Book Description
This best-seller has been fully updated for Crystal Reports XI (extreme insight) -- the first jointly developed release of this leading report writing and analysis software since the acquisition of Crystal Decisions by Business Objects. Readers will learn to create visually appealing reports that communicate content effectively using helpful features such as charts, complex formulas, custom functions, sorting and grouping, Business Views, and more. Publishing and viewing reports on the Web is also explained in detail. NEW coverage includes: All the new user interface elements; New Dynamic/Cascading Parameter Fields; and, Using Crystal Reports with Business Objects Enterprise XI.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Resource for the Seasoned Professional.......2007-08-31
This book provides an excellent reference for Crystal Reports developers. If you utilized Business Intelligence's online training and did not receive any of the handouts or materials, this book covers not only what was taight in the courses but more detailed examples. This is a great resource even for the experienced developer.
Great reference book for any serious Crystal developer.......2007-04-28
I have worked with Crystal Reports since version 8.5 and for about 4 years now. I am currently a Crystal Reports developer and create reports all day for my job. This book is a great tool for learning and provides me access to all the Crystal Syntax functions and other hard to reference materials. This book is also very in-depth and will provide a total knowledge to someone just learning.
The hardest thing with Crystal is that buidling reports is more an art form then science considering the vast amount of options the developer has to solve any given business problem. The best way to learn is get this book and dive in to making reports.
crystal ix review.......2006-07-08
Great book, am learning on my own crystal reports and this book has met my needs and expectations.
Standard Revision of Solid Reference.......2006-06-15
The text is one of the first available for Crystal Reports XI, and is largely a revision of the same material which has been presented in previous editions (which covered earlier versions of Crystal Reports). As you would expect, it does a solid job of covering all the basics. It even goes into some intermediate details in a few sections.
If you are a beginner to Crystal Reports, then the book will be a valuable reference to you. If you're an experienced Crystal Reports developer or you have used previous versions of Crystal Reports, then this book will not get much use. The book does not have many "hints" or "secret tips" that make developing in Crystal Reports easier. However, the amount of material covered is good in that there is not much left out entirely, so even an advanced developer will find bits of useful information, particularly when using Crystal Reports in new ways or on new platforms, etc. For example, the new features presented in Crystal Reports XI are covered in considerable detail, particularly the various methods of implementing new report parameter features. And, thankfully, the sections detailing now-deprecated software components have been removed or minimized.
If you're familiar with the earlier renditions of this book (i.e., for Crystal Reports version 10, etc.), then you will find this rendition exactly as expected.
Exhaustive and Detailed.......2006-03-01
Good Book. Covers 99% of all the topics. Found it very useful. I'm a power user now.
Product Description
Grades 3 & up. What are the 6 + 1 traits in writing? Look at good writing in any genre, and you will find ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, conventions, and presentation. This book will help you assess students' work and improve writing skills in the classroom. Includes scoring guides, focus lessons, and activities for teaching each trait.
Customer Reviews:
Valuable Structure for Assessing Writing.......2007-08-09
English teachers have it tough -- no matter how hard they try, they cannot avoid a degree of subjectivity when it comes to grading papers. This book, 6+1 TRAITS OF WRITING, will not make the process a totally objective one, but it will provide a definite structure that will be invaluable to both new and experienced teachers alike. In workmanlike fashion, Ruth Culham devotes chapters to the traits (ideas, word choice, sentence fluency, voice, organization, and conventions) PLUS one (presentation) with a series of indicators for teachers to assess each one.
It's a great primer in the technique, and the chapters all follow a similar pattern with definitions of the traits, a list of reasons on why students struggle with that trait, steps on how to assess the trait, and sample papers to practice assessing using the 6 + 1 method. Each sample paper is followed by the scores the author gave it, along with their reasoning. Finally, the chapters are nicely rounded out with a series of practical ideas on how you can TEACH each trait. Teachers trying to get a handle on grading papers will appreciate the practicality and the structure.
The caveats I have with the book are minor. First, the sample papers range from Grades 3 to 9, and it's often difficult to assess sample papers because elementary teachers may not know how far along a secondary student should be and secondary teachers may have no clue about what's expected from third-grade writers. The wide range in ages, in other words, creates a bit of extra confusion for teachers who are well-versed in their own age-group of students. Also, the extra batch of "practice papers" to assess at the back of the book are directly followed by the author's scores, meaning the papers and their scores often share the same page. It would have been more helpful to separate them so as to avoid accidentally seeing a score while trying to finish the paper.
Culham's book is a great start, but a lot more practice assessing will probably be necessary to successfully implement the program. Also, I found that I had many questions about judgment calls while assessing some of the indicators and, in a workshop type setting, could have used further explanation from an experienced hand. Alas, the book cannot provide anything like that, but still, it's a start -- and a good one. Recommended.
6 + 1 Traits of Writing: The Complete Guide (Grades 3 and Up).......2007-01-10
As a classroom teacher and workshop leader, I have found this book very useful. It includes sample student papers that can be used by teachers and students to hone their assessment skills. The ideas for teaching each of the traits are concrete ones that students enjoy. When I've read forty papers and have run out of new responses to give my students, there are even lists of responses for me to use. I recommend this book to both new and experienced teachers of writing.
