Book Description
Ready to turn your Jeep Cherokee XJ into a trail-worthy machine? Why not? With two available 4-wheel-drive systems, solid axles front and rear, and a torquey 4.0-liter straight 6, the Cherokee is a very capable machine, especially when it's modified the right way. This book isn't about cutting apart your Cherokee to build an over-the-top, off-road-only rock crawler (though you can take it there), and it isn't about building a jacked-up, chrome-covered show rig either. This book is about building a useful, capable Cherokee for mountains, the mud, the desert, the street, and everywhere in between. With the modifications explained on these pages, your Cherokee can take you and yours just about everywhere you want to go - and get you back safely. Author Eric Zappe explains how to upgrade your Cherokee's suspension, axles, differentials, engine, transfer case, wheels and tires, skid plates, and more, using aftermarket and salvage yard upgrades. Zappe even has special sections covering basic driving and recovery techniques, and a number of built-up Jeeps to give you ideas for your own Cherokee. Also included is a detailed account of a group of XJs making a run through the famous Rubicon trail.
Customer Reviews:
Must have for Cherokee(XJ) Owner.......2007-10-05
Must have for all Jeep Cherokee(XJ) Owner who want to build up his/her rig.
Price is cheap for the amount of informations and photographs that are included in this easy to read layout.
a must have for an xj enthusiast.......2007-08-07
easy and pleasant to read. covers all basic modifications and improvements for off road use . gives a lot of information for the changes of the model through the years so very help full for someone who intents to buy an xj to know what to look for , but also for the owner to know the weak and the strong points of his jeep. you will read it more than once. inspirational and motivating.
Good buy.......2007-07-14
If you are looking for a book that tells you how to do things, then you will have to keep looking. This book is about the why's and what upgrades you'll want or need as it relates to off-roading.
That was exactly what I was looking for when I ordered the book. Advice about engine choices, suspension lifts, and is my current axle enough for what I want to do. All of the questions I had about building my XJ were answered. Eric has even answered the questions I didn't realized I should have asked. (Such as, Do I want to upgrade to disk brakes? uh.. yes)
Hubby loves it.......2007-07-09
My husband loves this guide! It has belped him get his jucky eye sore of a Jeep to actually to move. :-)
Enjoyable read........2007-03-25
This is grate book for beginners. Give a cross explanation for all XJ upgrades.
a good book to have.
I enjoy reading it.
Book Description
The ultimate high performance guide for 911S owners.
This hands-on book. offers step-by-step guidance for rebuilding the engine, chassis, suspension, brakes, body and interior, for maximum street and road racing performance.
Customer Reviews:
A great source of practical info.......2007-01-10
One of the best books in print on modifying a 911 for performance driving. A good fun read too. A great collection of practical info, leasons learned and project details. If you've ever considered building a 911 track car, you must get this book.
Great Porsche Book.......2006-09-11
This book is a must read for anyone who owns or even just admires an early, mid, or late year 911 and enjoys its performance.
Simply stated; the writing is engaging, the story is irresistible, and the information is priceless. Rossi could be anyone of us Porsche fans- except he has gone through this and is an excellent writer.
Rossi details his thirty year history with a 1970 911S bought in 1978. Making it safe, rebuilding a worn engine, then neglect. Back on the street after cleaning it up with a brake and suspension rebuild, a repaint and fun track events. Then he details an incredible transformation to a Club Racer with new engine, brakes, tranny, aerodynamic and lightweight parts, coil-over suspension and safety gear. Along the way we learn what he learned about the car and the best way to modify it into what he wanted and could afford. Rossi frequently reminds us that driving skill and practice are the best opportunity to improve a car's track performance.
I would have liked more data on how long the various phases and steps too, as well as some price information (must have been a bundle). Interior pictures are B&W, but the photos are interesting and very clear.
Buy or borrow this book - it is a great read.
Book Description
A virtuoso work of narrative history about two societies whose relationship is of urgent interest today
The High Road to China traces two extraordinary journeys across some of the harshest and highest terrain in the world: the first British mission to Tibet, and the Panchen Lama’s state visit to China to mark the emperor’s seventieth birthday.
In the late eighteenth century, with its empire expanding, the British sought a commercial opening to China, which was closed to outsiders; and they saw a possible advocate with Peking in the Panchen Lama, the spiritual leader of the Buddhist people of Tibet. The British envoy, a young Scot named George Bogle, sought an opening to China through negotiations with the Panchen Lama’s envoy, a Hindu monk and trader, and then through the incarnate deity himself. All the while, he kept a journal, in prose that is by turns playful, self-deprecating, grandiose, and shrewd, and through his words Kate Teltscher makes this meeting of two worlds palpably real to the reader. The High Road to China brings the pleasures of narrative history to bear on a crucial turning point in history, one whose effects are still being felt.
