Programming 16-Bit PIC Microcontrollers in C: Learning to Fly the PIC 24 (Embedded Technology) (Embedded Technology)

Book Description

A Microchip insider tells all on the newest, most powerful PICs ever!

FREE CD-ROM includes source code in C, the Microchip C30 compiler, and MPLAB SIM software

Includes handy checklists to help readers perform the most common programming and debugging tasks

The new 16-bit PIC24 chip provides embedded programmers with more speed, more memory, and more peripherals than ever before, creating the potential for more powerful cutting-edge PIC designs. This book teaches readers everything they need to know about these chips: how to program them, how to test them, and how to debug them, in order to take full advantage of the capabilities of the new PIC24 microcontroller architecture.

Author Lucio Di Jasio, a PIC expert at Microchip, offers unique insight into this revolutionary technology, guiding the reader step-by-step from 16-bit architecture basics, through even the most sophisticated programming scenarios. This books common-sense, practical, hands-on approach begins simply and builds up to more challenging exercises, using proven C programming techniques. Experienced PIC users and newcomers to the field alike will benefit from the texts many thorough examples, which demonstrate how to nimbly side-step common obstacles, solve real-world design problems efficiently, and optimize code for all the new PIC24 features.

You will learn about:
basic timing and I/O operations,
multitasking using the PIC24 interrupts,
all the new hardware peripherals
how to control LCD displays,
generating audio and video signals,
accessing mass-storage media,
how to share files on a mass-storage device with a PC,
experimenting with the Explorer 16 demo board, debugging methods with MPLAB-SIM and ICD2 tools, and more!

·A Microchip insider tells all on the newest, most powerful PICs ever!

·Condenses typical introductory "fluff" focusing instead on examples and exercises that show how to solve common, real-world design problems quickly

·Includes handy checklists to help readers perform the most common programming and debugging tasks

·FREE CD-ROM includes source code in C, the Microchip C30 compiler, and MPLAB SIM software, so that readers gain practical, hands-on programming experience

·Check out the author's Web site at http://www.flyingpic24.com for FREE downloads, FAQs, and updates

Customer Reviews:

A Great Resource.......2007-08-01

I have thouroughly enjoyed reading and using this great publication. It is absolutely the best introduction to PIC24 in particular and C30 as well. This book makes a great companion for the Explorer 16 development board from Microchip.
I look forward to a follow up edition with a few more projects and peripheral code segments.

Very Well Done Lucio

We need more books like this! .......2007-05-21

I just bought this book and managed to read through it over a few days. I must say that I'm very impressed by it! The book covers programming the PIC24 in C using MPLAB's C30 C compiler. It covers the PIC24 architecture and peripherals in as much detail as required by a C programmer as well as various non-ANSI C PIC24 specific addons available in the C30 compiler. It also includes a myriad of cool interfacing projects with minimal additional hardware (SPI EEPROM , 3 resistors for the video example flash card, PS2 interfacing e.t.c.) Finally it also introduces all the debugging tools available in MPLAB such as the simulator/logic analyzer and stimulus generator. This book is not for the absolute microcontroller / programming in C beginner however. Its target audience is embedded systems programmers considering to switch to Microchip's PIC24 family and EE students/hobbyists with some background in embedded systems/ microcontrollers / C programming.

A thorough workbook.......2007-05-13

The analogy with piloting aircraft aside...

This book takes a very practical approach, using the tools on the CD and doing exercises with C code. The explanations are clear. Be aware that though introductory, this is a technical book.

Not Fly by Night!!.......2007-05-12

This is an interresting and organized compilation of projects which walks you through the daunting experience of microcontroller use. I am an RF hardware engineer with little programming experience, but have worked on several projects which included microcontroller or DSP control. I've never touched an 8 bit device, but jumped directly into the 16 bit family. In my past experience, someone else has always done the controler functions. Lucio presents a methodology for someone without too much experience and a lot of desire to learn a very complex subject with the starting point in the 16 bit arena.

His use of C programming takes you through an easier learning curve than if you were to approach this with machine language. The Explorer 16 gives you plenty of practial applications to play around with the technology and monkey around with things yourself. The chekclists are invaluable. especially in the early stages of using the tools.

