X Books

I was sent this book via the author himself as a way to start working on an actual comic book of this novella and I must say, I was entertained! It was realistic, witty and funny all in one. Deffinately good for someone who wants to read some real life boy's point of view comedy with a bit of a sci fi twist.

Sass Girls X might be the best book I've read all year. You will laugh until you cry. The mind that created the world of Sass Girls X is truly great. And a book with a soundtrack: THE WORLD OF BOOKS HAS BEEN FOREVER REVOLUTIONIZED! Words cannot express how much you will enjoy Sass Girls X. --Libbie

I really had fun reading this book. The two main characters get into some really awkward and funny situations. The alien babes are like everyone's childhood fantasy, well at least for me it was. This book contains great manga style artwork and a matching music cd to go along with your reading. It's a fun read all the way through.

I enjoyed the book. I would give it five stars. Imari captures what a lot of teenagers and young people today feel. Sometimes it's lousy trying to fit in, trying to show people that you can do something important. I could really identify with Sho and Steve and probably a lot of other teenagers can too. Steve and Sho are nerdy nitwits out to prove that they are not idiot. They are misfits out to make a name for themselves. They finally get a chance to score big with some beautiful babes. It's hilarious. It's a serious book told in a humorous way. I really liked the ending. The book has great manga artwork and a fantastic soundtrack.

It was a privilege to learn the subjects of SEM and TEM from the the author of this book himself (David Joy). This is an excellent book which starts from the basics and it depends on the researcher how deep he wanna go. The book provides in depth analysis as well if required. Great resource book.

This book, although not the newest textbook on the market, is THE textbook to have if you are looking for the history, theory or applications of electron microscopy and x-ray microanalysis. Well written, thorough and packed full of well-designed diagrams illustrating the principles described. I've used this textbook in classroom and laboratory settings with excellent results. Looking forward to the next edition!

This is an excellent textbook for graduate students majoring in Materials Science. The text is easy to read, and accompanied by plenty of photographs and schematics, is easy to understand. Covers almost every aspect of SEM and X-ray micro-analysis e.g. underlying science, technology, and practical use. Each chapter begins at a basic level and gradually develops the subject to intricate detail, and depending on the level of study one may skip chapters or part of a chapter.

Goldstein et al have written a book that serves as an excellent introduction to the SEM, and is also a formidable reference. When I took SEM at NC State University, it was taught from this book. Between our professor and this text, I learned the ins and outs of the SEM, and I keep the book within arms reach whenever I'm at work.

Goldstein covers everything from the basics of operation, through image formation, sample prep, usage in particular fields of study -- everything!

If you get one SEM book, get this one.

A 'must read book for anyone involves in the ministry! The content was altogether helpful, not only in the preparation of sermons, but for Bible Studies.

Luke Timothy Johnson's methodology was easy to understand for church leadership, as he shows how to discern the Scriptures with authority for interpretation; reinterpretation and interaction. Making decisions are difficult when dealing with thorny issues that are ever present in all settings and have to be responded to because the issues are timely and are applicable to the decision-making processes today with the membership, in fellowship and with the help of the Holy Spirit.

The author joins several other modern scholars who point out quite rightly I think, that one must avoid the Biblical fundamentalism of proof texting the Bible. You can prove anything you want from the Bible if you simply pick your passages. Rather the person who is really seeking the Lord's will in modern life, should note the broad themes of scripture. We should see how God has dealt with His people in the past, and apply that learning to our present situation. The Word revealed in the words of scripture will guide us into all truth.

Dr. Johnson has updated this book, making it a fantastic resource for anyone interested in the ways the church should use scripture to discern the will of God. Johnson hits important issues, including the place of homosexual Christians in the church, but rather than using the book as a soapbox to take stands on issues, he uses the issues to demonstrate the way scripture is used and understood. The book is helpful to religion/seminary students and clergy, but is accessible to lay persons who care about making scripture the basis for their decisions and those of their church.

Johnson begins conveniently by defining terms and concepts to be used throughout the book.

Johnson defines church as by various terms throughout, including an intentional community, a living organism (juxtaposed to an organisation), but perhaps the most fundamental is this: 'The church in the strict sense is found where there is a specific group of people who assemble together to call on the name of the Lord in prayer and fellowship.'