Great resource!.......2007-01-07
I originally had to buy this book for a graduate level pedagogy course. I ended up using this book constantly to help teach 4th graders how to write. Ruth Culham explains each trait well and includes a handful of awesome lesson plan ideas for students to practice the trait. I'd recommend it as a resource for any writing teacher (Grades 3-12).
Great ideas for assessing writing.......2006-08-21
I really enjoyed reading this book and I am excited about starting to use this method when school starts again. Teaching writing can be difficult, but how to give constructive feedback is even harder. I am optimistic that the ideas in this book will make it a whole lot easier to help my children.
invaluable.......2005-12-19
I looked at many writing books for my child. A school teacher recommended this one to me. After we used it as the primary writing guide, my child's writing took off. It's so effective that his writing has jumped from average to outstanding in his class. Now the book is one of our two MUST-DOs every week (the other is Beestar online ELA and vocabulary exercises, a wonderful web site www.beestar.org). Writing is a life-long skill. We will continue use this guide to improve writing for a long time.
Amazon.com
How does a spec script differ from a shooting script? What kind of fasteners should one use to bind a script? How did the term MOS come to mean without sound? You'll find the answers to these pressing questions and much more in David Trottier's eminently usable Screenwriter's Bible. The avuncular Trottier--a writer-producer, script consultant, and seminar leader--has written a friendly guide through the Hollywood morass. He touts it as six books in one: it's "a screenwriting primer, a screenwriting workbook, a formatting guide, a spec writing guide, a sales and marketing guide, [and] a resource guide."
Much of Trottier's advice is common sense: "Don't write anything that cannot appear on the screen"; to keep casting options open, don't make your physical descriptions too specific; "don't say Ron Howard is looking at the project if he is not." But there are things to know about Hollywood that are, well, quirkier. Don't write the title of your script on the front cover or side binding; present action sequences using the "stacking action" style; in query letters and scripts alike, avoid "big blocks of black ink." Trottier's guidance--from character development and revision to queries and pitches--is invaluable. Getting in the door can seem impossible, but it's not, necessarily. "If you write a script that features a character who has a clear and specific goal," says Trottier, "where there is strong opposition to that goal leading to a crisis and an emotionally satisfying ending, your script will automatically find itself in the upper five percent."
(By the way, MOS is said to have "originated with German director Eric von Stroheim, who would tell his crew, 'Ve'll shoot dis mid out sound'"). --Jane Steinberg
Book Description
The Screenwriter's Bible is six books in one. Book 1 -- A screenwriting primer that provides a concise presentation of screenwriting basics. Book 2 -- A workbook that walks the writer through the writing process, from nascent ideas through revisions. Book 3 -- A formatting guide that presents correct formats for both screenplays and TV scripts. Book 4 -- A spec writing guide that demonstrates today's spec style through sample scenes and analysis. Book 5 -- A sales and marketing guide that presents proven strategies to help you create a laser-sharp marketing plan. Book 6 -- A resource guide that provides addresses and contacts for industry organizations, schools, publications, support groups, services, contests, etc. Among its wealth of practical information are sample query letters, useful worksheets and checklists, hundreds of examples, sample scenes, and straightforward explanations of screenwriting fundamentals. The "Bible" was a featured selection of The Writer's Digest Book Club.
Customer Reviews:
warning.......2007-09-23
The book is full of good information butif in browsing it, you see the website www.clearstream.com and hope to find the promised additional help on line, forget it. That web site is owned by a German investment company (for the past year or so). I Googled David Trotter (author of the book) and found him not.
This does not negate the value of the info in the book itself.
Must have for screenwriters.......2007-09-21
IT gives you what you need to have a screenwriting foundation - especially the technical aspect.
Top reference for writing Spec Scripts.......2007-09-04
Well written, easy to follow with alot of good advise. This really opened my eyes to the world of Spec Scripts which focus on the story (stay away from giving camera angles - because for the most part its the story that studios want to buy, they already have a staff who will put in the camera angles - they just want the story!!!).
Spec Scripts are what gets your foot in the door (just the story in a format that is read by the Hollywood script readers - who then intern recommend it to the studio).
If you are serious about writting (novels, plays, movies, managa) this book shows you the basic format of Spec Scripts. Once you have completed a sub script you can turn it into anything e.g. novel, play, movie, manga).
Anyone considering screenwriting NEEDS this book........2007-08-05
Hey everyone, I've owned and read two editions of this book so far and it never fails to help inspire me or answer my questions. I highly recommend this book for the beginner. It starts with a primer on plot basically. It seeks to create a strong foundation because if you know nothing about plot structure and try to write a movie it will turn out either confusing or very boring. David really stresses the 3 act, 7 plot point structure that is the basic framework of creative writing. This can be repetitive, but he really wants to hammer it into your head.
The book also have a whole section on format. I have screenwriting software to do the format for me so I don't look at this as much as I used to, but it still comes in handy. I wrote my first screenplay in Word so this chapter really taught me a lot. Also, software or not, you need to know the basic framework of a spec script.
So, maybe this book doesn't have everything, but I have found this to be the only book I've ever used. Other books I've read on sreenwriting have had a lot of talking by the author. The author just keeps rambling on about things and not teaching me. David stays focused and keep you focused. This book's main purpose is to fill your head with facts. David also injects humor into his writing so you can stay entertained. In the formatting section he writes an amusing story of how he teaches a class in spec script format for example.