Customer Reviews:
Great cominbation of biography and research.......2007-07-18
The author, Kate Teltscher, is a professor at the University of London. In The High Road To China, she weaves the personal story of George Bogle, a civil servant with the East India Compnay, with the politics of the time. It is a compelling personal story. You feel you know the characters of history. Yet, the book is exceptionally well-researched. (The bibliography runs several pages). If you get past the difficult to pronounce names and places, you will enjoy this book.
Unique: More Than a Travel Book.......2007-07-05
This book gives a close look at 18th century diplomacy and travel in India, China and Tibet. The reader also comes to understand the relations of China and Tibet at this time.
Bogle and the 3rd Panchen Lama appear to be exceptional. Both take big chances to learn about each other's culture. The descriptions of Bogle's travel, and later the Lama's are wonderful. They share so much in life and death.
The reader gets a glimpse of the office politics of trading companies which operated as mini-governments and how they enforced their taxing powers. Something is learned about the families of the principals and their expat lives.
The story occurs as the American colonies are threatening the mother country. The impact of this on the thinking of these Brits abroad is covered. Interestingly, as George Bogle is making his journey, Capt. Cook was also traveling and discovering in the Pacific Ocean. The 1770's were a really busy time for the British Empire.
Trade Mission.......2007-04-07
A nice telling of the story of a likeable and tolerant representative of the British in India in the late 1700s as he seeks to establish first trade links with Tibet, in the remote north. The ultimate goal being an overland approach and entry to the closed capital of the Middle Kingdom.
Recommended especially for those with an interest in old Tibet; the commercial trading interests of the Raj; and/or, in need of background knowledge to the question of why present day China claims the right to exert political control over the still isolated high mountain area once ruled by Lamas.
Average customer rating:
- Terrible just terrible.
- A Bolo Book by the letter of the law, not the spirit
- What to do, what to do?
- cute cover, serious book
- Back to the Laumer style
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The Road to Damascus (The Bolo Series)
John Ringo , and
Linda Evans
Manufacturer: Baen
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
 Evans, Linda
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Old Soldiers
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Bolo! (The Bolo Series)
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Bolos II: The Unconquerable (Bolos, Book 2)
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Honor of the Regiment: Bolos 1 (Bolos)
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Bolo Brigade
ASIN: 0743499166 |
Book Description
When a ruthless political regime seizes power on a world struggling to recover from alien invasion, a former war hero finds herself leading a desperate band of freedom fighters. Kafari Khrustinova, who fought Deng infantry from farmhouses and barns, finds herself struggling to free her homeworld from an unholy political alliance, headed by the charismatic and ambitious Vittori Santorini, which has seduced her young daughter with its propaganda and subverted the planet's Bolo, using the war machine to crush all political opposition. To free her homeworld, Kafari must somehow cripple or kill the Bolo she once called friend. Unit SOL-0045, "Sonny," is a Mark XX Bolo, self-aware and intelligent. When Sonny's human commander is forced off-world, Sonny tries to navigate his way through ambiguous moral and legal issues, sinking into deep confusion and electronic misery. He eventually faces a dark night of the soul, with no guarantee that he will understand-let alone make-the right decision. And caught in the middle of this volatile battlefield is Yalena Khrustinova, Kafari's young daughter. Will she open her eyes in time to save herself-and millions of innocents-or will Santorini's relentless brainwashing campaign continue to blind her while the tyrant engineers the ultimate destruction of a helpless and enslaved population?
Customer Reviews:
Terrible just terrible........2006-09-29
I kept hoping for the Deng or Malconinas or Klingons or someone to blast this loser planet out of existence. The `good guy' oppressed minority is a group called Grangers. With the smoke still billowing after an attack - after paying lip service to how terrible war is they quickly gets down to serious matters - insuring their profit margins are kept healthy. Inspiring selfless patriots all.
The evil aliens races are more clever than the human's. Rather than waste bombs bombing the humans back into the Stone Age, all they have to do is keep clear. See the government than comes to power is determined to drive themselves back into the Stone Age. They don't need any outside help, thank you very much.
The Bolo holds out the longest, but even it turns hopelessly silly. When under attack it observes that the explosion ripped "my port-side threads to confetti." A precision killing machine thinks that to itself? Sadly I'm not kidding. However I'm happy to report that my copy of this stink-bomb shared the same fate as SOL-0045 port-side threads.
