Western Books

The book came very quick & in great shape. But I found the book at Walmart for less.

This is a very cute little story of an elephant becoming comfortable with who he is meant to be. The characters in this story help Sooki the elephant realize he is just fine the way he is. It's an easy read with a sweet ending. Nice illustrations as well.

After 60 years (this book was first published in 1947) this story still has a nice little message about being yourself, and expressing your talents.

This was (first published in 1947) and it is still delighting young readers and the young at heart to this day. Lots of words, so definitely a read to rather than read yourself for the very beginners

This is a fun and charming story of a happy little elephant that meets a tactless parrot. This parrot comments on the saggy skin of the elephant. He tries to improve himself, but without success. Sad and self-conscious, the little elephant decides to hide in a cave where no one can see how unattractive he is. Very soon something wonderful happens, however, and our sweet friend is happy once again. This children's classic will touch your heart and have you smiling.

I ordered the cookbook TALK ABOUT GOOD; as usual with Amazon, it arrived very quickly. The books were damaged in shipping, I read the instructions for returning damaged items, contacted Amazon with e-mail, printed a mailer and gave the package to my postman. A new book was mailed out as soon as Amazon found out about the problem, I had a couple of weeks to get the damaged book returned. I originally did not notice that both books were damaged on the corners so only one was replaced, I'm sure that if the other was reported damaged, I would have another new one. TALK ABOUT GOOD service!!

Oh, by the way, this is an excellent cookbook. I made a carrot cake for my boss, she tasted it and knew where the recipe was from! Amazing!! A friend had given her this cookbook in the mid 70's and my husband brought it back to me from Louisiana in the mid 70's. The recipes are favorites of the Lafayette Junior League. The book has not changed in 30 years except it now has a hard cover! The second book is a Christmas present for my boss - both of us have lost the paper covers from the original 30+ year old book!

This is by far the best cook book ever written!! These are truly "Cajun" based recipes and are tried and true! I highly recommend it to anyone that is interested in Cajun Cuisine. It is THE BEST!!!

This is most likely the BEST cookbook in existence, defiantly if you like Cajun food. The fact that it has a binding that allows pages to lay flat, remain open shows how the publisher intended this book to be used, in the kitchen.
Wife wore out the 1st copy I bought her, literally to torn shreds, this is a replacement, and we got it at a great price.

During my childhood, this was my mother's favorite cookbook - long before it was feasible to access such a wide range of recipes from the internet. She lost the cookbook (and everything else) in Hurricane Katrina, and it has been difficult to replace it. We were so happy to be able to find it on Amazon.com and give it to her for Christmas. Although she has relocated from New Orleans, the cookbook and the recipes that she used from it over the holidays, made us feel at home. The cookbook itself demonstrates authentic home cooking. Each recipe reflects the contributors' individual tastes and family traditions, and the types of cooking and ingredients provide a glimpse into a distinct culture. I find it as much fun to read the recipes and their variations as to cook them.

I've had this cookbook for many years, and it is my favorite.
I'm from New Orleans, and these are authentic Cajun recipes. There are many ways to cook a specific dish, and I find the various recipes reflect these personal touches. You cannot go wrong with "Talk About Good".

The book is the very complete history of the 101st Airborne Division in World War II. It contains many life stories of WW II veterans and many pictures in black and white, some of them have not been published before.
Mark Bando in this new book has done an excellent work of relating the war actions of the 101st Airborne Division in Normandy, Holland, Belgium and Germany. I can strongly recommend this book to all those who are interested in the history of the Second World War in Europe.

This is a fantastic book to be able to read and look at images never seen before in other WWII historical books. It is very interesting to read and be able to share with friends or family memebers who are interested in WWII history as well. Truly a beautiful book.

I think we are all lucky Mark Bando started interviewing World War II 101st Airborne veterans many years ago or most of these wonderful stories would have been lost forever. Several people have written great reviews to tell folks all about this book. I'm not a good writter so my review will be brief. Mark has more one on one interviews with WWII paratroopers from the 101st than anyone. I have 2 of every book he has written because the information is first hand from the veterans and can't be found anywhere else. Mark has inserted overviews of each battle so the average reader will still know where the action happened with out getting lost in each campaign. I can't recommend this book enough, there are great photographs, most have never been published. If you enjoy WWII actual accounts and history of the 101st Division, do yourself a favor and order this, you can even get it for free shipping from Amazon. What a great deal.

