Richards Books

This is a well-researched and well-written report on a valuable addition to any health and energy regimen.

About the only book I could find on Rhodiola, Very informative. It is great read for anyone interested in using Rhodiola for Energy.

This book has a wonderful history of the plant and it was a terrific read. It made me want to go out and buy some Rhodiola to give it a try! The best thing you can say about a book is that it inspires you to take action of some kind.

I was very surprised that the book doesn't mention the Swedish Herbal institute brand, as this is the world's best selling and the only product in the Rhodiola category that has science behind it. (Evidently those Swedes put everything through human, double-blind placebo controlled trials in typical Swedish precision fashion). This book must have been written before this brand was in the USA.

Now that I've tried every single brand of Rhodiola, I wish that the authors had mentioned that there are great differences between them. I've found only two brands that are consistently good, and settled in on the Swedish Herbal Institute brand as my daily preference.

I loved the way that the authors separate this book into sections based on the health condition, so that you can browse the book and get good suggestions based upon whatever you have going on. All in all, a great read.

This book was most interesting and informative. I was already using Rhodiola, but now know multiple reasons and can recommend it to others.

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Our children loved Richard Scarry when they were little, and they still do! This wonderful activity book is great for homeschooling families. The calendar and holiday pages are great for notebooking projects. Don't miss this one!

I had this book as a child and loved it. So, this Christmas I bought three copies for each of the 7 year olds in my family. I hope they enjoy it as much as I did. I used it for many years when I was little.

I have taught Kindergarten and never liked the use of activity books/sheets, etc... . My 4 yr old daughter loves busytown and asked for this when she saw it on Amazon. I bought it against my will only to find that it actually had some really nice things for her to do. It wasnt just filled with "practice" sheets; although there were some of those with tracing letters and numbers. It had a section for her to make a mobile, make a paper town and even had an assortment of national flags that she could decorate with. The ideas and projects are very traditional and most children dont get to do these kinds of projects or have ever heard of them. When she made the flags, other children that came to our home didnt even know that other countries had flags. She learned quite a bit from this book such as: flags to other countries, holiday pracitces, writing her letters and numbers, sequencing and patterning. There were pages that were just for coloring which she didnt have an interest in but I thought they were nice illustrations that most children would enjoy. Dot to dot was also in the book, as was making mothers day cards, fathers day cards, valentines day cards, and thank you cards which was nice to teach children to do after receiving something. There was also a place to make bookmarks, bookplates, and easter decorations (other holiday decorations too). Most of the projects, for my daughters age required me working with her as opposed to her working on her own, but it was enjoyable for me as well as Richard Scarry does a nice job with his writing and illustraions.

This $10 book is way underpriced. There are pages and pages of stuff in this book and has really inspired our two year nine month old to entertain herself for hours, coloring, cutting, making paper airplanes, paper dolls, etc. Really well thought out, well designed. High quality drawings (authentic Scarry, not his estate's). I am tempted to buy another one and have our child start over again. It's been three months but she still has about one third of activities left. HIGHLY recommended.

Though this activity book is just wonderful and full of great crafting and learning acitivities, it is an abridged version of the book we loved when we were kids. The book, organized around the 12 number-it-yourself calendar pages, includes seasonal connect the dots, a paper village to color and build, paperdolls, paper airplanes to fold, greeting cards, Valentines, and bookmarks. The Christmas activities are missing altogether.

Better written than the coffee-table book this appears to be by weight and shape, and better written than a television-series companion, which this is, needs to be.

Great pictures, quotes from college football giants, enough information to be informative, enough stories and pictures of big games to be fun.

Sure, worlds not made and lives not changed, but this book is just fun.

I really enjoyed this book as the companion to the ESPN series of the same name. It's a must read for any college football fan!

An indispensable book, a real bible for all who love the american football and his history in the colleges across America.

I collect football books. As an historian, I look for books that cover the glorious tradition and history of the game. This book is perfect if you're looking for that theme. First of all, check out the cover. The cover tells the story of this book. It takes you back to a different era.