A Bolo Book by the letter of the law, not the spirit.......2006-09-20
The worst -Bolo- book ever, that being said, I will say it was a well written book. Mr. Ringo and Ms. Evans (not surprising for the latter) had all of the facts, the specifications, the tech and even political situation composed well. Their Mark of Bolo was well chosen, for a higher Mark would definitely not had done what 'Sonny' did. Why then do I say the worse Bolo book written ever? Because beyond all of what a Bolo can and cannot do technically speaking, one thing author after author has maintained is how heroic, honorable, and noble the Bolos are. A sane Bolo does not commit atrocities. Yes, during Operation Ragnarok they shot at civilians, mothers, children, etc., but even in that story, the Bolo admitted they were insane. Here the authors had the Bolo run over unarmed civilians in a non-combat situation. Bolos have crashed their own systems before doing something they knew was wrong. I admit, I approach the Bolo series because they are heroic AIs, not for the military scifi so much, so that colors my view. If this had just been about an intelligent tank in a changing political situation, I would have given this book four or five stars. It really was an engaging book. It had to be to keep me reading once I felt betrayed by the authors. A wonderful work of revolutionary war, and detailed the fall of a benigh government to a totalitarian one. The political messages were loud and clear. Though I wonder what other messages the authors were sending when they killed off two characters -just- when they realized they realized the truth. The running over of the two teenage girls by the Bolo I think sends the wrong message for a book that was stuffed full of hit-over-the-head political messages. It added to one character's resolve certainly, and the horror of the situation, but unnecessary and counter to even the cover art (and later on in the story), with the Bolo stopping when a child stood in its way. Ringo fans should enjoy this book if this is how he writes normally. I was surprised to find Linda Evans part of this, as I love her earlier works with Bolos (her Bolos didn't commit atrocities). While I might pick up another Ringo book, I will not if he's writing another Bolo book. For Bolo fans, you may just wish to avoid this book, its a shame its part of the Bolo canon, a travesty to Bolo books that came before it, but thankfully not the last Bolo book.
What to do, what to do?.......2006-04-23
SOL-0045, a Bolo Mark XX, was loaned out by the Concordiat to the planet of Jefferson to help defend against any attacks by the Deng as a three sided war rages across millions of light years of space between the Dinochrome Brigade and the advancing Melkonians and the losing Deng. After helping defeat a Deng invasion SOL finds himself under the control of a brutal, power hungry, government that plans to use him to crush all who get in their way. And as the legal government he HAS to obey.
Or does he? As the civil war grows, the Bolo has to find a way to escape the trap, the trap of duty and ethics. After all, Bolos were programmed to obey humans but they were also built to protect humans.
At 757 pages, this book is a tad longer than it needed to be and has just a tad too much in the way of politics. Also the Bolo felt a tad too human.
cute cover, serious book.......2006-01-01
This was a good collaboration for John Ringo and Linda Evans. It flowed smoothly and successfully. I felt really stupid when I finally "got" the title of the book - at the 4/5ths point of the book. The Bolo is totally cool and the people were interesting.
Back to the Laumer style.......2005-09-14
This edition of the Bolo series really took me back to the original Laumer Bolo books in that a new type of threat is addressed by a humble Bolo with (of course) the best of intentions yet self-acknowledged outdated ability. This book is written to generate some of the *feelings* of the original books that have sadly been sacrificed for intriguing strategies, tactics, and plot development in recent releases.
While not the greatest book in the series, it certainly has its share of new concepts and addresses human socio-political issues parallel to Heinlein's Starship Troopers (the book, not the movie). It's my favorite Bolo book in recent years, partly because we are again exposed to the Bolo's thought processes and personal struggles, which often make for half the importance of a Bolo story.
Customer Reviews:
More like 4.5 stars........2007-05-26
I would give the plot a 4, and the artwork a 5. As a previous reviewer put it, it plays out like an Indiana Jones serial, and there's a good blend of just about everything (except romance?). The characters are certainly enjoyable, and the artwork is top-notch.
Why Aren't You Reading This?.......2005-10-24
How this book flew under the nation's radar---I'll ever know. Furthermore it's discouraging as hell because it only goes to prove that great work so often goes unrecognized.
This book plays out like a Spielberg movie from page one. Very Spielbergian because of it's perfect blend of adventure, romance and humor. The characters are dynamic and interesting as hell.
The storyline is straight out of an Indiana Jones serial, and it keeps building until you're reading as fast as you possibly can just to see what happens.
The art work is astounding. These are the coolest-looking heroes, sexiest women, and the most powerful looking baddies I've ever seen penciled in my life.
It's just a shame that this book isn't getting the buzz that crap like "Ultimate Spider-Man" is getting---because in all reality this is the best graphic novel on the shelves right now---and could easily be the film adaptation that could return Steven Spielberg to greatness.
For once in a very long time...I'm truly blown away.
Book Description
The seer Alaundo prophesied that seven scourges would sweep Cormyr way in ruin. For centuries the royal family has stood watch against that day and devoted their lives to the protection of the realm.
But in a time when their ancient guardians slumber and their most loyal servants disappear, when a terrible evil prepares to sweep down upon their home --
Who will protect the royal family?
Customer Reviews:
High Treason to the Crown! .......2007-02-11
This is not a bad novel, just below mediocre. I was cautious when I noticed that Troy Denning penned the novel singlehandedly. He is now the official "butcher" of the Forgotten Realms and I will never read anything by him again. Obviously Wizards of the Coast assumed him capable to take control of the beloved fantasy kingdom of Cormyr. Big mistake!!!