Key to the definition and existence of the church is faith. Faith is defined as the response in trust and obedience, a deeply responsive hearing of another's word or call. Faith in God, theological faith, the faith of the church, is therefore the hearing of the call of God. And the distinctiveness of the community called 'Church'

Johnson's definition of faith is different from many theologians in that is requires a recognition that God acts now, and continues to act. Johnson's faith is 'not attachment to a body of doctrines but a process of responding in obedience and trust to God's Word,' which continues to speak to us through the interpretive prism of community and experience.

Johnson then proceeds to discuss the normative use of scripture, which he returns to in each chapter. Two quotes are essential from the text here: 'It is an expression of the church's faith to regard these writings as prophetic for every age, and therefore as speaking God's Word.' Also, 'The theologian serves the church by allowing the text from the past and the text of the present to enter mutual interpretation.'

Johnson proceeds to discuss techniques to show how diversity of voices can be recognised and accepted without any single voice being dominant or neglected. These include typology, midrashic, and allegorical techniques in reading, which each have their own pitfalls. Johnson contends that the literary diversity of the New Testament provides a framework for a plurality of faithful responses, individual and communal, to the Word of God.

In the second and third parts of the book, Johnson moves beyond theory to talk about issues regarding specific applications and how they inform the general principles of decision making in the church.

In talking about difficulties, Johnson concentrates on Acts 15 as a model (often neglected, as he characterises it). He states that the narrative aspects of the prophetic witness is key to the process, 'because it gives the fullest picture in the New Testament of the process by which the church reaches decisions.'
Moving on to decisions, Johnson gives us examples of decisions that were made by the early church, but says that they do not provide a good model for decision-making, as they primarily concentrate on the outcomes rather than the process.
Discernment is described by Johnson as a vague but necessary and very real part of the decision-making process, akin to (and derived from the Greek words for) testing and judging, as well as understanding. Again, Johnson (interpreting Paul) is more concerned with 'the integrity of the ekklesia, God's convocation' than with individuals, who have a responsibility in discernment (in a later chapter he discusses the mutuality of responsibility of listener and speaker in this process), but not necessarily a decisive one. The goal for discernment is holiness and edification of the entire community.

Johnson proceeds under the Practice section to concentrate primarily on three topics as illustrative of his model of decision-making and discernment: the status of women (leadership), homosexuality (fellowship), and possessions and economics (stewardship).

In Johnson's final chapter, he discusses the need for a 'conversational model' of hermeneutics that involves leadership and fellowship in a broader and more listening mode than has existed, and that the responsibility for theological thinking and speaking needs to be carried to all members of the church.

The primary question I would ask of the book as a whole is, How do application of the principles of discernment and decision-making work for a church organisation that goes beyond the parish/local congregation level? Can the principles of listening and decision-making be applied to a macro-organisation such as regional/national/international churches in a constructive and thoughtful way in the same way they are applied at local levels? And what becomes of local discernment when it is out of line with the discernment and decision-making of the larger organisation?

Johnson gives many examples, again arising from the diversity of voices found in the scriptures, of different circumstances and applications, and looks for general principles that guide all decisions, which include a listening to narrative experience, leadership by the Holy Spirit, and discernment in community. Johnson admits that this is often a vague process, and that care has to be taken in making sure that 'the proper spirit' is being heard -- he even gives examples of how Paul seems to violate his own principles (leaving aside the possibility of later revisions/redactions of the text and such problems), which remind us of the passage read at the beginning of the course about listening to other gospels, even if taught by angels, etc. Johnson categorises the status of women as an issue of leadership and the issue of homosexuality as one of fellowship. I would argue that both could be reclassified under the other's heading. I would have liked for Johnson to expand upon the Devices section, and perhaps include more on how to reach those outside the church (if indeed the church is supposed to be evangelical -- calling out to the world to bring those outside in).

I am biased in that Johnson was a professor of mine during my undergraduate days at Indiana University, and I have read almost everything he's ever written. He is very consistent; many points will be made across chapters and books using the exact same language and construction. The readings for this evening will provide a good framework for further discussion of how communities form their identities, canons and codes of action.

