SEC Books

If you've stayed up nights wondering about the inner workings of a Naboo N-1 Starfighter, or even occasionally contemplate the unconventional solid-fuel concentrate slugs that the strange society of the Neimoidian traders use to give their droid starfighters such powerful thrust, you'll want to read Star Wars Episode I Incredible Cross-Sections cover-to-cover. This handsome book - deservedly referring to its illustrations as incredible - shows us a vroom with a view; more than fourteen vrooms, in fact.

SW Episode I Incredible Cross-Sections is brought to us by the great people at Dorling Kindersly Publishing -- or DK for short - where just about any topic you might think of has already been turned into a beautifully illustrated right-brained adventure in learning. The illustrators for this masterpiece are Hans Jenssen and Richard Chasemore, arguably the two artists with the best job available in that field this side of Alpha Centauri.

Jenssen, who specializes in technical art, especially machines, lives in England but claims to spend his vacations on Tatooine (no accounting for taste in vacation spots) where he has been known to engage in "moderately disreputable pursuits (he goes all the way to Tatooine for that?)." Chasemore has worked as an illustrator in both the U.S. and Europe on a great variety of projects, one of which was another collaboration with Jenssen: DK's Star Wars: Incredible Cross Sections featuring intergalactic vroom-vrooms previously made famous by the vision makers at Lucasfilms. Chasemore says he enjoys "perilous sports involving boards and high velocities (now, maybe he's the one who should check-out Tatooine).

Rounding out the gifted team taking us on intricate tours of Gungan Subs, Podracers, Coruscant taxis and Republic Cruisers, is Dr. David West Reynolds who earned his PhD in archeology at the University of Michigan. His background as a lecturer, veteran of field expeditions on three continents and as an author of scientific archeological publications should make one thing perfectly clear: you don't have to be a dullard denizen of the local mall scene to be a StarWars fan. If his background doesn't make it perfectly clear, the intellectual acuity of his copy will.

This must-have addition to the shelf of any die-hard StarWars fan is equally enjoyable to tot and teen as to tottering sage. It's a picture-book nonpareil or a detailed account of mid-power repulsorlifts and hydrostatic bubble projector units (if you do more than look at the pictures). It's even a trivia-hunter's true treasure. For instance (be honest now), did you know any of the names of Anakin's co-contenders for the Boonta Eve Podrace? Sure, you say - Sebulba. But anybody knows that! True buffs will want this book so they can win rounds of Star Wars Trivial Pursuit with answers like Ark "Bumpy" Roose, Teemto Pagalies, and the ever-impressive Clegg Holdfast.

If you like schematics (or even the word schematics - it's such a great one, isn't it?) you're going to want to pour over this book like hot fudge on a sundae. Featured is a dual fold-out center page affording a panoramic view of the Trade Federation's Droid Control Ship. The resultant artistry of this and the other detailed drawings was generated when the DK team worked directly with the film production art department at Lucas's Skywalker Ranch, mapping out the anatomy of each craft as it was being created. This book comes from the source, folks: from the source ... of the Force.

My ten-year-old loves taking turns with me reading sections of this book aloud and I can almost see his gray matter expanding (hasn't hurt his imagination too much, either) while we huddle by the lamplight. Only problem I'm left with now is what to do with all these detailed schematics of his own left lying about the house - outlandishly labeled creations from foreign worlds contemplating an invasion of Earth, no doubt. Hmm. Maybe I should call George Lucas.

This edition is devoted to the Spaceships and Craft from The Phantom Menace.

As with Star Wars Cross Sections it is very well detailed and even better with todays print technology. Great for children and first generation Star Wars fans alike.

I wouldn't call this the greatest technical book of all times. I wouldn't be suprised if this book wasn't nominated for any kind of award. But Episode 1: Incredible Cross-sections is captivating enough to stand on its own. I enjoyed it because I got to look through the insides of some of the film's most enigmatic ships and vessels like Darth Maul's Sith Infiltrator and the Gungan Bongo. It's good for those who were still puzzled about the ships after the end of the film.

One of the missing points is the Chancellor ship which appeared in the movie and it was not displayed in this book.

