Richard Books

Forget how great the book is, the author is one of the best guys I know. Buy it because he is one of the best architects out there, insightful, concise and germaine - no frills, just functionality. He is also a price of a guy. I know, we went to high school together.

It is and excellant planner. I have one on my desk. The cartoons are great. I know a lot of time and thought went into this product. I hope it is the first in a line of many.

Concisely arranged, with elegant graphics. The book is chocked full of unusual, architect-specific information. The Construction Documents, ADAAG Compliance, and Environmental Design Checklists are especially handy.

As someone with a busy and varied schedule, tools such as this are necessary to help maintain control. I even enjoyed the sense of humor included in the planner. It is rare that you find an item that is as on target as this book.

Wonderful book. It is obvious that the authors did months of research

Having read some architectural acoustics books, I can recommend this one as one of the best. It is an excellent resource. In fact, I should not have spent some of my money on some oldie books, which were cheap but not as good.

This is an up to date book, and it is worth every penny you spend. If you are a student or someone interested in the topic architectural acoustics, it is a good resource but it has many formulas (sorry if you do not like physics).

With it I have been able to specify to an architect who does not know hardly anything about acoustics how to correct his design for a contemporary church. I also recommend "Handbook for Sound Engineers" as a compliment to this book, for people that are trying to get the best of both worlds -- acoustics and audio. These are both good buys, and can help you very much. Remember that to be a good consultant you need to have a good library of books and this one would be an excellent part of your reference library.

The ultimate guide to architectural acoustics covering many topics in a single and nice priced book, It has everything covered and explained to a good level, my only complain is that only basic measurement techniques are explained. However it is a great complilation of knowledge in a single package.

I just received my copy, and have yet to dive into. However it appears up to date (2006) in that it covers modelling and auralization concepts. The scope of the book is expanded compared to Eagan's excellent text. Take a look at the table of contents on line for an idea of the topics.

It appears to be well written. The mathematics of sound are covered. This should be a standard reference text for a general knowledge of architectural acoustics.

July 2007 - I use this book as one of my primary references. It has excellent breadth and detail.

In his preamble the author refers to the fact this book took him more than 10 years to write. Given the level of detail and the comprehensive nature of this book, this is not surprising.

There may be better acoustical books available relating to specific niches of acoustics, such as Beranek and Barron's works on concert halls and there are certainly more simple introductions to the subject, such as Egan's book of the same name, but for anybody who doesn't mind grappling with some mathematical equations, this is definitely the best and most comprehensive book on this subject of the 15 or so that I possess.

Like the author, I am also a practicing acoustical consultant and a lecturer in this subject. It's probably splitting hairs, but I suspect that my architecture students might not respond well to this book due to the fact that the illustrations are generally limited to fairly simple black and white drawings and the mathematical approach may intimidate some, but for other acoustical consultants and engineers interested in the field of building acoustics, I would definitely recommend this text.

I have a copy of Long's Architectural Acoustics and have read a number of sections. The book is remarkably complete and Long has correctly embodied current literature. I recommend it for professionals and architects who have some mathematics. Leo Beranek

This collection of art from the Rath Cycle is a must have for any MTG enthusiast. Excellent art work adorns every page and serves to reveal the complexity and beauty of the world of Rath. The various characters, races, places, and machines behind the story of the Rath cycle are detailed through writing and colorful artwork. Without reading the MTG novels surrounding the Rath Cycle, this is the best way to get familiar with the story and setting of the MTG expansion packs: Tempest, Stronghold, and Exodus. You can tell by the price of this book on Amazon that it is a valued item in people's collections. I'd say its worth the seemingly high price.

Highly reccommended.

This book is amazing. It includes backround drawings and doodlings of such great Magic artists as Mark Tedin and Pete Ventres. One of the most interesting parts of the book was the inards of the Weatherlight and the Predator, showing engine rooms and cabins. Also, main characters and races have backround stories explained in detail.

I double highly recommend this book, it's fantastic, even if your not an artist or a Magic fan.

I got this book not too long ago and I've gotta say, this is one for the records. It centers all around the great and wonderful art of Magic: The Gathering: The Rath Cycle. I got this book because the Rath Cycle is my #1 favorite add-on for Magic, and I love the art. It tells you behind the scenes stuff about all the different characters and places in the Rath Cycle. Now, don't get this book thinking that you're gonna get every picture in the set. They have alot of the art, but not all of it. I thought that, but I was still amazed when I got it. I use the book to help me sketch out the stuff I couldn't on the cards, they were too small. But they blow them up for the book. It's a great book, a must-have for everyone who appreciates the art and magic of Magic: The Gathering.