The novel starts off rather good, then slows to a sluggish dirge. The princesses, Tanalasta and Alusair are handled very poorly. The former a bratty whiner and Alusair, a masculine hothead who, in past novels was a little more sensitive. Even the Queen Filfaeril is treated like a victimized cardboard stand-in. True, the royal family has not been perfect in the past, but this is not the best solution for the present. Mr. Denning could be perceived as a male chauvinist in this context. Vangerdahast is utterly contrived, humorless and unlikeable. His other appearances were not like this. King Azoun the IV is supposed to be the star, ends up taking the backseat to his daughters. The ghazneths are not the best examples of fell beast to introduce so late in the story line. The reasoning is not fully explained as to what they even are...
I understand there was a proposed plot he was working, from a contracted model for this storyline, leading up to the sequel "Death of the Dragon". This doesn't not mean one has to sacrifice creativity here. Ed Greenwood created this world, it should not wander too far from his original vision. Fortunately he co-wrote the sequel, that I will read. He at least gives the Realms humor and life. What happens in these novels should not be mechanical or contingent upon a roll of the dice. This medium should be rewarded with a bestseller status, not advances up front from the publisher. Good fantasy comes from the heart and imagination, not from greedy authors who have niether! Troy Denning needs to go back to creative writing class or contracted to someone else's setting...beware Star Wars fans!
A stultifying mess.......2006-11-04
I usually enjoy Troy Denning's Forgotten Realms books, but this one is a mess. First, my copy of the book gives absolutely no indication that it is the second part of a trilogy. A few dozen pages in, I was very confused at the mention of crucial events that I only had vague memories of, having read part one several years ago.
This book starts out slow, then it gets slower. The entire first half of the book is a mind-numbingly boring exploration of Cormyrian politics between King Azoun, various noble families, his 30-something daughter and Vangerdahast, the walking cliche who acts as royal wizard. Nothing happens. Plot elements are introduced willy nilly - some kind of blight is affecting crops throughout the land; the king's other daughter hasn't returned from some kind of quest or mission or something; there's some kind of elaborate intrigue that involves the king and queen, Vangerdahast and trying to get the king's daughter and heir to the throne to marry a noble and produce a heir of her own, but it's so boring and confused that I have no idea who wants what; the daughter humiliates some noble she was supposed to be engaged to, possibly because she had some kind of religious vision and wants to open a temple, and doesn't want to be queen.
Finally, the action starts, but things don't get much better. Everything seems disconnected and confused. The main characters are suddenly off running around the wilderness chasing each other, running into the bad guys (orcs and some kind of demon creatures called Ghazneths). The Ghazneths are cool and are occasionally used to good effect, such as when one of them captures the queen and submits her to his lewd and lurid delusions, and the strange madness that affects anyone in their presence, but Denning fails to exploit them to full effect. Instead of creepy, disturbing creatures, he just uses them as invincible war machines, almost as boring as Cormyrian politics. I think the Ghazneths are all unique, each one with its own physical traits, but I'm not sure because Denning only describes two of them. The rest are just weapons hurling themselves around in pointless battle scenes.
More plot elements are tossed into the mix (meanwhile, many of the previous ones have never been mentioned again). There's some kind of mud fortress that appears in a swamp; Vangerdahast leads an assault on it, though I have no idea why; there's a lame romance subplot complete with a fairly graphic love scene that seemed inappropriate; there's something about ancient elven runes and Cormyrian ancestors turning into Ghazneths; and a foolish ongoing conflict between Vangerdahast and a priest.
I wish I hadn't wasted my time reading this.
History can hurt you.......2000-06-16
Cormyr, Faerûns forest kingdom, steeped in lore and pride. Long has it stood against the shadows of evil, a bastion of hope against the evils of the world. But, how is one to battle a shroud of evil from within, forged by the nation itself over its long and storied history? A year has passed since King Azoun IV lay awaiting death, incapacitated by an assassin's plot. Cormyr has survived the near loss of her king, but untold evils lie awaiting their opportunity to devour the lands unaware of the danger.
"Beyond the High Road" is the second in the, thus far, marvelous Cormyr Saga. The first title, "Cormyr: a Novel" by Greenwood and Grubb, functioned as a stand-alone title, this title does not. In no way does that diminish its value, or its success as a novel. That is not to say it requires you to read the precursor, but doing so will only serve to enhance the plot and the depth to the characters, whereas it will become vitally important to obtain and read the following title. In regards to the author, oft times Mr. Denning has been accused of "not doing his homework" when it came to realms consistency-the prime example being a Shou Embassy in Elversult-nevertheless, he's done his research for this title. His handling of the characters, and their personal voice and ambiance are seamless with previous works. His handling of such renowned characters as: King Azoun IV, both of his daughters, and especially Vangerdahast, is wonderful. This is without a doubt his finest realms work to date, and not to be missed.