It is more complete than the former book, even considering it is only for one movie and the other is for all three.

Other missing point is the lack of a picture of the ship without the cross-section. It is important to compare.

I recommend.

I always wanted to see more and to be able to look inside of the vehicles more closely, and this book provides that information (and more more) in great detail. I really like the mini illustrations of where in the vehicles that events from the movies took place, it helps to "put a name to a face".

I have to admit, living in the Midwest has made it difficult to catch LSU sports. I have actually become an SEC sympathizer. I'll watch any team in the conference. Enter this book. A really good history about the programs of the SEC. All of the folklore about Bear Bryant, Gene Stallings, Vince Dooley and the "evil" genius. I read this book from cover to cover and really understood some of the fierce rivalries in the SEC. You also begin to understand the rich tradition that is SEC football and why it is important to alumni. I'm still a devout LSU fan, but will follow the SEC in any contest!

This book is great for anybody claiming to be a SEC Fan.
I love the thoroughness of it and the recipes are yummy for the tummy. Buy it. You won't be sorry.

Do you know the history of your alma mater? I am a Georgia Bulldog and I had no idea I knew so little about the Dawgs and the rest of the SEC. Learn about it all here. The tailgating recipes are great too. A perfect gift idea for the SEC Football crazed fan in your life. I have considerably boosted my water cooler bragging rights with this book.

This book is really something if you are an avid southern football fan. If you are an SEC alumni, it is a must-have. In addition to a history of college football in the South, all of the unique histories and traditions of the schools are there...along with some very tasty Cajun tailgating recipes named after each team. Great bowl games are mentioned and each of the alma maters and fight songs are listed as well. This is one of the best sports books to come around in quite some time. Purchase your copy of "A Tailgater's Guide To SEC Football." It has something for everyone and it will not disappoint. An engaging read.

Well written and informative, Warner's book is a great reference source for any SEC football fan. Each chapter covers the important players and coaches from each school. However, if you are looking for anything deeper, go elsewhere. None of the big issues, i.e. segregation/integration or cheating/NCAA violations are covered. The book does a great job of accomplishing Warner's goals. I only wish he'd have been a bit more ambitious and tackled questions tougher than, "who was the best QB in Florida history?"

This is the perfect book for any SEC fan. I couldn't put it down and I plan to give it as a gift to all of my friends.

Written by Sam King
Advocate Sportswriter
10/29/2002

GOOD READ: "SEC Sports Quotes," a book of quotes compiled by Chris Warner, is a good read for sports fans in general and LSU fans in particular. LSU Athletic Director Skip Bertman, often quoted in the book, might say it would also be a good book in Starkville -- if it was all pictures. Bertman, who joked about Starkville and Mississippi State in his years as a baseball coach, is quoted often in the book. A couple: "Starkville is an Indian word for trailer park. "In Starkville, there is only one beauty parlor and they only give estimates." Present Tigers baseball coach Smoke Laval gets in his shot. "Who's the loneliest man in Starkville? The Tooth Fairy." Actually, Bertman loves Starkville and may soon have LSU fans parking their motor homes there and being bused to games in Tiger Stadium. - Sam King, The Advocate

Written by Greg Langley
Book Editor, Baton Rouge Advocate
02/12/2003

Sports zingers Sports fans may enjoy local author Chris Warner's latest effort, a compilation of quotes from Southeastern Conference sports notables, SEC Sports Quotes (CEW Enterprises, [$$$]paperback). The book is a reminder that some of the best wits in America have been, and are, coaches and players. Take LSU athletic director Skip Bertman's observations on Starkville, Miss., the hometown of rival Mississippi State. "In Starkville there is only one beauty parlor, and they only give estimates," Bertman zings. And: "Starkville is an Indian word for trailer park." And: "NASA is moving the space program to Starkville because it has no atmosphere." Current LSU baseball coach Smoke Laval pokes a little fun at Mississippi State too: "Who's the loneliest man in Starkville? The Tooth Fairy." Of course the current master of the one-liner is South Carolina coach Lou Holtz, who said, "The man who complains about the way the ball bounces is likely the one who dropped it." He also said, "The only time you can start at the top is when you're digging a hole." But the one man most associated with football in the Southeast was Bear Bryant, former Alabama head football coach. There are plenty of gems from Bryant in this collection, but none more revealing than "Be good, or be gone." This is an enjoyable collection that will provide fodder for many an after-dinner speaker. Some of these quotes may even end up in Sunday sermons, but most of them will be repeated on Saturdays in football season. Greg Langley, The Baton Rouge Advocate, 2002