Although I don't know the Rath Cycle or MTG really well, I was drawn to this book for its artwork. Really nice suff! Lots of versions of images, artist studies (b/w and color), and schematic plans (of the ships), so you can see what diffrent artists were thinking. There is a good bit of text (back story for the game I assume) if you are into that. Basicly, a great fantasy art refrance book!

The Art of Magic represents the visual glories of the Rath Cycle: a set of three expansions named Tempest, Stronghold, and Exodus that depict the adventures of Gerrard Capashen and the crew of the Weatherlight as they seek to liberate the kidnapped Sisay and unravel the evil mystery that lies behind the universe of Rath.

The book is filled with the lavish illustrations that have made Magic: the Gathering among the most aesthetically pleasing card games in history. Famous artists such as Pete Venters, Quentin Hoover, Donato Giancola, John Avon, and Terese Nielsen create a stormy world wracked with strife and death. We see the legendary paintings, sketches, and drawings that breathe life into such places as the Stronghold, the Skyshroud Forest, and the Dream Halls. And vivid characters are represented with handfuls of card arts, style guides, and behind the scenes sketches. This book lays out the story, environment, and aura of the Rath Cycle experience in a conscientious, experienced form which shows meticulous preparation and a beautiful final product. Who can forget the legendary Vanguard painting of the Dark Angel Selenia, poised to strike at the onlooker? Or Donato Giancola's Havoc, showing Orim attracting the fury of the Furnace of Rath around her? Or even the paintings of the mischievous Squee, a goblin with a heart and intelligence far beyond his peers. And for a look to the dark side, the City of Traitors, huddled around the gigantic Furnace of Rath.

The Weatherlight, its crew, and every inch of the worlds of the Rath Cycle are detailed beautifully. One will want to look through the glistening pages many times-everything holds a meaning just waiting to be unlocked. Even the title page for each chapter invokes curiosities: we see a depiction of the Null Moon, Dominaria's artificial moon (and possibly something of ill meaning from the Phyrexians?) and an added oval with each chapter's progression.

The Art of Magic: the Gathering is without a doubt among the best books to come out of Wizards of the Coast and TSR for a long time. A must buy worth every cent.

The book Art of the Carousel is the best I've read. It gives a full history and it is beautifully illustrated. I showed it to a co-worker and she had to have one to put on their coffee table for all to view. You won't be sorry!

This book is just a fun with the education about the carousels! This'll tell you much about the carousels ! Charlotte is a great author, and has a good sense of understanding people's psycology. You'll have fun with this book !

Charlotte Dinger's Art of the Carousel is a must have for any enthusiasts carousel book collection. This book features chapters about all the major carousel artists/carvers and great photographic examples of each carvers style.

There is also a chapter about restoring and collecting these magnificant animals. This book is very similar to "Painted Ponies" by William Manns/Marianne Stevens. Included is a census of operating carousels. Since the book was written in the mid 1980s, many of the carousels that are listed in the census have been long gone. For an updated censue check the National Carousel Association.

ART OF THE CAROUSEL, lavishly illustrated in full color with over 400 photographs, is a complete guide for collectors, museums and galleries, as well as a delightful book for those who simply enjoy the beauty and nostalgia of the carousel.

The author traces the development of carousel art by describing style variations and identifiable features of carousel animals produced by the major American carving companies. Important considerations in evaluating carousel figures are defined, as well as characteristics that distinguish European and Mexican animals from the more valued carvings.

In addition, the book includes descriptions and illustrations of restoration techniques, practical advice on buying, shipping, and insuring carousel animals, and a census of operating carousels in the United States and Canada.

There are two books that any carousel collector or would-be collector must have. Dinger's "Art of the Carousel" and Manns' "Painted Ponies". These are simply the most complete of the carousel reference books. Bruce W. Zubee - Webmaster - [URL]

This book gave me the next steps to what I needed to make winning commitments. I knew all the analytical information to promote myself and business but I was lacking a way to engage the heart and spirits of my prospect. This book has helped me move in that direction.

