Baja Mexico on humans and the viabilty of ocean life. This book is for whale lovers, nature adventurous and the curious. The author tells the story of the current effords of humans to preserve the birthing lagoons of the whales, as well as the impact on the indigious folks of the area. Historical information combined with current conservation by the Mexican goverment creates an intrique of circumstances and give hopes to the future. Reading this book will have you heading towards Baja to sea for yourself and to experience the joy of our whale ancestors. READ it and Buy it for a friend or your local library.

I can't claim to be deeply familiar with the current literature about whales (my library boasts at most two or three books on the subject) but if you're looking for the one book that conveys the majesty and wonder of these incredible creatures, one that engages both the mind and the heart in ways both powerful and moving, this book and accompanying DVD is it. Mariner, naturalist and filmmaker Thompson has been leading whale watching expeditions to Baja California for 30 years--he may have been the first one to do so-- and he does an admirable job of distilling the knowledge, wisdom and deep insights gained from three decades of whale interaction into a narrative that is at once accessible, informative and fascinating.

While much has been reported about the profound, even life-changing, impact that touching a whale has on those who have had the experience, Thompson deftly steers clear of being preachy or New Age-y, leaving the spiritual experience for the reader to feel implicitly through his descriptions and the DVD. In fact, he has multiple objectives: enthrall, entice, educate, honor the stewards of the San Ignacio Lagoon, lobby, give the rich ideas for helping (and politicians reasons for voting), and gain new friends of the whale world-wide. He achieves all of these goals without losing any of his audiences. His brief history of whale hunting is especially powerful.

My wife Susan and I watched the 30 minute companion DVD. Like the book, it's pitch perfect and wonderfully complementary. We've both been fortunate to get close to whales in waters off Northern California, but Thompson's images of whale encounters in the San Ignacio Lagoon are nothing short of astonishing, truly powerful and moving. This is a beautifully produced video, with a quality worthy of network broadcast. Little wonder that Thompson and this book and DVD have garnered the respect and imprimatur of no less an icon than primatologist Jane Goodall. Like Goodall, Thompson is making an impact. Highest recommendation.
John Grissim, author of The Lost Treasure of the Concepcion and Pure Stoke

I began looking for this book in early 2002 when I saw the movie Brotherhood Of The Wolf and wanted to know more about Gevaudan. The long title intrigued me when I first discovered it online. But the price tag was too high and getting higher! Over $700 for goodness sake! Moreover, it was sooo hard to find since it was printed in 1992 and now completely out of print. Years later (2007) as a lark I tried to order it thru Borders since I knew the individual who could place the order. She told me not to hold my breath. Lo and behold, 8 days later I get a call that my book is in. I race to the store and sure enough, there in shrink wrap was my book, brand spanking new! And for only $119 compared to the $700 and near $2,000 that I saw thru Google! "thud" After picking myself off the floor and reattaching my jaw I forsook a full gas tank and bought it on the spot. While outwardly it looks like a library book with no dust jacket, I read the book like a sponge and finished it in about 3 days. It is a terrific read and incredibly well researched. What is depressing is that it's the ONLY book in english (that I'm aware of) that deals with the Beast of Gevaudan. While a few illustrations would have been helpful (some modern renderings of the beast based on historical accounts for example), all in all this is an amazing book. I was surprised at how much research Thompson did for the book and especially how incredibly detailed it was. Even though it does go on a bit about the location, fauna and the political climate of the Gevaudan region for that time period, it's all worth it. I have re-read it two more times since then. It holds a place of reverance in my library and my son (who is 12) already wants to read it himself. I encourage all who want to know more about the Beast of Gevaudan to get this book or at least try to find it at a library. Hopefully it won't be stolen. I have no idea how hard it is to find nowadays and since I think the Borders incident was simply an incredibly lucky fluke, I think it will turn into a vendetta. But in my opinion, the journey is worth taking. It's a helluva book to have and I even impressed a few coworkers who were also searching for it. I really am curious as to how many were actually printed as a whole. I won't spoil the end or the Beasts identity (according to Thompson) but the final chapter does leave one wondering about a few things. So to all those who take up the challenge, good luck! It's well worth it!