Perhaps the most refreshing thing I found was that Lucio personally answers emails and gives you educational insights if you ask him questions. I have taken on learning the PIC controller on my own and Lucio has helped me over a hurdle or two in this adventure.

One other note: The microchip applications team is ecellent. I have had a few issues with a real project using the PIC device and the local FAE stopped by on a number of ocassions to help troubleshoot both the HW/SW issues I couldn't overcome on my own. What better way to learn than with the guys who work with it every day.

Well Done!!

Paul

Other Technical Authors should take a page out of this book!.......2007-04-14

Lucio has taken what is often presented in a very complex way, and made it understandable. Each chapter ( lesson ) builds on teh previous, and by the end of the book, I was left with a much better understanding of 16bit micros, and I feel much more confident to attack some projects.

If you are going to get into 16bit PIC's, this is a must have book. I look forward to its sequel.

Learning to Fly: Practical Knowledge Management from Leading and Learning Organizations

Average customer rating:

Definitely not a masterpiece
The Best Yet
Don't hesitate...
Insightful!
A MUST read for all KMer

Learning to Fly: Practical Knowledge Management from Leading and Learning Organizations
Chris Collison , and Geoff Parcell
Manufacturer: Capstone
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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If Only We Knew What We Know: The Transfer of Internal Knowledge and Best Practice

ASIN: 1841125091

Book Description

Today, no one is, nor can be, an expert in everything. In every challenge, it is easy to feel that you don't know enough to keep up with the accelerating pace of change inside our organisations, let alone the world outside. Start with the assumption that somebody somewhere has already done what you are trying to do. How can you find out whom, and learn from them? Learning to Fly shows exactly how to put knowledge management theory into practice, sharing the tools used and the experience and insights gained by two leading practitioners.

Completely updated for the second edition, Learning to Fly shares the authors’ experiences from BP and other leading knowledge organisations.and incorporates new material on implementation and best practice, including a CD-ROM with KM tools and exercises.

“Chris Collison and Geoff Parcell show how new ideas and tools are making working and learning inseparable.” Peter Senge.

Customer Reviews:

Definitely not a masterpiece.......2006-03-31

Learning to Fly is fairly useful as a general overview of knowledge management principles, but it is far from great.

First, it doesn't quite live up to the promise made in the blurb: 'Learning to Fly shows exactly how to put theory into practice'. For one thing, there's very little theory in the book, which is not necessarily a bad thing -- just don't expect to gain a deeper understanding of the discipline by reading this book. But even the practical guidelines are a bit shallow and don't always give the reader a very clear idea of how things can be implemented.

Take, for instance, the crucial point of how to get started, presented in chapter 12 ('Embedding it in the organization', the second-to-last chapter). Here's all the authors have to say about the 'starting' stage (pp. 170-171):

"Starting with something simple. Applying one of the tools and techniques in this book to address a simple part of the issue is a good start. Demonstrating a 'quick win' is important to gain the interest and commitment of the team. If they see that these techniques can be applied, without spending too much time on them, to deliver some tangible results, then they are likely to come back for more. We have found it best to introduce some formality after this stage into the planning. What specifically will be done, what are the costs and the benefits and will the team commit some resources to it?"

That's it. They don't suggest, or give an example of, what might constitute a 'simple part of an issue' that could be used for a quick, low-cost demonstration. Since all the useful tools and techniques mentioned in the book have to do with changing the way a whole team, if not the whole organization, works, I would very much like to be given an example of how a 'quick win' can be accomplished. Surely not by suggesting a peer assist that will mobilize a bunch of people for a whole day -- management will never agree to that if they can't see the value of KM to start with.

Second, the book is written in an informal style that is probably supposed to give it a down-to-earth, let's-get-our-hands-dirty feel. But it's actually just not very well written and even more poorly edited (as evidenced by numerous ungrammatical bits like 'at the time when it most useful' and 'who are the people are involved') which, together with the shoddy typography, reveal overall carelessness and subpar organization.