We enjoy well organized books that get to the point: this is one of them. In a nutshell, the work, based on interviews with leaders, offers practical wisdom and highlights 10 essential competencies of effective leaders: 1) seeing what is, in a new way; 2) vision; 3) storytelling (conveying a compelling message); 4) fostering hope (creating a sense of the possible through optimism); 5) rendering significance (connecting vision with each person's life goals); 6) mobilizing (encouraging right actions, setting high expectations, letting go, encouraging the best in others); 7) self awareness; 8) emotional engagement (empathic connection); 9) enacting beliefs; and 10) centering (developing centering consciousness and improvising). These highlights don't do justice to the book. In its content-rich pages, it delivers an abundance of insights about the meaning of leadership, as well as revealing an inspiring spirit.

To be an effective leader, one must inspire a broad and deep genuine commitment to a team's mission, vision, desired results, and members. A number of books have been written on ways to get people to sign on, to agree, to perform. Applying the principles they promote will generate performance, adherence, and a certain degree of loyalty. Full commitment is a different issue.

Richards presents an approach that is balanced between intellectual commitment, emotional commitment, and spiritual commitment. Emphasizing the art of leadership, he shows how leaders can craft deeper relationships that generate genuine commitment to produce meaningful achievement and fulfilling satisfaction.

In the area of intellectual commitment, four chapters present the elements of insight, vision, storytelling, and mobilizing. Under emotional commitment, the chapters address self-awareness, emotional engagement, and fostering hope. Rendering significance, enacting beliefs, and centering build the understanding of spiritual commitment. The wrap-up chapter is titled Towering Conclusions and Further Strategies. A brief list of resources (interviewees and websites) and an index complement the text. Each chapter concludes with a handful of questions to stimulate contemplation.

The entire text stimulates contemplation. Using a wide range of people and their experiences and philosophies, Richards engages the reader in an introspective and educational journey. In chapter after chapter, I found myself inspired and enlightened, motivated to apply what I was learning in my work.

You will find this book to be a sort of combination of a walk in the woods, a comfortable soak in a hot tub, and time in a classroom with an energetic professor scribbling concepts rapidly across a white board while his writing hand struggles to keep up with his mind. Plan on reading this book twice; you won't get it all the first time. Margaret Thatcher's quote will help you understand that opportunity.

I had always viewed myself as a pretty successful leader, but the insights I gained from reading this book have caused me to step back and review aspects of my leadership style that have evolved over a 25 year period. This excellent book calls on leaders to honestly assess the way they lead and communicate with their people in areas that for some are in uncharted waters - i.e., the emotional and spiritual dimensions. The book is not only insightful but is written so clearly and simply that its messages are very easy to grasp. I recommend this book for any leader who wants to raise her or his performance to the next level.

So much business literature is mind-numbingly and illogically recursive, suggesting that breakthroughs for your business will stem from imitating the techniques of other business people.

In a departure from this tired and arguably broken premise, consultant and coach Dick Richards provides lessons from leaders operating outside of corporations: in not-for-profits, the arts, sports, religion, education, government...

In drawing insights from his interviews with these leaders, Richards argues that leaders succeed by securing follower commitment. He posits that this happens when leaders work on, if not master, ten competencies in four interrelated domains: political, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual (defined as, "the sense of a calling from some source larger than one's self").

When a leader's capabilities coalesce in these four main areas of competence, she becomes, in essence, a fuller, richer human being. As a result, others positively respond to the improved leader by choosing to invest more of themselves in pursuing the leader's mission.

~~~ Familiar but..., Soft but... ~~~
In this framework, Richards proffers a cogent, integrated way of *thinking* about your own leadership. Drawing on historical and personal anecdotes, quoting philosophers, researchers and leaders, Richards both echoes and transcends conventional business literature (including the recent spate championing "emotional intelligence").

It would be fair to argue that there is little new here. But that would be off the mark. As Dick Richards himself candidly points out, there is more than plenty of literature and seminars traversing the broad, overly worn leadership field. Fortunately, the intriguing whole that Richards has woven is more than the amalgam of its recognizable threads.

Likewise, it would be patently unfair (to both reader and author) to dismiss this thoughtful, occasionally lyrical work as too soft, too philosophical, or too New Age-y. By moving past the sterile Insert Tab-A into Slot-B mentality that underpins so much prescriptive management literature, Richards elevates his readers, helping them to transcend the heartless transactional world so many work in. (Still, while there's more than a modicum of practicum in the book, readers probably will want more guidance on how to translate the principles into action. Perhaps Richards is at work on a "field guide.")

Dick Richards proudly writes, as his title suggests, of the *Art* of leading. One senses that Richards thinks as an artist, a world-savvy poet reflecting on leadership. One could mistake the book for a wizened corporate shaman's love letter to meaning-starved managers.

