Book Description
If you want to make a big difference on projects, risk management is it.
This practical and easy-to-use Course in a Book by Rita Mulcahy, author of the best selling PMP Exam Prep book, is based on years of project experience and teaching risk management to IT, IS, construction, new product development, aerospace, manufacturing, e-business and utility professions.
It contains Tricks of the Trade from 141 world wide contributors and international risk research. It includes subjects and innovative tricks that no one else has written about. The methodology prevents many of the problems faced on projects and shows how to do it, not just what to do.
Over a thousand sample risks and risk categories are included to help you identify risks that you have not previously thought about. Use and modify the included templates to your projects. Risk Management, Tricks of the Trade for Project Managers includes exams, games and exercises that utilize adult and accelerated learning to increase your knowledge in fast and fun ways.
Information in this book will help you prepare for the PMP and CAPM exams. Access to RMC's new Risk Website will be included to all book purchasers.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent book.......2006-03-18
As with any other Rita book, this is also no expection. The best part is you can use the book practically. It is not just theory part, and figure out how to implement. And since it is aligned with PMBOK, there is no better book on risk management that I could have asked for.
Devasish
The practical Risk Management techniques.......2005-09-25
This book is really made to get a practical view of:
What the Risk Management is
How to collect risks
How to handle risks
How to make sure the risks are under control
As this book is based onto the PMI best practices (coming from the PMBOK), it is a best in class learning book for Project Managers: Real Project Managers.
Easy to Read and Understand.......2004-07-12
Good book for those new to Risk Management and a great refresher for those with more experience. It was nice to have so many "Tricks of the Trade" available in one book.
Finally an in-depth text on Risk Management.......2004-07-07
Rita Mulcahy, whose PMP Exam Prep book and material has helped many people pass the PMP exam, has come through again -- this time with an in-depth study on Risk Management.
As expected, the book observes PMI standards, but more than that, it shows how risk can be managed effectively in the real world, using specific examples.
Lack of effective risk management is one of the leading causes of project failure, and all too often, risk management is ignored altogether - perceived as an expensive burden. This book takes a realistic approach, examining both full scale risk management (including quantitative methods) and the minimum effective risk management needed for project success. In many industries, that's all that's needed.
Best of all, it offer dozens of examples of real life risks and risk responses across a variety of industries.
All in all, highly recommended for anyone needing to develop risk management processes or trying to improve their risk management skills.
Definite must-read for risk!.......2004-06-30
I have recently changed work venues from biopharmaceuticals to construction/engineering, and this book has proved invaluable to help me get my arms around the risk issues for my new workplace. I definitely recommend it for anyone studying risk, particularly as a supplement to the information available to those preparing for the PMP exam. It's easy to read, and will make a great addition to anyone's project management reference library!
Book Description
With tax laws constantly changing and existing regulations hidden in volumes of tax code, nothing related to taxes is easy to figure out. Businesses and individuals in every income bracket need expert advice that cuts through the IRS bureaucracy and shows them how to work within the system. In What the IRS Doesn't Want You to Know: A CPA Reveals the Tricks of the Trade, tax expert Martin S. Kaplan reveals critical strategies that the best CPAs use for their clients to file shrewd, legal, money-saving returns.
Filled with in-depth insights and practical advice, this book will help you answer such questions as:
- How can you approach the "new" IRS to maximize your tax return success?
- What are the latest IRS weapons?
- What are the biggest taxpayer misconceptions?
- What are the most commonly overlooked credits and deductions?
- How will new tax legislation affect you?
- How can outdated IRS technology benefit you?
- What forms should you never fill out?
From deciphering the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 to understanding the personality of the IRS, What the IRS Doesn't Want You to Know will help you shape your tax strategies and stay on top of your current financial situation.