Last, there's a lot of white space surrounding each paragraph, so the 220 pages could probably easily fit into 120 or so well laid-out pages.

The bottom line: U$25 is a steep price to pay for just okay contents packaged in a poorly designed paperback.

The Best Yet.......2004-01-16

Very down-to-earth, applicable guidelines for building a learning environment within an organization. Focuses on tools and techniques and difficult issues of embedding habits of sharing/learning.
I've read a lot of knowledge management books and this is the one our organization is using as a "starting point" for our efforts.

Don't hesitate..........2002-09-05

...trust me and the other reviewers. you will have to wait for a long time to come across another book equally informative, full of sound practical advice, and entertaining. proceed to check-out now.

Insightful!.......2002-02-18

The knowledge management craze may be passing right before our eyes, but Chris Collison and Geoff Parcell do a good job explaining what's behind all the hype. Although a bit dry in tone, the authors manage to capture the critical elements of KM and explain the whys and hows as they relate to individual businesses. Despite a somewhat sterile presentation, we from getAbstract recommend this book as a thorough introduction to knowledge management theory and practice.

A MUST read for all KMer.......2002-01-22

A uniquely entertaining book, Learning to Fly is written with the right blend of theory and practice. From the start, Collison & Parcell build an honest and caring relationship with the reader that takes you on a journey of understanding the why and the how of knowledge management (KM).

The Chris & Geoff hit on many key issues imperative to a successful knowledge management implementation -

·KM should be focused on business results for business objectives. Emphasizing the importance that organizations don't loose sight of why they are doing KM.

·The explanation of KM as an unconscious competence is an excellent model for organization to use for a self-assessment and then strive to achieve.

·Applying KM holistically through the model of learning before, during and after. Proving that building a learning organization is at the heart of KM.

Book Description

An introduction to helicopter flying techniques, many of which are difficult to master, as well as a discussion of emergency procedure, human factors, advanced operations and even a section on careers.

Customer Reviews:

A Great Pre-Beginner Book.......2007-08-20

In other words, it's a great book to read if you're thinking about learning to fly helicopters and want to learn more of what it's all about. Don't confuse this with a real flight training manual -- it falls far short of that. But it is a fun read that will make someone interested in flying helicopters more eager to get started. It'll also give you the information you need to better understand what's going on during those first few training flights.

For the beginner.......2007-05-08

Perfect for the beginner. Lets you know in plain English what flying is all about and what you have to know to do it. Goes beyound laws and theory and explains why things work instead of makeing you memorize. I only gave it 4 stars because it needs to be updated from the 80's.

Great Beginner Book.......2006-08-05

This book immediately draws you in and teaches you the basics. The first few chapters are really easy to read and understand. It does get harder at the end but by then you're hooked. I read this one before moving on the FAA manual. If I had started with the FAA manual I would have been completely lost.

Learning to fly helicopters.......2005-09-07

Learning to fly helicopters is an undertaking unlike no other. It is more of a calling, actually. And a huge commitment of time, money, and energy. Mr. Padfield understands this. He knows what it feels like to learn, get scared, become frustrated, and he helps the reader through it all with warm humor and inspiration. The text is clear and readable with many helpful illustrations. This is a great book to read as you study, to refer to as a beginning pilot, or to refresh your memory with. This book is unlike the majority of instructional volumes which are very dry and where the authors either talk down to the reader or lapse into technical jargon. Learning to fly helicopters is fun to read and very helpful
It also has lots of cool pictures.

Informative, well-written, and an all-around fun book.......2003-06-12

I read this book before I started my helicopter training just about two years ago. Since then, I have bought and read just about every book about rotary-wing aircraft that I can get my hands on. This book is fundamental in nature, but fairly complete none the less and an absolute joy to read. I recently read it again and loved it more than when I first picked it up. Of all the helicopter books I have read this one is still by far my favorite.

Microsoft Flight Simulator X For Pilots Real World Training

Average customer rating:

For simulator pilots too!
problems
ABOUT TIME
A Must For Serious Flight Sim Enthusiasts!
Nice job!