"Simeon's Gift," written by Julie Andrews and her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton is a beautifully written and illustrated children's book. It is a magical story of a young roving musician who leaves the woman he loves to prove his worthiness by experiencing the world beyond. He finds his music and self in nature and returns to his beloved Sorrel. This passionate fable blends both music and the arts, which are captured in Gennady Spirin's gorgeous illustrations. I highly recommend this book for children and adults alike.

I had the opportunity to see the premier of the musical adaptation of "Simeon's Gift" July 11, 2008 with the Louisville Orchestra, with Ian Fraser conducting. Julie collaborated with Ian Fraser, who wrote the music, and John Bucchino the lyrics, to bring this magical tale to life on stage. Five costumed singers played the major roles, with Julie narrating. It was a very magical, exciting and memorable evening. "Simeon's Gift" will tour the country in a show called "A Gift of Music."

The imprint of the 'umbrella' under which this beautiful book was published, "Words, Wisdom and Wonder", fits it all the way. It is a beautiful story, wonderfully told and handsomely illustrated. I'll not retell it here. The editorials have already done that. I would say simply, that Simeon's story belongs in every household that has a child to be enwrapped by it and in any other household that appreciates good things. The book "Simeon's Gift" is definitely one of those 'good things'. I'm a grandmother, with grown grandchildren now...but I got the book for myself and find it a sheer delight to look at and to read. The CD that comes with it is a supersized bonus. Read so clearly and beautifully by Dame Julie and acompanied by lovely and appropriate music, it's a joy to listen to. Thank you Julie! I highly recommend it.

Believe it or not, Dame Julie Andrews herself signed a copy of this book for me at Harrod's in London! This story has so much heart and the illustrations are simply gorgeous.

A beautiful story, beautifully illustrated, and wonderfully told by Julie Andrews (on the CD that is included.)
I know my kids will enjoy it, and recommend it to anyone who loves a beautiful, well told, story!

Great Story line and would make a Terrific terrific ACTION MOVIE!!!! his writer will only improve with time ;-)

I couldn't put it down! It had such a great storyline, I didn't want to stop reading. I couldn't wait to see what happened next. Author keeps you interested all the way through with great detail and action. Can't wait for more from this author.

I literally could not put this book down! It is written in such a way, that the story easily flows, and the mystery is at such a high level, you just have to read on to see what happens next!
If you enjoy mystery and intrigue, this is the book of the year.
I will definitely look forward to more novels by this Author!

WOW WHAT AN ITENSE BOOK!! SO MUCH EXCITMENT, I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN FOR A MINUTE! CAN'T WAIT UNTILL HE WRITES ANOTHER.

Sixty Years, Sixty Voices is important because it shows us that peace will come to the Middle East when we realize that generosity of spirit must replace power and domination--and that this is no longer a fantasy, but a growing on-the-ground reality.

Sixty Years, Sixty Voices uses the format of individual story telling by 30 Israeli and 30 Palestinian women to paint the picture of our mutual destiny. Listen carefully. Peace is possible and practical.

My hope for Sixty Years, Sixty Voices is that it will become a catalyst for other conversations between circles of Palestinian and Israeli women, and that soon more women will be involved in the peace process itself. Women respond to stress with conversation rather than anger and withdrawal, have skills in listening and finding commonalities, and patience. These are the very qualities that peacemakers need. My hope is that Israeli and Palestinian male leaders will read this book and on reflection, they will realize the necessity for women to be involved in bringing peace to the region. Maternal concern for their children is a foundation on which women make necessary compromises and build trust, on which peace can be built. That this book is in Arabic, Hebrew and English makes it especially potent as a means of connection.

The foundations for lasting peace in the Middle East are embedded in the voices of these Israeli and Palestinian women. They know war and they know peace, they know weakness and strength and they know the human heart. In a torn land they find a common ground built out of wisdom, experience and because they have walked the walk. Here they stand and speak out, if we listen there is hope.

Great to deal with. Very quick delivery. Very highly recommended. Thank you.