When it comes to the more advanced writer, you probably don't need this book, but if you are looking for a refresher course then you need look nowhere else. But what is really good about his approach is that it is focused on you, the spec script writer. He doesn't want to cloud your head with unnecessary camera direction and specials effects- things that the spec writer has no control over. All this happens after the script is sold. It's your job to tell a story using as much detail and action as possible. Don't get caught in the dialog trap- movies are mostly visual.
When you have finished your work and need help marketing it, there is a section of the book devoted to this difficult step. This is the only book on screenwriting I have found useful. Most self-help books I get no use out of. I dig this out whenever I start a new screenwriting project. I do hope to find a more advanced book written in a style like this however, as I have moved past the meat and potatoes stuff.
One of the Best.......2007-08-02
If you are just starting off as screenwriter and can only afford one book, this is the one. It is organized like a classroom workbook. Personally, I learn better with this type of structure.
Product Description
Grades K - 2. Introduce the traits of writing- Ideas, Organization, Voice, Word Choice, Sentence Fluency, Convention, & Puncuation to students in grades K-2. This book includes scoring guides, sample papers, and focus lesssons for each trait, built to address the K-2 teachers' needs.
Customer Reviews:
A Trait Above the Rest.......2007-06-27
This book will definitely aid in developing your 6 + 1 writing classroom. It is filled with classroom ideas and great picture books to use to enhance each lesson.
Must Have Writing Assessment Tool!.......2007-03-17
This is a fantastic tool for lower elementary teachers. This is how writing should be assessed. This book is a practical tool. It includes practice assessments and lots of student example papers to help you better understand each trait and how to evaluate it. It also includes many wonderful teaching ideas and picture book examples!
Primary Teachers Rejoice!.......2007-01-04
We asked. We pleaded. We begged, "Pretty pleeease." Ruth Culham responded to our request with great enthusiasm with 6+1 Traits of Writing: The Complete Guide for the Primary Grades. And teachers across the globe cheered, "Wahoo!" Finally, a resource book for primary educators who have been searching for child tested ideas that tackle instructional strategies and assessment techniques in one comprehensive book. Thank you, Ruth, for doing a wonderful job of explaining each trait, equipping us with developmentally appropriate focus lessons, and reminding us that teaching writing to young authors is a process in which they need plenty of practice and opportunities, and an extra helping of patience on our part doesn't hurt. This must have book for all teachers - novice and experienced alike - won't be another resource that is shelved after a quick glance. It will be close at hand as it is used throughout the year to help develop the talents of young writers.
caution? .......2007-01-04
I agree with the positive reviews. The concepts and lessons are great. However, this book must be "all the rage" because when I went online to purchase the trade book from the first lesson plan, I could not find it for less than $50! Of course, you can substitute in your own book selections, but if you want to rely on the lessons as written you MAY not be able to find every book. [...]
6 + 1 = 7.......2006-04-13
I'm sorry, but 6+1 equals 7. Just kidding- I understand why she called her book that. This is the best writing book I have come across for primary grades. Easy to use lesson plans, examples of student work, and book title suggestions all make this the perfect writing resource. If you want to purchase the titles referenced in the book, there is a website that I found that sells them in a set, plus a lot of other stuff: www.whoossmart.com. Check them out!
Book Description
Compete Successfully for Shrinking Funding Dollars
In the existing climate of increased competition for reduced funding dollars, writing a winning grant proposal is essential.
Get the answers to your most troublesome questions. Drawing on over 60 years of experience in the field, authors Dr. Mary Hall, and Susan Howlett take you step by step, through this complex and sometimes frustrating process. Everything is covered, from current trends in funding to all the nuts and bolts necessary for writing a successful proposal.
By illustrating points with clear examples, incorporating checklists, a teaching guide for instructors, and other useful tools to keep you on track, the 4th Edition of Getting Funded continues to be the definitive reference on writing grant proposals available today.
You will learn how to:
Test the appeal of your idea
Measure your organization's capability to carry out what it proposes
Research and develop your idea
Select the most promising funding sources
Construct your proposal from abstract to budget, using proven management planning procedures.
Present and negotiate your proposal
Prepare for a subsequent round of funding
Who Should Use Getting Funded?
Everyone responsible for raising funds:
Researchers
Scientists
Social service program personnel
Educators
Health Professionals
Nonprofit organization development personnel
Graduate students involved in dissertation planning
Everyone who oversees organizations involved in fundraising:
Elected and appointed officials
Nonprofit organization board members and executives
University administrators
Research and project directors
Everyone who plans and seeks support for new programs or ventures:
Public sector administrators proposing new programs
Private sector managers proposing new ideas or initiatives
What's new in this edition?
Web resources and numerous helpful checklists
A brand new section for instructors teaching proposal writing including a sample syllabus for 11-week and 3-week courses and suggested assignments for each chapter
More guidance and examples for small organizations in addition to larger, more sophisticated applicants
Customer Reviews:
best grant writing book ever.......2007-09-17
This is a great and informative book. Easy to follow and understand. If you are trying to write grants and new help with fundrasing this is the book for you
excellent as a textbook or for the professional writing grants.......2007-07-13
I am using this book as a textbook in my business bachelor's degree program. The professor who is a professional grant writer for a Florida college picked this book as she said it covered all the basics with easy to understand steps. I agree, it has been so helpful that I am using it to write a grant for the non-profit that I work for. The website addresses, examples and sample letters are great!
