Stevens Books

I read this book twice, an awesome book for environmental engineers especially if you are studying Mixing Pollutant in Aquatic Systems.
You need to have some basic knowledge in environmental hydraulic to get the most benefit from this book, although this book reviews them all at the beginning.

This is a great book. In fact, it is the best book if like me, you don't have time to follow a teacher-led course. Stephen Chapra has authored/co-authored several engineering texts, and this one is just as well-written as the others. My need was for a text which had the right balance of theory and practical implementation details. Since I develop water-quality & hydrodynamics software, I also was concerned with numerical methods issues. This book met my needs. Chapra has a very enjoyable style. I like his sometimes 'anecdotal' style, whereby he gives you historical or background blurbs which help view things in their proper context.

** One of the rare qualities of Chapra's books is to provide both the mathematical modeling theory, and the practical sampling and statistical tools to implement them with real data. This is so often overlooked by other authors.

I look forward to his next book on numerical methods with Matlab & Excel.

I found this book to be extremely useful. It covers the necessary issues of surface water modeling, such as reaction kinetics, mixed vs non-mixed systems, a variety of possible contaminants and indicators, as well as a variety of surface water body types. Each part of the book is a series of lectures containing theory as well as practical modeling methods. The text is clear and flows well, with occasional comical examples and literary quotes.

I actually stumbled across a sample chapter from this book on the author's web page while I was searching the web for something else entirely. I glanced at it, started to read it, finished the chapter, and found I was hooked. I had to buy the book. I wasn't disappointed. Money well spent! I'm looking forward to reading more of this author's work in the future.

"Taken Liberty" is the impressive and thoroughly enjoyable first novel by author Steve Wilson. In a style reminiscent of early Heinlein, it blends technology and characterization in a fascinating story that tackles such diverse themes as sexuality, spirituality, genetic manipulation, slavery and bigotry in a novel with characters it's a pleasure to get to know.

The central protagonist, a girl barely out of her teens, was raised as a sexual predator and pleasure slave on a planet where such practices are allowed and which are overlooked by the more enlightened races in the galaxy. She managed to escape, joined the intergalactic navy, and has risen to a position of authority on the fleet's flagship, Titan. When her past is uncovered, she and her friends and the ship's captain must prevent her from being returned to her homeworld and captivity. The characters are richly drawn and finely developed and include a not-so-androgynous telepath, a much-maligned Terran, and a Wiccan doctor who heals the soul as well as the body.

While this is a first novel, the author is no "stranger in a strange land." He is the latest product from that great training school of fan fiction, and he has also written about 13 radio plays which feature the same set of characters put forth in this novel. Some of the plays have been recorded on CD (available from the author) or performed as podcasts or at conventions as productions of Prometheus Radio Theatre. Familiarity with the earlier works is not essential, however, to enoying this novel.

While many of the characters are young, this is definitely not a book for children. The writing is sexually explicit and the themes are mature and profound. It's an admixture of social commentary, philosphy, and technology, which is what all good science fiction should be.

I look forward to more from this author, and predict that he has a bright future

The first novel in what I hope will be an ongoing series, Steve Wilson has taken the characters from his successful audio theatre series "The Arbiter Chronicles" and given us some of
the background story we've craved. You will not be able to
put the book down - especially during Aer'la backstory.
I highly recommend "Taken Liberty..." and want more!

My daughter loves this whole series. They can be read by a 3rd grader without too much trouble and even while in the 2nd grade my daughter could figure out most of the books. They keep the same characters for the whole series and so kids can get attached to them. We will be in big trouble when we reach Z.

My seven year old grandson loves this series! These books are well written and have topics that are interesting to kids, as well as informative. The stories are exciting and children can learn from them. Kids can understand and relate to the dialogue.

Jud, Dink, Josh and Ruth Rose's friend come with a suprise, a dinosar, Jud and his buddys are raising money to make a museum, but someone stole all their money and it is up to them to solve the mystery.

Brian,

You have done another wonderful job! I just got my household good shipment from Japan and I couldn't wait to share your first book with other co-workers and even got calls from them asking for your email address.

