12: The Elements of Great Managing
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • The path to being a great manager.
  • Managing the Human Element
  • an excellent guide
  • Overdue Update on First, Break All the Rules with Detailed Examples
  • Production flaws
12: The Elements of Great Managing
Rodd Wagner , and James K. Harter
Manufacturer: Gallup Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

GeneralGeneral | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 159562998X

Book Description

12: The Elements of Great Managing is the long-awaited sequel to the 1999 runaway bestseller First, Break All the Rules. Grounded in Gallup's 10 million employee and manager interviews spanning 114 countries, 12 follows great managers as they harness employee engagement to turn around a failing call center, save a struggling hotel, improve patient care in a hospital, maintain production through power outages, and successfully face a host of other challenges in settings around the world.
Authors Rodd Wagner and James K. Harter weave the latest Gallup insights with recent discoveries in the fields of neuroscience, game theory, psychology, sociology, and economics. Written for managers and employees of companies large and small, 12 explains what every company needs to know about creating and sustaining employee engagement

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The path to being a great manager. .......2007-10-01

If you are a manager - PLEASE READ THIS BOOK! If you are not a manager, buy this book; gift-wrap it, and GIVE IT TO YOUR MANAGER!

Managers take note - This book is the answer to getting your people engaged.

I love good advice and this book has plenty. I took out my highlighters and marked all over this book. It goes on my reference shelf for years to come. As I work with organizations to help them engage their people to take action (see theactionator.com) this book will go on my "must read" list. If you have a list of books to read this year, add "12 The Elements of Great Managing".

My favorite element is number three: The Opportunity to Do What I Do Best. This chapter addresses the issue of "matching a person to the right job, or a job to the right person". This is one of the hardest elements to pull off but the payback is HUGE! Imagine how engaged your workforce would be if everyone had an opportunity to do what they do best!

Buy this book, get out your highlighters, and get to work. The 12 elements in this book can help the good manager become GREAT!

Larry Kevin Adams
theactionator.com

5 out of 5 stars Managing the Human Element.......2007-09-09

Once again, researchers from The Gallup Organization remind us of the performance benefits that accrue when leaders acknowledge the `human element' of business. In this expanded dialogue about the 12 elements of great managing, as identified from extensive research in the 1999 best seller First, Break All the Rules: What the World's Greatest Managers Do Differently; authors Wagner and Harter bring each element to life through shop-floor stories interwoven with Gallup's foundational research that provides the elements' psychological underpinning. The result is a convincing and readable book that might have you wondering why so many organizations work so hard "to make their "human resources" more productive while fighting what makes them human."

Hidden within this book is the underpinnings of a methodology for meeting the needs of the organization (Business Inc.) while meeting the needs of the individual (Me Inc.), and it is not just about the money - and as the 13th element of great managing, the authors tell you why in a section titled, "The Problem with Pay." Great book delivering the underpinnings of a great concept; it is highly recommended for anyone interested in engaging people with the performance demands of their business. Dennis DeWilde, author of The Performance Connection.

4 out of 5 stars an excellent guide.......2007-05-13

I have found this book helpful as the writers combine real situations and stories from their research to bring to life the theory. I am already putting into place some of the ideas in my role at work. Highly recommended.

5 out of 5 stars Overdue Update on First, Break All the Rules with Detailed Examples.......2007-03-27

If you haven't read First, Break All the Rules, I have good news for you: Just read this book instead. 12: The Elements of Great Managing is a better book.

If you have read First, Break All the Rules, chances are it was a long time ago. You are probably ready for a refresher if you read that book back in 1999 or 2000 as I did.

As before, the Gallup people have asked that reviewers not list the 12 elements. I think they are overly sensitive, but I'll honor their request.

Let me characterize the 12 elements instead: Each point relates to either a necessity for being able to do your job well, having a sense that people care that you come to work, feeling engaged by your work, and seeing a future in what you are doing. Employees who feel engaged in these dimensions usually stay longer, are less likely to be out sick, and perform at higher levels of productivity. After you see the list, you'll accept those conclusions, I'm sure.

Since the first book came out, Gallup has done a lot more interviews. One of the benefits of all hose millions of additional interviews is to provide extra information about how and why each element is important. I was pleased to see that the authors also draw on psychological and physiological research to help explain their findings.