Airforce aviation expert Scott Libis presents "Skystreak, Skyrocket & Stiletto: Douglas High-Speed X-Planes", a 184-page history and survey of Douglas X-Planes, include details of the first Mac 2 aircraft (D-558-2) and the original March 2 flight by test pilot Scott Crossfield. Libis also covers the ill-fated X-3 Stiletto program. Enhanced with more than 300 photos and illustrations (including a full color section) "Skystreak, Skyrocket & Stiletto" also features the men who flew these plans and the rocket engine technology they helped to develop. "Skystreak, Skyrocket & Stiletto" is an impressive and seminal title that is a strongly recommended, core addition to personal and academic library American Aviation History reference collections.

I found this book to be a very readable, informative account of the development and testing of the Skystreak, Skyrocket, and Stiletto. I appreciated the extent to which the author sought out and included drawings of the subjects, especially the internal arrangements and cutaways. I would have liked to have seen some detailed multi-view drawings of the subjects, but realize that may not be possible these days in a book that is as reasonably priced as this.

very good and factual information. Super information for all Railroaders looking for any information of specific roads and types of motors. The typr of references that a model railroad person would go to for factual infoemation.

Absolutely the BEST grammar book available for English speakers who are intermediate or advanced Slovene learners! I know of no other Slovene language book that is geared towards advanced and intermediate learning. Slovene is an extremely difficult language which requires in-depth explanations for sufficient understanding. Grammar in particular requires a great deal of instruction. This book is the best on the market and will help the student of Slovene go further than any other book on the market.

The other reviewers have said it all - this is as good as a grammar could possibly get. Peter Herrity is an inspired linguist with an excellent knowledge of Slovenian and an equally excellent talent of passing on what he knows. Unfortunately, there is no good course in Slovenian to go with this excellent grammar. Both Colloquial Slovene (also published by Routledge) and Teach Yourself Slovene are so bad they defy belief. As Peter Herrity is already writing for Routledge, I pray he will accept to write the next edition of Colloquial Slovene - should it ever emerge. In the meantime, this is the only available book for those interested in the Slovene language.

This is the most comprehensive Slovene grammar reference, ideally suited for the student of Slovene.It has the distinction of being the first major Slovene grammar for the English speaker. Professor Herrity has stated in a recent interview (with Jana Valencic in Slovenija magazine, Summer No.2/2002) how this work is different to other grammars; "I wanted to write a grammar that was descriptive of the spoken language by educated Slovenes, that is, to provide a precise account of actual usage."

The author has achieved this brilliantly. The book is structured in thirteen chapters, with: phonology, nouns, adjectives, pronouns, numerals, verbs, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, particles, interjections, word order, and word formation". In each chapter the points of grammar are illustrated with examples of usage; subtleties of Slovene are indicated, with descriptions of literary, and colloquial language, and archaic words. Furthermore, stress is indicated on all Slovene words in the grammar.
I am an instructor of Slovene, and course writer, and have found it provides a base for teaching Slovene grammar and as a reference for both the teacher and the learner. Before this work was published, I had to search laboriously through all available Slovene grammars, written in Slovenian, which consisted of mainly rules, and had to glean, interpret, translate and research the usage for everyday and formal language, and constantly seek advice from native speakers. The most suitable Slovene grammar which I could refer to till now is the standard grammar book written by Dr. Anton Bajec 'Slovenska slovnica' (Ljubljana, 1968) - it has been reprinted several times. In Australia, Peter Herrity's book is the grammar reference in the secondary school curriculum.
This book is an indispensable tool for the study of Slovene, and I wish to express my appreciation for Peter Herrity's invaluable scholarly contribution to Slovene studies.

If you speak English and already have a Slovene/English dictionary (like Komac) and/or lesson book like (Albretti) and you want to complete your knowledge of the language, buy this book. But don't buy it if you are looking merely for either of the above.

Isn't it about time to open your life up to a psych cast of characters that somehow manage to elude demons, vampires, rampaging robots, real life, in fact, everything except themslves (and they try hard at that.