Based on a previous purchase American Soldier, I have taken a chance and bought 101st Airborne as a gift for the same person (Teenage Grandson)it was very well received.
On another note I disscussed with familiy and churchmembers the excellent selections from Amazon and the excellent custumer service, personally I no longer belong to a booklub and will not set foot in a bookstore.
Go Amazon, we appreciate you and expecting the same customer service in
2008
Sincerely, a satisfied customer

Like many here I was eagerly awaiting this new work by Mark Bando, who I consider the finest World War II airborne historian today. The five star rating here does not do this book justice, once again Mark Bando has give us a tremendous historical work on the famed "Screaming Eagles of The 101st Airborne Division " and its brillant record in combat in Europe from D-Day to the final surrender of Nazi Germany. You get a great colleciton of vintage photographs from the authors massive collection he has amassed over the last 30 plus years of research on the 101st. Many coming from the actual veterans themseleves. The author has spent the last 30 plus years going to 101st reunions and interviewing the men and collecting their rare stories for you the reader . In addition he has spent many years retracing the 101st Divisions battles in Europe and still today conducts tours from Normandy , The Bulge and the many places where the Screaming Eagles made history. This is one book for sure that any student of World War II needs in his or her collection. One can read the other fine reviews here.... I share their thoughts and this book by Mr Bando is one we should be greatful for. This book captures the amazing combat record of this outstanding division ! Well done sir !!!!!!!!!

Thomas S. Colones
Photojournalist
WSPA-TV News CBS
Spartanburg, South Carolina USA

This is one of our favorite cookbooks...it is wonderful! We have given it for gifts and those people also love it. Every recipe we have made is superb.

I gave this book to my friends as a college graduation present. I went with this as the present because a) the food it produces is great, b) the reviews for this cookbook were steller, and c) the food it produces is great! My friends have given rave reviews, which makes me feel good.

Also, my family uses this book frequently and loves it.

I am a lover of cookbooks, but this is the one that I use the most. Every recipe I have tried out of this book is fantastic. It is also beautiful and durable. The recipe instructions are very clear. And although you may not have every ingredient already in your cabinet, they can all be found at any good, well-stocked grocery store - no trips to "specialty" markets. I highly recommend this book.

I am very impressed with this cookbook. I've lived in Colorado for nearly a decade and had seen this cookbook in lots of homes and stores. It seemed like a 'tourist' attraction... boy, was I wrong. I love this cookbook for a number of reasons. One, my food is devoured by family and friends and they actually 'ask' for my recipes! (A secret dream of mine). Secondly, my kitchen seems to be readily stocked with the items these recipes require...how often does that happen? So, I love this cookbook. I've even sent my mother-in-law recipes.... another secret dream of mine. Enjoy.

I received this cookbook in 1997 as a bridal shower gift. I have yet to make anything that doesn't turn out well! This year I have bought if for 2 other friends who just married - and know that they will love it too! Just the Heavenly Potatoes are worth the price of the book. I also love the "pantry" section in the back of the book - comes in really handy for shopping lists - and always having the basic ingredients on hand. Highly recommend!!!

I think deconstruction is important but have difficulty understanding it. This book is the only lucid explanation I've seen of it's basic principles.

If you are beginning to read derrida, this book will be very helpful. Now if they only made one for Judith Butler! (Skip the Foucault, his theories are not that complex.)

Derrida is my favorite philosopher. I don't think that his 'Deconstruction' is holistic necessarily but the gist of it explains the inherent problems of doing philosophy better then anything else I've read.

Unlike the greats of Science who simplify complex ideas (i.e..Stephen Hawking, Richard Feynman), the guru's of philosophy take fairly straight-forward ideas and shroud them with such mysterious sounding proprietary language that their work becomes nearly impossible to decipher. Derrida is no exception. This is a shame because his underlying message is brilliant...and really not not all that abstract.

So until philosophers realize that less words does not directly translate to less intelligence, we should be very glad to have commentators like Jim Powell around.

"Derrida For Beginners" concentrates on developing the key concept of "differance" and defining the necessary Derridian terminology used to communicate its meaning. The book clearly defines, "binary opposites", "texts", "logocentricism" etc.. and has plenty of diagram's to help you get the idea. While I can't say the artwork did much for me, the cartoon setting does force the message to be carried accross succinctly...no babling. The first book I read after failing miserably to tackle "Of Grammatology" was "Derrida" by Christopher Norris. While his was an excellent introduction..I will say that after I read "Derrida for Beginners" I went back and read most of Norris' book again and got a lot more out of it. Try this: read "Derrida for Beginners" as many times as needed until you have all the words in bold print at your fingertips..then, read Norris' book "Derrida". With this few hours of investment, do some online searches and read some of the commentaries and criticism of Derrida. You will be surprised at how badly he is misunderstood by so many who have studied him a lot more then you, and should feel good about your knowledge in comparisom. Of course you then need to get humble again so start reading "Of Grammatology". :)

This book is concerned with making accessible the often inaccessible Derrida. Derrida's philosophy will help you develop a healthy sensibility and cynicism for 'knowledge' and 'representation.'
Do not be fooled by the 'for beginners' title; it is not simply an introduction, it is a hands-on intepretation of several his 'major' works. The book has any value for anyone interested in learning about the world in which we live.