Further, Tanalasta the much-maligned crown princess is handled extremely well. I cannot in good truth say I like her in the slightest, or that I wish her upon the Cormyte people; but she is handled with a consistency befitting her personality, and past representations. It is true, as another reviewer stated, I wouldn't mind her death, but she is the least of my worries as I look forward to the third act in this saga, this August's "Death of the Dragon" by Ed Greenwood and Troy Denning. The last chapters of this book leave me with many questions unanswered, but I do not feel jaded, as though the answers are not forthcoming. Moreover, if you have waited until now to read this book I envy you even more. If you are an avid reader of all things Faerûnian, or merely a fan of fantasy fiction, you will enjoy this title (along with the predecessor), I urge you to order them now, you will not regret it.
forgotten realms: beyond the high road.......2000-03-06
Great book the first 200 houndred pages but quickly got bogged down and way to predictabe just wish tanalasta character would eighter grow up and stop getting so many other people killed around her or she woould die (horrieable perfered)yea kill her off and her sister and you just might have something here hope to it happen in the nest book
Beyond the next page.......2000-02-29
If you need closure to a book, you might want to wait for the sequel and buy both at the same time. This is just an appetizer, the main course is to come. Tanalasta has improved since Cormyr the novel. She is driven and focused now. The creatures were vivid and chilling. I didn't put it down till the end and can't wait for the sequel!
Book Description
With The Integrity Advantage, Adrian Gostick and Dana Telford establish a burning platform-that personal integrity is a proven competitive advantage in business. Prominent business leaders from some of North America's most respected companies-including Don Graham of the Washington Post, former Johnson & Johnson CEO James Burke, and Hank Paulson, Jr. of Goldman Sachs-discuss the role integrity has played in their successes, and offer examples of the importance of integrity in business today. Not merely a collection of essays, the authors also share an effective system of decision-making designed to help anyone implement integrity into every action. The importance of trust and credibility within business relationships is examined and discussed, as Telford and Gostick illustrate how to juggle wealth, power, and responsibility-and be a person of character. Given the recent uncertainty fostered by questionable corporate tactics, however, now is the time to examine what role integrity actually plays in business today, and whether employees are naturally compelled to practice these values-particularly when the leaders they follow lack integrity in their own professional behavior. Dana Telford holds an MBA from Harvard University and has advised business leaders in the consumer banking, healthcare, publishing, retail, manufacturing, and real estate industries. He has developed and implemented strategies for client companies based all over the world. He lives in Morgan, Utah. Adrian Gostick is director of marketing and corporate communications with the O.C. Tanner Recognition Company. His previous books include Managing with Carrots and The 24-Carrot Manager, co-authored with Chester Elton. He lives in Salt Lake City.
Customer Reviews:
Social Resp & Profit Motive, mutually exclusive?.......2004-04-28
Over the last few years, corporate performance has taken a back seat to corporate governance. With every scandal that rocks Wall Street; Enron, Adelphia, Anderson, and WorldCom to name a few, issues like ethics, morals and social responsibility are plastered on the top of the fold of rags ranging from the NY Times to the Morgan City Daily Review. Through interviews with some of the world's most respected CEO's, Adrian Gostick and Dana Telford's book "The Integrity Advantage" sheds an interesting perspective of corporate integrity and how this integrity, in fact, is truly a competitive advantage. The authors describe ten characteristics that are consistently displayed by people with integrity. Although none of these are compelling and shed new light on integrity, the authors emphasize the importance through the experience of the CEO's and demonstrate how incremental improvements in each one develops the reader's decision making enhancing their own reputation of integrity. It would seem, on the surface that integrity is an easy concept to understand and apply. However, the NIKE example speaks to how this is not the case. Although conceptually we can grasp integrity and how this may, in fact, be a competitive advantage, what the book does not address is how it fits within the construct of social responsibility. In other words, is integrity as described in the book, aligned with Milton Friedman and Elaine Sternberg's view of corporate responsibility? Or does it follow the framework put forth by Elizabeth Anderson and R. Edward Freeman? I am inclined to believe the spirit of the book falls somewhere in the middle. The book quotes some of the most successful smartest CEO's in the world. And although social responsibility and certainly integrity are of primary concern, each one of these individuals has a profit motive for being in business. Otherwise, they would be heading up a nonprofit organization. It seems to me these two, integrity and having a profit motive should not be mutually exclusive. Although as Friedman states, social responsibility as a motivating factor in decision making is in fact taxing the shareholders of whom you have a fiduciary responsibility to act in their best interest. As Sternberg states, you have to be able to differentiate between business and other institutions. There should be a distinct line, roadmap if you will, to address both, but make no doubt that the business is the first and foremost responsibility of the executive. That said, there is something to be said of Anderson's and to some degree Freeman's views of social responsibility. The corporation should consider and behave in a way that considers both benefits and consequences to its stakeholders. This does not mean that it should act to promote the greatest benefit to its stakeholders, in doing so it ignores the aforementioned fiduciary responsibility. In my humble opinion Freeman is wrong, they do not have nor should have legal "requirements" to do so. What should drive their stakeholder responsibility is their personal integrity, which gets us back to the book. One could argue that had Phil Knight, or any other of these executives that have recently fallen from grace, pursued the steps in the book they could have avoided the problems they faced. In the end, integrity is indeed a critical success factor that could be used to leverage the corporation and become a competitive advantage. And integrity along with the profit motive should not be viewed as mutually exclusive. However, one should never forget the responsibility to the shareholder and that this responsibility should serve as guidance with integrity as the cornerstone in every leaders and employees decision making process.
