Leagues Books

It's really four-and-a-half stars. Since Teach Yourself Esperanto went out of print, this is almost certainly the best print-based Esp-o course for Anglophones.

My only gripes:
First, it needs an English-Esperanto glossary to complement its excellent Esperanto-English glossary.

Second, despite the third edition being published in 2004, this is book is essentially twenty-five years old. Its history of Esperanto has no information of anything happening since 1981 (despite the renaissance that the Internet has given the Esperanto movement), and the glossary has no computer/Web/electronic terms. The only difference I could discern between it and the second edition was a one-paragraph biographical note about the author.

This book is in many ways the lineal descendant of the once popular "Esperanto: The World Interlanguage", to which a younger David Richardson himself made some minor contributions. I've never been particularly happy with the system used in both books, breaking the work down into expository section, lessons, reader and appendices. Each of these deserves a book of its own. The problem is always what weight to give each section vis a vis the others; and every reader will have his or her preferred balance.

Having said this, I have to add that Richardson did an excellent job of implementing the system in this book, better than the one in its predecessor. For one thing, he omitted the purely topical (and so ephemeral) material, such as the earlier work's long list of currently popular books and magazines in Esperanto, and UEA delegate categories.

The four chapters of explanation ("Communications and the Language Barrier") are well-written, and still of great interest, though they were written in the 1980s and so do not address the changes in the world over the past two decades; I don't find any mention of the internet, for instance. Perhaps for a fourth edition Richardson or some designated person will add a fifth chapter to bring the reader up to date.

The hundred-page ten-lesson Esperanto course will teach you everything you need to know about Esperanto to actually start using the language (actually, you can start using it after the first one or two lessons). The ten-lesson system unfortunately requires that even in a language with an excellent word-building system such as Esperanto there will be relatively long lists of basic vocabulary to memorize, but Richardson offsets this to some degree with well-thought-out drills and exercises.

For me, the real meat of the book is in the 130-page reading section. This isn't just a collection of reading material, but devotes almost as much space to annotations and explanations, which to some extent makes it an extension and polishing of the ten-lesson course.

The whole thing is rounded off by a bibliography, which also suffers (slightly) by being somewhat dated, and a fairly complete Esperanto-English vocabulary. Since there is no English-Esperanto vocabulary, the purchaser might also want to get a copy of an appropriate dictionary. For the neophyte, I'd recommend the inexpensive two-way EAB MiniDictionary; the more ambitious student may want a copy of the Comprehensive English-Esperanto Dictionary.

All in all, a good book to acquire if you intend to learn Esperanto and pursue the language to whatever degree.

This is my favorite beginning Esperanto book. The vocabulary choices are good, with more difficult words being introduced in a logical manner (not all at once!) The excercises are at a good gradient - not too hard -- and the words a new Esperantist would need are introduced early on.

Within just a few days I was able to correspond with Esperanto speakers from all over the world.

I highly recommend the language and this book!

If you've already started studying Esperanto, you probably have a textbook like "Teach Yourself Esperanto" and a dictionary like "Teach Yourself Esperanto Dictionary" by J. C. Wells. But, if you're new to Esperanto, and just wanting to learn more about it and perhaps get started on grammar and vocabulary, then you can't beat Esperanto: Learning and Using the International Language.

If not available through Amazon, it's always easy to get this book from ELNA, the national Esperanto organization.

I'd normally not want to simply add another "Oh this is a great book" to the list of reviews that is already here, but honestly Richardson deserves the praise.

While the book largely tries to be three things at once it is successful to a good degree. The first part of the book is a good overview of the "language problem" and Esperanto's solution to is. It's also a good (but increasingly dated) overview of Esperanto culture and resources.

The second part of the book is a reasonable 10-lesson section on Esperanto itself. it does a good job at this for its size by immediately integrating the reading of dialog at the end of every lesson.

Finally, the most unique part of the book is its last part: a small Esperanto reading anthology that allows you to immediately try your new found skill.

If you're interested in Esperanto in any capacity (save hard linguistics, perhaps) this book is your first stop. Get it.