But the best parts, for me, were the 12 case studies that were like mini-fables of the sort that Ken Blanchard likes to write . . . except these cases involve real people. The leaders make mistakes as well as do things right, and you get a sense of how hard it is to improve performance in an important employee dimension when your organization has been doing it badly for some time. One of the things I liked best about the cases was that the authors didn't go overboard by just presenting organizations that perform in the top 1 percent that wouldn't seem quite real to most people.

I also liked the section at the end about how pay overlaps with all of the other findings. Most people are affected by their pay, and I thought that the authors put that into perspective quite well.

Although part of the message is that you need Gallup surveys to figure out what your problem is with employee engagement, the book is tactfully quiet on that point. Nice!

Although you may be tempted to either just read the list and feel like you've got it or just read the cases in areas where you think you have problems, I encourage you to read all of the material. You might get a new assignment tomorrow that will look totally different from where you are today. That happened to several people in the book. You'll be better prepared when that happens.

I thought that First, Break All the Rules was better than an MBA education on how to be an effective leader. This book is probably better than most DBA educations on the same subject.

Be engaging!

1 out of 5 stars Production flaws.......2007-03-21

Disk #2 and #4 have the same disk #4 material. Disk #2 information is missing.
House Framing: Plan, Design, Build (Ultimate Guide To...)
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Good book for beginners
  • House Framing - Review
  • Good book
  • Great Book
  • House Framing
House Framing: Plan, Design, Build (Ultimate Guide To...)
John D. Wagner
Manufacturer: Creative Homeowner
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Design & ConstructionDesign & Construction | Home Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1580112358

Book Description

House Framing: Plan, Design, Build leads homeowners through the steps of building a structure by means of platform framing, the most popular style of framing in use today. Beginning with background information, the book provides readers with everything they need to know about building, including structural loads and how they interact, sizing lumber, working with tools, and reading blueprints. The book then takes the reader through the framing process-from foundations to floor framing, wall framing, roof framing, sheathing, and more. This expanded and revised edition ends with three project chapters: building stairs, finishing a basement with steel studs, and framing a bay window. Each chapter covers both construction and design information.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Good book for beginners.......2007-06-23

This book provides good and valuable advice for those who, like me, have zero knowledge about the involved techniques for building a framed house. From beginning to the very last page, the book is full of color pictures and didatic explanations that help the reader feel confident enough to get started. As wood frame houses are not common in my country (it's pratically non existent) and as I am thinking of starting a business based on such construction technique, I am sure this material is providing me with the most important information. Strongly recommended!

4 out of 5 stars House Framing - Review.......2007-06-08

House Framing, Plan, Design, Build, is a very good overview for a novice that is planning to build or add to a home. It does a good job of covering the basics, but is not enough detail for someone to use to completely frame a house or addition.

5 out of 5 stars Good book.......2007-04-01

Clear graphics and very very detailed. No history lessons, author's vision or other personality intrussions as found in other building books. Looks like the technical manual of the platform framing method to me.

5 out of 5 stars Great Book.......2006-03-25

I bought this book along with Graphic Guide to Frame Construction : Details for Builders and Designers (For Pros by Pros) (Spiral-bound) and this book is more for the do-it-yourselfer person than the other book. Plenty of color illusrtations to go along to help you. Graphic Guide to Frame Construction : Details for Builders and Designers (For Pros by Pros) is more geared for the professional.

5 out of 5 stars House Framing.......2006-03-24

Excellent book. Framing can become an art with technical books like this. If you want to get into framing pick three books and make this one of them. Lots of pictures with just the right amount of instructions. Its the best way to learn and understand framing without being at a building site.
High Acuity Nursing (4th Edition) (Wagner, High Acuity Nursing)
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • great buy!
  • high acuity nursing
  • High Acuity Nursing
  • this book is horrible
  • Excellent training resource for new graduates
High Acuity Nursing (4th Edition) (Wagner, High Acuity Nursing)
Kathleen Dorman Wagner , Karen Johnson , and Pamela Stinson Kidd
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0131245082

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars great buy!.......2007-09-03

Definitly would buy from again! quick responses and very fast shipping which i needed! Condition was just as described!
Thanks!

5 out of 5 stars high acuity nursing.......2007-03-15

This text was great with all the review questions. It helped to read it and I got an A in my class!

4 out of 5 stars High Acuity Nursing.......2005-09-22

This book has been very helpful to our new nurses who seem overwhelmed when they first get out of school. Self-paced modules help them incoorporate their knowledge with the types of patients they take care of. I have used this book for seasoned nurses too. They like the validation they get from being able to pre- and post-test.
A great teaching and learning tool for all nurses looking to review or to upgrade skills.