~~~ Bottom Line ~~~
Dick Richards' THE ART OF WINNING COMMITMENT is more gestalt than how-to, more fresh synthesis of the known than breakthrough. It should ignite your little gray cells, kindle your interest in self-development, inflame your own commitment to fostering commitment in your colleagues. And help you become a better person in the process.

Don Blohowiak, Lead Well® Institute; editor, The Leader's Letter

I teach computer classes in Maryland and bought "Ask Mr. Modem" for my classes. I love the book! I love Mr. Modem's lighthearted approach, because I too feel that computers are not mysterious, inhabited beings, but tools or appliances.

The question-and-answer format makes it very easy to read, and you can pick up the book anywhere and just read some questions about email or browsers or any other topic. You don't have to read the book from cover-to-cover, though you probably will.

The questions Mr. Modem answers are questions from real people and it's true what he says, "There is no such thing as a dumb question."

Thanks for a great book, Mr. Modem. I hope you're working on Volume 2.

Mr. Modem has done it again with this new book helping all of us who have questions about our computers and the internet. With a thorough and extensive index and an easy-to-read question and answer format, you'll easily be able to find clear and concise answers to your questions.

How refreshing and what a joy to read a computer book that will make you smile and laugh along the way! Richard Sherman has a gift for demystifying the computer and making it fun. Forget the laborious manuals- just turn to "Ask Mr. Modem".

Five stars and three hearty cheers for Mr. Modem - keep those books coming, as you're the only one we know who can give us clear, easy-to-understand "geekspeak-free" answers. Bless you!

This book is fabulous! I use computers and the web a lot and there are PLENTY of things in this book I find useful. And the price is right: perfect to bring instead of a stupid bottle of wine when you're invited to someone's home for dinner! The recipients of Ask Mr. Modem have been tickled at this gift! Also a perfect holiday gift for someone who I know not that well but wanted to give something. I'm here ordering my fifth copy of the book!

I received a copy of "Ask Mr. Modem!" this past Christmas and it's the best computer book I've ever received (or purchased). I have a shelf of computer books, most of which I can't understand. This book, which is in question and answer format, is very easy to read. Just thumbing through it and seeing all the questions Mr. Modem answers, these are the same questions I've had. It's been a huge help to me and I've already given several copies of it to friends.

Mr. Modem has done it again with this new book as he helps all of us who have questions about our computers and the internet. With a thorough and extensive index and an easy-to-read question and answer format, you'll easily be able to find clear and concise answers to your questions.

How refreshing and what a joy to read a computer book that will make you smile and laugh along the way! Richard Sherman has a gift for demystifying the computer and making it fun. Forget the laborious manuals - just turn to "Ask Mr. Modem".

Five stars and three hearty cheers for Mr. Modem - keep those books coming, as you're the only one we know who can give us clear, easy-to-understand "geekspeak-free" answers! Bless you!

Anne Hillman is a philosopher and a poet in this wise guide to deepening self-awareness and self-knowledge. She has created a tapestry of rich themes and voices that tell a story of the power of love. I could hear the music of her words on the page and feel the power of her hope. It's a wonderful book.

Awakening the Energies of Love is a gift to us all from a lifelong spiritual seeker. Poet, musician, and facilitator, Anne Hillman draws on a rich and varied life experience to offer a transformative journey beyond the limits of intellect. And the innovative way the book was created and produced drew me in immediately. Expressed is a mixture of the holiness of the ordinary along with mystical descriptions of times in life when meaning and peace seem to escape us. Her book will be a companion of mine from now on! Shirley Madden, Half Moon Bay California

I read Anne's first book, Dancing Animal Woman: A Celebration of Life, back in the late 90s soon after I left my first marriage. it gave me the courage and insight I needed to carry on, to move into the next chapter of my life. Many of you have also been helped through change by her wise words. Since then Anne has been a very important mentor of mine. Now, finally, she has finished a hugely important book--the result of her lifetime of courageous inquiry, reflection, open mind and open heart. This book is essential reading for those who are ready for transformation.