This book is concerned with making accessible the often inaccessible Derrida. Derrida's philosophy will help you develop a healthy sensibility and cynicism for 'knowledge' and 'representation.'
Do not be fooled by the 'for beginners' title; it is not simply an introduction, it is a hands-on intepretation of several his 'major' works. The book has any value for anyone interested in learning about the world in which we live.

As an already-successful author (Rewired, Rehired, or Retired? Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer 2002) and sought-after international speaker, Bob Critchley is eminently qualified to speak with authority on the labour market of the future.

Whilst not alone in ringing the warning bells, Critchley has much more to offer than an alarmist message ... and he couldn't make it easier for us. He goes beyond illuminating the impending labour crisis, he has the strategies and solutions too.

Company Directors, CEO's, Management and especially HR advisers need to have this book on the top of their "must read" list!

So how does an organization maintain and maximise a multi-generational workforce, remain flexible yet successful and also be seen as an employer of choice? Critchley's answer is clear ... "Doing nothing is Not an option!".

Exactly what to do is made abundantly clear in this eminently sensible and readable book from someone who has impeccable credentials and vast experience. Carolyne Burns, MD, Influence InterPersonal Profiling, Sydney Australia

We all know the importance of trusted and experienced people in successful businesses......why then are they often overlooked in favour of the "new model" or the "grass is greener" scenario? Critchley really brings home the message that these people are key and will be absolutely key for organisations to main tain their position and advantage.The book is a must not only for HR professionals but also for all managers and company directors....from an author with extensive practiocal knowledge and successful experience of practising what he preaches.

Bob Critchley has produced an outstanding people management guide. The author's deep practical experience is evident as he shares his insights into effective management of people in all age groups. At a time when there is a growing shortage of talent in most developed economies, knowledge from this book can help put results on the bottom line in most business organisations. This book is easy to read and hard to put down! Colin Durand, The Insight Executive Search Group, Sydney Australia.

Bob Critchley's book provides a powerful and compelling argument for "thinking outside the box".

The population demographics are inevitable and organisations ignore them at their own peril.

Unless organisations adopt flexible ways of engaging employees and think laterally about how to maximise the contribution of every single employee, they are doomed to become victims of the demographic reality.

Critchley's book not only provides the evidence and demonstrates the inevitibility - but he also provides a compendium of ideas about how to respond.

An invaluable guide to any forward thinking HR professional.

Time marches slowly on and we all tend get caught up in our day to day and short term activities. Just like when global warming incidents started to occur. In isolation they meant little and then a pattern and explanation emerged. Critchley pulls together the signs in our demographic and employment changes. Dramatic shortages in skilled labour arise; a lack of investment in infrastructure becomes apparent; retirement and aged care issues start to be reported in the media; the funding of retirees becomes a federal budget issue; government start to create incentives to get people back to work. For those who run businesses other symptoms become apparent. So often the employer has to convince the prospective employee why to join them; the employer becomes aware of impending skill losses as older employees approach retirement age; people talk about not wanting to fully retire and having flexible arrangements; the employer can't find the right people.
Critchley's book suddenly pulls all these incidents and changes in attitude together into one easy flowing cohesive read. He paints a picture of why things are happening and what is likely to continue to happen. More importantly he canvasses what needs to be done for organisations to be successful in this environment. Many organisations pay lip service to people being their most important asset and often they have a short term focus. Critchley really sets down some ideas and a framework that organisations, who really do value people, will need to adopt to be successful in the long term. A must read.

Whether your are an entrepreneur, VC or lawyer, THIS is the book that you must read. It's really everything that you need to navigate the entire startup ecosystem. I've been in the industry for over a decade and I still use it as a reference and encourage both entrepreneurs and lawyers to read alike. I also think it's a great resource for VCs sitting on boards to make sure they are complying with all the latest and greatest regulations.