Download Description
A behind-the scenes look at how to get along with and stay ahead of the IRS
With tax laws constantly changing and existing regulations hidden in volumes of tax code, nothing related to taxes is easy to figure out. Businesses and individuals in every income bracket need expert advice that cuts through IRS bureaucracy. What the IRS Doesn't Want You to Know will help clear the air on this important issue. It explains the latest IRS targets and weapons, describes how to work with the personality of the IRS to get ahead, and dispels the biggest misconceptions taxpayers have about their returns. Readers will be introduced to the latest tax laws and learn about their rights as a taxpayer. To help readers avoid the most common taxpayer pitfalls, What the IRS Doesn't Want You to Know also examines taxes in relation to IRAs, refunds, gifts, and inheritances, and reveals what forms should never be filled out as well as how taxpayers are really targeted for audits.
Martin S. Kaplan (New York, NY) has been a certified public accountant for more than thirty years and is a member of Geller, Marzano Company, CPAs.
Customer Reviews:
Problems with the IRS.......2007-09-07
Kaplan does an in-depth job of outlining problems within the IRS structure. Like most tax writers, the information tends toward avoiding an audit. The chapter on misconceptions of tax information is exceptional and with 45 million self-employed tax payers this is a group who are subjected to frequent audits. This number is rising as companies are down sizing and young people skilled in computer technology enter to workforce as small business owners.
This is an older volume, published in 2003 and some of the material is dated. If there is one area impossible to keep current without annual installments it is federal taxes.
Good information to have if you are studying taxes, but as help for the individual seeking information in their particular area it is lacking.
Nash Black, author of "Taxes, Stumbling Blocks and Pitfalls for Authors 2007."
How to Beat the IRS.......2006-01-28
Keeping up with all the IRS rules and regulations can be a real hassle. The tax code keeps getting more and more complex every year, in spite of countless promises by politicians to "simplify" the system.
This book does give some useful tips on how to avoid taxes. It points out specific ways that you can legally reduce your tax burden, along with key mistakes to avoid, unless you like the idea of being audited.
This book is written in an outline format, with boldface and bulleted text throughout. This is helpful, for finding specific information. You can quickly turn to a chapter that interests you, and then narrow down your reading by looking for the sub- topic that interests you.
Thw way this book portrays the the American tax system might not sit too well with some people. The author talks about the IRS, not necessarily as a great, friendly institution, but not as something to take caution with, either. He paints a picture of the IRS as being a firm, but reasonable institution and points out that we should not fear the IRS at all. We all can think of many, many occasions where this has not been the case. The IRS has abused its authority in many instances, and many feel that some of its unethical actions are directly the result of political manipulation against enemies, like in the case of auditing of high- profile individuals. But this book avoids talking negative, making the IRS seem like an institution that is reasonable and accommodating.
This book shows the reader many ways to avoid taxes, and much of the advice is sound, but I found this book to be a yawner overall. It's one of those books that could be viewed as a reference book, or a reading book. However, if you try to read the book from cover to cover (it's more than 450 pages in length), don't be surprised if your eyelids seem to become very heavy after every few pages of reading. This isn't exciting material, and it can induce drowsiness quickly.
This book has been updated and revised many times to keep it current with the ever- changing tax laws. It's the type of book that becomes outdated very quickly, and needs constant revisions to keep up with the times. My edition is already a couple years old, and I can already see where the technology chapter is way behind.
This is an ok book to have around, as a reference guide to reducing taxes and complying with IRS rules. If you don't want to pay a tax professional and you enjoy the challenge of working on your own taxes, then this book could prove to be very beneficial. For everyone else, it will likely just sit on a shelf and collect dust. Buy it only if you feel that you really need it.
Insightful.......2002-06-07
I bought TaxCut software, then read this book, I end up with a tax professional to do my 2001 tax. I am glad I read this book though, I avoided making mistakes and I followed carefully to my tax attorney's advice. This book is informative and insightful.