I just finished the Tamale List and have to say that I loved it! It was great! I am so impressed by what you have done. Being from So Cal, I can almost taste those wonderful tamales. My husband is looking forward to reading it when he returns from the Gulf.

Cheers!
Marnie

I love The Tamale List!!! This was a book I could not put down. The author honestly brings to light the fears and prejudices associated with the unfamiliarity of cultures and traditions we don't understand. I remember cringing initially at some of what the characters felt and thought but enjoyed seeing their transformation throughout the course of the story. I loved the grandmother and wished she were mine as she passed down her tradition of tamale-making to the next generation. Anyone who has ever had a neighbor that didn't quite fit in or knows that feeling themselves will enjoy the 'pride and prejudice' of the story - the pride of cultural tradition and the prejudice that the unfamiliar often brings. This novel and its unexpected ending not only leave you with a warm heart, but also a craving for tamales! But don't worry - the author has even taken care of that by providing his own authentic tamale recipe so that you can make a Tamale List of your very own. Enjoy!

The book grasped my imagination and took it on a wonderful journey as a reader. I throughly enjoyed the story line and the twists and turns created by the author and taken by the characters in the novel. I Recommend this book as a quailty reading experience for all ages.

Normally I'm skeptical of "how-to-parent" books, but this one actually delivers what it promises! As a parent, I found this book to be a realistic, sensitive approach to helping kids develop good manners. I'm definitely going to check out the rest of the Go Parents! series based on this book.

This is a delightful humorous book dealing with everyday situations. Every parent can relate to many of the examples used in the book. My children are now grown but the issues dealt with in the book are the same now as then. I wish the guide had ben available to refer to when I was raising my children. Now it will serve as a guide for my grandchildren.

Thank You. Finally someone has written a useful as well as funny book on teaching (or trying to) your children good manners. The book offers excellent and practical advice on a host of issues that every parent confronts on a daily basis. The illustrations are hilarious, the writing is insightful, and was obviously written by someone who's been there, done that. Miss Manners for the new millenium

To me , "Theory of Moves" (TOM) is the first academic book I have read cover to cover with great interest . I discovered this book in the course of the last semester , being one of the must reads for the game theory course I'd taken , and once I got my hands on this book I couldn't wait to have the time to read it thoroughly , a task I completed only lately .

Game theory in general and TOM in particular , have given me a new way of looking at the world surrounding me ; I feel like I understand it better than before I've learned to use this logical and rational thinking . Many things look simpler now , since the facts and principals I've learned make them comprehensible , understandable and clearer than before .

Prior to reading this book you'd have to have some background on the classical game theory . I learned this background mainly from the booklet of Frank Zagare that pretty much covered all the main basic principals of the qualitative use of the theory . Morton Davis is also a good choice for beginners , both center on the non-mathematical aspects of the theory which are used to dissect and explain the decisions of players at matters of internal politics ,international relations and everyday's life serious decisions people make .

This work represents an extension of game theory that helps to adjust it better to real life , or as Brams puts it : "The Theory of Moves brings a dynamic dimension to the classical theory which was defined as static , by postulating that players think ahead not just to the immediate consequences but also to the consequences of the other player's countermove , counter countermove and so on ... TOM extends the strategic thinking into the more distant future . "

Brams , in his book , gives all the tools needed to learn and understand everything about his fascinating theory . This effort is mostly a summation of more then two decades of trial and error , deep investigations , constant changes and improvements , and examination of a myriad of case studies .

The major concepts and issues you are going to read about and be captivated with will start with the 'Anticipation Problem' , going through 'Magnanimity' with the teasing theme - "it sometimes pays ...", 'Moving Power' , 'Order' and 'Threat power' , ending with 'Information Problems' in games such as 'Misperception' (which is enormously intriguing concept to capture) , 'Deception' and 'Omniscience' . There is also an additional chapter that was difficult for me to understand , in which Brams offers a new model of negotiations .