This is a very informative, very well written, and very well researched book on the beast. But the current price ~ $750 is outrageously expensive. The other reviewers who say it is worth the price must have based their statements on the earlier, cheaper price of $125. I got access to it through an inter-library loan. If you can't afford the book and are interested in the story of the beast, try to get your local library to arrange an inter-library loan for you. This is a very factual, informative book on the subject. While it may not be worth the current $700 asking price, it is worth the time and effort to find and read a library edition.

I stumbled across this book looking for anything I could find on the Beast of the Gevaudan after seeing the movie The Brotherhood of the Wolf. I was very interested to find out that this movie was based loosely on a real French legend.
Though the author tends to stray from the point sometimes this book has some INCREDIBLE facts about this true story. This alone for me made the book worth the price. The author goes through and accounts for all of the reported attacks that are documented. The accounts are very detailed and truly scary. Also he does a great job of telling how the Beast was finally killed.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in finding out about the The Beast of the Gevaudan.

Ever since encountering the story of the Beast of the Gevaudan in Montague Summers' The Werewolf in my younger years (2 decades ago), I have searched for a fuller account. Mr. Thompson's work far exceeded my expectations when I chanced upon it - he covers in great detail all the victims and traces the full drama of 1764 to 1767 as the Beast is hunted by Duhamel, Denneval, Antoine de Beauterne, and finally killed by Jean Chastel. After a death tally of 100+, just what was it? A wolf? Crossbred monster? Was there only one? Or two?

Thompson's scholarship is impeccable, and includes a bibliographic appendix listing all known records and studies of the Beast up until 1991 (when this tome was published). Although somewhat costly, I concur with the previous review - it is well worth the price if you want to know about the Beast. I have re-read this work three times to digest all the detail. Finally, scholarship doesn't have to be boring - Thompson has written in a style that strikes one as almost a novel. Before you know it, 50 pages have passed and you find a need to pause to catch your breath.

I give this one my highest recommendation - grab it before it goes out of print.

This book fascinates every wolf lover even more of this species, and those, who haven't decided yet what to think about wolves, might start to love them and "fight" for the recovery of this species. It gives many details about behaviour, ecology, and conservation of wolves. Despite being written in the 90ths most of its information is still up to date. This book is used by many students, but is equally suitable for the interested public as Mech manages to describe the facts in clear, understandable words. It is highly recommendable for people who want to learn more about wolves.

This was the first book I studied before I bought my wolfdog. It's a great general reference book on wolves, factual and not biased. It's especially useful for understanding wolf behavior and body language, which one must aquaint one's self with before considering getting a wolfdog. Some of data is outdated, such as showing the wolf and domestic dog as separate branches on the canine family tree, but by and large it's a good reference book.

For anyone with a serious interest in Wolf Ecology or Dog Psychology this is a'Must Read!'. In the book Mech draws on his own observations of wolf behaviour, as well as those of other influential wolf researchers. Full of information and observation on the ecology, sociology, behaviour and communication of wolves, I have found this book invaluable in my research into Dog Physcology, and have even applied some of what I learnt from its pages to the training of my Inuit pup.

I simply wish to echo what was said in the previous two reviews of this book. If one wants a primer on wolves for lab, classroom or at home reading this is the one to get.

It is a highly enjoyable book easy to understand for a wide ranging audience. It is my hope this book will inspire it's readers to probe deeper and consider reading further on the topic, for example: Wolves of Minong: Isle Royale's Wild Community (Ann Arbor Paperbacks) by Durward Leon Allen.

Beautiful pictures illustrates the many different wolves that were restored to yellowstone (#10, #9etc...). Illustrates the effort the yellowstone had to put in to restore the wolf to its natural habitat. Very interesting to the average wolf lover and those who are interested in what happened in the 1995 restoration of the wolves to yellowstoen.

Beautiful pictures, touching and moving story. About the restoration of the wolves.

an excellent book describing the ordeal of reintroducing the wolves to Yellowstone. I recommend it to everyone with even a slight interest in this topic

This book brings you right into the experience of bringing the wolves back to Yellowstone where they belong! Find out the behind the scenes activity that brought the sight and sound of the wolf back after an absence of over 60 years. You'll never be the same after reading this. Excellent!!