Solid, up-to-date tax advice for 2002.......2002-03-28
Now available in a revised and updated eighth edition, What The IRS Doesn't Want You To Know: A CPA Reveals The Tricks Of The Trade is a compendium of solid, up-to-date tax advice for 2002. Chapters survey such topics as what the latest IRS targets are; ten ground rules one must never break to win with the IRS; the thirty-four greatest taxpayer misconceptions; commonly overlooked credits and deductions; what forms should never be filled out; new tax laws enabling an innocent spouse to get out of debt; how to plan IRA and pension plans; the latest taxpayer rights; and what IRS people are really like and how to work with them. What The IRS Doesn't Want You To Know is a highly practical book and strongly recommended reading for every taxpayer!
Incorporating? If so, this is a wonderful text!.......2000-02-22
My annual salary grew steadily each year since graduating from college in 1994. However, there was hardly any money to pay off my credit card bills and forget about nice vacations or investing! I'd had enough. I heard of IT jobs that paid $50/hr. (or more). One day I had a conversation with an IT contractor with 7 years experience. This man had incorporated his own business and suggested that I did for the tax benefits. However, he was not very articulate as to EXACTLY what benefits there were to incorporating. I had to know. So I purchased Marty Kaplan's 3rd edition in late 1997. On May 20, 1998 I paid a law firm $300 to formally incorporate my very own company. I was instanly a President!(I still get a kick out of my title!) I have been contracting ever since. I think that I would have been contracting whether I purchased this book or not. However, Marty Kaplan's book provided a detailed comparsion between the different types of businesses. (i.e. sole proprietorship, partnership, Limited Liability Company, C-Corporations, & S-Corporations) Marty explained the financial realities, that precious few people understand. These truths showed me the pros and cons to each business model. All the financial decisions that I made were based on the information I gleened from this book. I assure you that I am infintely better off today than I would be if I were still at my 1998 job. But, what's more is that I'm better off today than I would be if I had contracted as a "W2 employee." (which is much easier in the beginning!) It was Marty's text that enlightened me! Also, Marty speaks plainly about being audited - "...it may happen and don't panic." Marty is completely ethical. His text simply shows readers how to prevent raising red flags. (i.e. certain IRS forms have been found to be guaranteed red flags and Marty advises how to legitamately report those same expenses on the "right" forms) Marty provides excellent anecdotes that will help readers predict the IRS's behavior and steer clear of its wrath. Marty spends the remainder of the book showing you how to maximize your legitimate deductions while minimizing your tax liabity. This book paid for itself in a split second. Thank you Marty!
Product Description
In the show ring, judges assess the whole package, which is the sum of effective breeding, evaluating, rearing, teaching, conditioning, nutrition, grooming, care and presentation. Pat Hastings discusses all of these elements in this book and shares a variety of tips and tricks that she has found useful over her long career in the dog world. The revised edition is a significantly enhanced resource, with expanded text, more visuals and all-new illustrations.
Customer Reviews:
Tricks of the Trade: From Best Intentions to Best in Show, Revised Edition.......2007-08-26
Good book, easy to read with plenty to learn for the beginner to the more advanced handler. This will be a book that I will read again, there is so much to get out of it that I expect to continue to pick up more each time I read it.
Wow!!! .......2007-05-13
If you're interested in breeding quality dogs, you need this book!! This is a fantasic resource which includes everything from making unbiased decisions regarding your own litter right up to the Best In Show ring. Pat writes with an easy to read and often humerous style. I was surprised at how much I learnt from this book. I lent it to friends who all got a lot out of it. It's packed with " Tricks of the trade" (things that no one will ever tell you) and so much more. Again if you plan on breeding or even buying a show dog- read this first!!
Great for all dog people!.......2007-04-23
i love this book. it is easy to read and has so much information. i have already read it twice in less than 3 weeks! i learn something new everytime i pick it up. it is not a long book describing how a dog show works; this book teaches you about the dog you are showing in the ring. lots of little bits of tips throughout the book as well. i highly recommend this book to breeders or exhibitors working with dogs. you will not be sorry for purchasing!