Each chapter is written with the well known form of introduction - theory principals - applications , in addition to a last chapter that concludes the entire book . This design is very helpful since whenever you have problems understanding the theory - you can immediately skip to the examples Brams is generous with giving - and solve all the unclear points instantly . As for the style itself , we're dealing here with a first class author that has the outstanding ability to keep you thrilled all along the reading effort , winding up asking for more ...

From what I've gathered so far this is the best book you can get about this brilliant extension . I believe everyone that is interested in expanding horizons in this evolving field should read this book , and maybe add further applications and modifications in the future to come .

The next step on the journey to understanding and applying game theory. Also, check out "Game Theory at Work" by James Miller.

Steven Brams' Theory of Moves is a fascinating publication that supplies qualitative and quantitative mathematical models used to explain the merits and deficiencies in the logic of hypothetical and anecdotal decisions of various types (economic, political, social, etc.).

Brams intermittently isolates two-party conflicts and highlights each conceivable resolution by using a 2x2 matrix that gives a variety of possibilities provided in ordered pair combinations, where the numbers range from a 1, which translates to a worst case scenario for the party concerned, to a 4, which is the best possible outcome. For instance, a (1,4) would be interpreted as a two-party game where the deciding party, who receives a 1, ends up with the theoretically worst possible outcome, leaving the opponent, which receives a 4, with the best. As another case, a (3,2) would be read as a pairing where the 3 represents a next-to-best outcome for the decision making party, whereas the 2, on the other hand, would be the next-to-worst outcome for the opponent.

Brams looks at various situations, comparing and contrasting, for instance, the fictional works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, whose most famous character, the detective Sherlock Holmes, always comes out one step ahead of his arch nemesis, with those that display what is referred to as the Minimax Theorem, which espouses that "[i]n a two-person constant-sum game,[it] guarantees that each player can ensure at least a certain expected value, called the value of the game, that does not depend on the strategy choice of the other player". Among the works in this latter category is William Faulkner's Light in August, where a chase scene is partially deconstructed by Brams in such a way that argues that, unlike Doyle, whose protagonist is portrayed as a character with computational abilities that are superior to those of the antagonist, who never, in turn, makes the necessary adjustments to place himself or herself at an unequivocally victorious stage, Faulkner understood the mixed strategies involved in a two-person sum game where, perhaps, a decision made by the inferior might have the silver bullet effect to overcome the superior.

As a relevant case that might be brought forth, sports analysts paid special attention to the selection of players for the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team. After the best American players, even at the top of the National Hockey League, had previously been beaten by the Soviets time and again, the hopes of ever defeating Russia, especially in 1980, were dim. What transpired to be the Miracle on Ice was regarded by sports historians as essentially this. Though decision making officials were inclined to put together what were deemed the very best of the best, the U.S. coach used, as I recall, a counterintuitive approach by forming a team that largely consisted of players with, perhaps, less talent than the hockey elite but, nonetheless, an overall determination to win which could not be denied. In other words, the U.S. probably did not have its best team that day, but it had, more importantly, the right team.

Throughout Theory of Moves, Brams portrays various situations where diplomacy and compromise are the appropriate, realistic approaches to dealing with an opponent. For instance, if the outcome is ideologically next-to-best, it might, in reality terms, be the applicable best, especially in cases where the opponent has interests that run counter to those of the decision maker. In those particular scenes, Brams provides further outlets of analyses, expounding upon where it is not worth pursuing the attainment or maintenance of the best possible state; in discussion, Brams introduces us to magnanimity, which is a transfer of moving from what was the best possible state to the next-best possible. Magnanimity, according to Brams, is essential, especially if what was regarded as the best possible situation devolves into a worst case Status Quo, where the opposing party, over time, grows resentful and decides to rise up in hostile action.

What have been provided in these few paragraphs are only a handful of terms that Brams gives in these roughly 215 pages, for there are so many angles for the reader to look upon. In fact, the information and explanations are so thorough and detailed that once a person gains a more refined appreciation or understanding of the decision making powers or adjustments necessary for optimal outcome in game theory, he or she can apply it in life, especially when making personal decisions and effectively dealing with the dilemma that we often put 80% of our energies into what amounts to only 20% of what is really of immediate importance.