1 out of 5 stars this book is horrible.......2003-09-29

I am a senior nursing student and I am appalled at this book. Our instructor loves it and has been using it. I brought to her attention that in the pediatric module, some of the pretest answers are WRONG!!! I know they are wrong- or I would not be a senior nursing student!!!! Out of all the majors and careers and textbooks that need to give accurate information- ACUTE CARE NURSING IS THE ONE!!!!! This is sooo extremely important! I am very disappointed.

5 out of 5 stars Excellent training resource for new graduates.......2000-11-16

Filled with self paced modules applicable to the critical care, emergency room, and medical-surical setting, High Acuity Nursing is an excellent clinical resource to supplement orientation & training programs of new graduate nurses. Organized by body system, it integrates A&P, clinical nursing applications, and critical thinking all in one. I used it with my new graduates when orienting them to the IMCU, ED, and med-surg units. They found the information helpful in tying in the clinical content they were learning during orientation and the practical application of it. They rated the self learning modules highly in the evaluations. Internal transfers into the ICU have also found it to be helpful when orienting to that new setting.
Effective C#: 50 Specific Ways to Improve Your C# (Effective Software Development)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • HOW ABOUT A C# 3.0 EDITION?
  • very worthwhile
  • Could be better
  • Four Stars : Excellent content, but the writing could be a bit more clear
  • Worthy of Scott Meyers
Effective C#: 50 Specific Ways to Improve Your C# (Effective Software Development)
Bill Wagner
Manufacturer: Addison-Wesley Professional
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0321245660

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars HOW ABOUT A C# 3.0 EDITION?.......2007-06-20

Excellent book. My only complaint -- where's the new edition for the new version(s) of the framework?

4 out of 5 stars very worthwhile.......2007-04-10

I agree with those who say that Effective C# is not for beginners. Even experienced programmers should go elsewhere for an introduction to the language and the .NET environment. While other books might serve as a comprehensive textbook for learning the rudiments, this one offers some in-depth insights into how to build solutions that are elegant, efficient, reliable, and maintainable.

I also agree with those who are disappointed in the poor editing. The book is riddled with typos, especially word spacing problems. Mostly, these are little more than a minor annoyance but they make the book a really poor example of publishing quality.

"Software engineering" has been described as finding the best solution for a given problem where "programming" is merely a matter of developing something that works. That's what this book is all about. Sure, there are going to be times when you don't need to build the kind of quality into your code that the author advocates. The need to get something done quickly will often outweigh issues like whether you're really getting optimal performance, whether accepted OO principles are always being followed, or whether your employing the best of all possible solutions. But this book is about how build "industrial strength" classes that can be reused without breaking or creating undue heartburn for the poor slobs who have to rely on them.

Like most programming books, lots of the information is conveyed in code examples. However, this is not the book you'll want if you're going to cut-and-paste somebody's sample program and hack it into your own working version. In fact, the code examples are so brief and simple that they often seem almost pointless at first glance. As you read the explanations, which are more punchy and to-the-point than they are eloquent, you begin to grasp the essence of the principle being explored. Personally, I feel there's room for improvement in Mr. Wagner's writing style, which can be a little too concise to be really illustrative, but he does get his message across.

Possibly the book's greatest strength lies in the rationale given for the recommendations offered, as opposed to the recommendations themselves. The fifty items are more than a series of "best practices" to be blindly followed whether you understand them or not. Good programming is often a matter of choosing from a set of alternatives by weighing the value of each approach, assessing trade-offs, and making intelligent decisions. That's where this book can really help.

Evidently, this book carries on a tradition of "Effective" books in that it consists of a series of relatively short articles, each of which illustrates some very focused aspect of how C# code is compiled, the nature of certain .NET Framework types, and/or how the CLR operates. I, for one, think a more conventional format, where the content is broken down into longer chapters that go into major concept areas in depth might have been a better way for Mr. Wagner to share his obviously thorough knowledge of the subject. At first glance, this book gives the impression of being a set of little hints and tricks, as opposed to the serious technical book it really is.

3 out of 5 stars Could be better.......2007-02-23

Some of these glowing reviews are a bit misleading. Effective C# is a decent book, but not great. This book covers much of the same material as Jeffrey Richter's "CLR via C#", but in a different format and without the same amount of depth or clarity.

Effective C# is not a bad book, and I probably would have given it 4 stars had I not read "CLR via C#". In short, pass on this one and get Richter's book.