Great Book!.......2007-03-13
I have bought just about every "How-to" show dog book out there, and this would be the only one that I would recommend. It is by far the best book of its kind on the market. I agree with the previous reviewer as well--it's not just for show people. There is a great deal of information that is valuable for any dog owner. All of my other books went straight to the bookshelf and stayed there. This one is sitting on my kitchen counter, and I have gone back to it time after time.
Packed Full of Information and Wisdom.......2007-02-07
All dog owners should read this book, it's not just for show dog folks! Great solutions, suggestions, and explanations for common issues. The combined years of experience from the authors provide the reader direct access to today's experts. Easy to read and very informative.
Book Description
Making jewelry at a professional level has never been so simple with this new guide. Inexpensive materials and cleverly adapted traditional methods make success inevitable.
A book for all skill levels, every technique is photographed step by step with thorough explanation of common pitfalls and how to avoid them. Includes more than 50 original and stunning projects such as an ocatgonal ring, domed ear studs, a forged choker, and a brass bangle. The valuable introduction presents basic skills of simple jewelry making, how to build a collection of tools, types of metal to use and the best design techniques.
Customer Reviews:
Beginners Delight.......2007-08-13
As a beginner you must have this book. I bought it while taking a Jewelry I class. My classmates were totaly amazed at what I could do. They all started searching for their own copy. I found this book so helpful with techniques and tools, terms and meanings. It covers all the projects that a beginner would take in a class. I also own a copy of Tim McCreight's "The Complete Metalsmith." The small book. It's all that I have needed since I began. I've already made a handful of projects already. See my Pink Tourmaline ring in the user photos above. This book will never be a waste of time and money.
Success and Learning-what a comination!.......2007-04-08
I completed the first two projects in this book in a weekend-beautiful rings. Wonderful projects with excellent instruction. I am a beginner and this made me feel so accomplished. I enjoy this book very much and will use it over and over!
It will get you thinking.......2006-03-26
This book is another must have for everybody in the metalsmithing/jewelry art metal area of interest. Covers the tools in depth and also has a number of do it yourself tools and shop helps that once you use them. They will more than pay for the cost many times over. Track this one down if you have to. Clear and concise descriptions, great photo's. I own it and refer to it a lot.It will also get you to start thinking about what other tools or tooling you can make in your shop.
Fabulous book to get started!.......2006-01-31
I just thumbed through this book in the store and decided to grab it because of the wide scope of information it covered. When I got it home, I read through it more attentively and found a wealth of information on how to get started making unique and remarkable jewelry, well beyond stringing beads! The author covers first the tools, even ways to make your own to start out with to save on start up costs. He then goes into materials. Then starts with an introduction into some very basic processes (like soldering, polishing, etc.). And from then on, introduces techniques and tricks in the form of creative projects. He even talks a bit about the design process and gives tips on things that have helped him (keeping a design journal and a scrapbook of pieces that inspire you).
Fabulous book! I would recommend it as a perfect starting point to anyone looking to begin artisan jewelry making!
Excellent!.......2005-04-22
This book is really excellent for a beginner (and others) - it shows complete jewellery making projects (wearable jewellery!) and all the steps necessary to make them, with lots of pictures, everything well explained.
Amazon.com
As a home repair columnist and a handyman myself, this book has been in my reference library since it was first published in 1995. Clear, well-organized, well-indexed, filled with useful illustrations and diagrams, this is a great book for anyone interested in learning about how to maintain their home, keep appliances running, and fix many things they might never have imagined they could. You will recoup the cost of this book the first time you don't have to call in a pro for a simple home repair!
Book Description
The biggest, best organized, and most complete collection of money-saving, time-saving home and workshop hints and tips ever assembled. More than 2,000 ingenious, truly useful tips and tricks for the home handyman.