Includes all important areas of law for the entrepreneur. Was most helpful for our incorporation. Good, short, to-the-point, comparisons of S-corp, C-corp, LLC, partnership, and sole proprietorship. Still covered all issues and is updated to late 2007. This is important because the tax-code changes frequently (last major update was in 2003), and small changes to corporate structure and court pratices happen every year. Better than "Structuring Venture Capital, Private Equity, and Entrepreneurial Transactions." Better than "Starting Your Own Business" by Stephen C. Harper. Better than searching for piecemeal information on websites like news.YCombinator.

Other important areas covered are Contracts & Lease, Operational Liability, and Intellectual Property. I will be using this book heavily for those areas as well.

A book that every entrepreneur should read. Read it before you start the company, it will help you a lot.

This book goes into great detail about all aspects of Business Law. Anyone who currently owns a business or is thinking about opening a business needs to read this book, or at least have it near by as a reference guide.

However, the book is certainly aimed at Corporate USA and those who are looking to start up a BIG business. If you are looking to open or currently own a Small Business, then there are better books on the market that are tailored more to your needs.

This book deserves to be on the shelf of every entrepreneur. The Entrepreneur's Guide to Business Law will take you on a virtual tour of the start-up process, and beyond, from the legal perspective. As experienced entrepreneurs understand, any business is a web of relationships, many of which are detailed in legal documents. This is the case for the relationship (establishment) of the entity with the state, relationships between co-founders, relationships between employees and the company, relationship between the company and its investors, suppliers, customers, etc. The legal foundation for all of these is clearly explained, and this book includes a wealth of practical information that will help any entrepreneur to work more efficiently and effectively with their legal counsel.

Steven K. Gold
Author, Entrepreneur's Notebook: Practical Advice for Starting a New Business Venture

If you're reading this review, then you must not own volume one of Firefly: The Official Companion. If you did, then you wouldn't need a review to sell you on this one. So I have a piece of advice for you: buy both books. If you have a place in your heart for Firefly, then make a place on your coffee table for these books. Each one is overflowing with behind-the-scenes information about every episode of Firefly. There's sure to be something to interest every fan. I particularly enjoy all the prop info. You get detailed views of props and weapons, along with insight from the prop team as to how they made or modified each item. Fascinating stuff, and indispensable if you're a gamer.
Treat yourself to these books. You won't regret it.

Great resource for the true Firefly fan. The show scripts are fun to read, especially with the chinese words translated, so you know what the gorram they were really saying. I loved the section: Jayne's Weapons, with a detailed look at Vera, one of the most notorious guns ever to grace the small or big screen. They discuss how they designed Vera, where the original gun came form, and how they added the special touches to make it unique to the Firefly 'verse.
A plethora of inset comments from the actors, and production crew, throughout the book, add insights into the action behind the scenes of making the show. Floor Plans of Serenity, and displays of various prop models of the ship, and many other props used make a nice addtion to the wealth of information.

This is the follow-up and completion of companion books to the cancelled-but-still-growing-its-fanbase Firefly television series. It provides the shooting scripts ans photo stills from the remaining episodes, as well as numerous sidebars featuring backstories and insights into the actors, crew, props, and the inner thoughts of series' creator, Joss Whedon. This glossy volume is heavily laden with color photographs, costume concept designs for the various characters, and pre-production sketches. If you have a love for the series and the Big Damn Movie ("Serenity"), you will feel compelled to buy this book.

I missed Firefly, the first time around, and didn't discover the series until after I'd rented Serenity. I can't call myself a confirmed browncoat, though I really *really* liked everything about the show.

But when I saw this book on the library's New Books stack, I grabbed it. I think you should grab a copy, too, even if you're no die-hard fan. Because this book is _fun_.

Most of the book is episode scripts (half of them; the other half are in Volume One). That's worth the price alone, because the scripts are immensely readable. Like other intelligent shows, the dialogue is both fast and thoughtful, and you might not have caught everything when you heard it the first or second time around. In particular, the scripts include the translations from the Chinese expletives, and most of them are _very_ funny.

And the "stage direction" is not the dispassionate descriptive sort ("Man enters, wearing a hat"). It reflects the entire mood of the show:
INARA walks towards them, heading for the stairs up to the shuttle catwalk. She's dressed with stunning elegance.
KAYLEE: Hey there, 'Nara. Heading off for some glamorous romance?
Simon turns, momentarily stunned by her elegance.

If you're a screenwriter, this is absolutely a must-have.