This is a remarkable book: it doesn't take sides. True to her subject of Love, Anne Hillman doesn't make different points of view wrong in order to prove her own. She doesn't speak to just one kind of reader either--not only to Christians or those with New Age perspectives, to Buddhists or agnostics or scientists. Rather than adding to the arguments between all these warring factions, this author includes all of us, so that we may (in her words) "join hands." She honors our differences, then demonstrates how we can develop new skills to bring our conflicts to an end. Whatever your persuasion, be it martial arts or philosophy, religion or cosmology, Anne invites you to join her on a journey into the common denominator of Love. In the first half of the book, "The Known," she'll guide you down into the three "Foundations of the Soul"--your body, heart, and mind--and help you to understand not only your heritage, but also yourself more deeply. In the second half, "The Unknown," she'll take you further than psychology and religion as we usually think of them, beyond what you know through your intellect and your feelings, towards the mysteries of a different kind of Love. You will understand that awakening to such an "unknown" is a rebirth: what her subtitle calls Fire for the Second Time. How can you awaken to this kind of Love in your life? To a Compassion that serves all life on this planet--all of existence? This book will inspire you to answer those questions for yourself. For anyone looking for more depth, purpose, or a new direction for your life, I urge you to read it.

Anne Hillman explores the possibility that every person has the potential to connect on the deepest level; to life, to each other and to the world around us. She uses story, art, poetry and real life examples to guide the reader into feeling and experiencing the awakening she describes as similar to what it must have felt like to discover fire for the first time. If you're tired of the direction our world is going and want to find a path towards a more healing peaceful way of living let the words of this book be your guide.

Gorgeous book. This was a surprise birthday present for me from my husband. The author and his wife are the parents of my eye doctor! Thanks so much.

The book held my interest throughout. I felt as though I were right there

The story was well written. It held my interest throughout. I felt as though I was right there.

The story was well written. It held my interest thoughout. I felt as though I was right there.

The Author captured and held my attention from the start to finish. I felt as though I was right there and a part of the story! I actually broke out in sweat several times and yet I have never ever been in a predicament such as described in this book!

Basic Mechanics simply put and easy to understand. Easy explanations from screws to Charles Law. If I talked to a mechanic in any manufacturing facility or maintenance crew, who had been working there for 25 years, this book exemplifies the insight and knowledge that that person would pocess. Thanks Rich and Matt for a book well written!

ý am a mechanical engineer in þanlýurfa/ Turkiye ý want to have this book write me please whats conditions

I have been working in the service related to mechanics a lot. I really found very wonderful when catching it on net. I think I will do all my best to buy this book via Internet.I'm working as a sales engineer in Surface Mount Technology, doing maintenance and troubleshooting SMT machines of KME (Japan). If I can get it, surely my skills will be leveled up and I will feel more self-confident in my job.

ý am a mechanical engineer in þanlýurfa/ Turkiye ý want to have this book write me please whats conditions

If you are new to the world of work, and need help preparing for your first job interview, this book is an excellent introduction to the mechanics necessary for many jobs.

If you're more experienced, this is a great book to have because it provides great simple explanations and presents a review of all the principles of mechanics.

The point of this book is not to present details of mechanics as it might be done in an Engineering Physics Class, but simply an overview of Gears, pullys, cams, repair, adjustments, as necessary for doing maintinence.

This book is full of excellent illustrations and examples, which prove to be helpful in preparing for a Job Interview.

The book was not writen to present all of the information there is about Mechanics, but just to give the reader a taste of what is available in the field of Physics (Mechanics).

Amazon sent my product to me within two days! I was glad to receive this item. This book was suggested by the University of Texas at Arlington as a tool in preparing for the PPR's. This is a test taken in preparation for becoming an EC-4 teacher. The questions are very close to what is on the exam and helped me reduce my anxieties of taking this test.
Thank you!

I strongly recommend and encourage anyone taking the TeXes teaching certification exam to purchase this book!~

This book is extremely well put together. I credit this book for the successful passing of the TEXES. I read this book from cover to cover, it not only gave me pertinent information for passing the TEXES but it was an excellent read as well.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who is struggling to pass any of the TEXES PPR examinations. This guide is essential for anyone who is serious about becoming a teacher in the state of Texas not only will you feel confident in passing your examination, but you will have gained the necessary knowledge as to how to shine as a teacher as well!

Wonderful book -- need I say more . . .

The book is well organized with each chapter representing a specific compentency. Tons of information!! Excellent review of information needed. Easy to read!

If you want to pass the PPR for the state of Texas, this is the book for you! The book is extremely easy to read.