3 out of 5 stars Four Stars : Excellent content, but the writing could be a bit more clear.......2006-11-27

First off, since writing my initial review, I find myself continually referring to this book. It has worn well. I wish I could change my rating from 3 to 4 stars. Unfortunately Amazon's review system doesn't allow that (only 3 stars for them!).

While there are many books that teach the C# languague, this is the only book I've found that offers advice on how to effectively use the language once you know it. It is unique and therefore indispensible. It's a "must-read" for any serious C# programmer.

The recommendations will help you understand C# so that you can write programs that are faster, more efficient, more maintainable, and easier to understand. Specific topics include things like value-types versus reference-types, "boxing" and "unboxing", minimizing garbage, the advantages of the operators "as" and "is" over casts, and so on.

I believe the writing and explanations could be more clear and concise. I wish the editors had spent a little more time cleaning up the text. Also, A second edition that assumes C# 2.0 should be released, since some of the recommendations deal with shortcomings of C# 1.0 that have been fixed by C# 2.0. Also, I found a couple small errors. For example, "as" is not always faster than a cast-- in some cases they generate code that is exactly the same speed. However, that's a trifling point.

I recommend this book.

5 out of 5 stars Worthy of Scott Meyers.......2006-05-13

Bill did an excellent job with this book in the vein of the notoriously popular Effective C++ by Scott himself.
Concepts in Enterprise Resource Planning, Second Edition
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Easy reading
  • Well written rationale for ERP use.
Concepts in Enterprise Resource Planning, Second Edition
Ellen Monk , and Bret Wagner
Manufacturer: Course Technology
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0619216638

Book Description

One of the most exciting developments in business today, Enterprise Resource Planning offers a wealth of opportunities for increased productivity by bringing a company's many different systems together into one large integrated system. This complete introduction to the world of Enterprise Resource Planning provides the necessary background for success in today's marketplace.

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Easy reading.......2007-05-31

If you want to know some problems of unintegrated systems and how integrated ERP (=SAP) can help to solve these problems this book is for you. If you need something else/more - look for another book or course.

5 out of 5 stars Well written rationale for ERP use........2006-07-06

A quick read, well written, nicely illustrated with charts, spreadsheets and case studies. Presents a relatively high level perspective of a manufacturer's business processes from pre-sales through planning, production & delivery, to post-sales customer service. Compares the challenges of operations in an unintegrated systems environment with one in which systems are well integrated within an ERP suite and does it in a way that makes it easy to understand and remember the benefits of the latter. Geared toward students in an academic environment, it is useful to those already in business who can benefit from its conceptual clarity. Unlike most of the dated ERP books on the market, it covers current topics like XML & web services.
Born in the USA: How a Broken Maternity System Must Be Fixed to Put Women and Children First
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Every woman should read this book
  • Born in the USA
  • If you are having a baby or know anyone who is this is a MUST READ!
  • Every OB, MW, CBE, doula and parent should own this book!
  • So Right On!
Born in the USA: How a Broken Maternity System Must Be Fixed to Put Women and Children First
Marsden Wagner
Manufacturer: University of California Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0520245962

Book Description

In this rare, behind-the-scenes look at what goes on in hospitals across the country, a longtime medical insider and international authority on childbirth assesses the flawed American maternity care system, powerfully demonstrating how it fails to deliver safe, effective care for both mothers and babies. Written for mothers and fathers, obstetricians, nurses, midwives, scientists, insurance professionals, and anyone contemplating having a child, this passionate exposé documents how, in the most expensive maternity care system in the world, women have lost control over childbirth and what the disturbing results of this phenomenon have been. Born in the USA examines issues including midwifery and the safety of out-of-hospital birth, how the process of becoming a doctor can adversely affect both practitioners and their patients, and why there has been a rise in the use of risky but doctor-friendly interventions, including the use of Cytotec, a drug that has not been approved by the FDA for pregnant women. Most importantly, this gripping investigation, supported by many troubling personal stories, explores how women can reclaim the childbirth experience for the betterment of themselves and their children.
Born in the USA tells:
* Why women are 70% more likely to die in childbirth in America than in Europe
* What motivates obstetricians to use dangerous and unnecessary drugs and procedures
* How the present malpractice crisis has been aggravated by the fear of accountability
* Why procedures such as cesarean section and birth inductions are so readily used

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Every woman should read this book.......2007-09-08

This book should be make available to all women having babies, in all book stores right next to "What to Expect When Your Expecting", and other bools like that. "Born in the U.S.A.", tells the truth about the harm done to women, and their babies in the American medical services system. I refer to health care as medical services, because there is very little healthy caring going on in America. I'm a former RN who belives in doing right by my patients, thats why I'm a former RN. If you read "Born in the U.S.A.", you will get a clear picture of why nurses leave and women are damaged.