Customer Reviews:
books.......2007-01-09
If you're AT ALL inclined to do your own work around the house, books of this type pay for themselves several times over. Just one repair you read about in this book and do yourself will pay for the entire cost of the purchase. Excellent investment, even for the novice. Instructions are clear and easy to follow.
Ten Thumbs Up!.......2001-09-06
When it comes to home repairs, I am all thumbs. I've had leaky faucets and toilets for years. Patching drywall, fixing locks, and replacing glass in windows used to require a call for professional help. Until I bought this book. It contains easy to follow, step by step directions with terrific pictures. I've saved hundreds of dollars since purchasing it. Simply terrific!
Get this book and never loan it out!.......2001-01-01
I'm on my fourth copy of this book. Mine tend to vanish like the morning dew juat as my neighbors begin their spring garage cleanup. . . My bro-in-law has one as well, but he insists that the fact that my name is written in indelible SHARPIE marker on the front is just a tribute to me and my helpful nature. . . This book has more helpful hints in introduction than most do in the first 5 chapters. And it just goes on and aon and on!
With actual real life applications for stuff you'll find lying around your garage (from old buckets to wire to old useless hose), this book is a true boon for anyone looking to clean up their act (and their garage) and make the time they have to spend on projects less of a fight to just keep the cords straight!
I highly recommend this book for anyone that knows they own at least 4 tape measures, but can't find one to save their lives!
Well worth the cost, and as well constructed as the book is, it will last a lifetime!
Readers Digest Helpful Hints.......2000-07-22
I recieved my first Readers Digest Helpful Hints five years ago.
I was so impressed, I got copies for my two sons and son-in-law.
It is something I would not want to be without.
It really does have helpful hints found nowhere else.
I thank you for Readers Digest Helpful Hints.
Sam Mallett
Book Description
Over the last decade, a plethora of references on global treatment of spinal disorders have inundated the marketplace-- at the same time that increased responsibilities have limited the time surgeons have to wade through these large tomes. Now the information you need is at your fingertips in a quick, case-oriented approach designed for easy access and practical application.
The new MasterCases Series from Thieme uses the case format to provide key diagnostic and therapeutic information that can be applied in patient management. You will find concise data on degenerative disorders of the cervical and thoracolumbar spine, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, inflammatory spinal disease, metabolic disorders, trauma management, spinal neoplasms, and adult and pediatric deformities.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent summary.......2003-07-06
Great precis of the techniques. Not meant to replace a more authoritative tome. Simply a how to manual. A must for all spine surgeon's and all spine wannabes.
Customer Reviews:
bad support.................2007-04-14
Software appears to work, but I was unable to update it because of a malfunction. Do Not expect help form the vendor, as a matter of fact you will be fortunate to recieve an answer from them. In short buy at your own risk!!!
Useful for maintenance, not for purchase of a spa.......2006-08-24
This is helpful to understand the operations and "guts" of a hottub/spa, but not helpful in making decisions on which brand or type to buy initially. Once you have one, it is helpful in doing repairs yourself, and optimally maintaining it.
Easy to read and understand. It answered all my questions........2006-06-16
I own all of Tamminen's excellent pool and spa books. While I'm not a pool professional, I am a do-it-yourself person. Any question I have about installation, maintenance, and upkeep, I find the answers in Tamminen's books. I recommend this book to anyone with a spa or a hot tub. You'll find what you're looking for every time.
Don't waste your money on this one.......2005-11-16
If you are looking for info on Spas and Hot Tubs, don't buy this book.
Most of the info and photos are for Pools and the info on pools is outdated. The only time you see spas explained is when they are part of a pool!
This looks like a 1970's book on Pools reprinted with a new cover showing spas. I was looking for info on Portable spa heaters and pumps. The book goes into great detail on gas!!! fired water heaters, and concrete???? spas!!!!
For all of you Portable spa owners.......beware!!!!!!