Jordan Finch and Ali MacPherson met when they were both hiding out at party. A divorced single father, Jordan knows that free-sprited Ali is not the sort of woman he needs in his life, but he finds himself attracted to her and unable to stay away. Ali's luck with men is
usually always runs one way...bad. So when she meets conservative and uptight Jordan, she never expects to find herself falling for him. But Jordan is facing a custody battle for his daughter and Ali fears their relationship may jeopardize his case. Can two totally different people find a way to make a relationship work?

With The World According to Ali, T. L. Gray has written a story where I quickly became absorbed by Ali's life. I was invested in Ali's struggles to make her relationship work with Jordan, the man who is quickly becoming the love of her life. Funny and romantic, The World According to Ali is just what romance readers are looking for.

Melissa
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

T.L.Gray draws the reader into the story from page one. Great characters,great chemistry - if you love romance, you need to read about Ali.

TL Gray's book The World According to Ali is a must read. If you haven't read it you're missing out.

But the Charleston gentleman finds he doesn't mind at all when it's Ali McPherson, self proclaimed "fast" girl doing the most outrageous things to test his well ordered life. TWATA is a fun read full of energy from the first word. TL Gray masterfully builds characters that touch your heart and make you say "go girl".

So much of the advice given in this book is stuff I've heard or learned on my own over the years. You'd think that would make this a 1 star book but nothing could be further from the truth. The way the authors write and share information is very uplifting and motivational. They remind us of what we already know but simply ignore and they give us "the okay" to slow down and really get real with ourselves. I, for one, really needed this book. I've been on overload for awhile and though I knew it was time to slow down, I just coudn't get myself to do it. I'd slow down in one area only to pick up something in another area. I've read this book twice, in two weeks, and I have already begun to implement much of the advice. My hope is that by answering all the questions in the book, and being real honest, I'll be able to stick to the changes and live a much happier and less stressed life. I'd recommend this book to home business owners everywhere--we women put far too much on our own shoulders and it's time to lighten the load.

Dr. Steve Stephens and I have had a tremendous response to this book. At one of the seminars where we spoke, one lady came up with dozens of red, yellow, and green tabs poking out from the pages. She explained, "The red tabs mean I need to take action on these ideas right away. The yellows will be next and the green I can get to more leisurely." Thelma Wells, National Speaker for Women of Faith, writes, "Years of research, counseling, and success are jam-packed in this practical, powerful book." Bestselling author Liz Curtis Higgs wrote, "Just reading it gave me a sense of peace and the gentle assurance that I CAN make some positive, healthy changes in my too-busy lifestyle." Elisa Morgan, President of MOPS International writes, "Ahh...at last--a pathway out of the insanity!"
If you are interested in working through the book with a friend or in a group, there is guide in the back of the book. There are fun ideas to try at the end of each chapter. Because we know women are busy (why else would they be feeling worn out?), we've kept the chapters short and practical.

There's three kinds of clutter in your life...schedule clutter, space clutter, and soul clutter. The book covers them all. (There's even a chapter on how to get a better night's sleep). Dr. Steve and I have found, a woman cannot unclutter her life until she unclutters her heart. Please visit our webpage at www.thewornoutwoman.com. God's blessings!

This book lept into my arms from the store shelf!! The title alone spoke to me (and most of the women I know). With it's common-sense, Christ-centered approach to living, THE WORN OUT WOMAN gives practical advice on slowing down and regaining control.
I love that the book is 'interactive' with many suggestions on things to do and a reading/study guide for each chapter. This is the type of book you want to get for every woman you know who is doing too much and being all things to everybody -- and slowly killing her soul in the process!
I'm going to lead a discussion group on the book because I know so many women who can relate. WE ARE TIRED and looking for a better way! God Bless the authors for bringing it to the forefront and summing it up with one of the most appropriate titles I've seen in a long time.

My church recently hosted a bible study with Alice Gray (co-author of this book) as the speaker. The ideas she shared from her book were so practical and necessary for every worn out woman out there in the world! It was as if she was speaking directly to me when she described what a worn out woman is and how I got this way. After hearing her speak I just knew that this book was something special and I bought a copy. This book is truly inspiring and a must read if you want to break free of being overwhelmed, stressed, tired and just plain worn out.