5 out of 5 stars Born in the USA.......2007-09-01

This book was excellent, an eye opener, it should be read by every person involved in the care of pregnant women. It was very encouraging to me, as i work in a natural birthing center, and it strengthened my belief in and commitment to midwifery, natural childbirth and out-of-hospital birth. Wagner is very thorough, breaking down the valid (and invalid) research, readable and comprehendable even for those not in the medical/scientific fields. I only wish he went into more detail about the dangers of medications during labor (narcotics, epidurals, etc). Taking birth out of the hospital setting for all healthy pregnant woman will mean no more artificial means of pain relief which i think will be the hardest sell to american women who have been taught to fear labor pain and usually are depending on that quick fix (epidural).

5 out of 5 stars If you are having a baby or know anyone who is this is a MUST READ!.......2007-08-28

America is pretty screwed up with our birth practices, and this just shows exactly how much!! A MUST READ if you are involved with babies and birth at all!!

5 out of 5 stars Every OB, MW, CBE, doula and parent should own this book!.......2007-07-20

Childbirth professionals, educators and expecting parents should fully understand the U.S. maternity system, how it is broken, how to fix it and what this means to them! Childbirth is negatively affected everyday with the loss of the mother's life, loss of the baby's life, permanent or temporary damage to the baby or mother or bad emotional experiences as a result of a traumatic childbirth related to the unnecessary and overuse and overtreatment of laboring mothers and in-utereo babies with medical interventions, episiotomies and cesarean sections. Dr. Wagner captures the reader's attention from the start with his honesty and experience. It is very rare to have a glimpse into the world of medicine and obstetrics that is as truth-telling and eye-opening as this. I recommend everyone involved in childbirth to read this book!!

Do it for your patients, your sisters, your wives, your daughters, your friends...

Review written by...
CBE & Birth doula
Childbirth Advocate

5 out of 5 stars So Right On!.......2007-07-08

I am a certified doula and attend homebirths and hospital births. I leave the hospital births often feeling sad, depressed and discouraged and worrying about the health of the mother and newborn. What I see happening to child-bearing women in hospitals is downright criminal, and Marsden Wagner exposes it all; this is not hype, I see it happening with almost every hospital birth; please, if you are considering birthing in a hospital, read this book, it is an eye-opening expose. And consider having a homebirth, it's very, very safe!
Barns, Sheds and Outbuildings: Plan, Design, Build (Ultimate Guide To...)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • sheds from large to small
  • Top to bottom, inside and out coverage.
  • Provides everything to know bout adding a new barn, shed or garage to a property
Barns, Sheds and Outbuildings: Plan, Design, Build (Ultimate Guide To...)
John D. Wagner , and Clayton DeKorne
Manufacturer: Creative Homeowner
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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  1. How to Build Small Barns & Outbuildings How to Build Small Barns & Outbuildings
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  3. Small Barn Plans for Owner-Builders Small Barn Plans for Owner-Builders
  4. Practical Pole Building Construction: With Plans for Barns, Cabins, & Outbuildings Practical Pole Building Construction: With Plans for Barns, Cabins, & Outbuildings
  5. Building a Shed: Siting and Planning a Shed, Building Shed Foundations, Adding Custom Details (Build Like a Pro Series) Building a Shed: Siting and Planning a Shed, Building Shed Foundations, Adding Custom Details (Build Like a Pro Series)

ASIN: 1580112366

Book Description

barns, sheds outbuildings Plan - Design - Build Written with the do-it-yourselfer in mind, Barns, Sheds Outbuildings gives readers the information they need to plan, build, and finish a utility building. This revised and expanded edition presents a variety of buildings, from the simplest garden shed to a huge gambrel dairy barn, to even a backyard artist's studio. Part One begins with design and planning information to help potential builders locate their building, decide on its design, and decode architectural plans and building codes. Individual chapters detail the basics: building foundations, framing walls and roofs, closing in the framing-which includes all types of roofing- and siding--and window installation. Other chapters cover the basic wiring and plumbing needs of barns, as well as options for interior and exterior finish work. Part Two presents 12 design concepts with photographs and detail views of various buildings that readers can build. - Over 900 photos and illustrations on building barns,sheds, and garages - Previous edition sold over 100,000 copies to date - Clear, step-by-step photo sequences on buildingfoundations, framing, and roofing - A guide to finishing the interior of the buildings,including electrical, plumbing, and storage - Design concepts for 12 projects, including barns,sheds, garages, and an artist's studio - Comprehensive index and glossary

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars sheds from large to small.......2007-10-02

this is a good book for learning how to build from a small shed on your property to a barn. gives you all the information and materials.