The book is also peppered with cast interviews, stories about the creation of Firefly's theme song, production explanations on how, for example, they created Niska's Skyplex. In this book, you can spend an enjoyable few hours investigating how a show can be done *right*...even if the network screwed it up.

Just to let future buyers be aware....this book (and Vol. 1) are basically just the scripts to the (REALLY FUN) shows. As my husband put it, "It's just the lines, without the wonderful delivery the actors achieved in the shows." I thought it would be more like the various other "about" books that exist about popular movies/TV shows - full of pictures and other fun "about" stuff. In my opinion, these two books were not that.

Thomas Cleary has set a new mark (even by his standards) for translations, and translators.

The Chinese literally spent centuries translating this massive corpus from the Sanskrit, yet, for Cleary, it is simply one of a plethora of great translations in his remarkably prolific career.

D.T Suzuki opinioned that this, the greatest text of Mahayana Buddhism, was so massive that it would never be fully translated into English. Cleary has not only translated this massively influencial text, he has furnished it with a wealth of Reader's "aids." His glossary alone is worth the price of the book.

In his in-depth introduction, Dr. Cleary shares his extensive knowledge on the history, of this text, its influence on Zen (Ch'an) Buddhism, Tendai, and other Mahayana Schools. He also provides "summary outlines" for each chapter.

He prepares the reader with lucid introductions to the language, philosophy, and practice methods contained throughout the book. He explains how the first five "Patriarchs" of Huayen Buddhism interpretated and developed their thought around the stunning array of Buddhist teachings, insights, and expressions contained in this mammoth volume.

It took me nearly two years to read this remarkable book the first time-it was, without a doubt, the most fascinating reading experience of my life. This book has remained on my continuous reading list for years now, but it is always new.

Thank you Thomas Cleary! Thank you!

This is a gorgeous epic of a text. I have been looking for a Buddhist scripture comparable in size and scale to the Bible, and this is definitely it. Thomas Cleary provides a clear, beautiful translation of this monumental work.

This is the 1st complete (1643 pp.) translation of an ancient (Cleary says 1st-2nd centuries C. E.) Mahayana text with Cleary's introduction, appendices, glossary & Li Tongxuan's (Li T'ung-hsuan) short Chinese Ming Dynasty commentary on the final (39th) 400 pp. chapter. Cleary's comments are helpful but a bit sparse. He compares FOS to other major works (e.g. Prajnaparamita & Lotus), provides concise chapter summaries, & introduction to the Chinese commentary. Cleary's complete translation replaces standard Sanskrit terms--"enlightening beings" vs. Bodhisattva & "Universal Good" vs. Samantabhadra. I found this refreshing but you may not. He says, it employs very grandiose terminology, p. 46: "specific characters of the scripture are `fictional' uses p. 52: `being-time,' & it's for p. 6: `people of superior faculties.'" The 1st 38 Chapters display overwhelming hyperbole, mythology, & symbolism. Of course, understanding of the physical universe was limited millennia ago (p. 999: "Just as the ocean water flows under the continents & islands, so that all who drill for water find it"), mythology was not arms-length as now, & norms differed (e.g. p. 581's gifts of women). I don't claim to be a person "of superior faculties," but it was boring to me. There are some gems: Cleary--p. 29: the nirvana or Buddha-nature cannot be cultivated by practices, because practices are fabricated and impermanent, and it cannot be realized by mind because mind has subject and object [i.e. transitive]. Thus, its essence [Nature of Mind] cannot be cultivated, its principle cannot be witnessed by the mind. Mind itself is the essence--there is no further subject or object." This is reflected in chapter 39's experiential journey. NOTE: bracketed words herein are mine not Cleary's.