I love this book. It is one of my favorites. It covers everything and makes for a great coffee table book. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy college football.

The writer has given us a panoramic view of college football. The book covers the great coaches, teams and rivalries of the past 100 years. There are a number of wonderful photos sprinkled through the book as well. The writing touches on a number of subjects in brief articles, so don't look for any in depth stories about one particular program, coach or player. This is not a complaint, merely an observation. My only real complaint is the errors I found. Some photos misidentified players and bits of information were incorrect (minor errors, but annoying none the less). Overall, this is a great book for any college football fan.

I generally read only non-fiction, so I approached this book with some hesitation. But this is a fascinating story, quite moving and timely. The combination of history and baseball are so well integrated and the characters shine through all of it. Given the sorry state of baseball today, this story helps us remember what it was like in simpler days. At the same time, on the heels of an African American running for president, we are reminded of how far we have come and of the sacrifices and courage of those who came before. I recommend it highly and look forward to the sequel.

Richard Doster has a wonderful and accessible writing style. The dialogue is natural, intriguing, and compelling. You feel like you're at the warm sunny ball park. This book was just what I needed to satisfy my baseball craving in the Major League Baseball off-season. I can't wait for the sequel!

It's hard to believe this is Doster's first book. He has that rare ability to tell a story so well that it doesn't matter what its about. For example, instead of saying that a preacher is nervous and unsure of what to say, he writes: "...he ventured into the uncomfortable unknown, and had no idea of where he was leading. He cleared his throat, hesitated, looked down at the notes he didn't have..." WOW! There are countless other places throughout the book where Doster crafts the most enjoyable language to describe the events and characters. At one point I thought the only shortcoming of the book was that he had not fully developed the character of Percy Jackson, the black ballplayer. Then I realized that this was intentional as the story revolves around Percy, but is really about the other characters and how they react to an upheaval in the relationship between the races. The ending didn't let me down - no romanticized happily-ever-after or pandering tragedy. I'll buy the sequel the first day its out!

Safe at Home is by far my favorite fiction read of the year. I couldn't put it down!

Anyone who looks forward to the sports page and the baseball results each morning would enjoy this book. What is it about baseball that brings us together? Even something as vast as the racial divide can be breached by baseball. Great sports writers and great baseball broadcasters are vital parts of our childhood and the child in us that continues through sports into our adulthood. Safe at Home captures the truth and excitement that one can experience through baseball. It's well written; and you don't want to put it down.

I purchased the book to plan my tax strategy when selling an investment property that incurred significant gain. The sections on CRUTs, Installment Sales, and 1031 Tax Free Exchanges were very helpful and thorough. It is somewhat technical information, but written in a manner that a layman (non-CPA) can understand. My only complaint is that he doesn't address the implications of the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) anywhere in the book, and it has become a VERY significant consideration for selling highly appreciated property. The other thing I noticed is that his evaluation of TIC 1031 Exchanges covers some of the risks, but neglects to mention that the vast majority of 1031 TICs include HUGE fees or loads. One I examined had a 20% profit to the sales company when the property was flipped to the 1031 investors. Most have 8% - 12% commissions to the salesman. Otherwise, I thought this was an extremely helpful book and I would recommend it...with the caveat that the reader get additional advice on the AMT.

Is a tremendously informative resource and well written so that a novice in real estate can understand and must have. It was so helpful, I purchased 4 more to give as gifts.

Understanding the tax implications of your investments is one of the most important things you can do as a current, or aspiring real estate investor. While Mr. Williamson's book will not make you a "tax expert" it will give you the foundational knowledge you will need in order to intelligently converse with your attorney/accountant, and to make wise investing decisions.