Book Description
To help artists avoid hidden agendas, this book exposes the multi-layered language of recording agreements crafted by major label lawyers. Clause by clause, it deconstructs actual contracts and translates them into "real English," presenting the original and decoded versions side by side. Focusing on artists' issues, such as advances, royalties and distribution, this revealing handbook explains the need for each clause, offers advice on negotiating fine points, and outlines alternatives for developing new contracts. User-friendly, it clarifies common terms uniquely redefined by the music industry, and has entertaining inside stories. "Considerable wit and wisdom on this festering snake pit of a business." - New Times
Customer Reviews:
A classic!!!!!!!!!.......2006-07-03
As soon as I bought the book I could not put it down I read it from top to bottom non-stop. This book is an easy read and very applicable. I highly recommend this book to gain greater insights in the Music business or any business. It was a great buy along with a couple of manuals purchased from Musicbrains.net entitled the Indie label Kit on Amazon, Music business 101, future of music and Guide to releasing an independent record by Tim Sweeney.
excelent.......2006-05-15
The music industry world ins an alien environment for most of the emerging artists and many need guidance to avoid scams and legal glitches, this book can be a good guide in defeating those lawyers that try to fool you into a deal. Despite the depth and professionalism , the book it isn't the best out there,” Music Business & Entertainment Law Contracts for Indie Recording Artist, Labels, Songwriters, Composers, Producers, Managers and All Others in the Record Industry. Binder / CD-ROM set (PC & Mac)" by Ty Cohen is far better when dealing with all the aspects and it includes viewpoints from different men in the industry, and also includes clear and easy to understand examples
Real World Advice from a Real Guy - Highly Recommended.......2003-09-21
Not only is this book (and it's prequel, "Confessions of a Record Producer") the real deal, so is the man who wrote it. I was so impressed by his first book that I contacted him as a consultant on a producer/artist agreement I was negotiating (I am a producer). My goal was to come up with something that was actually fair to both parties and Moses got us to that point quickly. His suggestions were works of innovation that surprised and satisfied everyone.
I also attended his 2-day seminar which dissects recording contracts. Here he dispelled the many misconceptions I had about record companies and their contracts AND he helped me to understand what is really being said in these contracts (and it's scary!).
He is not a lawyer, but one of the most insightful men I've met. Lawyers pay HIM for his advice. He REALLY understands contracts and explain things in a manner no one else seems to be able to do - it must be a sixth sense.. Highly recommended reading. Both his books should be permanent reference books for anyone in the music business. Besides, they're fun reads, unlike most other "how-to" music-biz books.
Staright to the point, easy to understand and insightful.......2002-09-03
This book is easy to read. It goes straight to the point and gives you inside information so you can undestand everything. I recommend this book to any kind of person, including lawyers (like myself).
Absolutely perfect........2002-05-26
Avalon fills the books with plain text translations of virtually every major clause in a standard record deal and makes it very easy to understand. He puts in plenty of narration and real world examples to let you see how each of these clauses can come into play and where loopholes lie so you won't just have to take your lawyer's word for really anything. Great book. Will save you tonnes of cash in legal fees and might end up saving your career. My only complaint is that he uses false names for all the stars he talks about in his examples to protect himself from being sued. But a lot of them are really famous so if you think about it you can figure a few out (I found the Michael Jackson one quite an eye opener). Definitely recommend it.
Book Description
Many people can handle throwing a party for 8 or 10 people, but how many can successfully negotiate the trials of entertaining 25 or 50? Do It for Less! Parties has all the tools you need to plan efficiently and entertain flawlessly when cooking for a crowd. Packed with quantity recipes for 12, 25, 50, or 75 friends and family, this combination party cookbook, decorating guide, and entertaining primer shows today’s savvy hostess how to do it for less time and do it for less money without sacrificing one’s sanity or style.
The first half of the book focuses on the logistics of quantity cooking. It’s brimming with estimating guides, catering resources, and conversion charts that are useful for the professional caterer and home entertainer alike. The second half provides nine complete menus with 65 twice-tested, quantity recipes. All the menus include complete shopping lists in each quantity, a menu countdown, decoration ideas, and specific tips for shaving costs, time, and stress from your preparation schedule.