Excellent Book...........2007-06-10
This book is packed with great information. I like the writer's approach and level of information. I'd also suggest the "Government funding and you series too." Enclosed is a link to this product series. Both titles are highly recommended. The other grant series also has a video too.
-C
Government Funding and You: The Workbook (Government Funding and You)
It Is a Complete Guide.......2004-08-30
Getting Funded
The complete Guide to Writing Grant Proposals
Mary Hall, PhD. & Susan Howlett
Portland State University
Portland, Oregon
174 pages including appendices
Reviewed by
Jan Tunnell
Tunnell & Associates
Orlando, Florida
I found this book intriguing. As an experienced (25+ years) professional, I approached this assignment with an "I will see if they did it right" attitude. Not only do they do it right, but I enjoyed the content, arrangement of information, and style of presentation. I found myself mentally noting things I have tried to share with clients or peers - and wishing I could underline passages and stick the book under a few noses. Validation is wonderful, but I also learned new techniques and viewpoints and got an update on several topics.
The book is divided into parts:
Part One: Essential Planning Steps
Chapter 1 Getting Started
Chapter 2 Assessing Your Capability
Chapter 3 Developing the Idea
Chapter 4 Selecting the Funding Source
Considerable space is given to guiding an agency through the process of planning to prepare an application - how I wish this step was the norm instead of the exception! The first four chapters are devoted to this crucial step - and they are the chapters I want more agencies to use. So often the attitude is "we need money, write a grant", not knowing or caring that you can only write applications. The planning step is mostly unknown or ignored. Hopefully, these four chapters will encourage new applicants to start off on the right foot and actually think before they leap. This information will also be appreciated by experienced grant writers - they know this but can't get their administration to listen. Here is support for their unheeded cries.
The nine chapters on preparing the application are thorough, well presented, clear, and concrete.
Part Two: Writing and Submitting the Proposal
Chapter 5 Writing the Proposal
Chapter 6 Title Page, Abstract, and Accompanying Documents
Chapter 7 Writing the Purpose Statement
Chapter 8 Writing the Statement of Need
Chapter 9 Procedures
Chapter 10 Evaluation
Chapter 11 Qualifications and Personnel
Chapter 12 The Budget
Chapter 13 Review, Submission, Notification, and Renewal
Every possible section and subsection of an application is covered in easy to understand language. Samples of standard pages and suggested formats are included in the body of the text, where they are most relevant. Charts provide summary and detail of specific topics in an easy to understand format. Differences among government, private foundation, corporate, and research applications are explained and the components of each are listed, including required attachments.
One of my favorite sections is a working timeline. All too often someone in an agency notices that there is funding available, gets all excited about applying, and then casually mentions that the deadline is next week. The planning timetable shows the uninitiated exactly how long each process takes, and what the working order should be.
The information is current; time lines, PERT charts, and logic models are included and explained. An entire chapter is devoted to evaluation methodology, a relatively recent requirement many are still uncomfortable dealing with and preparing. The authors even include an overview of the review process, and a list of the Seven Deadly Sins of Proposal Writing.
Appendix A Proposal Development Checklist
Appendix B Resources for Teachers
Appendix A is a summary of each chapter, with a check list of salient points and tasks. It will serve as a handy review and reminder when you get down to the wire and the group starts to lose focus. I probably won't use the syllabus for a nine-week course in Appendix B, but I am most interested in the outline for a one-day seminar. For the truly serious, there is a section of assignments for each chapter, these are handy for a curriculum, but could also be used by an agency as an on-going group project to focus and integrate the grant writing team.
This is a resource for both beginning and experienced applicants. Every page has something new and/or interesting. As I went through the chapters, I kept wanting to add to this review, calling attention to this topic or that technique. I can't go on forever, so go get the book. I'm not sharing my copy.
The best "how to" for grantwriters.......2004-05-29
Grant writing is one of those activities for which there are many "how to" books. The real dilemma for novices-or even those of us with a few grants under our belt-is which book to adopt as our handy desk reference, its well-thumbed pages peppered with hi-liter and sticky notes. Getting Funded:The Complete Guide to Writing Grant Proposals by Mary Hall and Susan Howlett fits this role perfectly.
The latest update of a classic on the subject, this 2003 edition provides an excellent overview of all aspects of grantwriting, beginning with the most important steps of assessing the grant-applying organization's readiness and capacity for taking on the project and securing the necessary funding. Each of the 13 chapters are well-written and organized by sub-headings that assist the grantwriter to quickly locate and digest guidance at the applicable step in the long process of developing and writing a fundable grant application. Most of the chapters include a checklist that serves as a summary of the chapter as well as a handy reference tool for assuring all issues have been addressed
What I especially appreciated about this book was its continual reminder that the process of developing a project and writing a grant proposal is in itself a valuable learning experience. If it weren't so difficult to write a winning proposal, if funders didn't require such a high showing of competence and commitment, money would surely be easier to come by, but there is no guarantee that we would be spending it wisely. The process of grant development and writing, from budgets to case statements for our organizations, drives us in the non-profit world to ensure that our projects are the best and highest use of grantor funds to serve the needs of our communities. I highly recommend Getting Funded as the best resource available to help achieve this goal.