Microsoft Flight Simulator X For Pilots Real World Training
Jeff Van West , and Kevin Lane-Cummings
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Rod Machado's Instrument Pilot's Survival Manual

ASIN: 0764588222

Book Description

Get ready to take flight as two certified flight instructors guide you through the pilot ratings as it is done in the real world, starting with Sport Pilot training, then Private Pilot, followed by the Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, and Air Transport Pilot. They cover the skills of flight, how to master Flight Simulator, and how to use the software as a learning tool towards your pilot’s license. More advanced topics demonstrate how Flight Simulator X can be used as a continuing learning tool and how to simulate real-world emergencies.

Customer Reviews:

For simulator pilots too!.......2007-10-03

Although the title of this outstanding teaching manual indicates it is for real pilots using Microsoft's Flight Simulator as a teaching tool I can enthusiastically recommend it for simulator pilots as well.

I learned so much from the authors who are real world pilots & instructors I hadn't learned from other available sources. I consider when I finish the manual with the missions included I will have completed real VFR & IFR instruction even though I am not a real world pilot & confine my flying to Flight Sim only.

The book is eminently practical as a good teaching manual should be. It offers a stepwise approach to flight training from the Piper Cub to the twin-engine Beechcraft Baron & beyond. A novice completely unfamiliar with simulator flying could use this book from the beginning to become competent in VFR flight before even thinking about sophisticated avionics & instrument flying. It is crammed full of practical tips & offers context for the theory of flight which can be gleaned from other sources.

There is a bunch of extra resources available at the publisher's website which extend the material even more. One can download approach plates & the like for the included missions.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough for simulator pilots; it is simply wonderful!

problems.......2007-09-06

good information but was unable to download the tutorial flights into Flight Simulator X thus greatly limiting the advantages of this book. Jef Van West infored there are technical problems with some systems but I think the poroblem is more general than that.

ABOUT TIME.......2007-08-30

Finally a book that takes nothing for granted and has one eager to get started with FSX. I followed one of their MANY helpful suggestions and took the book out to a flying school. From CFI's, (you'll find out what that is in the first chapter) to students, their praise was unanimous. I'm 77 years old and although I don't plan to take flying lessons, this book whets one's appetite and desire to get started. The book not only covers flying but also gives excellent information on just what power does your computer need to run the program as well as having a section that deals with Windows Vista. Sincerest congratulations to the authors.

A Must For Serious Flight Sim Enthusiasts!.......2007-08-07

FS Real World Training is an invaluable book. Although I had already 'passed' many of the flight lessons in FSX I still didn't feel confident about my flying skills. There were too many things that were left (excuse the expression) hanging in the air. When I bought this book I started at the beginning feeling like a newbie all over again. Many points that I missed before are explained fully and in detail and finally it is all making sense. As a result I am enjoying my flight simulator more than ever. Aside from the wealth of interesting and informative detail I think the most important thing is that the reader gets to make connections. The information connects from one chapter to the next and consequently, step by step, everything fits together. Going through this book is an immensely enjoyable experience. An added bonus are the generous number of free mission files and charts available on the wiley. com web site which are enjoyable and extremely useful.

Nice job!.......2007-07-21

Precious and perfect fit well for this book.

It's very detailed and accurate, and it helps a lot not only sims pilots, but even those who plan to be real pilots or, for those who already are, to practice and keep their skills.

I'm satisfied. It has an excelent cost / benefit.

Average customer rating:

As the Crow Flies
Fun Intro to Maps
Excellent introduction to the concept of maps
Wonderful Explination of how we see our Surroundings
Very Cool Children's Introduction To Maps

As the Crow Flies: A First Book of Maps
Gail Hartman
Manufacturer: Aladdin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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Me on the Map (Dragonfly Books)
Where Do I Live?
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ASIN: 0689717628

Book Description

Maps -- they help you get where you want to go. People use road maps to find their way. These maps show miles of highways that point out the right direction. But what about the crow? What kind of map does he use? Or the eagle, the rabbit, the horse, and the sea gull? What's on their maps?