5 out of 5 stars Top to bottom, inside and out coverage........2007-06-19

This book comprehensively covers all aspects of building a barn, shed or outbuilding yourself; it would also help someone who was planning on having one built for them. It covers everything from top to bottom and inside and out: siting, foundation, framing, roofing, weatherproofing, finishing, electrical and plumbing. It is easy to read and the illustrations are instructive, not merely decoration. Since many of the techniques are used in homebuilding, the book would be of interest to home owners as well.

5 out of 5 stars Provides everything to know bout adding a new barn, shed or garage to a property.......2005-09-05

Co-authors John D. Wagner and Clayton DeKorne's Barns, Sheds And Outbuildings: Plan, Design, Build provides everything to know bout adding a new barn, shed or garage to a property. Over 800 photos and illustrations aid in the process, from choosing an appropriate design for needs and placement to step-by-step photos of the actual construction process. Competing titles focus on options more than construction techniques and tips.
Christianity for Dummies
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • The Author
  • Too Biased
  • Should be called "Fundamentalist Christianity for Dummies"
  • Good Book
  • I thought the "for dummies" part was just a gimmick
Christianity for Dummies
Richard J. Wagner
Manufacturer: John Wiley & Sons
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

GeneralGeneral | Christian Living | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Theology | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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  5. Christian Prayer for Dummies Christian Prayer for Dummies

ASIN: 0764544829

Book Description

Get to know the beliefs and practices inspired by Jesus Christ

Discover what it means to be a Christian and follow the gospel

Curious about Christianity? This friendly guide helps you understand the basic teachings of the Christian faith, exploring the common ground that all Christians share, the differences among the major branches, the key events in Christian history, the key theological issues, and the many ways Christians live out their faith in today's world.

The Dummies Way
* Explanations in plain English
* "Get in, get out" information
* Icons and other navigational aids
* Tear-out cheat sheet
* Top ten lists
* A dash of humor and fun

Discover how to:
* Express the core essentials of Christianity
* Appreciate the life and teachings of Jesus
* Understand why the Bible is central to the faith
* Respect the unique roles of the Trinity
* Explore controversial issues among the branches

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The Author.......2007-03-25

I just thought I should make some clarification concerning the issue of "fundamentalism" and "bias". As I note in the book's introduction, "Christianity" sounds like a generic enough word to define, but even this term can mean radically different things to different people both inside and outside of the Christian Church. Therefore, when I speak of Christianity, keep in mind that I am using the term in three respects:

(1) "Mere" Christianity. Christian author C.S. Lewis used the term "mere Christianity" to describe the core essentials of the Christian faith that any believer, regardless of their background, could agree to. Christianity For Dummies focuses on this common ground across the Christian Church, be it Protestant, Catholic, or Orthodox. However, many important differences of belief do exist among these branches of the Church that can't be swept under the table. So when there is disagreement on a given topic, I attempt to point out these differences along the way.

(2) "Historical" Christianity. When I refer to "Christianity", I speak of Christian beliefs that have historically been upheld by the Church for some 2,000 years, not the latest fashionable flavor of Christian teaching that may be in vogue for the moment.

(3) "Biblical" Christianity. Christians have always maintained that the Bible is the literal, inspired, and authoritative written word of God. Following in this mold, this book will consider the Bible as being the legitimate "instruction manual" for Christians and "bottom line" for matters pertaining to the Christian faith.

So, rather than being "fundamentalist" and "narrow", I am simply embracing the orthodox historical/biblical teachings of the Christian faith that have been affirmed since the early New Testament church.

Finally, concerning the issue of bias, any author brings to a book his or her background, experiences, and a given set of beliefs. From the outset, I make it clear in the introduction that I am what could be described as an evangelical Protestant believer. However, my overriding goal for the book was to be unbiased, fair, and respectful towards all branches of the orthodox Christian Church (Protestantism, Catholicism, and Eastern Orthodox).

I hope these points help to clarify some matters raised in a couple earlier reviews.