This is another of the big Alex Ross showcasts, but this time, rather than just highlighting or spotlighting one of the heroes, they have gone for the whole team approach, and thrown the Justice League in there. If you like Alex Ross and the hwole oversized artwork thing, then no reason you won't like this one, either.

Very entertaining story. Spectacular Artwork. If you like the work of Paul Dini and Alex Ross then you cant go wrong with this one.

The design and work of Ross show us he is over the top, even if the work is based in simple but effective visual elements. The story is good but it could be deeper, like more psychological issues between the characters.
In summary "a must have" for the Ross' fans.

If you're a DC fan of a certain age, you will certainly appreciate this breathtaking graphic novel which features the superheroes (and a few super villains) from the classic DC Comics Universe!

The story is eerily timely and the characters seductively drawn (there are definite moments when "Atom" and "Wonder Woman" merit a Parent Guidance advisory), but no one does it better than Alex Ross. If only Hollywood would learn to appreciate his gift to comics the way that James Cameron utilized Ken Marschall's artistic talents when it came to the TITANIC.

A joy to read for the story...and a feast for the eyes. Love, love, love it!

The classic silver age Justice League of America save the world one more time. All of the old familiar members are here: Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Flash, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Atom, Martian Manhunter, as well as the "associate members" from Black Canary to Zatanna. Yet they all fit together perfectly- for this is primarily a tale of teamwork for the greater good. There is no squabbling and conflict of egos here. That is because these are all men and women whose only reason to BE is to help those who need their help. Each individual member has been gifted with powers and abilities that would enable them to easily overwhelm ordinary men and rule as kings or queens- yet none of them would consider such a thing for an instant. Individually and collectively the League stands for liberty and justice. They are altruism, and incorruptibility, incarnate. Their code is simple: Wherever lives are threatened, a champion will fight to save them. On land or sea the rules are simple, those who use force will find it returned in kind- and killing is never tolerated.

If the League has flaw, it lies in the fact that they are too powerful, too perfect. Lesser men hold them in suspicion. When a super-plague breaks out in Africa they are hard pressed to maintain their sacred trust in the face of global fury and desperation. And yet they do, for they know that their greatest power comes from the belief that the people have in them as allies and friends.

I have read all of the Paul Dini and Alex Ross collaborations. I won't say that this one is my favorite- what I will say is that they are all good.

Much of Mudville was cute and fun, and the author/Little League manager clearly loves his son. But I had to wonder about the kids on the team who didn't get a lot of playing time -- they didn't get much book time either. I also thought that the author got a little too hung up on winning. The whole thing made me wish that the author, instead plotting out winning lineups and agonizing over pitching rotations, just would have rotated the kids through every position and given them equal playing time. But that would have been too...fair?

Greg has done a super job of describing how I feel a father should be involved with his son's baseball team. As the founder/president of a 2 yr. old Little League program myself...I can't tell you enough of what a great job Greg did in putting youth baseball in the proper prospective, with a nice touch of humor. My 11 yr. old is now reading it and loves it too! Little League....it's just for the kids!

Greg Mitchell's "Joy In Mudville" is a fantastic book. I think that anyone who picks it up will quickly become engaged in this John Feinsteinesque memoir about a season spent by a father coaching his son's little league team. But for anyone who has ever been involved with any type of city-league baseball, this book is a must because throughout the whole book, you will be laughing about how close to home it hits. This is true for coaches/parents of little leaguers, former players (like myself), and parents (the spectating variety) of the players. With each person that Mitchell desribed, I found myself realizing that there was the exact same person in one of the leagues in which I had played over the years. I am still trying to figure out if that is comforting or worrisome. Actually, if all parents were like Mr. Mitchell, little league would be a better environment for enjoyment, learning, and competition. (I guess there would also be many more great books in stores to read). Anyway, I guess that if parents and coaches were all normal, supportive, and appropriate, this book would not be nearly as enjoyable. So, read the other reviews if you want more details about the book. But trust me, if you have ever been involved in any way in little league baseball, pick up this book. Like me, you'll find yourself doing atypical things like writing glowing reviews and sending congratulatory e-mails to the author. It's that good.