Customer Reviews:
Serving a crowd? Not a problem!.......2007-08-23
by Judy Bart Kancigor, author of Cooking Jewish: 532 Great Recipes from the Rabinowitz Family
from The Orange County Register
January 25, 2007
I am not a football fan. My idea of a super bowl is my mother's Val St. Lambert. But I do love a party, so if my centerpiece has to be the TV, hey, think of what I'm saving on flowers!
My Superbowl guest list is growing each day, and I'm getting nervous. Just how much food do I need for a crowd? And then there's the expense. Not to worry. With Denise Vivaldo's cookbook and catering guide "Do It For Less! Parties" I know I can throw a bash that won't stress me out and won't break the bank.
"People are not used to cooking in quantities," said Vivaldo, a classically trained chef and caterer, whose company, Food Fanatics, specializes in recipe development, consulting, and food styling for print, film and television. "It freaks them out to see how much food they've got. Is it enough? It is too much?" This book eliminates the guesswork with recipes given in chart form for 12, 25, 50 or 75 guests. "Remember, the more things you have on the menu, the smaller the portions you need to serve," Vivaldo advised.
But how much will this party cost, I wonder. "When people entertain, they spend a lot of money instead of keeping it simple," Vivaldo noted. "If you're having a lot of people, you don't have to offer a complete bar. Why not make one kind of drink, say Cosmopolitans, and add something non-alcoholic and some water and you've got it."
This seasoned professional, who has catered 10,000 parties (serving the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bette Midler and Prince Charles), reveals her tricks of the trade for everything from planning the menu to napkin folding.
"When we're entertaining, we're all our own harshest critics," she said. "But if someone else has set the table, the simplest meal is divine."
Vivaldo offers nine complete party themes, each with a menu, shopping list, decorating ideas (including invitations, table linens, favors and entertainment), time- and money-saving tips, an equipment list and a menu countdown, so you're not doing everything at the last minute.
"You don't need to spend a lot of money on matching linens," Vivaldo advised. "Look around your house. Everything doesn't have to match. Be creative. You can use a Mexican serape or even $10 sheets from Target. People don't come to your home to see your couch. They come for the company and a glass of wine."
For Superbowl I'll score with the Toscana menu: Classic Caesar Salad, Chilled Penne Pasta with Pesto and Pine Nuts, Italian Meatball Lasagna, Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Sage Butter Sauce, Tiramisu, and Chocolate Almond Biscotti. Touchdown!
Vivaldo's game plan makes it all simple, starting with shopping for non-perishables the week before. I see two days before the game I can prepare the gnocchi dough and biscotti, with the bulk of the cooking the following day. On party day I have only to cook the gnocchi, reheat the lasagna and gnocchi sauce, toss the salad and brew coffee. Then I can relax and enjoy the game. Or you enjoy the game and I'll enjoy you!
"People make themselves crazy when they entertain," Vivaldo reflected. "If you could enjoy yourself more, you would do it more often."
CHILLED PENNE PASTA WITH PESTO AND PINE NUTS
from "Do It For Less! Parties" (Terrace) by Denise Vivaldo
1 1/2 pounds penne pasta (uncooked)
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as needed
4 cups fresh basil leaves
1/3 cup walnuts
4 garlic cloves, peeled
4 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
1. Bring a large stockpot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta in batches until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes, being careful not to overcook. Drain. Drizzle with a little olive oil if needed to keep from sticking.
2. Process basil leaves, olive oil, walnuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper with a food processor until mixture forms a coarse paste. Taste and adjust seasonings.
3. Toss cooked pasta and pesto together in a large mixing bowl (in batches if needed for manageability). Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts.