Rich Wagner, Author

2 out of 5 stars Too Biased.......2006-09-12

I am not a christian, and bought this book to learn more about the faith. Although this book does provide a basic outline of christian beliefs, the author lets his personal bias slip into his writing much too often. There are numerous passages where he says something to the effect of "many christians believe this, but it doesnt make any sense". So if you want a fair and unbiased book outlining christian beliefs, I would recomend that you look elsewhere.

2 out of 5 stars Should be called "Fundamentalist Christianity for Dummies".......2006-04-05

Having been raised a christian, I was suprised by what I read in this book. Several times I asked myself "you mean christians believe that?" The author assumes that fundamentalism is mainstream christianity and occasionally throws in some information about Catholicism, Orthodox religions and non fundamentalist religions almost as an aside. Very one sided and disappointing. There must be something better out there.

5 out of 5 stars Good Book.......2006-03-20

I'm a Christian and this book tells many facts about christianity. I read about a third of the book and i find it very useful to build faith. even if u r not a Christian, u can just learn about it. also, it answers a lot of life problems.

1 out of 5 stars I thought the "for dummies" part was just a gimmick.......2005-08-25

Rather than being a well organized explanation of what Christianity is and of what Christians believe, this book is a rationalization of Christian faith that anyone with even rudimentary critical reading skills can dissect. The increasingly stupid analogies and pop-culture references combine to make the condescension unbearable. This book truly is for dummies.
Marriott's Practical Electrocardiography (Marriott's Practical Electrocardiography (Wagner))
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Sad
  • The Standard Text
  • Still a work in progress
  • This is easy to understand
  • Marriott's Practical Electrocardiography
Marriott's Practical Electrocardiography (Marriott's Practical Electrocardiography (Wagner))
Galen S. Wagner , and Henry J. L. Marriott
Manufacturer: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

CardiovascularCardiovascular | Diseases | Medicine | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0683307460

Book Description

For over four decades the Marriott name has been a synonym for quality education in electrocardiography. As Practical Electrocardiography's new author, Galen Wagner proved a worthy successor to Barney Marriott with an innovative Ninth Edition of this classic text. The new Tenth Edition features two-color ECGs so readers can see ECG strips as they appear in clinical practice. Extensive updates to chapters on ischemia and infarction provide a current view of these critical areas. The text is revised with more consistent terminology, and a complete approach to the topic that gives the reader a better understanding of electrocardiography in today's medicine.

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars Sad.......2002-11-14

Unfortunately we lost Dr. Merroitt. G. Wagner has stepped up and authored the ninth edition of Practical electrocardiography. The book hits the basics - THere are a plethorea of books addressing the basics. Historically I would turn to Marriott (or Leo Schameroff - no longer in print) for help with the in depth analysis. The 9th edition falls short - giving narrative examples and referrencing non existent ecg strips - This book is missing several examples of ECG tracings and is a sad tribute to a great electrocardiographer, may he rest in peace.

5 out of 5 stars The Standard Text.......2002-07-11

Given that electrocardiography is a difficult subject to begin to understand, Wagner has continued the excellent work of Dr. Marriott by updating and expanding on the classic text.

3 out of 5 stars Still a work in progress.......2002-02-18

This book starts with a great foundation, but sadly does very little beyond that. This edition, like the 9th, does provide useful material, even if it is recycled. But, it does little to capture the attention of the reader and hold it throughout the text. Readers of 8th and earlier editions will be disappointed at the readability. Beginners might be better served by passing over this text and trying to bribe someone into selling their 8th edition. The last by Marriott himself, standing the test of time!

3 out of 5 stars This is easy to understand.......2001-03-01

Recenty I have gotten this.This is easy to understand ! But I have just found many misprints, particulary there are cases that descriptions may be inconsistent with figures. I hope that these inconsistency would have been corrected in tenth edition.

5 out of 5 stars Marriott's Practical Electrocardiography.......2000-03-27

This is the gold standard for ECG interpretation. It is THE starting point for beginners. No better resource exists for seasoned practitioners.
The Ask: How to Ask Anyone for Any Amount for Any Purpose
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • The Ask
  • A much needed book to aid in the process of training volunteers in the fundraising process.
  • Not Just for Big $$$
The Ask: How to Ask Anyone for Any Amount for Any Purpose
Laura Fredricks
Manufacturer: Jossey-Bass
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

GeneralGeneral | Popular Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0787978566