This book was a birthday gift to me from my son, former Little League pitcher and recent college graduate, who I hope sent it with positive feelings for the days that I was also a father coach, and not as an indictment of my coaching. Actually, I know it was spent in the spirit of nostalgia for those days for both of us. It was great to relive those days again, think about all of the characters involved, and recall the camraderie I shared with my son during those springs. This is a great read for any parent with a child in an organized baseball league, from tee ball to Babe Ruth on up.

Greg Mitchell's "Joy In Mudville" is a fantastic book. I think that anyone who picks it up will quickly become engaged in this John Feinsteinesque memoir about a season spent by a father coaching his son's little league team. But for anyone who has ever been involved with any type of city-league baseball, this book is a must because throughout the whole book, you will be laughing about how close to home it hits. This is true for coaches/parents of little leaguers, former players (like myself), and parents (the spectating variety) of the players. With each person that Mitchell desribed, I found myself realizing that there was the exact same person in one of the leagues in which I had played over the years. I am still trying to figure out if that is comforting or worrisome. Actually, if all parents were like Mr. Mitchell, little league would be a better environment for enjoyment, learning, and competition. (I guess there would also be many more great books in stores to read). Anyway, I guess that if parents and coaches were all normal, supportive, and appropriate, this book would not be nearly as enjoyable. So, read the other reviews if you want more details about the book. But trust me, if you have ever been involved in any way in little league baseball, pick up this book. Like me, you'll find yourself doing atypical things like writing glowing reviews and sending congratulatory e-mails to the author. It's that good.

Play Football the NFL Way is a great guide for young people getting into coaching football at all levels.

Great guide on technique based drills.

While I've been coaching youth football for a couple of years, I thought I would get the book to see what the pros are taught. Its a great book new coaches and for the fundamentals.

Very good techniques for the beginning football player. Mostly well explained, although some things don't make sense without a point of reference for a beginner (what's your outside hip?).
Plenty of information for every position.

As the title says, this is a position by position breakdown of useful things to practice and learn for the game of American Football. With an emphasis on the younger player or hack beginner type it isn't too bad a book to have a look at for erstwhile players and coaches to gain a better understanding of some simple fundamentals.

"Play Football the NFL way", has lots and lots of Pictures, drills, coaching terminology, techniques, diagrams, and a step by step guide on how to play every position. It is easy to read and well written. You will not get lost trying to read this book even if your football knowledge is limited.

"Play Football the NFL way" encompasses the Quarterback play, running backs, receivers, offensive line, defensive line, linebackers, defensive backs, and the kicking game. Everything you need to know to teach defensive or offensive basic techniques.

This book has too much information for any new coach to master in any one season. Work with the position/drills that you feel comfortable with and save the others for a later time. Learn a little teach a little. Take your time there is no hurry.

All coaches can benefit from this book at any level, from Youth Leagues to the college.

An "excellent" book. A story detailing many people, but, in particular a person of "exceptional ability" and "train wreck" personality. A book everyone should read and learn from. It's a "fine line" that seperates any of us from following the path "Darryl Strawberry" took. Get it, Read it, Pass it on.

I have to say, I was a little mislead by the subtitle of this book, Darryl Strawberry and the boys of Crenshaw. I was expecting the book to give me more about the boys, and what happened to them, both during their days at Crenshaw and afterwards.
The author provides some of that, but he also provides alot of social commentary. Now, while it was interesting to learn of the conditions of the prisons in the 1990s, and the affect of the three strikes law, I wanted to learn more about what happened to the guys, and why. To hear more about baseball.
Still, overall it's a good book. Just doesn't really delve too deeply into it's title subjects.

One of the greatest anomalies associated with athletics is that the "Best" are many times not successful. Talk to any professional athlete and they can tell you stories about great athletes that they played with or against that were better than they were, or even better than anyone that they had ever seen, but didn't make it to the pros or into to world class competitions. The variables of injuries, families, lack of discipline, luck or just plain life can wreck the possibility of any athletic career. Every practice, game, interview or even date can end the journey. More than any other profession, whether they show respect for it or not, professional athletes will tell you that they are one of the luckiest people on Earth. Their talent, luck and extreme level of desire does set them apart from most mortal men. The Ticket Out is one of the best presentations on how Life plus Sports usually just equals Life.