Customer Reviews:

As the Crow Flies.......2007-03-14

Used to set up a focus on perspectives related to a map unit in both PS and elem. settings.

Fun Intro to Maps.......2007-01-11

This is a fun little book to share with children while introducing them to maps.

Excellent introduction to the concept of maps.......2006-02-02

This is a great book from the 'teaching the concept' point of view, but what it more it is beautiful (great art work) and sweet for little chidren, with each map introduced through teh eyes of an animal's travels.

Wonderful Explination of how we see our Surroundings.......2005-09-29

This is a wonderful book for young readers. It shows a good picture of the small part of the that many of us live in.

Very Cool Children's Introduction To Maps.......2000-09-19

Good reading for 3-8 yrs. This book wins big points for originality. It serves as a good tool for demonstrating how places relate to each other and exposes them to the concept of maps. They are very basic maps--landmarks only--combined with good illustrations, that make it so easy for children to comprehend.

Making ADHD a Gift: Teaching Superman How to Fly

Average customer rating:

The best book for parents of ADHD kids!
Teaching Superman How To Fly
Excellent!!
The title says it all Making ADHD A Gift!
AT LAST A HELPFUL BOOK ON ADD!

Making ADHD a Gift: Teaching Superman How to Fly
Robert Evert Cimera
Manufacturer: ScarecrowEducation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Learning to Slow Down and Pay Attention: A Kid's Book About ADHD

ASIN: 0810843188

Book Description

Explains, in everyday language, what Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is, how it is diagnosed, and how this condition affects people throughout their lifetime. It outlines methods of developing and assessing teaching strategies that can help individuals with ADHD both at home and at school. Unlike other texts, this book takes a positive look at the disorder. Rather than trying to repress the characteristics of ADHD, the author advocates that ADHD individuals use their disorder to maximize attention span, improve social skills, harness impulsivity, and turn hyperactivity into periods of extreme productivity.

Customer Reviews:

The best book for parents of ADHD kids!.......2004-02-11

Somebody at a CHADD meeting suggested that I read this book. I am happy that I did! It is so well written that I couldn't put it down. I read it in one evening. It gives many practical strategies. But the best feature is that it views ADHD as a gift that should "be utilized, not repressed!" I can't recommend this book more highly. Get it. You'll be happy that you did!

Teaching Superman How To Fly.......2003-05-06

Cimera, Robert E. (2002) Making ADHD a Gift: Teaching Superman How to Fly. Lanham, Maryland: Scarecrow Education.

How you teach children about ADHD could set the tone for the rest of their lives. You'll have to paint an honest picture of the condition but also be very positive .... Talk to them about their favorite superhero.... Bring up the fact that each superhero has different abilities.... Then explain that people in real life are a lot like superheroes-everybody has different abilities.... The super abilities of kids with ADHD include having a lot of energy and being able to run around a lot without getting tired. They can also be very creative and intelligent. The purpose of school and IEPs is to get children with ADHD to control and utilize their super abilities for "The Good"... You are teaching Superman how to fly (p. 97).

This is the gift of this book. Robert E. Cimera is an assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh who was diagnosed with ADHD-C as an adult. He views ADHD as a positive ability. Each chapter begins with a chapter outline; a case study, illustrating elements that will be addressed in the chapter; questions for consideration, for understanding the case study; and a discussion of underlying elements, concerns and strategies. The information is conveyed in a conversational style suitable for the layperson or student educator.

In the first chapter he gives an overview of definitions and diagnoses of the four types of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder): ADHD-I (Inattentive), ADHD-HI (Hyperactive-Impulsive), ADHD-C (Combined), ADHD-NOS (Not Otherwise Specified). This information serves as a basis for understanding the case studies and discussions that follow. Each chapter gently carries the reader through a critical thinking process of application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.