Written by Greg Langley
Book Editor, Baton Rouge Advocate

Sports zingers - Sports fans may enjoy Baton Rouge author Chris Warner's latest effort, a compilation of quotes from Southeastern Conference sports notables, SEC Sports Quotes (CEW Enterprises, $...paperback). The book is a reminder that some of the best wits in America have been, and are, coaches and players. Take LSU athletic director Skip Bertman's observations on Starkville, Miss., the hometown of rival Mississippi State. "In Starkville there is only one beauty parlor, and they only give estimates," Bertman zings. And: "Starkville is an Indian word for trailer park." And: "NASA is moving the space program to Starkville because it has no atmosphere." Current LSU baseball coach Smoke Laval pokes a little fun at Mississippi State too: "Who's the loneliest man in Starkville? The Tooth Fairy." Of course the current master of the one-liner is South Carolina coach Lou Holtz, who said, "The man who complains about the way the ball bounces is likely the one who dropped it." He also said, "The only time you can start at the top is when you're digging a hole." But the one man most associated with football in the Southeast was Bear Bryant, former Alabama head football coach. There are plenty of gems from Bryant in this collection, but none more revealing than "Be good, or be gone." This is an enjoyable collection that will provide fodder for many an after-dinner speaker. Some of these quotes may even end up in Sunday sermons, but most of them will be repeated on Saturdays in football season. Greg Langley, The Baton Rouge Advocate, 2002

I am a big SEC fan but I never knew that some of this stuff was said. Skip Bertman is really hard on Starkville in this book, but it's a real entertaining and easy read, especially if you are on a trip. I bought it in an airport bookstore and I finished it on a flight from Atlanta to New Orleans. This book should be a must-have for any SEC fan. I HIGHLY recommend it as a coffee table gift.

O'Neill's "split" background led to an interesting life and a fascinating family history. Great read. Would like to get my hands on his other books. Picked up this book in February and missed his book signing in Dublin by hours. Would really like to know how long it took him to intricately research the book.

must read for Irish history buffs, Turkish history buffs, or WWII.

I simply could not put this book down. Much more than an entertaining portrait of early 20th century life in some remote places, this is a highly informative social and political history and a compelling reflection on nationalism, patriotism and the fears, violence and intrigues which sometimes accompany them. Mr. O'Neill obviously has talents for both research and scene-painting, and his writing is both literate and engaging. After 340 pages, I was sorry to put the book away. But I feel wiser now that I have made the journey with Mr. O'Neill.

"Blood Dark Track" provides a fascinating background into the history of both Ireland and Turkey during the first half of the Twentieth Century. These two very disparate regions actually have more in common than we would initially suppose: neutrality during WWII, an antipathy to British Imperialism, persecution of religious minorities, and layers upon layers of history underlying bloody Twentieth Century history.

These areas also combine in the persona of the author, Joseph O'Neill, who has provided an intriguing personal narrative of his own family. His father's side, Catholic, poor, and Republican from Cork; his mother's, Catholic, bourgeois, and apolitical from Mersin (a coastal city near Syria). Their meeting is as fortuitous as it was unlikely.

The author deftly melds the pieces into a coherent whole, despite geographic, cultural, and temporal distances. Because of the personal connection of the author to events, people, and places, it reads more like a novel than a history.

Informing the story is the author's discovery of his grandfathers, both as family and as characters in two distinct, though subtly parallel, historical contexts. I was surprised to find the story so gripping that I finished it in three days.