The Boys Of Crenshaw each had all the talent and training requirements necessary to be successful professional baseball players. Although they didn't really know it then, their team is American legend and they provide us with a very compelling drama. As a team they were the perfect research data pool to logically examine life and sports. As a group whose careers were not affected by major injuries their results of everything from incarceration with "three strikes" to one of the greatest natural home run hitters to ever play the game really does cover all possibilities, except the status of hero.

Sports or not, everyone in the game of life is dealt a hand. Even a group of the "Best of the Best" still have to deal with their own personal hand of cards. The Ticket Out shows how if you start in South Central Los Angeles, trying to be successful in any profession, it's a challenge. Although the exposure and training is there, the baggage a Black family carries to California in a migration for a better life can be a lot to overcome. Also children growing up in a community that is not always honest with itself can make life very daring.

Through baseball, The Ticket Out is really a great story about how South Central Los Angeles was created and how it can effect even the greatest talents. This baseball book about life is very interesting. I think we need more books that use our common interests to discuss our lives.

The most disturbing thing for any real baseball fan will be the lack of discussion about Lee May, who did have a real professional baseball career.

Unfortunately, people that are not into baseball will probably not buy this book and miss out on one of the most simple yet informative discussions on prison terms and the "three strikes" laws that you will ever find.

I'm a baseball fan and The Ticket Out provides a lot of interesting baseball and a lot of Daryl Strawberry legend, but it's really about Life + Sports = Life.

This book was truly an outstanding piece of work. When I purchased it, I thought it would mostly be about Darryl Strawberry and a little about the others. I was wrong, Michael Sokolove does an outstanding job researching (and you can see he has spent countless hours finding out information about all the players and Brooks Hurst) and portraying each of the individuals who made up the team. One gets to know the individuals and the author makes you want to reach out to those who got caught up in the inner city after their opportunity to leave was lost. The only part missing from this book was the only player drafted not to be profiled: Lee Mays. The book leaves you wondering what happened to him.

I could hardly put this book down. It is so much more than a story about baseball. I don't like the Mets, and I never cared for Darryl Strawberry. This book is really about neither. Instead, it is a social commentary about the plight of the black man in one arena of life. The small window of opportunity that some find while it eludes others (or others elude it); The subtle racism that seeps even into sport - it's all in this book, but the author doesn't hit you over the head with it. By the end, you feel compassion for some, pity for others, and rejoice in the triumph of a few. If you are looking for just a baseball book, you need to find a lesser story. This transcends baseball.

Complete stats of every player. Includes fielding stats for all position players and batting records for pitchers! If you have seen the first edition, you must buy the 2nd edition.

This is more complete than "Total Baseball". A true sports fan will appreciate this great work!

Just got the 2nd edition. I like that the park factor is now listed alongside the league averages, and that the park factor is half-weighted on that year and half on surrounding years. I like that the range factor is now based on estimated defensive innings instead of games. I was disappointed that there was no "win shares" calculation; re-examining the ad in the 2000 handbook, I see Win Shares is actually a separate book which hasn't come out yet, not a new stat in this book as the ad originally made me think.

Alphabetical lists of every player who performed in major league baseball. Contains standard stats- hits, hr, avg, era, etc. plus harder to find GIDP, HBP, SF, SH, IBB as well as unique stats like park effects and runs created. Pitcher batting stats and comprehensive fielding stats are included. A must have for serious baseball statisticians, although much of the information can be found for free on the internet. Print is very small.

This book takes up where Macmillan's and Total Baseball leave off statistically. For years, I looked for full fielding stats and pitcher's hitting stats and couldn't find them. The Handbook provides these in full.

The only drawback is that team and record information is not provided. But, then again, who'd be able to lift the book?

A must buy for statistics freaks!!!