Buy this book. And say "Hi" to Zoe for me

Sluggy Freelance, need I say more? For those of you that haven't been made aware of the funniest, smartest and greatest comic on the internet, I'd suggest that you head over to sluggy.com to find out just how nifty it is. You might find yourself spending your entire day off just reading the archives, and craving more. This is the second book in the Sluggy family, one that you must own if you have even the slightest semblance of anything remotely close to a sense of humor. This book chronicles the 5th through the 8th chapters in the lives of the Sluggy crew. Starting with Sam's marrage, going into the introduction of The Demension of Pain, then ahh, wonderful summer, and a vacation to Nags Head, North Carolina, and into the vampires story where we learn *something* about Val's true nature, and a few more scary things. Bun-bun can't be stopped, neither can Lord Horribus, but you'll have to Worship the Comic to know what I'm talking about.
Including the "Nifty Flowchart" (which is correct for about ten minuites) and Bun-bun's black market viagra scheme this book is a must own. Smart and funny, with jokes that will kill you unless you come up for air, which is hard to do with writing this smart and compelling.

Funny name, funnier book. This is the second book in what is now (at least, at the time this review is being written) a 6 book series.

Best read in a series, as some jokes will rely heavily on character background, or past events... although each book can be picked up and enjoyed without having read the entire series, it's still funnier if you know the whole story.

Definitly worth a read... I've read my own set several times over already! It will cause you to start saying things like "Ahhh! I'm burning with goodness!" which, inevitably, causes people to give you funny looks as you laugh at your own joke.

Once you read it, you're hooked. Don't forget to check out the website, for new daily comics!

The anarchic humor continues as Riff,Torg, Zoe et al stumble (or get zapped) into wildly funny adventures. The book contains these storylines: Torg's encounter with the inept demons of the Dimension of Pain (one of whom collects Beanie Babies - truly evil!), the vacation at the Outer Banks (with a sidetrip where Bun-Bun, the amoral lop-ear, corrupts the Amish), Aylee the alien secretary's transmutation, and Torg's switch to an alternate dimension (where his counterpart has purple hair and speaks Portuguese, Bun-Bun is sweet, and beer doesn't exist). The masterpiece though, is an epic vampire tale, with stunning artwork and unexpected pathos and drama amongst the humor. Sluggy Freelance remains a hard series to describe; the best thing to do is just start reading. Trust me, you will find it strangely addictive!

I lent this book from the library in our institute, and this book is very suitable to us, who do research with Synchrotron Radiation in the region of soft X-ray. Many directions of research for soft X-ray are included in this book.
I can't afford it because it is very expensive for me, although I like it very much!

`... excellently written and produced book ... David Attwood is a respected teacher and renowned researcher in all of the topics covered in this book, and is to be congratulated on its timely publication ... there is no doubt in my mind that it will very quickly become a primary source for beginning graduate students (and high level undergraduates) and experienced researchers alike ... Unusually, I cannot think of any way in which the book could be improved. It is comprehensive and enjoyable to read, the figures are illustrative and clearly drawn and the mathematics is at an appropriate level for the intended readership ... it will serve as [an] important reference source as well as a teacher's and researcher's handbook ... I shall certainly be using this book in my future teaching and recommending it to advanced students.' Alan Michette, Contemporary Physics

i found this book to be an excellent educational material on soft x-ray science

p.s. please note that there is a web-site by the author with the actual lectures available for watching absolutely free

[...]

I took the class taught by the author at UC-Berkeley while he was finishing up this text (I also proofread a couple of the chapters as part of the class - you can find my name and the names of my classmates in the acknowledgements).

The text is very clearly written. An undergraduate physics / engineering level of understanding of electromagnetics and quantum mechanics is sufficient background for most the textbook. Most of the calculations are done semi-classically which helps for people not well versed in quantum mechanics. It also serves nicely as a reference text.

Topics covered include:
- Grazing incidence optics
- Normal incidence multi-layer mirrors
- Synchrotron radiation
- Cyclotrons, wigglers and undulators
- Plasma physics with applications to EUV and X-ray sources
- Fresnel zone plates
- Coherence
- EUV and X-ray lithograpy
- ...

The textbook stands alone nicely ... you do not need to constantly look up results in other sources and texts.

The textbook also contains a wealth of reference materials (several appendices of atomic data for X-ray transitions, cross sections, mathematical tables, ...)