As usual, there are some interesting parallels to Kabbalah: in Ch. 1, Buddha is described ~God in the Shi'ur Koma (On the Mystical Shape of the Godhead: Basic Concepts in the Kabbalah (Mysticism & Kabbalah)) literature pp. 274-5: "the Buddha may be called...God of Gods...the Buddha may be called...King of Gods" & p. 1591: Li Tongxuan--"These are not worldly measurements." FOS has a dream-like feel to it (p. 1496: "It was like someone asleep seeing various things in a dream")--probably to exemplify the imputed dream-like or mirage-like nature of reality ~fairy tales [Jungians take fairy tales seriously & symbolically--see von Franz Individuation in Fairy Tales (C. G. Jung Foundation Books) & Chinen In the Ever After: Fairy Tales and the Second Half of Life]. The symbolic, non objective nature of FOS is also revealed in its use of numbers, esp. numerous groups of 10. I enjoyed the lovely verse reminiscent of the wonderful The Wheel of Sharp Weapons & Tilopa's Song Tantra, the supreme understanding: Discourses on the tantric way of Tilopa's song of Mahamudra as well as still-relevant prose p. 829: "enlightening beings do not abandon actions, according with the doings of the world, yet have no attachments to them," supporting Thich Nhat Hanh's engaged Buddhism. Modern Buddhism follows its attitudes of non-duality, abandonment of conceptual clinging, & non-attachment to the physical: p. 1091: "Great enlightening beings know that all phenomena are like the tracks of birds in the sky." It may seem strange that Shingon - Japanese Esoteric Buddhism (~Tibetan Dzogchen) uses this as one of its 2 main texts, but p. 1163: "The ground of all phenomena, oceanic source of all things" sounds like the "Ground of Being" to me; p. 1361 the Vairocana myth parallels that of Padmasambhava--born from a lotus. Further, pp. 1537-8: Prajna's Scroll translation of Ch. 39--"Sudhana asked, `Is it realized by hearing talk about transcendent wisdom?' Suchandra said `No.' `Why not?' `Because transcendent wisdom is realized by seeing the true essence of things. It is impossible to personally attain enlightenment by hearing & thinking'" reminds me of Mahamudra & Dzogchen pointing-out instructions. Indeed, the entire book exemplifies their "magical display of reality." See Longchenpa's Kindly Bent to Ease Us: Wonderment (Tibetan Translation, ).

But, it also makes some unusual assertions-- p. 1150: "It is also like the case of the celestial spirit born together with a person & always associated with the person--the spirit sees the person, but the person does not see the spirit." Cleary says Ch. 39 disagrees with parts of prior chapters, supporting his contention that FOS developed over time with many contributors. This parallels Professor Moshe Idel's argument for authorship of the Zohar in Kabbalah: New Perspectives." Furthermore, Ch. 39 (pp. 1174-1520) is Sudhana's quest for enlightenment, ~Joseph Campbell's The Hero With A Thousand Faces," is more knowledge-dense though even it is rather "empty." FOS seems more Feeling & Sensate (much ornate detail) from a Myers-Briggs perspective or perhaps more Bhakti vs. Jnana from a yoga perspective.

The commentaries (Cleary's pp. 1545-64 & Li's 1565-1630) are better read in parallel with Ch. 39--section by section. Sudhana requests practical instruction from Master to Master w/o getting it--instead he experiences various states of being with his many benefactors who show him (vs. tell him)--up to Maitreya (pp. 1452-1502)--IMHO the best part. Ch. 39 reminds me of the Egyptian Book of the Dead & its many visualizations provide a basis for Vajrayana (Tibetan & Shingon) Buddhist practices--even p. 1599 a precursor to Chod. The commentaries are concise, easy reading vs. the flowery, ornamental text (thus its title?). Cleary says p. 1546 it was promulgated by Nagarjuna who "recovered the teaching of the Flower Ornament Scripture `from the ocean.'" I read this as the Dzogchen Ground of Being ~to the legend of Jigme Lingpa's text received from long-dead Longchenpa. Does this poetically indicate authorship?

There's considerable wisdom herein, but you must dig deep for it:
p. 1572: "Since the fact that an individual word or sound has no inherent identity underlies infinite words & sounds infinite words & infinite sounds are one word and one sound. Therefore one and many revolve around and embellish each other. All mundane phenomena are trans-mundane phenomena, and all trans-mundane phenomena are mundane phenomena." [form is emptiness & vice versa]
p. 1584: "Play is Buddha-work"
p. 1592: "When knowledge enters compassion, it is harmonized & becomes comfortable."
p. 1620: "In the clamor without making clamor." [i.e. be in the world but not of it].