If you're the type to pour over baseball statistics, for any reason, this is the best book available. I've owned every edition of Total Baseball, MacMillan's Baseball Encyclopedia, The Sports Encyclopedia: Baseball, and this one. And this is the one.

Not only is every batting and pitching stat in here, but fielding is here, by position, and by year as well. Better yet, this edition estimates innings in the field, so that range factors for defensive susbstitutes are now graded properly (sadly, though, the defensive innings are not published).

This book is particularly good for those who play baseball simulations and enjoy creating their own ratings for players (charts, computer files, whatever). For roughly the cost of one Red Sox ticket, you can have this book and enjoy it for years to come (or at least until the 3rd edition is released).

So, this lighthearted take on the Justice League ranks as a personal favorite. And, despite the few grumpies who denounced it, this particular incarnation of DC's flagship title, from 1987 and on to the '90s, was an overwhelming success. Cherry picking from the roster of the Legends: The Collection mini-series, plotter Keith Giffen, scripter J.M. DeMatteis, and artists Kevin Maguire, Al Gordon, and Terry Austin (for one issue) were able to inject big new life into this flagging title. Flagging? JLA had actually been cancelled after issue #261, only to be re-started with this version. Comic book editor Andy Helfer explains the genesis of this retooled Justice League in his 5-paged intro. Giffen and DeMatteis weren't able to use Superman, Wonder Woman, or the Flash as these characters were undergoing their own revamping. So, with Batman, the Martian Manhunter, and the Black Canary representing the old guard, the cast is mostly made up of capes new to the League.

JUSTICE LEAGUE - A NEW BEGINNING collects the first seven issues of Giffen and DeMatteis's run. Their first few stories were actually about as conventional as they'd get as, in these pages, the new, untested team faces off against terrorists holding the United Nations hostage, three otherworldly beings bent on destroying the world's entire nuclear weaponry, the mystical and frightening Gray Man, and the Royal Flush Gang. Also weaving in and out of the picture is the mysterious Maxwell Lord, who seems to be pulling some serious strings in the shadows. A drastic upgrading to the team's status on the world stage would be reflected with a title change as JUSTICE LEAGUE would become JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL with issue #7. But, even with these somber story arcs, Giffen and DeMatteis were already peppering in tidbits of what would become their trademark humor.

The characters draw you in right away. Of them all, my favorite is Ted Kord, the Blue Beetle (I liked his comic book series, too). His partner in farce isn't bad, either - Booster Gold, who'd show up by the 3rd issue. Then there's the gee-whizzy, aw-shucksy Captain Marvel and that fun-to-root-against nutjob Guy Gardner. In fact, one early highlight is the much anticipated showdown between the brash ugly Gardner and the domineering Batman. In their subversive portrayal of the Justice League, Giffen and DeMatteis have gone on record (in a Silver Bullet Comics interview) that they weren't doing a superhero spoof as much as basing their characters' playful interactions on how camaraderie in real life would play out. Whatever the case, the squabbling character dynamics would be ripe for comedy plunder for years to come.

It all wouldn't have worked as well, of course, without Kevin Maguire's wonderful artwork. Maguire, back in 1987, was an unknown artist, so DC's decision makers really took a chance by giving him the pencilling gig. But it pays off huge. Kevin is a great all-around artist but he really excels in drawing the most expressive facial expressions. He's also very good at rendering the most natural or the most heroic of poses.

So, yeah, so many things to like about this run. There's an energy here, and a freshness. And, while, soon enough, the madcap comedy would become tone-setting, there were still enough character driven stories and solid, straightforward action that I never got the feeling that the series became reduced to a parody book. At least, not until the much later issues (I wince at L-Ron and the doggy Green Lantern). JUSTICE LEAGUE (INTERNATIONAL) proved to be so popular it spawned several spinoffs: JUSTICE LEAGUE EUROPE, JUSTICE LEAGUE QUARTERLY, and JUSTICE LEAGUE TASK FORCE. But it all starts with JUSTICE LEAGUE - A NEW BEGINNING. Give it a shot, and see if this brand of Justice League can't tickle you in the "Bwah-ha-ha!"