Practical Lessons for Living Your Values.......2003-06-16
If this book had been titled, Leading with Integrity, I would have rated it as four stars. With that title, it's main weakness is in not providing enough advice on "how to" lead with integrity.
While The Integrity Advantage describes some benefits to being a person and an organization of integrity in business or in nonprofits, the evidence in the book is far from overwhelming that integrity is the best way to go. That's unfortunate, because acting with integrity provides many advantages not explicitly described in this book (such as creating positive word of mouth rather than negative word of mouth, attracting customer loyalty that enables you to survive when you make mistakes, involving more stakeholders to help you, and encouraging people to listen to one another and communicate better). Instead, you see some advantages of operating with integrity while being reminded that you'll sleep better at night, even if you make less money. I think a more compelling case can be made than this book does. My guess is that the reason behind this limitation in the book is that only a few executives seem to have been used as sources. I doubt if more than a dozen people are involved with an example, as opposed to a quote.
The best part of the book comes in a list of "What Integrity Looks Like -- Up Close":
"Little Things Count," "Find the White [When Others See Grey]," "You Mess Up, You 'Fess Up," "Create a Culture of Trust," "You Keep Your Word," "You Care about the Greater Good," "You're Honest but Modest," "You Act Like You're Being Watched," "You Hire Integrity," "You Stay the Course." Each part of the list is developed with at least one example from a prominent business leader and some quotes from others. There's also a brief summary at the end of each one.
Another valuable part of the book is in part three where you get tips on how to act on your desire to operate with integrity:
1. Take time to reflect before acting
2. Get ideas from others until you have a good one of what's needed
3. Consider the effects on those who will be affected
4. Start making changes in yourself
Warren Buffett's advice is the best part of this book. He points out that he hires for those with integrity, high intelligence and great energy. But the latter two characteristics don't help if you don't have the first one. I also liked Mitt Romney's example in the foreword of how people with similar values can end up failing if they don't make living their values with integrity a priority. The means count as much as the ends.
After you finish this book, look at the decisions and actions you will probably be called upon to make today. How can you make them with more integrity?
A valuable book of values!.......2003-05-07
If you want to know how some of the most successful businessmen and women integrate integrity into how they hire employees, run their businesses, and guide their lives -- get this book. If you want to know why integrity is a real business asset -- get this book.
With interviews from some of the biggest names in the business world, Telford and Gostick have crafted a simple, effective roadmap to understanding integrity, understanding yourself, and understanding the tremendous power of integrity. Without being self-righteous or preachy, "The Integrity Advantage," provides sound, practical business advice that is needed more today than ever. Whether you're a CEO, a manager, or a manager-to-be, get this book.
Average customer rating:
- Yeah. Too bad.
- End of a terrific fantasy trilogy.
- Not the Best Effort
- Out of Control
- He lost me
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The Shadow Roads: Book Three of the Swans' War (Swans War)
Sean Russell
Manufacturer: Eos
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
Contemporary
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The Isle of Battle (The Swans' War, Book 2)
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The One Kingdom (The Swans' War, Book 1)
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Beneath the Vaulted Hills : The River into Darkness
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The Initiate Brother Book One
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Sea without a Shore (Moontide Magic Rise)
ASIN: 038079229X
Release Date: 2005-09-27 |
Book Description
The savage war between two mighty families has ravaged the kingdom both wish to rule—spawning treachery within the ranks of the Renné and Wills, drawing the brave, the innocent, and the malevolent alike into the bloody conflict. But a far more terrible consequence has arisen from the carnage—for Death himself has been roused from his dread domain . . . and is preparing to walk the world again.
Customer Reviews:
Yeah. Too bad........2007-03-25
I loved The One Kingdom, the first book in this series. The Isle of Battle, however, gave me serious pause. I had hoped that The Shadow Roads would return to the freshness and attraction of the first, but no such luck. Sadly, I have to agree with the reviewer that The Shadow Roads only compounds the mistakes of the second book.
It seems to me that the biggest mistake Russell made was that he could not figure out on which characters he should focus. Part of what made The One Kingdom so nice was that it seemed like the beginning of a nice coming of age story with the focus on Tam and his friends. I was happy with that. The best epic fantasy is all coming of age stories of one sort or another. Unfortunately, in book 2, Russell shifts the focus to the more powerful and eternal figures.