Cynthia Haruyama, Executive Director of Hoyt Arboretum Friends, Portland, Oregon
Average customer rating:
- Calculations are only as good as your numbers
- Pants on fire?
- Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed.
- Very Interesting
- History as Science Fiction
|
History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
Anatoly Fomenko
Manufacturer: Mithec
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Similar Items:
-
History: Fiction or Science? Chronology 2 (Chronology)
-
History: Fiction or Science? Astronomical methods as applied to chronology. Ptolemy's Almagest. Chronology III
-
Discovering the Mysteries of Ancient America: Lost History And Legends, Unearthed And Explored
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Before the Pharaohs: Egypt's Mysterious Prehistory
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They Cast No Shadows: A Collection of Essays on the Illuminati, Revisionist History, and Suppressed Technologies
ASIN: 2913621058 |
Book Description
Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.
Customer Reviews:
Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03
Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.
Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19
Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.
Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09
There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.
For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.
Very Interesting.......2007-03-07
It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.
History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10
Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.
I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.
Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.
Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.
I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.
This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.
Average customer rating:
- Excellent Way to Find Out About Jewish Culture/Practices of That Time
- Like reading King James Version of the Bible
- The Complete Dead Sea Scrolls In English
- Rifts In Interpretation
- Literary Armageddon
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The Complete Dead Sea Scrolls in English (Penguin Classics)
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Similar Items:
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The Nag Hammadi Library
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The Lost Books of the Bible
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The Gnostic Gospels
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The Secret Teachings of Jesus: Four Gnostic Gospels
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The Dead Sea Scrolls - Revised Edition: A New Translation
ASIN: 0140449523
Release Date: 2004-11-30 |
Amazon.com
It's been 50 years since a Bedouin youth named Muhammed edh-Dhub went looking for a stray sheep and instead found the Dead Sea Scrolls. In the intervening decades, the scrolls have been enveloped in a storm of controversy and bitter conflict: the scholars entrusted with translating and editing the texts sat on many of them instead, creating suspicions that escalated to conspiracy theories about supposed cover-ups of sensitive, even damaging material. Geza Vermes, a former professor of Jewish studies at Oxford and a noted authority on the scrolls, marks the 50th anniversary of Muhammed edh-Dhub's find with his book The Complete Dead Sea Scrolls in English; the title, however, is misleading, for the collection of documents is by no means complete.
Vermes has left out the copies of Hebrew scriptures that are available elsewhere, instead focusing on the sectarian writings of the Essene community at Qumran and the intertestemental texts, and these are indeed complete translations. Vermes has also included an overview of five decades of research on the scrolls and a thumbnail sketch of the Qumran community's history and religion. For anyone interested in biblical history, The Complete Dead Sea Scrolls in English is a worthwhile read.
Book Description
The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in the Judean desert between 1947 and 1956 was one of the greatest archaeological finds of all time. Hidden in the caves at Qumran by the Essenes, a Jewish sect in existence before and during the time of Jesus, the Scrolls have transformed our understanding of the Hebrew Bible, early Judaism, and the origins of Christianity. This fully revised edition of the classic English translation by Geza Vermes, the world's leading scholar on the subject, offers an astonishing look into the organization, customs, and beliefs of the community at Qumran. Enhanced by much previously unpublished material and a new preface, this will remain the authoritative translation of the Dead Sea Scrolls for years to come.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Way to Find Out About Jewish Culture/Practices of That Time.......2007-02-11
I do not usually write reviews, but going through this book answered a lot of questions for me and I thought it might be helpful for other strictly lay people like me to know how much I have liked reading through different sections of it.
Though I had a complete, rather progressive, Jewish education as a child, what is in the Dead Sea Scrolls was not really covered. As it is fragments of different scrolls, I do not know if it can be called a history - but it is historical - and I enjoyed reading about the civilization and their rules/practices of living - both religious and secular.
Especially with many of the religious discussions heard these days of the Messiah -- the Messianic statements - i.e. The Messianic Rule, The War Scroll, The War Scroll from Cave 4, The Book of War, A Messianic Apocalypse -- are very useful in bringing into focus a real Jewish perspective of that time of what was expected for the coming of the Messiah and the Kingdom of God -- and the Covenant with God.
I really enjoyed the introductions and explanations by Geza Vermes.
Like reading King James Version of the Bible.......2006-12-06
This is an outstanding translation. But you should know that it's written in the language of the King James Version with Thou's, Thee's and Thy's. That make it a little less meaningful for me personally.
The Complete Dead Sea Scrolls In English.......2006-07-15
Unfortunately I have not had the time to really read through this book, but I needed it for a 2-week early Judaism course. What I have been able to read has been beneficial to my education regarding the history of the Jewish people and Jewish religion.
Rifts In Interpretation.......2006-02-27
Dissertations that devote themselves almost wholly and completely to discussing the Nag Hammadi and Gnostic Gospels, or the New Testament should probably be dismissed out of hand, as they are only marginally related to the Dead Sea Scrolls. The Dead Sea Scrolls have nothing in common with any Gospels or New Testament works, except that the DSS are antecedent to them. The Gospels were to the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Bible what New Age is to Quantum Physics. The Dead Sea Scrolls ended very close in time to when the first Gospels or New Testament works began to appear. Perhaps Jesus knew or visited the Essenes; perhaps He was a card carrying member. He certainly was a contemporary to Qumran's final few decades, minus about 30 years. But, the Essenes were not Christians.There are a good many DSS fragments that are antagonistic to men who proclaimed themselves to be the Sons of God, as it was conservative Jewish thinking then, and remains so today. Also, Vermes does not make any connection whatsoever between the Teacher of Righteousness, a completely different personality who lived somewhere earlier than about 130 B.C.E., to Jesus. Reviews that go on at length about that so-called connection are an indication that the reviewer has not read "The Complete Dead Sea Scrolls In English".