This is one of the finest books published in many years. On the surface the book tells the stories of O'Neill's grandfathers. Both stories are of interest, both touch on historical events of interest; but it is the softness and absolute intelligence of O'Neill's voice that makes this book a classic. In relating the experiences of his grandfathers, O'Neill takes us through his own intellectual struggle as he attempts to apply the rational tools of the barrister/philosopher to the world of strong ethnic identities that haunted him from the world of his grandparents. If this were not enough, O'Neill treats us to a rather fine sense of humor -- again, never obvious but always there and always effective.

Regulation of Securities: SEC Compliance and Practice is a useful handbook on securities compliance for public companies. The Second Edition adds a new chapter on going private transactions, and seems to expand and update the previous material fairly extensively.

The book is not an academic treatise. There are no lengthy footnotes, and no theoretical discussions about what the securities laws might be or should be. Rather, the book answers real-world questions in a straightforward manner, gives contextual background, provides illustrative examples, and points you to the most relevant primary sources if further information is required.

There are 12 chapters:

1. Introduction to securities regulation (including a section on EDGAR)

2. Periodic reporting under Sections 13(a) and 15(d)

3. Reporting of beneficial ownership under Sections 13(d) and 13(g)

4. Insider reporting under Section 16(a)

5. Short-swing trading and exemptions under Section 16(b)

6. Tender offer disclosure requirements

7. Proxy solicitations under Section 14(a)

8. Securities fraud under Rule 10b-5

9. Use of electronic media

10. Selling restricted and control securities under Rule 144

11. Private resales to institutional investors under Rule 144A

12. Going private transactions under Rule 13e-3.

This is a good book to consider for any corporate governance library.

I would give this book high marks as a thorough but very readable guide to complying with SEC rules and regulations on a day-to-day basis for public corporations, corporate insiders and their counsel.
I actually like the question and answer format, which makes it fairly easy to find the exact information you are looking for. The index and tables are also well done. The other nice feature is that the book not only gives the rules and how to comply with them (for example, periodic reporting, Rule 144, short-swing profits, insider trading, etc.) but also the rationale behind the rules and historical background.
Overall, a good investment and a five-star rating.

This recomended book has been thoroughly revised and updated to reflect the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and other developments, and is now in three-ring binder format to accomodate future annual supplements. The revised book is titled "Regulation of Securities: SEC Answer Book, Third Edition," published by Aspen Publishers.

I would give this book high marks as a thorough but very readable guide to complying with SEC rules and regulations on a day-to-day basis for public corporations, corporate insiders and their counsel.
I actually like the question and answer format, which makes it fairly easy to find the exact information you are looking for. The index and tables are also well done. The other nice feature is that the book not only gives the rules and how to comply with them (for example, periodic reporting, Rule 144, short-swing profits, insider trading, etc.) but also the rationale behind the rules and historical background.
Overall, a good investment and a five-star rating.

Now listen to me, Mr Hugh O'Donnell. I'm a very busy man. I'm not important, I'm just busy. I only read novels during my summer holidays beside a swimming pool somewhere very warm. Somebody told me I had to read '11 Emerald Street' so I gave in to temptation and reluctantly abandoned marking mounds of exercise books and writing politically correct, positively motivating, reports on two hundred teenagers' academic progress.

Eight hours later I was fecken knackered. For the uninitiated, this is an Irish technical term describing a level of exhaustion reached when you're still reading at three in the morning even though you know you have to go tearing down the motorway at 6.55am to beat the worst excesses of the traffic at the M60/M61 Interchange.

I couldn't put the book down. I was pulled into the pages of the story and transported back to the Dublin of my childhood forty years ago. You're hooked from the very first page. Our hero, Robbie is sat in class and his teacher, Brother Finch, is a terrifying bully about to pounce on any poor eejet who looks crooked at him. If you haven't sat in a class like that, you haven't lived. Robbie survives to take us on a journey through the streets of Dublin and lets us peep into the world of his family, friends and enemies. The Demon Drink is ever present but somehow manages to avoid brutalising the story or stereotyping half the nation.

Hugh O'Donnell's skill in story-telling is that he remembers the little things we've long since forgotten and he brings them back to life in minute detail, almost in a stream of consciousness technique. At times he is weaving little anecdotes together to make sure we see Robbie and his family as real three-dimensional characters, the next minute he's painting detailed word-pictures of the whole neighbourhood.