In the chapters that follow, the author covers the topics of: inattention, impulsivity, hyperactivity, social skills, educational programs, and strategies for ADHD children, adolescents and adults. Cimera also has the reader consider the possibility of other conditions or situations that could mistakenly be diagnosed as ADHD. The last chapter contains resources for individuals with ADHD and resources for their teachers and parents. It includes booklists, periodicals, videotapes, contact information for organizations and support groups and an annotated list of Internet sites. Most of the materials had imprints from the early nineties and late eighties. Only one of the websites mentioned was not currently accessible. The website annotations were quite pertinent to their content with the exception of the U.S. Department of Education site, which has been drastically revised since the publication of this book. Although there is a very detailed table of contents, there is no index. The addition of an index would have been useful.

Overall, Cimera provides a positive, supportive and informative voice on the subject of ADHD. I found the examples of students and their goals (pp.130-131) especially illuminating in exploding my own preconceived attitudes toward ADHD. Special education students, classroom teachers, parents and adult individuals with ADHD could find valuable information and insights in this book. It provides an accessible introduction to the condition and provides the reader with the educational, environmental and behavioral accommodations and strategies that can help ADHD students, their parents, teachers and classmates create supportive scaffolding for success...

Excellent!!.......2002-12-20

Positive and informative. I big help for teachers or parents of children with ADD. Loads of strategies and resources.

The title says it all Making ADHD A Gift!.......2002-11-21

This is the only book that I have come across that presents ADHD in a positive light. Additionally, it provides many helpful strategies for both teachers and parents. The only knock that I can say about this book is that it doesn't talk much about medications. All else is great.

AT LAST A HELPFUL BOOK ON ADD!.......2002-11-21

This is an incredible book! At last a book that talks about hos children with ADD aren't monsters. It is written by a Ph.D. who teaches, researches, and HAS ADHD. He actually knows what it is like. The book has six or seven chapters on nothing but strategies and ways of helping kids use their God given abilities. The last chapter has a list of more resources like books and websites. This is the only book that has talked about medication in a neutral way. The author points out that drugs have some good points and some bad points and leaves it up to the readers to decide what is best for their kids. But the focus of the book is to help kids with ADHD utilize their energy in productive ways-- NOT how to make kids slow down and be NORMAL! WONDERFUL WONDERFUL book! Buy it! You wont be sorry!

Learning to Fly: Reflections on Fear, Trust, and the Joy of Letting Go

Average customer rating:

Part memoir, part metaphor.
Part memoir, part metaphor.
Inspiration, courage and vitality
Life Lessons
I'm Buying This Book for Everyone on My Christmas List

Learning to Fly: Reflections on Fear, Trust, and the Joy of Letting Go
Sam Keen
Manufacturer: Broadway
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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To Love and Be Loved
Your Mythic Journey: Finding Meaning in Your Life Through Writing and Storytelling (Inner Work Book) (Inner Work Book)
Fire in the Belly: On Being a Man
Hymns to an Unknown God: Awakening The Spirit In Everyday Life
The Passionate Life: Stages of Loving

ASIN: 0767901770
Release Date: 2000-09-05

Amazon.com

For as far back as he could remember, Sam Keen had dreamed of flying. And so just before his 62nd birthday, Keen enrolled in a trapeze class at the San Francisco School of Circus Arts, thus becoming "the oldest student at the circus." In this richly written memoir, Keen uses the details of trapeze training to frame his spiritual understanding of the world. Not surprisingly, the flight metaphors work--giving room for chapters titled "Leap of Faith," "A Fledgling Among the Eagles," and "On the Wings of Spirit."

As a graduate of Harvard Divinity School, Keen is a fine memoirist--able to step outside himself to tell a good story and willing to share his humiliations and inner fears as he became a student of flight. "My failures have taught me there is always a second chance.... Failing gives fallible human beings a chance to start over. And that is why every man, woman, and society needs a safety net." He now leads an "Upward Bound" trapeze program for abused women, drug addicts, and inner-city school children. --Gail Hudson

Book Description

The acclaimed author of Fire in the Belly presents an exhilarating memoir of his late-blooming love affair with the flying trapeze--and a provocative look at the potential it offers for growth, transformation, and overcoming deeply rooted fears.