Thomas Cleary is one of the best all-round translators of East Asian and Sanskrit literature, as well as Buddhist, Daoist, and Confucian writings. If I have the option of purchasing a work I have never read before in various translations, I will gladly go with Cleary. Some of his works, such as the astonishing edition of the Art of War and his beautifully poetic rendering of the Zhuangzi are the best of their kind, while others (particularly his translations of Zen literature) are rather lacking and weak. This mammoth translation of the Buddhavatamsaka-sutra, however, represents the best (in my opinion) in Sanskrit Buddhist translation. All English speaking Mahayana Buddhists owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. Clearly, for rendering one of the largest, most elaborate, and most important Buddhist scriptures into English, with a flair of style and poetic imagery that surpasses almost anything else I've read in Buddhist sutra translations. The Avatamsaka Sutra, or the Flower Garland (Flower Ornament) Sutra is the earliest sutra spoken by the Buddha. It is, along with the Lotus Sutra and the Perfection of Wisdom Sutra, one of the most important teachings of the Buddha. The Chinese Huayan (Jap. Kegon) School (Huayan/Kegon: Avatamsaka), one of the most prominent and influential schools in the history of Chinese and Japanese Buddhism, is based on this scripture, which emphasizes the mutually unobstructed interpenetration the Dharma realm, the interactions between principle and phenomenal worlds. The Avatamsaka Sutra is one of the Vaipulya Sutras, meaning that it is, in effect, an incredibly large sutra comprised of several smaller sutras (other Vaipulya Sutras include: the Perfection of Wisdom Sutra, the Jewel Heap Sutra, and the Nirvana Sutra). Because of its incredible length, many of the English translations are available only as partial translations, or translations of particularly important sections. Here, however, Cleary has translated the entire sutra, which takes up almost 1500 pages. However, it is a must-have for any English Mahayana scholars. Readers may be amazed at the vast range displayed throughout the sutra. Some chapters are elaborate, miraculous, and joyful in nature (as is much of the Lotus Sutra), while others are strongly philosophical in a style reminiscent of the Hinayana or Perfection of Wisdom Sutras. Especially important are the chapters concerning the Ten Stages (Dashabhumika-sutra) of the Bodhisattva Path, the Ten Devotions, the Ten Practices, the Ten Concentrations, the Ten Acceptances, and the Ten Abodes. The second-to-last chapter is a magnificent summation of Mahayana doctrine and the practice of the Buddhas. The final chapter (which takes up 400 pages by itself) is the "Entry Into the Realm of Reality" (GAnda-vyuha), which is the most famous section of the book. It describes the pilgrimage of the young Sudhana, guided by Manjushri, as he requests the teachings of 53 masters, including the future Buddha. The final section of the Ganda-vyuha occurs when Sudhana meets Samantabhadra (Universally Good), and concerns the Ten Vows of Samantabhadra, which is, by itself, probably the most important and available part of the book (numerous translations of this one section exist on the internet). All in all, I thank Thomas Cleary for finally allowing me to read the complete Flower Garland Sutra (a task which I have been unable to accomplish for years, due to the lack of availability of complete translations). Stunning.

The Flower Ornament Sutra (FOS) is often overlooked because it is not as available (now out of print probably as a result of not being widely used by the laity), but it is a superb Sutra a comprehensive (if any single text can be called truly comprehensive)expression of Buddhist (particularly Mahayanist)Vision. I say "vision" rather than "thought" or "philosophy" because FOS is first and foremost an inducer of meditative trance or vision, rather than a doctrine or treatise. One reads The FOS to experience the Buddha consciousness in a very personal, mystical way, not to "understand" it intellectually.

Thomas Cleary's translation is probably the most accessible to the American mind and heart. I haven't read all other translations, only a few are available here in the USA it seems. One caution: I would beware of "contemporary" or "condensed" versions of FOS, if you find them, because these adaptions to contemporary mind will surely lose the original consciousness, some of which is undoubtedly lost already even in a careful translation like Cleary's. That consciousness is why you would read FOS in the first place.

Better to go to the source, however formal or repetitive and overcome any initial sense of "boredom" you might feel. With FOS you should suspend logical critical mind in favor of an open and receptive heart. The deeper you go in this way the more vivid and profound the "vision" becomes.

Ultimately it is like a spark. At some point the spark jumps to you and lives in you independently of the text - or it doesn't. FOS is an instrument to self-discovery not a "reality" to cling to. Any Buddhist knows this, but FOS is a very valuable, effective and precious instrument of delight and enlightenment if you are open to it.

The hardback version I got published by Shambala is beautiful, as good a copy as you could hope to find these days. Highly, highly recommended.

It has been my good fortune to read this book. This could free you as you leap into the world of real estate in cyberspace. As a provider of internet related services to realtors, I found this book to be practical and well written to focus on creation of your web site, getting found - which normally means it's easier to pay per click. Get started and sending effective emails. As a self promoted internet optimization junkie, it's easy to understand and explains how things work, really there is no mystery to search engines, keywords, and meta-tags. Even the sales-focused agent who leaves the details to his marketing people and technical assistants will want this book - to give to them to read.