Theory of Moves is a definite must have. Quite a bit of the language is technical, but there is enough induction applied where one can draw enough analogies and parallels to what is discussed so as to relate to the points that Brams is getting across.

i have had this record for years and find it's contents applicable to today's happenings as it was in the '70's. i would so like to get it on cd so my brother could hear it; he's unable to read. amazon says not s\availale; am wondering if anyone knows when it might be or where else i could purchase it. thank you

i was drawn to this book, for an unknown reason....i picked it up, and bought it for 50 cents at a thrift shop. i did't read it right away... i saved it....and then the day came, i was real down; i read this book, and realized that it soounded like every single word that had been running through my mind....put together in a beautiful masterpiece, that i couldn't have said better. it helped me get through the day, so i could live another one. i thank james kavanaugh, for writeing this book, and helping me realize there are others like me, out there, in this world with "IBM eyes".

My wayward child at age 13 gave this book to me for a Christmas present. I then knew who he was and is for the first time. As he has matured into adulthood 20 years later, this book is still one of his favorites and mine, too. There are many of us in the world who are too gentle to live among the wolves.

What a breath of fresh air this book is. It is a much needed, non tradtional approach to dealing with our issues and can be read over and over for even more insight. Dr. Stiles is a very humble, approachable author who shares a heart for people.

I found Steve's book most helpful to understanding why & how a person can become addicted. The understanding that we humans can get addicted to many things in order to cover up our pain ie. food, prescription drugs, recreational drugs and alcohol, including our personal job stress & control issues that can lead to anxiety disorders and phobias. The unique thing about Steve's book is that he offers a solution through 12 step recovery programs that are easily available for those who desire it.

Dr. Stiles brings a fresh, new look at problems of pain that everyday people face. Clearly written with many examples, vignettes and explanation, this book will help people deal with the deepest pain issues of daily living.

I read this book twice. The information in this book changed my life. I read it quite a few years ago before the Internet even existed in its present form.

It's not like other UFO related books that talk about things like alien abductions which are performed by the evil aliens. In fact the Iargans indicate that these evil aliens' flying saucers sometimes crash such as the Roswell crash and the alien autopsy video.

This book talks about things like Jesus Christ, the bible, the anti-Christ, injustice on our planet, the buildup of nuclear arsenals, etc., and how these same events and patterns of behavior occur on many other planets.

The Iargans talk about their planet also. They are much more socialistic and advanced than earth but they do have to deal with many of the same issues and problems.

The Iargans mention Edgar Cayce and Atlantis.

I searched through quite a few UFO books and other far out info. This book is by far the most valuable UFO related book I've ever read.

The Iargans indicate that some changes are going to occur on our planet as they do on many other planets. The time for these changes are probably approaching soon although I don't know what form these events will take.

They said 'Satan is going to collect all of the selfishness he's given out'.

Yes, I suspect Satan is going to be taking care of some business soon.

Led Zeppelin IV (aka ZOSO)

The Mystery of the Crystal Skulls: Unlocking the Secrets of the Past, Present, and Future

Secret Life: Firsthand, Documented Accounts of UFO Abductions

The Giza Power Plant : Technologies of Ancient Egypt

The Essential Edgar Cayce

A wonderfully abstract, deeply strange and startling UFO contact book.The 2nd half,not easy reading, is the startling and suprising part. I've never read anything like it !...and I have a huge UFO book collection, from the "flakey", to the scientifically statistical !

Note: This review will only be received largely by those who have read other books by Wendelle Stevens.

I want to write this review, not to repeat what the others have said, but to encourage readers of Wendelle Stevens, and other good UFO researchers for that matter, to READ THIS BOOK.

Here is the premise of the book: The UFO contactee in this book, referred to as Stefen Denaerde, allegedly had an encounter with intelligent beings from Iarga. He was given two and ONLY two choices. He could either keep material evidence as positive proof of his encounter that he would be allowed to show the world, or he could learn of their culture and philosophy and be allowed to write about it as if it was only science fiction. He, being intelligent, chose to learn of their culture and philosophy but was not allowed to give any material evidence or otherwise positively conclusive proof of the encounter but had to write about it as if it was purely science fiction.