Robbie's most endearing quality is the fact that he accurately recounts events for us so that we fully understand golliwogs and other facts of life, but he hasn't the foggiest idea of the deeper significance of the observations he makes. He is an innocent abroad and consequently causes havoc wherever he goes.
Humour leaps out at you. In fact, most of the time it's controlled, steady, but now and again, it catches you unawares and leaves you in hysterics. Wait 'til you read about the live goose in the parcel from Wexford...

And that's another startling thing that Hugh O'Donnell has done. He's captured the special relationship between the Dublin city dwellers and their families down the country. Those of us who emigrate to foreign shores leave behind our country and our loved ones. The move to Dublin from a farm in Kerry or Wexford is an equally traumatic and lonely experience. The writer gently touches on this theme and reminds us that the lines of communication between city and farm are still wide open.

Robbie's life is turned up side down when he suffers a head injury. His near-death experience has transformed him - he believes with a religious fervour that he has healing hands and he enthusiastically sets out to lay hands on those who need curing.

I got a bit of a fright at this point in the story. Was the author indulging in a little 'magic realism', was he asking us to suspend disbelief whilst he took the Irish novel to new areas? Had he created what a fella called Barth referred to as 'a text of bliss', a piece so difficult it almost defies comprehension? Rest easy, Hugh O'Donnell's feet are firmly on the ground. Robbie has total belief in his powers but to some extent, you're allowed to interpret the events in the rest of the story anyway you want. The humour remains but alongside the hilarity comes reality in the shape of suffering, often too close to Robbie for our comfort. If you want to know any more, buy the blooming book...

I loved the story because Hugh O'Donnell accurately re-creates the Dublin of the period, with its poverty, humour and its strength. It made me laugh, it made me think, it upset me. It allows fun to live alongside tragedy and permits our hero to grow up despite his best attempts to remain innocent. Buy the book now, especially if you have children at school. In a few short years, it will be on the secondary school Literature Syllabus in the English-speaking world and you can tell your hooligans you read it with weeks of it hitting the shops.

Well done, Hugh O'Donnell. don't publish anything for a few months. Let me get on with this marking...

Now listen to me, Mr Hugh O'Donnell. I'm a very busy man. I'm not important, I'm just busy. I only read novels during my summer holidays beside a swimming pool somewhere very warm. Somebody told me I had to read '11 Emerald Street' so I gave in to temptation and reluctantly abandoned marking mounds of exercise books and writing politically correct, positively motivating, reports on two hundred teenagers' academic progress.

Eight hours later I was fecken knackered. For the uninitiated, this is an Irish technical term describing a level of exhaustion reached when you're still reading at three in the morning even though you know you have to go tearing down the motorway at 6.55am to beat the worst excesses of the traffic at the M60/M61 Interchange.

I couldn't put the book down. I was pulled into the pages of the story and transported back to the Dublin of my childhood forty years ago. You're hooked from the very first page. Our hero, Robbie is sat in class and his teacher, Brother Finch, is a terrifying bully about to pounce on any poor eejet who looks crooked at him. If you haven't sat in a class like that, you haven't lived. Robbie survives to take us on a journey through the streets of Dublin and lets us peep into the world of his family, friends and enemies. The Demon Drink is ever present but somehow manages to avoid brutalising the story or stereotyping half the nation.

Hugh O'Donnell's skill in story-telling is that he remembers the little things we've long since forgotten and he brings them back to life in minute detail, almost in a stream of consciousness technique. At times he is weaving little anecdotes together to make sure we see Robbie and his family as real three-dimensional characters, the next minute he's painting detailed word-pictures of the whole neighbourhood.

Robbie's most endearing quality is the fact that he accurately recounts events for us so that we fully understand golliwogs and other facts of life, but he hasn't the foggiest idea of the deeper significance of the observations he makes. He is an innocent abroad and consequently causes havoc wherever he goes.
Humour leaps out at you. In fact, most of the time it's controlled, steady, but now and again, it catches you unawares and leaves you in hysterics. Wait 'til you read about the live goose in the parcel from Wexford...