Chapters include information on: capital gains, tax basis, exclusions, exchanges, installment sales, and trusts. I have personally given this book to new agents in my company in order to familiarize them with the tax implications of real estate investing.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I should say that I am an attorney, real estate broker, investor, trainer, and author of another unique and highly readable book on real estate investing that can also be found here on Amazon -- The WealthLoop Series Beginner's Guide to Building Wealth Buying Houses: The Foolproof Roadmap to Real Estate Riches Without the Risks and Hassles of Landlording. Unlike many real estate investing books, it is written to be a genuine "How To" book that "takes you by the hand" and walks you through a step-by-step process for getting started in real estate investing -- investors across the country are giving it rave reviews. The book also includes sample leases, forms, and checklists, so that you can actually go out and implement the investing strategy it teaches as soon as you're done reading. You might want to check out the companion CD too -- The WealthLoop Series Beginner's Guide to Building Wealth Buying Houses (Combo Audio/Data CD): Author's Audio Commentary Plus Downloadable 32-page Marketing Manual, Checklists, Spreadsheets, and Forms.

A related program that's well worth checking out is:

The WealthLoop Series Beginner's Guide to Personal Wealth Creation (Combo Audio/Data CD): Audio Seminar With Downloadable 40-Page Action Manual and Active Link Library.

I believe that Williamson has written an informative book that's worthy of your time. Buy it if you are serious about making a success of real estate investing.

I have read a number of books about real estate tax planning, and this is by far the best. It is clear, to the point, and very readable. The author goes through the basics of how a capital gains basis is calculated, rules about stepping up basis, primary residence exclusion rules, etc. He then discusses various ways of deferring or eliminating capital gain consequences via 1031, installment sales, private annuity trusts, charitable remainder trusts and Roth IRAs. The chapter on private annuity trusts is one of the least known, yet most valuable strategies that exists. Buy this book!

This book answered all my tax and property questions quickly and precisely. It was well written and perfect for someone who is not a CPA or property specialist. Highly recommended.

My two little girls absolutely love these songs and are always asking me to play them. Mom loves the introduction to each song and the words that accompany the tapes. Truly a great way for teaching our children God's words and His stories. Now if they would only come out with these on CD!!!

This is one of the most entertaining kid's Bible songs. It is different than the overdone praise songs, and my church kids love it! we did a play using the songs a few years ago, it was amazing! I would love to do it again, but I need it on CD and in split track or instrumental (even better) pleaaaaaaaase :-)

Patricia

This set is really fun but the quality is not so good because it's on cassette.

I am amazed at this series. My 4 year-old daughter has listened to it since she was born and she continues to ask for it 95% of the time we are driving in the car. It never gets old because all of the stories are true and accurately presented. Not only is the presentation fun and entertaining but it is amazingly accurate to the Bible in a concise way that children can grasp. It gives the listener a fabulous knowledge of the chronological events in the Bible since it follows the books of the Bible in order.

This series uses a variety of music types and the adults and children singing have close to perfect pitch and excellent vocal ability, which is a plus when training a young ear. This is the absolute best Bible music I have heard for young ones and I've purchased many that are on the market.

I am also very much interested in seeing this on CD or MP3.

I bought this for my toddler, so he could listen to it while we ride to and from 'school'. It's very up-beat, informative and fun! The songs are catchy & I find myself singing along! =O) I just hope they come out with it on CD, due to us buying a new vehicle w/out a cassette player! =O( I highly recommend purchasing it!

This book can be best described as a "look into the depths and crevices of the soul of a black man". Mr. Parks, although still young in this game called life, has captured through his experiences, the essence of his mind's eye. With each word....with each phrase....with each line.....I get a front row seat to his soul.

I look forward to the next masterpiece.

This book was very well thought out and was creative. Although harsh at times, it kind of brings a certain reality into perspective. I beleive that many of us live two or more lives, a professional life of today in 2001, and another life at home that has been passed to you from generation to generation. Mr. Parks put both lives together in fine print for all to see, like it or not. That's the beuty and the brutality of it. He kind of made me feel like there were hidden messages between the words that either you saw or you didn't but either way the overall outcome was what you wanted it to be. The effect this book had on me was more than just the pleasure of reading a different reality on life, but it served me as a motivator to get me to express myself somehow. It was very motivating and entertaining. It shows a true freedom of expression to it. I like how he left everything up to the reader to interpret, giving anyone and everyone a different understanding of what Mr. Parks was trying to say. This is definately one of those books that you could read over and over and truly get something different out of it everytime you read it. Motivation or simply entertainment, even a lesson or two, this book is capable of touching a wide arena of readers.