An unprecedented adventure of the soul and psyche, Learning to Fly teaches us to soar on the wings of possibility as we watch Sam Keen and his students progress through breathtaking exercises on the trapeze which they use as a vehicle for exploring the challenges and dilemmas of life. As he describes takeoffs, knee hangs, and thrilling midair catches, Keen imparts moving revelations about risk-taking, trust, bravado, living more passionately, true strength, falling, and letting go. Guiding us on a remarkable inner journey through the "circus of the mind," Learning to Fly reveals the grace of ascending in body and spirit--and living with levity.

Customer Reviews:

Part memoir, part metaphor........2000-12-03

At age 62, Sam Keen learned to fly. In 1993, he started training on the flying trapeze at the San Francisco School of Circus Arts. The fact that he was the oldest student at the school did not deter Keen from pursuing his "strange passion" (p. 15) for the flying trapeze. "Over the years," he writes, "I have discovered that it is hazardous to ignore passing fantasies and emerging passions. To begin with, in the degree that I cease to pursue my deepest passions, I will be gradually controlled by my deepest fears. When passion no longer waters and nourishes the psyche, fears spring up like weeds on the depleted soil of abandoned fields. I suspect the major cause of depression and despair and the appetite for violence in modern life is the result of the masses of people who are enslaved by an economic order that rewards them for laboring at jobs that do not engage their passion for creativity and meaning" (pp. 16-17).

Part memoir, part metaphor, Keen's book is filled with inspirational leaps, midair turns, somersaults and catches. From his six-year love affair with the trapeze, he derives insights into fear, trust, letting go, and living a meaningful life. For Keen, the trapeze has been a good teacher. If we learn to experience our life as a "ten-ring circus," he observes, in a "world ruled by enchantment--where magic existed before morality, wonder before worship, pleasure before piety, and amazement before practicality" (p. 24), then we will be "transformed, changed back into children whose horizons are open" (p. 25).

LEARNING TO FLY is inspirational and insightful. Although it did not inpsire me to join the circus, or attempt a midair triple somersault, it did encourage me to discover the flying trapeze in my own life, and then to practice it, because "practice is perfect."

G. Merritt

Part memoir, part metaphor........2000-11-29

At age 62, Sam Keen learned to fly. In 1993, he started his training on the flying trapeze at the San Francisco School of Circus Arts. The fact that he was the oldest student at the school did not deter Keen from pursuing his "strange passion" (p. 15). "Over the years," he observes," I have discovered that it is hazardous to ignore passing fantasies and emerging passions. To begin with, in the degree that I cease to pursue my deepest passions, I will gradually be controlled by my deepest fears. When passion no longer waters and nurtures the psyche, fears spring up like weeds on the depleted soil of abandoned fields. I suspect the major cause of depression and despair and the appetite for violence in modern life is the result of the masses of people who are enslaved by an economic order that rewards them for laboring at jobs that do not engage their passion for creativity and meaning" (pp. 16-17).

Part memoir, part metaphor, Keen's book is filled with daring leaps, midair turns, somersaults, and catches. For Keen, the trapeze is a good teacher. From his six-year love affair with the trapeze, he derives insights into fear, trust, letting go, and what it means to live life passionately. If we learn to live life as a "ten-ring circus," he writes, in "a world ruled by enchantment--where magic existed before morality, wonder before worship, pleasure before piety, and amazement before practicality" (p. 24), then we will be "transformed, changed back into children whose horizons are open" (p. 25). "The Great Path is a spiral journey," Keen notes. "Every day we begin again, knowing that danger and death may be lurking, that we will be fearful and will need to cultivate courage. We will need to keep our balance and discern when it is time to wait and when to act. We will take leaps of faith, fall, and rise again. If we are diligent in our practice, there will be unexpected moments of grace and joy and a gradual growth of mastery in fashioning our lives into something of beauty" (p. 241).

Keen's LEARNING TO FLY is inspirational and insightful. Although reading it did not inspire me to attempt a triple somersault, it did encourage me to find a flying trapeze in my own life, and then to practice it, knowing that "practice is perfect" (p. 237).

G. Merritt

Inspiration, courage and vitality.......2000-05-21

Everyone who reads Keen knows he writes very well and from the heart. But in this book his very soul flies through the air with his words. When Sam reviewed my book, PRIMAL AWARENESS, he said it was an adventurous search for the lost ark. LEARNING TO FLY is about finding the lost ark.