As I read more cross sections of the popular works, I come to appreciate the differences in interpretations between scholars. I see there is serious distance between the interpretations of Geza Vermes and Robert Eisenman. The interpretation of 4Q448 is a major source of contention between the two scholars.
In another book, "The Dead Sea Scrolls Uncovered", Robert Eisenman and Michael Wise use their interpretation of 4Q448 as evidence, even proof, that the origins of the Qumran community were not Essene. Eisenman labels 4Q448 "Paean For King Jonathan (Alexander Jannaeus - 4Q448)" Eisenman says, "This clearly disproves the Essene theory of Qumran origins at least as classically conceived." The reason given is that the so-called "King Jonathan" was the very same "Wicked Priest" refered to in the pre-Christian era scrolls. This belief is mirrored in yet another popular book, "The Dead Sea Scrolls", which is again co-edited by Michael Wise (Wise, Abegg, Cook), and calls the piece "In Praise of King Jonathan". So you see, a single DSS fragment has already been interpreted slightly differently in three different popular publications. I'm sure the Florentino Garcia-Martinez book may fall into either of these camps, I shall have to look for it. I enjoy all of these lay publications, and find that sampling from all of them enriches my cumulative understanding of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Incidentally, the Eisenman/Wise and Wise/Abegg/Cook books tend to expostulate connections or continuity with the New Testament, but those connections are tenuous, and as Vermes points out in this book, controverted by the greater body of evidence that the Essenes eschewed any man who claimed to be the Son of God. There is, by the way, a DSS fragment called by Wise/Abegg/Cook "A Vision of the Son of God" (4Q246).
By sharp contrast to the Eisenman/Wise publications, Vermes thinks that the King Jonathan to whom this very brief and singular fragment refers is Jonathan Maccabeus, and other interpretors are only incorrectly assuming it is a reference to Alexander Jannaeus. Vermes labels the fragment "Poetic Fragments on Jerusalem and 'King Jonathan'". Vermes identifies the poem with Jonathan Maccabeus "at the start of his political-military career, when he was celebrated as the liberator of the Jews and of Jerusalem, and link this text to the statement of the Habakkuk Commentary in viii, 8-9, concerning the good behavior, 'when he first arose' of the ruler who was to become the Wicked Priest."
Both of my own references here are taken from the 2004 editions of each of these books, "The Dead Sea Scrolls Uncovered" (Eisenman/Wise), and "The Complete Dead Sea Scrolls In English" (Vermes), respectively. I am not knowledgeable enough on the subject to say who is right. I prefer the Essene theory, based on Occam's Razor. It is simple, well fortified with obvious and abounding supportive provenance, and the converse theory (Qumran was other than Essene) is a bit stretched and fringe, even 'New Age', it seems to me. It is interesting that in the Eisenman/Wise book, there is no bibliographic or index reference to the Vermes' book. It's as if Eisenman/Wise are totally ignoring Vermes's work on the subject. How catty! How petty! They completely ignore the work of a major scholar, with a great many publications on Dead Sea Scrolls interpretations? Ah, well...On the other hand, Vermes makes "generous" direct references to the Eisenman/Wise book, as well as directly controverting the Eisenman reference square-on as insubstantial. It's as if Vermes is saying, "I'll show you! I'll take the high road, and I will mention your book, no matter how wrong you guys may be, in my own book." A couple of months ago, I would not have known the difference between the two editors' points of view. If you keep pecking away at the subject, you're bound to improve your quality of understanding. I'm glad I am at a point where I can start to recognize differences between the different scholars, all based on my own independant studies.
Literary Armageddon.......2004-09-18
Nearly all knowledgeable Biblical scholars realize there have been a wide range of writings attributed to Jesus and his Apostles..... and that some of these were selected for compilation into the book that became known as the Bible.....and that some books have been removed from some versions of the Bible and others have been re-discovered in modern times.
The attention focused on Gnosticism by Dan Brown's DaVinci Code may be debatable, but the fact is that increased attention on academics tends to be predominately positive, so I welcome those with first-time or renewed interest. At least first-timers to Gnosticism are not pursuing the oh-so-popular legends of the Holy Grail, Bloodline of Christ, and Mary Magdalene.
This is great......I seldom quote other reviewers, but there is one reviewer of Pagels' books who confided that he had been a Jesuit candidate and had been required to study a wide range of texts but was never was told about the Nag Hamadi texts. He said:
"Now I know why. The Gospel of Thomas lays waste to the notion that Jesus was `the only begotten Son of God' and obviates the need for a formalized church when he says, `When your leaders tell you that God is in heaven, say rather, God is within you, and without you.' No wonder they suppressed this stuff! The Roman Catholic Church hasn't maintained itself as the oldest institution in the world by allowing individuals to have a clear channel to see the divinity within all of us: they need to put God in a bottle, label the bottle, put that bottle on an altar, build a church around that altar, put a sign over the door, and create rubricks and rituals to keep out the dis-believing riff-raff. Real `Us' versus `them' stuff, the polar opposite from `God is within You.' `My God is bigger than your God' the church(s)seem to say. And you can only get there through "my" door/denomination. But Jesus according to Thomas had it right: just keep it simple, and discover the indwelling Divinity `within you and without you.'"