Time-that is what's captured in Richard A. Parks' work. He takes you through several periods of his own life, and each page you turn reveals a different layer. Park's book allows you to see the warm, funny, angry, compassionate sides of a man. It even allows you to see vulnerability, which increases the impact of this man's words. His outspoken essays are thought provoking, and so are each of his poetic tributes on life, love, loss, and strength. You get to grow with him as you experience his life through his words, and it is a compilation of work that everyone can truly vibe with, no matter your age. This writer's talents are unlimited, and people will be able to read his work throughout time. He has definitely left his mark in the best way---through his words.

Poet Richard A. Parks, Jr. pens poetry which swings the closet door of his personal experiences wide open. Exposed are some of the storms he survived, loves he lost and lessons he learned along his path to manhood.

Someone Is Sleeping In My Head is definitely for those who believe that our brothers don't know how to communicate effectively. Richard A. Parks, Jr. disproves this theory as he invites readers into his head, his heart and his soul with his brilliantly expressed poetry.

I saw an ad for this book at a web site called Mental Satin that my wife told me about and this book was featured there. I saw the title and the artwork on the cover and i figured this was just a bit too deep for my taste. But i was pleasantly surprised. This is a funny book. Parks has his moments of deepness and the reality of his experiences stand on thier own but this young brotha made me laugh at things i never felt were humorous. His essays, "Blockbuster versus Bankbuster" and "Where Are All The Single Black Women?" had me in tears. I enjoy books that break things down to levels where we all can understand. Mr. Parks did that for me and i thank him for that. Well done sir....well done.

Contained in this book are tales of things like leeches, moths, and an assortment of other spineless creatures. Each chapter is devoted to one such creature. Coniff is good writer, easy to read, and engaging. That being said he makes the perfect author to turn rather grim subjects into light reads. So while you're camping out this summer and swatting mosquitos you can read this book and marvel at the sheer amount of mosquito species out there and wonder which one is sucking your blood.

Richard Conniff's writing style is fun and easy to read. And although some of the facts he pours into the book may be gross, it's so interesting you are riveted. I think everyone-science lover or no-needs to read this book. I couldn't put the book down until I was done. Just to give you some extra info on what's in the book-he discusses many invertebrates such as flies, hagfish, moths and tarantulas, devoting a chapter to each invertebrate. He includes his adventures with these creatures along with it. Even the hardened scientist will find something new in this book!

I have no idea why I picked this book up but I am glad I did for I now take the time to look at the invertebrates that scurry climb or swim about me. Sounds interesting huh? Well, it talked about invertebrates in a way so that even the most mindless of people could understand. I actually learned things that I didn't take the time to listen to or care to read about in science class. I used to tell my Dad to kill that ugly-looking arachnid, but now I beg him to spare its little spineless life.

There is more to the world of nature than cuddly koalas, magnificent whales, and beautifully singing birds. Most of the animal kingdom, and much of the biomass on the planet, are invertebrates! Insects, spiders, centipedes, molluscs, crustaceans, echnioderms, worms, all greatly outnumber vertebrates and are absolutely vital to continued life on earth, and all are greatly unappreciated by the average person.

Richard Conniff takes us on a representative tour of several members of the invertebrate world. Though he only scratches the surface, he shows us some of the most fascinating of the "creepy crawlies," creatures that often have few admirers in the media or popular culture. From the fascinating world of flies to the invaluable leech to the hated fire ant to beetles, fleas, and giant squid and beyond, Conniff shows us the astounding world of invertebrates.

Strictly speaking, Conniff includes one vertebrate in the mix, the lowly but extremely unusual hagfish, so it is not only invertebrates. Having said that though this was an excellent book, one well worth reading. Popular science writing at its best.