And that's another startling thing that Hugh O'Donnell has done. He's captured the special relationship between the Dublin city dwellers and their families down the country. Those of us who emigrate to foreign shores leave behind our country and our loved ones. The move to Dublin from a farm in Kerry or Wexford is an equally traumatic and lonely experience. The writer gently touches on this theme and reminds us that the lines of communication between city and farm are still wide open.

Robbie's life is turned up side down when he suffers a head injury. His near-death experience has transformed him - he believes with a religious fervour that he has healing hands and he enthusiastically sets out to lay hands on those who need curing.

I got a bit of a fright at this point in the story. Was the author indulging in a little 'magic realism', was he asking us to suspend disbelief whilst he took the Irish novel to new areas? Had he created what a fella called Barth referred to as 'a text of bliss', a piece so difficult it almost defies comprehension? Rest easy, Hugh O'Donnell's feet are firmly on the ground. Robbie has total belief in his powers but to some extent, you're allowed to interpret the events in the rest of the story anyway you want. The humour remains but alongside the hilarity comes reality in the shape of suffering, often too close to Robbie for our comfort. If you want to know any more, buy the blooming book...

I loved the story because Hugh O'Donnell accurately re-creates the Dublin of the period, with its poverty, humour and its strength. It made me laugh, it made me think, it upset me. It allows fun to live alongside tragedy and permits our hero to grow up despite his best attempts to remain innocent. Buy the book now, especially if you have children at school. In a few short years, it will be on the secondary school Literature Syllabus in Ireland, England and the States and you can tell your hooligans you read it with weeks of it hitting the shops.

Well done, Hugh O'Donnell. don't publish anything for a few months. Let me get on with this marking...

If you file forms with the SEC and can't always remember what number is for what or just want a quick review of all the forms and what's in them then this book is great. It also shows how you can use a web basded information system from GSI to access these forms to find precedent language or the history of some deal. Quick easy read or desk top reference.

Today corporate America is under pressure to reform. Individual investors are looking to the government for assurance that Wall Street and the board room are operating honestly and openly. The role of the SEC has come to our attention more now than ever. This primer on the SEC provided me with a good reference on the SEC, it's operation and structure, and it's mission.

I read this book as a scholar during 1976. I was fit and playing rugby for the schools 1st team. My heart rate was measured at a steady 60 beats per minute (bpm) and during the end of year break before beginning my then compulsory military training, I began performing the basic exercises as described in the book. Within the month, I reported for my stint and was medically examined for health categorisation and was astounded to find my heart rate had dropped to 48 bpm.

Now at age 42, I am desparately looking form a copy, if not new then a used copy of the book that served me so well back then. My original copy has been lost along the way.

You don't need to be a devotee of martial arts to get tremendous benefit from the techniques shown in this book. Simple powerful exercises that will make you stronger and healthier without stressing your joints or risking damage to yourself. I read the book 20 years ago and still do the exercises daily. You can see results in a very short time.

One of the better securities compliance guidebooks on the market. Around 1,000 pages, fully up to date, and quite readable despite the intricate subject matter.
The book covers periodic reporting, the EDGAR system, audit committee requirements,insider reporting, short-swing trading, proxy solicitations, shareholder proposals, Rule 144, tender offer disclosures, securities fraud, and going private transactions, among other areas. In each area it starts with the big picture (including the history and rationale for each rule) and then covers the detail in an organized, methodical manner. There are hundreds of examples and compliance tips; dozens of forms; and several tables of statutes, cases, and SEC no-action letters. Very useful.

SEC Answer Book is a good first place to turn for answers to most securities compliance questions. The most recent annual update adds a chapter on securities litigation and enforcement, and brings the book fully current on Sarbanes-Oxley.

When I was a kid I made my Mom read this story to me over and over. It was a classic with my family. This is one of those books that is just fun for everyone.

Larry was a very believable character and the situation he found himself in made me smile. Larry was scared he would lose respect from his friends by being in an underwear commercial, but he gained it from all. This was a perfect book for me - a 9 year old, 3rd grade girl.