Here are quickie reviews of what is being bought these days on the Gnostic Gospels and the lost books of the Bible in general:
The Lost Books of the Bible (0517277956) includes 26 apocryphal books from the first 400 years that were not included in the New Testament.
Marvin Meyers' The Secret Teachings of Jesus : Four Gnostic Gospels (0394744330 ) is a new translation without commentary of The Secret Book of James, The Gospel of Thomas, The Book of Thomas, and The Secret Book of John.
James M. Robinson's The Nag Hammadi Library in English : Revised Edition (0060669357) has been around 25 years now and is in 2nd edition. It has introductions to each of the 13 Nag Hammadi Codices and the Papyrus Berioinensis 8502.
The Complete Dead Sea Scrolls in English (0140278079) by Geza Vermes has selected works....a complete work is more difficult to achieve than the publisher's marketing concept indicates. His commentary generates strong reactions.
Elaine Pagels has 2 books (The Gnostic Gospels 0679724532 and Beyond Belief : The Secret Gospel of Thomas 0375501568) that have received considerable attention lately. For many, her work is controversial in that it is written for popular consumption and there is a strong modern interpretation. She does attempt to reinterpret ancient gender relationships in the light of modern feminist thinking. While this is a useful (and entertaining) aspect of college women's studies programs, it is not as unethical as some critics claim. As hard as they may try, all historians interpret the past in the context of the present. Obviously there is value in our attempts to re-interpret the past in the light of our own time.
If you want the full scholarly work it is W. Schneemelcher's 2 volume New Testament Apocrypha.
Customer Reviews:
NOT WORTH IT AND AMAZON CANNOT GET THIS TITLE.......2007-04-08
Just want to say. Amazon cannot get this book. the 4-6weeks is complete waste of time. I have waited months and motnhs and months. I forked over the $200 for my own copy. Expenisive and all it really is is a dictionary. Don't be fooled by it. It is no different in explanation than a simple dictionary is. All dicionaries (if well made) will group kanji by radicals. Many books for less are more effective.
Heisig vs. Halpern.......2007-03-28
This is a review of the Fourth Edition:
Remembering the Kanji I: A Complete Course on How Not to Forget the Meaning and Writing of Japanese Characters Vol. 1 4th Edition,
which has just been reprinted:
Remembering the Kanji: A Complete Course on How Not to Forget the Meaning and Writing of Japanese Characters (Manoa)
I have a certain familiarity with the spoken Japanese language but I realized a couple of years ago that if I were ever to develop a useful level of skill at Japanese I would have to learn the written language as well. The Kana are not a problem, no more difficult than learning the Greek alphabet, for example, but the Kanji are another matter. After trying Japanese for Busy People (Kana version) Vol. II and some of the on-line kanji sites, I realized that I would need something a bit more organized and thoughtful if I were ever to learn the Kanji in my lifetime.
First a word about ideographs versus alphabets. Alphabets were originally ideographic symbols that represented meaning as well as sound. Over time the symbols lost the original semantic content and became purely phonetic representations. Kanji retain much of the semantic content alphabets have lost and thereby add great richness, as well as difficulty, to the written languages that use them. As I have progressed through Heisig's book I have come to appreciate the depth of insight the Kanji offer into Japanese culture and the Chinese culture from which so much of it is derived.
James Heisig is a teacher of philosophy and religion living in Japan, and has translated several works of the Kyoto School of Philosophy. His description of how he developed his method of learning the kanji, given in the introduction, is fascinating.
His method is simple, belying its underlying sophistication:
1. First he assigns each character a unique English reading.
2. He then anchors that character in memory with a vivid mnemonic. (After the first 500 characters he leaves it up to the learner to make up the mnemonics.)
3. Lastly, the characters are learned in a specific order that is based on their internal logic.
The sophistication of this method is that it taps into the emotional and associational aspects of learning rather than relying just on the brute force of repetition. Repetition of course has its place, but it is inefficient when used alone.
His mnemonics are sometimes cheesy, sometimes weird, and sometimes quite interesting, illuminating the inner poetry of the characters. For example, Heisig #299 "fall" (Halpern #2318, also "fall") is composed of the radicals "flower", "water", and "each". His mnemonic: "When WATER falls, it splats and splashes; when FLOWER petals fall, they float gently in the breeze. To EACH thing its own way of falling." Another interesting one is Heisig #163 "anxiety" (Halpern #1022 "vexed"), composed of the radicals "fire" and "head": "The existential condition of ANXIETY that arises from the inevitable frustration of our worldly passions is contained in this character. The HEAD is set AFIRE, causing deep torment of spirit (and a whopper of a headache)."