3. Cover and chill until ready to serve. Serves 12 (options for 25, 50 and 75 in the book)
This is must have!.......2007-06-23
I love this book, it has a wealth of useful information with an excellent format. If you purchase this book, you will not be dissapointed.
TOP CLASS.......2007-05-21
This has got EVERYTHING in it, no joke. From locations to amounts of food you need per persong at any party....budget pages... SO USEFUL! i am never going to let this book go! if you are thinking about getting it...don't bother...JUST DO IT!
This book saved my wedding.......2007-01-27
We had a very casual wedding for 70 people and being an event planner I know I had to wow people while staying within our budget. This book helped me plan food from the rehearsal, meet and greet fete, to the wedding food itself.
It is fantastic. I got if from my library and now I own a copy as part of my business library.
LOVE IT!
Lots of information.......2006-11-26
When I recieved this book, first I was a little dissapointed - there were not really that many pictures of party DECOR (in fact, just a few). But this book is really packed with information! All the advice and recipies you need. A definite keeper for me!
Book Description
Bruce Van Sant writes the popular guide The Gentleman's Guide to Passages South which many cruising sailors call their "Bible" for traveling through the islands of the trade winds to South America. It has advice that BlueWater Sailing calls "priceless".
In Tricks of the Trades, Van Sant widens the scope to handle questions of health, thieves, con artists, corrupt officials, equipment, brokers, outfitters and more. You find sound counsel for "single handers" and unique tips on how to find and outfit a boat for your trade winds cruise.
In his fourth decade of living and cruising foreign, Van Sant has amassed stratagems for sailors cruising abroad for the first time. Not how to survive, but how to live well while cruising safely and comfortably. In short, Tricks for successfully cruising the islands of the trade winds.
Tricks of the Trades presents a lively documentary from Van Sant's 45 years of sailing and seven years of trawlering. It gives graphic and detailed accounts of natural effects you can use to cheat the ceaseless winds and wild seas of their power to deny you safe and comfortable passage through the islands of the trades of any ocean.
Customer Reviews:
Five Stars may not be enough - Great Book!.......2006-03-09
The author has a wonderfully informative and easy to read style. The book is packed with real golden nuggets of cruising / liveaboard information. Insights into human nature and societies and their application to a cruising lifestyle are unique and valuable.
A Definite "Keeper" - filled with valuable useful info.......2004-09-13
I loved this book! Absolutely the *best* I've yet read for a more mature cruiser. Written by the author of Gentleman's Guide to Passages South, "Tricks of the Trade" is an amalgamation of the wisdom Van Sant has accumulated over the decades afloat. You see, so many of these boating books seem to be written for physically fit 30-something's with far more stamina than I have -- oft times I've felt overwhelmed by what seems the norm for these kids.
[Oh, I enjoyed Bill Bradley's book "On Board With Bradley" for liveaboard boaters that marina hop... that is a good book too.] However, "Tricks of the Trades" has earned a place aboard and has become a much used reference. Gosh, it's like having the captain sitting a spell and explain things to me, his willing to learn audience.
Bruce Van Sant is an older gent, and I find his insights invaluable as far as coping with my own declining physical strength and more -- heck if it's not falling apart, it's not mine! (laughs) His advice is practical, versus pie-in-the-sky high-$$ solutions that may work, or might break down and cause serious problems. His suggestion for anchor raising makes such clear-as-a-bell sense one wonders why it isn't standard advice... and for the record, I intend to be a two cuppa. (smile)
I suspect his theories on boat repair will become my own as well. His experiences rang true, and I think his methods will work for me. Practical advice -- I like it and agree with most of his conclusions regarding repairs.
The section on weather I still have not yet fully internalized. It's complicated -- not something I could read once and understand immediately. That's okay though, as I'm keeping my copy of this book.
I don't know that I agree 100% with his views mind you, but there is a lot of wisdom found within the pages of this book. I'd recommend purchasing -- and would go so far as to suggest you pay retail!
Tricks of the Trades: A definite keeper.
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