Life Lessons.......2000-03-29

I read a passage from the book at my daughter's wedding and then I wished them wings and flight. I found this book to be absolutely fascinating and, at age 57 myself, found inspiration to try new ideas. Learning to Fly is never boring. I found the chapter-beginning drawings helpful as I tried to follow Sam Keen in flight, literally as well as figuratively. A real winner!

I'm Buying This Book for Everyone on My Christmas List.......1999-12-01

I read Sam Keen's "Learning to Fly" out loud with my husband over the course of a few road trips. It was a truly amazing experience for us. Sam Keen shares his experiences of life and trapeze in a philosophical way, but avoids being pedantic or condescending with his message about simultaneously taking hold and letting go. I've been thinking about what Sam Keen has to say ever since I finished the book.

Learning to Fly: The Autobiography: The Autobiography

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best autobiography
Victoria Beckham
Great Book
Victoria Beckham is DELUDED!!!
Absolutley Fabulous

Learning to Fly: The Autobiography: The Autobiography
Victoria Beckham
Manufacturer: Penguin Global
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Book Description

From the time when, as an eight-year-old girl, she saw the movie Fame, Victoria wanted to be a star. There was a line from the title song that stayed with her-'I'm gonna live forever, I'm gonna learn how to fly'. With this extraordinary book she gives us the chance to follow her on her journey from lonely teenager to international star; to fly alongside her.

Customer Reviews:

best autobiography.......2007-09-04

i first decided to get this book because i'm a fan of victoria beckham. when i read the book i was really pleased with it. it was well structured and it gives you a better idea of what victoria beckham is really like. supposedly there's all these speculations about her being a diva, but after reading this book i really don't believe those stories anymore. by reading the book, it seems as though your listening to a long time friend's life story. i really like this book and reccomend it. i seriously didn't want it to end and wish she came out with another autobiography.

Victoria Beckham.......2007-08-12

This book is great. Victoria is truly open about her life. It makes you see a different side of the person you see in all the tabloids. She allows you to peak into her world. It is heartbreakingly honest. She doesn't try to skip the hard parts of her life. We can see how the Spice Girls developed and how the girls got along. Victoria allows the reader to take a peak into a marriage (and romance) that has overcome many obstacles to raise 3 kids and lead a happy life. She even reveals how it felt when people accused David of cheating on her.

I didn't know what to expect when I started the book but I couldn't put it down. I read the entire book in one night (staying up until 4:00 in the morning). I have a new respect for Victoria Beckham that I wouldn't have had otherwise. I have always admired her fashion sense but I have a new respect for the person behind all the photographs. It is a must read for anyone who wants to learn more about Victoria Beckham.

Great Book.......2006-08-14

The book was amazing. Victoria talks to you like you are her best friend and she's just letting it all out. I have always been a huge fan and after reading this I respect her even more.

Victoria Beckham is DELUDED!!!.......2006-07-20

This book on the surface seems to be just another quickly rushed, put together autobiography for monetary reasons alone...which is Victoria Beckham all over. This book is now a few years old and you'd be surprised that since it's publication the amount of contraditions that have been exposed about this talentless, insecure, attention hungry, mean to the bone so called "entertainer" is hilarious. If you want to be sucked into this con game then go ahead but lies, lies, lies will be all you'll be reading. A big fat 0/10 for this one.

Absolutley Fabulous.......2006-07-05

Victoria Beckham's masterpiece... although in the beginning, it is a little "slow," it was still NOT a let down. i absoluetly thought this book was fantastic. even though i just found out about her, i was thrilled to read all about her. she is a wonderful inspriration to me. for those who are unsure of buying this book, don't slack... buy it immediatly. you won't regret it because you see, i don't really enjoy reading. however, i love this autobiography by victoria as well as her awesome music. i can't wait to finish this book!

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Learning to Fly Gliders: A Flight-Training Handbook & Syllabus

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Learning to Fly Gliders: A Flight-Training Handbook & Syllabus
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