In the third book, he compounds the mistake even further and dilutes the time and attention he gives to the Whist-- easily the most engaging and real of the eternal characters.
Finally, by book three, so many characters are introduced that it is difficult to keep them all straight, let alone care about them. Even though Tam still is given a small role at the end, it is little more than a nod to the fact that he had to be included in order to round out the series.
Like I said, too bad. I'm honestly giving this three stars instead of two because of what it could have been. I would have a difficult time recommending the series.
End of a terrific fantasy trilogy........2006-09-13
A satisfying finale!
This series by Sean Russell is one of the best fantasy reads I've had in ages. It has everything I enjoy in this genre; love, hate, betrayal, friends/enemies in unusual places, unexpected twists and turns and a liberal dose of magic throughout this work. The conclusion to this epic good versus evil struggle ends with a much anticipated and long awaited battle that will, I think, leave most fantasy reader satisfied.(and maybe wishing for more)
What separates this trilogy from so many others is the quality of the prose. Russell writes with an impressive descriptive style and is able to give us a range of characters that go from easily likable to just plain despicable(and lots in between). I found this novel hard to put down and often read late into the night.
The SINGLE negative (and loss of ½ star) for this book (and the entire series) is the fact that there is no map; a map that would have made following the travels of our heroes so much easier and enjoyable.
All in all, a great final installment for this epic fantasy trilogy. Easily recommended for all fantasy lovers. 4 ½ Stars.
Not the Best Effort.......2006-08-09
It was hard for me to believe that the Swan's War books were written by the author of Initiate Brother. The first two books were pleasant and interesting enough that I bought the third, The Shadow Roads." Unfortunately, I found that instead of reading a story about endless war fueled by the weaknesses of human character, as detailed in the first two long novels, I was reading about a supernatural love triangle, which caused endless war as a side effect. The climactic resolution was effected by characters who had less than 10 pages of development out of a thousand, and all of the subplots and story lines were revealed as irrelevant.
If I had not previously read outstanding work by Sean Russell, I would give up on this author.
Out of Control.......2006-07-09
Oh, how good you could have been, dear "Shadow Roads." You could have been awesome. Even after "the Isle of Battle" was a letdown you could have been amazing. Instead, we got everything that made the second novel bad, but twice over. Characters in the group completely disappear in the group yet again, sometimes for pages, and when they do pop up, there is almost no character to them, just a name and dialogue. Even Alaan suffers. The "whist" is so serious and plain in his delivery here that the trickster archetype that so many people love is completely removed. And the other characters didn't have a chance.
Poor Fynnol and Cynddl again. The original group of four worked so well for Russell in the first novel, he never should have expanded it beyond a couple more. Eber, Llya, Rabal, Slighthands, all those characters just never stuck like the first ones.
The other major problem of the second novel also popped up. The "are we close to him or are the others closer?" Which is just boring. It drags the pace down. The same feel can even be found in the Prince Michael part of the story. So often his is just "are we going to get caught? But no we found a hideaway. And another. And another." Argh! Its suppose to be suspenseful but its not because in Russell's world, no one dies really. Or if they do, its very anti-climatic, or they come back to life. Its worse than Jordan with the Forsaken.
The one bright point of this novel is Carrel Wills and Llyn Renne, both of which are very sweet characters. Though at times it gets too sappy with Russell's love of the melodrama. Every scene of these two is good, has been since the beginning, which is why its so bizarre that after the first few chapters they just disappear until the very end of the novel to wrap things up. Yes, they were kind of out of the action, but they could have been more involved. Especially if Torren, Dease, and some of the others would have stayed instead of going off and getting lost in the group of more interesting characters.
Novels are like chess in some ways, you have to put your pieces in the right places and you have to sacrifice some to win. Russell wouldn't sacrifice any and he wouldn't put them where they could have been useful, that was this novel's biggest weakness, and thus, the biggest weakness of what I believe could have been a great High Fantasy series.
Final Thought: Unless you are really into metaphor and melodrama, you probably should stay away from the trilogy.
He lost me.......2006-03-09
To have taken the time to read the first two books, and then to stop reading 1/3 of the way through this one is a huge disappointment to me. The book sat on my nightstand for days and days, untouched, and I finally realized I had given up.
In a lengthier review of The One Kingdom (to which I gave three stars), I said that the reader needs to know what's at stake in order to be drawn in to the story. We didn't learn what was at stake in The One Kingdom until we were well into the story, and I'm absolutely certain that Russell lost readers because of it.
My "at stake" comment applies to this book even more. Suddenly, almost out of nowhere, the stakes change. Death and Time are introduced, and there is an immense fear that Death - a realized character in the second book - will escape and roam the world. Something that nobody wants to happen.
That's when he lost me. It's when he angered me. It's when I stopped reading the book, because I just didn't care anymore. When a writer doesn't let his readers know what's at stake until the last book of a trilogy, he/she has committed an "epic" mistake.