Book Description

The Ask is a complete resource for teaching anyone—experienced in fundraising or not—how to ask individuals, in person, for a contribution to for a local nonprofit or a special event or community project, an enhanced annual gift, a major or planned gift, or a challenging capital campaign gift. Written by fundraising expert Laura Fredricks, The Ask shows what it takes to prepare yourself and others to make an effective ask and includes over one hundred sample dialogues you can use and adapt. Step by step, the book reveals how to listen, what to say, and how to follow up on each and every ask until you receive a solid and definitive answer. In addition, The Ask covers such topics as how to

Download Description

The Ask is a complete resource for teaching anyone experienced in fundraising or not how to ask individuals, in person, for a contribution to for a local nonprofit or a special event or community project, an enhanced annual gift, a major or planned gift, or a challenging capital campaign gift. Written by fundraising expert Laura Fredricks, The Ask shows what it takes to prepare yourself and others to make an effective ask and includes over one hundred sample dialogues you can use and adapt. Step by step, the book reveals how to listen, what to say, and how to follow up on each and every ask until you receive a solid and definitive answer. In addition, The Ask covers such topics as how to Examine your views on money before making an ask Learn the ins and outs of asking for money Work with others to make an ask Determine if you should or should not ask a friend, colleague, or peer for money Figure out how many asks you can do given your time constraints Deal effectively with all the responses you will get to an ask

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars The Ask.......2007-03-09

I find this book to be very detailed and specific, giving useful examples of how to exercise the theories of fundraising covered in the book.

However, the book is extremely America-centric. Most other countries have not caught up to America in the field of philanthropy. For this reason many of the recommendations cannot be adopted or need to be scaled down for Australian fundraisers.

5 out of 5 stars A much needed book to aid in the process of training volunteers in the fundraising process........2006-09-14

Asking (soliciting) people for money can be a stressful or challenging endeavor. But, you know, so is just about everything we do the first time. And how do we learn to do something the first time? Someone teaches us either verbally or by way of writing a book. This book does a wonderful job of explaining "The Ask" part of not-for-profit fundraising in its 10 chapters:

1. Soliciting Money Usually Causes Jitters
2. Prospect Research and Evaluating a Prospective Donor for Gift-Giving Readiness
3. Who Should Do the Ask?
4. How to Prepare for an Ask
5. Asking for Non-Major Gifts
6. Asking for Major Gifts in Annual Campaign Setting
7. Asking for Planned Gifts (Deferred Gifts)
8. Asking for Major Gifts in Capital Campaign Setting
9. How to Respond to Prospective Donor after Making the Ask
10. Follow-Up for Each Ask

The author is certainly qualified to write the book. She has a number of years experience working in a major gift setting for a well established university in New York. It surprised me when I stumbled across this book in the bookstore that there was enough material on the subject to actually write this book. But apparently there is more than enough to talk about on the subject. I probably would have titled the book "Soliciting Major Gifts" instead of The Ask. But then I would not have included Chapter 5 either.

Let's face it, face-to-face gift solicitation is predominantly a major gift thing. There might be some face-to-face gift solicitation of donors for sizeable (but not major) gifts, but for the most part that is the exception not the rule. Major gifts as I know them are $10,000 and up. Many are six figures! Now that is something to get jittery over.

I would have liked the book better if it had not been as wordy as it was. Instead of providing the chapter titles in this review as they were written in the book I changed them a bit. I think my titles explain the contents of the book better. I also found the list of TEN (10) basic categories of responses to an ask included in the book to be way too long. I'm familiar with there being just four: (1) Yes I will give, (2) No I won't give, (3) That's too much, and (4) Let me think about it and get back to you. And there was some overlap of "guiding principles" included at page 213 of the book - so I think there could have been fewer principles included in that list.

I have a feeling this book will get its most use from board members of nonprofits and leadership teams heading up capital campaigns at nonprofits. It is my understanding that most people involved in major gift solicitations at the big nonprofits (schools and hospitals) already have a system in place for helping major gift solicitors feel at ease doing an ask and doing it well. In fact, this book is probably a public version of one of those schools' in-house guides. 5 stars!

5 out of 5 stars Not Just for Big $$$.......2006-02-11

One of the best things about The Ask is it is not just about major gifts. Fredricks outlines how to seek donations for special events (auctions, luncheons, golf tournaments)and the annual fund as well as major and planned gifts and capital gifts. She also guides the reader through overcoming personal factors in money that can make a person hesitate or even indefinitely postpone an ask. She directs "the asker" to consider the prospect's views on money before asking, too. There is also an outline of the "essential elements" for any kind of ask from which both novice and experienced askers can benefit. This is one of the best of its type around!

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