(In the Must-Be-Said Department: I don't know about anyone else who's read these issues before, but, for me, it feels a bit weird and even bittersweet, nowadays, to re-read the Giffen/DeMatteis Justice League, given the events in Identity Crisis (DC Comics) and in one particular story leading in to Infinite Crisis. I'll just go on record as a non-fan of Maxwell Lord.)

And if you're wondering what else Giffen and DeMatteis have collaborated in, then also check out their DEFENDERS (with Maguire), Hero Squared Vol. 1, and Giffen and Dematteis' Planetary Brigade mini-series. These too have some good schtick.

A trade of the start of the wonderful Giffen and DeMatteis run on the Justice League of America. Throw some lower powered heroes together along with some of the superstars, and let some zany dialogue be written, and approach it with a sense of humour.

Bingo, you get something that was very funny and very popular.

Now this trade is nothing spectacular in storyline, but there is one scene between Batman and Guy Gardner and the following few panels afterwards that really is a must have for Justice League history. The main reason for the purchase of the book was:
1. I can't find the individual issues that I had.
2. It shows Maxwell Lords first apperance far as I can find out.
3. This is pretty much the premise for the mini-series "Formaly the Justice League" and it's follow up mini-series.
4. Had to have since the JLA is re-starting for the "umpteenth" time, and the chances that these heroes beside Batman make it in the new league is slim to none since Idendity Crisis and Infinite Crisis.

Very very funny....too bad DC decided to kill off many of these characters in the recent CRISIS...

This trade paperback is a perfect reading experience. I recommend it to everyone even to non-comic book fans because everyone likes to laugh and the art is pretty. I think this is the best writing from Keith Giffen (there is such a thing as way too much Lobo) and J.M. DeMatteis (Andrew Bennet, I ... Vampire).

Mark Leinweaver has put together an excellent collection of interesting anecdotes that tell the behind-the-scenes stories of the often difficult journey through the minor leagues. A true must read for a baseball fan with an appreciation for the minors.

A refreshing book that depicts what life was like for current and former MLB Stars. The players Mark details really seamed to enjoy flashing back to the early days in their careers. The stories are to the point and really paint a nice picture for us the audience. A book for the true baseball fan

Minor Moments, Major Memories is an easy to read book of vignettes of major league players, eg Derek Jeter, Mike Messina and Mike Piazza about their experiences in the minor leagues. I enjoyed the stories which were quite funny and interesting . I think any baseball fans would enjoy the perspective.

This book show us all a side of baseball, the minor leagues, that is unknown to most baseball fans.The stories are well written, interesting and give us an insight into the starts that many major league players had. This book would be an ideal gift for a young player and also for a father's day gift. They wont be disappointed.

Clever. That should sum up the entire scope of this book. I think the idea was well crafted and makes for an easy and informative read. Who wouldn't want to hear about embarrassing stories from famous Major Leaguers. It truly levels the playing field and allows the reader to step into the shoes of some of the boys of America's favorite pastime.

I reccommend this book to any sports fan out there that wants to learn about what these guys really feel is important about the game.

This is by far the best hors d'oeuvres recipe book I've come across. I use it time and again. And like it so much I've given it as gifts many times over!

The Party Recipes from the Charleston Junior League is my favorite cookbook. Of all the cookbooks I own I always buy the ones that have lots of pictures. I usually like to see what it looks like first before I make anything. This cookbook was the exception, as it does not have pictures of the food. I looked through the cookbook and immediately saw at least 30 recipes that I knew I wanted to make. I couldn't put it down, as there was such a collection of recipes that I always wanted to try. Whenever I need a recipe for a party or gathering, this cookbook is always the first one that I pick up.

I like the short comments with each recipe from the recipe contributor. I especially like the spiral binding as the book stays flat on the table while you are using it. The people of Charleston, South Carolina know how to throw a successful party. I'm glad they shared their most popular recipes in this book.