If there was some good stuff in the last two thirds of the book, well, I guess I missed it. But I don't regret it. There are only nine (now ten) reviews for this book. It seems that he lost more than this reader along the way.
Book Description
Jam-packed with scads of hard-to-find street, high-performance and racing information on the Harley-Davidson Big Twin, The Big Twin High-Performance Guide, Volume One is your key to making more power and getting it to the ground.
Choosing compatible performance parts and building the right engine combination can be confusing, difficult and error prone. And getting the combination to perform at its best requires an enormous amount of trial and error. As such, today's performance enthusiast needs a library of reliable information that will help minimize costly and time consuming pitfalls while providing a "performance edge" for accurate parts selection, engine assembly, power tuning and race preparation.
The Big Twin High-Performance Guide is the ultimate resource that you or your mechanic can rely on when searching for higher performance. It is crammed full of performance secrets for getting the most from your engine and bike and will help you not only do things right, but also do the right things. Discussed in incredible detail are different engine combinations, why certain combinations work better than others, and how to choose and install the right combination of parts for big power improvements. The comprehensive text offers expert advice on: performance theories, stroker and big bore engine combinations, big bore carbs, power cams, high compression, high-flow exhausts, and hot ignition systems. Also included are in-depth discussions on engine assembly secrets and performance tuning techniques as well as a list of performance parts suppliers and a chronological history of the V-Twin's heritage. The new sixth edition contains updated Camshaft and Performance Directory appendices.
The Big Twin High-Performance Guide is loaded with over 123,000 words and 216 illustrations of hard-to-find street, high-performance and racing information on the Harley-Davidson Big Twin. It is an easy-to-read manual designed for both the novice performance enthusiast and the serious racer, and its wealth of information will also benefit automotive enthusiasts, vocational school students and avid do-it-yourself engine builders. If you want performance, read The Big Twin High-Performance Guide. You'll find yourself racing to the very last page. It's your "bible" for higher performance.
Customer Reviews:
Best HD performance book I've read yet.......2006-02-22
And probably the best I'll ever find. Denish's coverage is thorough. He explains WHY certain modifications do what they do and the compromises associated with every performance gain. You'll never look at straight pipes the same again. Know that this book doesn't walk you through a build-up. I don't think that was his goal. Rather, you'll learn how to build a balanced system where all components complement the builder's intentions. I held back a star because certain aspects seemed a little too drag-racey.
EXCELLENT !!!.......2003-11-16
I'm pretty thorough when it comes to investigating which books to buy for any given topic. Based on my "research", THIS was my choice for learning more about modifying the Harley V-Twin engine. I couldn't be happier with my selection.
It's well written, easy to comprehend, and offers tons and tons of useful information for the novice who wants to learn more about the performance aspects of the Evo and Shovelhead V-Twins.
It begins with a brief review of the basic 4 stroke principles, then gets into the details of what creates power, then offers various combinations to do so---to meet YOUR bike's purpose and how you intend to ride it.
Do you know what defines a Stage I, II, III motor? At what RPM does torque and horsepower always cross over on a chart? At what RPM is the optimum shift point for YOUR bike's engine?
Buy it and find out! I highly recommend this text !! And, I'm picky !!
Average customer rating:
- Belabors the Obvious, Misses the Elephant in the Room!
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High Noon in the Automotive Industry
Helmut Becker
Manufacturer: Springer
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Time for a Model Change: Re-engineering the Global Automotive Industry
ASIN: 3540258698 |
Book Description
The automotive markets of the industrialized world are saturated. There is no longer any growth for the "growth-minded" automotive industry. This situation is not fundamentally changed by countries like China, India, and Eastern Europe, their markets are too small and develop their own automotive production. As a consequence, automotive industry sees a cutthroat competition, leading to an explosion of new models and rebates. This book offers an impressive analysis and gives a sound forecast for the global automotive industry in the next ten years. Expecially, the book offers a thorough analysis of the 11 big automotive companies in the world and their outlook for the future. It answers important questions: Who will survive, who will drop out? What will be the consequences for suppliers? Which regions will loose, which will win? Don't miss this breath-taking insight into the struggle for survival of the automotive companies!
Customer Reviews:
Belabors the Obvious, Misses the Elephant in the Room!.......2006-07-23
Becker begins by telling us that auto manufacturing is in an overcapacity situation worldwide, creating pressure on suppliers, overhead costs, productivity, wages, and an incentive to build volume through filling niches. He then goes on to compare quality, productivity, and costs by major manufacturer. Guess what, Japanese firms (especially Toyota) come out best. Innovation is also important, and again, Japanese firms (especially Toyota) lead. (Becker fails to note that the three are closely related, per the innovations of the Toyota production system.)
The "really bad news" is that Becker gives almost no attention to Korea and China - the latter being the proverbial elephant in the room because of its much lower costs and ability to quickly learn and move up the technology chain.
Save your money and time - study the Toyota Production System instead.
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