Conniff's book _Spineless Wonders_ had me fascinated, for the most part. His subject: invertebrates, with about ten different chapters on different creatures, such as leeches, dragonflies, tarantulas, etc. NOT ALL POPULAR INVERTEBRATES ARE COVERED IN THIS BOOK. In fact, if there is not a chapter devoted to your favorite invertebrate, there will be little or no information on that beast. There are many examples. Jellyfish, starfish, bees, crabs, clams, octopuses and lobsters are but a few that Conniff chose not to cover.

If you need detailed information about an invertebrate not covered in this book, or if you need more detail, I advise you to seek out a book on that specific beast. Also, you can look into Robert Barnes' book _Invertebrate Zoology_, but that book...is best used at a public or college library.

On the plus side: there aren't many good books on invertebrates for a general audience, and _Spineless Wonders_ is one of them. Most folks, while they might be able to stomach ten or twenty pages on leeches, don't want an entire book on leeches. In fact, most full length books on leeches, dragonflies, etc. are indeed academic tracts targeted at serious collectors or graduate students and professors.

Conniff's writing is usually lucid and entertaining. He held my attention until the end of each chapter... almost. Still, there isn't much popular writing on invertebrates in general, so _Spineless Wonders_ is well worth a look.

ken32

Horror, of horrors, it looks like Gussie Fink-Nottle may have finally broken off with Madeline Bassett and there is little or nothing that even Jeeves can do about it. Diets, steak and kidney pie, mute lutes. Add Spode who will take anybody who makes Madeline cry and tie them into a painful knot and you have the makings of a tragic ending for poor, poor Bertie. Or do you? Either way, there is tons of fun from the first page to the last and lots of twisted plot lines, weird happenings, and buckets of hard drinking.

This was the first Bertie and Jeeves' book I'd ever read. If you're interested in British humour, exquisite-snobbish language and witty puns, or in bizarre but classy situations, this is just the book for you. Wodehouse possessed this wonderful characteristic of balancing an unfortunate situation with a good dose of modest humour. The title says it all! Thoroughly recommendable.

What could the Nobel Prize for literature signify if PG Wodehouse not only didn't win one, but never made the short-list? Good grief. What other writer living or dead, in Nobel's own words, "help[s] dreamers, as they find it hard to get on in life."

Take STIFF UPPER LIP, JEEVES, for example. If you want to read a book that'll grab you by your lapels and hoist you out this mundane, dynamite-scarred world, try this one.

Crisp dialogue, intricate plotting, witty wordplay, amusing situations, and distinct characters make this book satisfying to read repeatedly. In fact, it is astonishing that STIFF UPPER LIP, JEEVES and many other Wodehouse creations seem just as fresh the second, third, and even seventh time around.

I would liken reading this book to drinking one of Jeeves's famous pick-me-ups "and their effect on a fellow who is hanging to life by a thread on the morning after." Wodehouse writes: "For perhaps the split part of a second nothing happens. It is as though all Nature waited breathless. Then, suddenly, it is as if the Last Trump had sounded and Judgment Day set in..."

If heaven's half as delightful as reading PG Wodehouse, (should I get there) I'll be in paradise.

Just as we believe some actors were born to play a certain role or a singer was born to sing a specific song, I'm convinced Jonathan Cecil was born to read P. G. Wodehouse. The British accented Cecil voice delightfully inhabits the personas of Jeeves, Bertie Wooster and sundry other characters with charm, humor, and distinction.

My first introduction to the talents of Cecil was with his stunning reading of "Jeeves and the Mating Season." Since that time no other voice will do for the born to the purple Bertie and his long suffering butler.

P.G. Wodehouse is quite another story. Obviously, one of the greatest humorists to ever take up pen his tongue-in-cheek take on the British upper classes is pure laugh provoking perfection. With "Stiff Upper Lip, Jeeves" we find Bertie returning to Totleigh Towers, a place he had hoped never to see again as it is the domain of Sir Watkyn Bassett, who lined his pockets with fines he collected. Bassett's daughter, Madeline is always on the prowl and Bertie wants no part of her.