The premise, then, is why those who largely read Wendelle Stevens books need to read this book and why others may choose to just discard the whole idea altogether. Most people who might read this book are likely never to have met the UFO contactee in question. It could easily, then, be concluded by these individuals that this man just happened to write a science fiction novel by his own wisdom and imaginations with this very clever premise. In this way, he could bring about his own thoughts as "wisdom from a more advanced civilization" while not having to prove a single bit of it as true because of the supposed "request" from the civilization itself.

Here, however, is where Wendelle Stevens comes into play. Wendelle, as he states in the book, spent four years into researching this case and has interviewed the UFO contactee. According to Wendelle, in his investigations, he found several other independent witnesses and other forms of evidence that the UFO contactee himself could not have known about, which verify the alien encounter to be genuine. The only thing is, Wendelle also chose to obey the Iargans' request not to publish anything that would even try to prove that the enounter was true. All he publishes is his statements that he found such evidences and the reader must decide if he or she is going to trust Wendelle on this matter.

Those who know of Wendelle Stevens, who know him to be a researcher who is extremely thorough in his investigations, who know that he is not someone to unite himself to something that is obviously false, who know that he would not intentionally lie in an attempt to try to gain profit from someone else's experience, have the statements from Wendelle himself included in this book to add a lot of credibility to the supposed UFO contactee's experience. But if one has not read another book of any of Wendelle's other investigations, they would need to do so to decide for themselves if they would be able to trust Wendelle on this matter or not.

To just add one more detail to what has been written already in the other reviews on this book. This book allegedly has a description of the proof of the existence of God, as spoken by a more advanced civilization. This detail is included not with the intention to detract anyone from reading this book but to let them know of the philosophical level that these supposed beings are on. One can still read the advanced civilization's philosophy for themselves and decide for themselves if the advanced civilization's philosophy is indeed true or not.

Like Microserfs by Douglas Coupland, this book captures what it means to be human in a world of science and technology. My background is in science and computing, so I relate very heavily to the realistic personalities in this book as well as the enlightening perspectives on life that Steven eloquently weaves into his plot.

It's about geeks.

It's about our relationship with computers.

It's about our relationships to other people (family, love, sex, anger).

And it's about how we try to explain everything we do with scientific principles, only to fail because of the inherent uncertainty about it all.


Steven is a very skilled writer, and this book is a literary masterpiece.

This is a very true to life book. As an MIT graduate, I can attest to many of the phenomena Frank describes - losing one's virginity to a nymphomaniac, spending all night in a computer cluster, writing computer programs to analyze the weather and take over the world. An excellent book for anyone who wants to understand the canonical nerd, and how he takes technology and spins it into the ecstasies of the stratosphere.

I just finished reading "The Uncertainty Principle", and I must say I am very impressed. I think Steve Frank got the flavor of the place dead on. Oh, some of the details are wrong, but who cares? The fact that the essence was there let me concentrate on the story instead of cringing at the errors. I'm just amazed that he was able to pull this off. Most people have this superficial, stereotyped view of what MIT is all about, and I was very happy to see that he was able to get past that and create some believable, human characters. Well, nerds, actually, but nerds are human too, ya know.

As I was reading this book I couldn't help comparing it to "Microserfs" by Douglas Coupland. What "Microserfs" is to the left coast "The Uncertainty Principle" is to the right coast.

"The Uncertainty Principle" ought to be required reading for anyone even remotely associated with MIT. The only question I have is whether this book would appeal to someone not associated with MIT. I like to think so, but as you can tell I'm somewhat biased. In any case, I recommend you give this book a try.

Some of the highlights of the book:
- the MIT professor exiled to an office on the top floor of a parking garage.
- Skullduggery and intrigue with roommates, patent lawyers, and thesis advisors.
- The crazy inventor uncle who likes to plug away at mice with a laser-targeted silencer-equipped .22. Except that he's not as crazy as he seems.
- Subtle and not-so-subtle put-downs of biotechnology and venture capitalists.

Altogether an amusing and enjoyable book.