I have seen no other book devoted to the internet and real estate. This book is loaded with good information on setting up a web site for your real estate interests or business. The book is written that even a person unfamilar with the technical aspects of the internet can benefit from this book. This book written in 2001 is up to date in the ever changing world of the internet. There are tons of web sites listed in the book, which if that was all there was in this book would be valuable. Ideas on the content of your web site is provided, as well as a chapter on email. Conventions with email, and even email etiquette. Anybody involved in real estate, whether an agent, broker, investor, or an individual buyer and seller of real estate will want to read this book. And don't forget about landlords and property manager, who should also have a web site. One advice given in the book is that everywhere that your phone number is printed so should your email address. I would only add to that also your web site URL.

I have seen no other book devoted to the internet and real estate. This book is loaded with good information on setting up a web site for your real estate interests or business. The book is written that even a person unfamilar with the technical aspects of the internet can benefit from this book. This book written in 2001 is up to date in the ever changing world of the internet. There are tons of web sites listed in the book, which if that was all there was in this book would be valuable. Ideas on the content of your web site is provided, as well as a chapter on email. Conventions with email, and even email etiquette. Anybody involved in real estate, whether an agent, broker, investor, or an individual buyer and seller of real estate will want to read this book. And don't forget about landlords and property manager, who should also have a web site. Personally I have 2 web sites and of course email; and there will come a time if it has not already happened where, you will not be able to operate in this business without either. One advice given in the book is that everywhere that your phone number is printed so should your email address. I would only add to that also your web site URL.

I am a Realtor in South Florida who has just taken my buisness online.I was interrested in doing some reading on the subject and read many,many book reviews.I have to tell you I ordered this book"Internet Marketing in Real Estate"this book is unbelievable not only are they insightfull but they give you the address's to the sites with the information that they are discussing.If you you are even thinking about bringing your buisness into the year 2000 this book is a must have!Laura Pearlman

Attention Realtors, Buy This Book: "Internet Marketing in Real Estate," by Barbara Cox and William Koelzer. Don't just buy it, read it. It could help your business immensely. It also could help you overcome your apprehension about all that World Wide Web mumbo-jumbo.

Finally, it could help to free you from the intimidation of all those salespersons clad in guru's clothing who conduct seminars and office meetings, touting the latest product or service that is claimed to be "essential" for your survival in the wild-and-wooly world of real estate in cyberspace.

It has been my good fortune to have an early look at this book published by Prentice-Hall. The authors, not real estate practitioners themselves, are both spouses of web-enhanced Realtors in South Orange County.

They know whereof they speak, as both are active providers of Internet related services to Realtors, and they have both had the combat photographer's up-close view of real estate in the trenches. Their target audience will find the book both practical and appropriately written.

"Internet Marketing in Real Estate" consists of five parts:

"Creating and Building Your Internet Presence: Your Web Site"

"Getting Found" (the all-important section)

"Effective E-mail"

"Time to Get Started" (developing tasks, time-lines, and a budget)

Appendices

No technical expertise is presumed on the part of the reader. Each part that deals with Internet and marketing related concepts begins with a friendly "learning the language" section. A great deal of effort is made to explain to the reader, in plain language aided with illustrations, how things work in the initially mysterious world of Web sites, search engines, keywords, and meta-tags.

Textbook-like, "Internet Marketing in Real Estate" starts its sections with "the basics" and then develops the concepts that have been introduced. Sections end with exercises that encourage the reader to put his/her new knowledge to work.

The book also integrates related topics that are not Internet specific. Chapter 1 of Part 1 could be titled "Real Estate Marketing 101." It is important toward understanding Internet marketing concepts but that is because it is basic to marketing per se. Parts of the effective e-mail" section are straight out of basic composition. They are highly relevant.

"Internet Marketing in Real Estate" doesn't deal with all the issues that bear discussing. No book does. For example, the authors do not engage the serious questions that can be asked vis-à-vis the relative effectiveness of dollars and time spent on Internet marketing as opposed to other kinds of marketing. That is not their purpose.

When confronted with a new marketing medium, a businessperson (real estate or otherwise) must always ask the question, "If I adopt this, what will I stop doing that I am doing now?" (If the task - or the dollars - represents an addition to present efforts, rather than a replacement, then presumably it replaces something we were doing or spending in our non-business lives.)

To the credit of Cox and Koelzer, they present with great clarity the tasks and range of costs associated with various levels of involvement in Internet marketing. They provide the real estate businessperson with the information that will enable him or her to make an informed decision about this medium.

For those who have already decided that they want to make an effort at Internet marketing, the Cox and Koelzer book will provide an invaluable tool. Even the sales-focused agent who leaves the details to his marketing people and technical assistants will want this book - to give to them to read.