Fortunately, Madeline has fallen for and captured another - Gussie, a friend of Bertie's. Now, Madeline is not only a huntress but she is also passionate about changing her quarry to suit her own tastes. In this case, the word "taste" may be taken literally as she wants to change the meat loving Gussie into a vegetarian, which is where most of the trouble begins. Bertie, as usual, finds himself embroiled in this sticky situation.

Alas, once again it's left up to Jeeves to come to Bertie's aid.

Wodehouse has been dubbed a "comic genius;" Cecil is his full partner in this splendid reading. Enjoy!

- Gail Cooke

This unabridged audio version of "Stiff Upper Lip, Jeeves" was wonderfully read by Cecil. This is not my typically genre of book and I was pleasantly impressed and surprised by this book. I have not read the prior books in this series and had no problems following along so the priors are not a necessity. In a nutshell, this book is about a dim-witted Bertie and his attempt to keep from inadvertently becoming engaged to a sappy Madeline. The dry, British humor of this story is excellently portrayed by Cecil and I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a refreshing change of pace!

Thanks to hospital business politics and his mentor's macho control, Dr. Joe Grady is attempting the seemingly insurmountable task of completing his 6th year residency with 10 major cases in just 29 days. If he does not get his certificate he cannot escape Detroit General Hospital and rebuild his life in California.

This satirical fiction is very close to the reality of hospital life, deaths and politics all woven by human emotions and limits

During his professional and personal roller coaster it becomes apparent that someone may be killing some patients while the short staffed nurses are trying to unionize.

Richard E. Sall has done a wonderful job bringing all the characters to life. It is a story of a talented surgeon with the old fashioned belief that the welfare of the patient comes first and hints of the need for healthcare reform.

Richard E. Sall is a general surgeon and lives with his wife in Central California. He began writing in 2001 and published in 2004. The book focused on management and solutions of injured workers for Workers Compensation. Straight Jacket is his first published fiction and since I would certainly recommend reading it I am hoping it's not his last.

Reviewer: Cheryl Ellis, Allbooks Reviews

A light romance, with a good insight into the politics of the medical world. The characters are stsrongly developed. Humor is incorporated in different scenarios.
It was a fun and quick read.

I couldn't put the book down! The plot of the doctor--his medical career predicament and his falling in love with Nurse Linda complicated by her wacky mother, the administrator's warped agenda, and the angel of death--made the book very suspenseful. Considering all the difficulties, you would think it would become pessimistic, but it doesn't. In fact, it's very entertaining! I also found it interesting to view the story from the perspective of a surgeon. The book touches on profound subjects--the existence of God and our healthcare system being coopted by insurance, trial lawyers, and corporate america--but very lightly and enlighteningly. It's so well worth the read, I may read it again.

Dr. Joe Grady is about to finish his six year residency at Detroit General Hospital.... Or is he? If it were up to Dr. Rizzo, Joe's years would be wasted unless he completes ten major procedures in thirty days.

Without a doubt, the best medical drama I have ever read. If this author didn't already have the career of being a life-saving doctor, I would tell him to quit immediately, buy a secluded island somewhere and write, write, write. This book has absolutely everything wit, charm, interesting characters, fabulous dialogue, detailed scenery and just the right amount of medical jargon to bring it all back. I loved the underlying cry for healthcare reform and the side relationship between Joe, Linda and Linda's crazy mother. I could read this book over and over again and never tire of it. This book doesn't deserve five beacons..... it deserves ten!

Straight Jacket by Richard E. Sall is the story of thirty-two-year-old medical student Joe Grady in his pursuit of certification as a surgeon in his hospital residency. Written with flair and in a satirical manner, Straight Jacket carries its readers through the an increasingly engaging plot in which Grady must complete ten major cases within thirty days or fail in his efforts to secure certification. This series of tasks is further complicated by the hospital nurses who are in the process being unionized. The hospital is beyond busy, and now somebody is going around killing patients! Then to convolute things even further, there is Grady's discovery of a new love in the form of Linda -- a nurse with a dangerously demented mother. Original, lively, and clearly documenting Richard Sall as a talented storyteller, Straight Jacket is very highly recommended reading and certain to be a popular addition to any personal reading list or community library fiction collection.