Recipe categories in the book:
Accoutrements: Nuts, Nibbles, and Beverages
Cold Dips and Spreads
Hot Dips and Spreads
Cold Hors d'Oeuvres
Hot Hors d'Oeuvres
Lowcountry Shrimp, Crab, and other Seafoods
Southwestern Favorites
Sandwiches and Baked Savories
Sit-Down Starters
Cookies, Cakes, and Confections for the Buffet Table

The dozen or more recipes tried from this book have been terrific. I am primarily interested in appetizers that can be made ahead, frozen and re-heated. A large number of the recipes fit this criteria. I have bought several copies as gifts for friends based on the recipes I have tried and I've enjoyed this book as much as I enjoy my new beverage of choice. Made from 100% organic soy, taste just like coffee and no caffeine. Finally, I got rid of that wired up feeling all day and feeling great. Look for it on the net by googling "s o yfee".

A wide variety of outstanding "receipts" from elegant to casual. A collection of recipes that allows the hostess [or host] to theme a party or go eclectic. This book has the original party mix that includes Cheerios. Enjoy!!!

My mother swears by all the Junior League Cookbooks which she always relies on for parties and gatherings. This was one of the first of many I tried!!!! Filled with endless choices of creative and easy to prepare starters including cold and hot plates and some ample first courses such as shirimp, crab cakes, cheesecakes, quiches and more--All the ingredients are easy to find and common to most well stocked pantries- so you always can find something at the last minute to prepare!! Also, many of these receipes can be made in even less time if you use pre-chopped veggies,pre-cut meats, etc.

The only thing I am not crazy about is that many of the dips and cold startes use commercial cream cheese, sour cream or similar products to create the base of the receipe--just doesn't seem to heart healthy to me...But none the less, they are all yummy in the end if you don't focus on that.

Whether for work gathering, faimly and friends you will be cetain to find one or many starter you can rely on again and again for stress free entertaining!

This is geared towards party recipes--- from drinks to demitast soup to finger deserts to all kinds of dips and snack mixes.

Many will find here the ole reliables, and as I can determine, just about all of them--from Party Mix fame to Wassail to many ways of serving crab and shrimp dip.

I particularly am attracted to the unusual, and there is plenty of that here. I enjoy such as Escargots A La San Diego, Goat Cheese Tortillas, and Papaya Stuffed with Curried Crab.

This will assist those looking for some easy but delicious things to serve the party guests that will bring raves.

From the get-go, the book sets the stage - you only lose sales to the next best alternative by being outsold. Everything else is an excuse.

Having read several books on the topic of sales strategy, as well as taking training on the subject, this book really nicely summarizes everything I've seen covered on the topic of strategy (and then some).

Highly recommended.

Almost all sales books have two major flaws: 1) They give you high level advise, such as "have a strategy" without giving you the "rubber-meets-the-road" actions to take. 2) They expect you to operate within a vaccuum where their selling system or methodology will work every time.

Power Base selling does not contain the first flaw and does an admirable job of trying to avoid the second. It is the first and best book I have read attacking the problem of organizational politics and the human dynamics in a corporate or complex selling environment. It gives very practical ideas on what to do in most political/selling situations to tilt the decision in your favor.

What this book does not do, nor attempt to do, is discuss the importance of a value proposition and the solution you are trying to sell. This is a great book to complement other famous sales books such as "Solution Selling."

I recommend this book highly to anyone that sells in a complex sales world.

Forget all the Zig Ziglar-type sales technique books! This is the real deal; It's about methodology, not how to glad hand or do an end run around the CFO or purchasing manager. If you want to understand the nature of truly competitive selling read this book, then watch the movie "Glegarry Glen Ross" for contrast. We trained the worldwide sales force of a F500 company on the Holden methodology. Results speak for themselves

The first time I read Power Base Selling, I thought it was great. Now that I have just re-read it, I am blown away by points that I missed the first time around. I recommend that everyone read it, apply it and then read it again -- it not only sharpins your political skills in selling, but in life.

Great read. Maybe too many stories...yet they explain his point in a clear sense. If you read between the lines and get the big picture of his strategic principles you can no doubt improve you sales performance.