Heisig points out that Chinese students learning Japanese have a great advantage because of their knowledge of the Kanji, even though spoken Chinese and Japanese have virtually nothing in common. He adds that Japanese methods of learning the Kanji ignore the internal logic of the characters and rely mostly on brute force repetition. This works reasonably well for Japanese students who are immersed in a Kanji culture, but it is punishing for foreigners. The goal of his method is to bring the English-speaker up to level of the Chinese-speaker who knows the kanji, both beginning to learn Japanese. He feels it is best to first learn a solid English reading for all the most common characters and then to go back later as one learns the spoken Japanese language and pin down the Japanese and Chinese readings.
As I progressed through the book making flash cards according to Heisig's directions, I became curious about the Japanese meaning of the Kanji. After all, if I were going to learn all these characters, I might as well make sure I was learning them in a way that would ultimately be useful. So I ignored Heisig's advice and began to check his English readings with a couple of dictionaries and began finding descrepancies. I eventually decided to be more systematic and purchased NTC's New Japanese-English Character Dictionary edited by Jack Halpern. (Halpern also edited the The Kodansha Kanji Learners Dictionary (Japanese for Busy People), which I think is a more condensed version of the NTC dictionary.)
I started keying Heisig's characters to Halpern's dictionary for future reference, and have tabulated the first 463 of Heisig's readings in this manner, comparing each of them to the "core" meaning given by Halpern. I have divided them into four categories and listed the numbers of characters in each category:
1. Heisig reading identical with Halpern: 203
2. Heisig reading related to Halpern: 243
3. Heisig reading unrelated to Halpern: 10
4. Heisig reading unlisted in Halpern: 17
The "related" meanings are sometimes very close synonyms, sometimes archaic readings, occasionally fairly tangential. Some representative examples with fairly close but not identical meanings:
Heisig #313: "refreshing"...Halpern #521: "cool"
Heisig #434: "vie"..........Halpern #1847: "compete"
Heisig #187: "perfect"......Halpern #2201: "complete"
Some anomalies and curiosities:
Heisig's #460 "plum" is listed by Halpern as #925 "Japanese apricot". Heisig does not list a character for "plum" that corresponds with Halpern's #2398 "plum". However, they both agree on the character for "apricot", Heisig #203, Halpern #2397.
Heisig #208 "town" is the same as Halpern #834 "village", while Halpern #1113 "town" is the same as Heisig #92 "village". My "NOAD" The New Oxford American Dictionary: Book and CD-ROM package (New Look for Oxford Dictionaries)says a "town" is larger than a "village" but smaller than a "city", so Halpern would appear to have the correct English reading for these two characters.
Heisig identifies two very similar characters as unnumbered "primitives" he calls "mending" and "zoo". Halpern doesn't distinguish between the two, gives the reading for the single character as #3480 "animal counter".
Heisig and Halpern are both very intelligent and dedicated individuals who have worked hard to make the Japanese writing system more accessible to English-speakers. They both express the same frustrations with the methods available to them in the 1970's when they were both first struggling with the Japanese language. While Halpern has the advantage of modern linguistics and computer technology, Heisig using his own intuition and the dictionaries available to him at the time has better insight into the actual technique of learning.
What is the upshot of all this? Clearly, however you do it, learning the Kanji takes time. I can't yet read written Japanese, but I know a lot more about the Kanji than I used to. I plan to stick with Heisig since I see little down-side to his method. There is so much more to learning the Kanji than just memorizing a reading that having a firmly anchored English reading, even if it's not a precise one, is better than floating aimlessly in a sea of random symbols. Heisig at least offers a method that pins things down. Halpern's dictionary complements Heisig by giving a translation based on modern linguistics and database analysis. Together they may help me to eventually achieve a minimum level of Japanese literacy. In the meantime, I can at least decipher the meaning of "crazy lunatic" on the Kanji tattoo vending machine in my local supermarket: A "dog" who thinks he's "king".
epops
Note: The Wikipedia article "Remembering the Kanji I" gives a critique of Heisig's method and several interesting links, including one to a PDF sample of the first 200 of Heisig's kanji readings. The prospective student can use this to try his method out without buying the whole book.
Simply Excellent.......2007-03-25
After living in Japan for one year, I decided to jump in and study Kanji. I had studied Chinese over 25 years ago and still knew SOME (perhaps 20) of the characters, but not many. After getting this book, and starting to study, it became obvious that the method used is so superior to anything I have seen anywhere else, that it must simply be tried to be believed. I was able to write, easily from memory over 2 weeks later, over 75 new Kanji which I only studied for a few hours. The title of the book really does say it all... the secret is in the meaning, and remembering it becaomes easy once you begin to use the technique offered by Heisig.
My friend here in Japan can read well over 1000 Kanji from using this book. Of course the problem is the book is out of circulation... and I only found my in a TINY bookstore in Yokohama... Gambatte finding a new one.
As memory buff..........2007-03-15
This book is worth more than gold. I fancy the idea of learning to speak, read, and write Japanese someday.. but until then I am approaching this book as a memory practitioner than as a linguist. Simply put, not knowing the Kanji makes me feel deficient as a learner of Japanese language.. and I can tell you I quit learning Japanese so many times because every time I study a Japanese book and see those Kanjis it just irritates me.
With the Heisig system I have no reason to doubt that a person with acceptable discipline can acquire these Kanjis within 4-6 month.. even under a month if really disciplined. As a memory practitioner, I will say that the imagery used is just a tool (or "crutch" as someone else put it). With enough repetition one will get to a point where imagery is not necessary. This is a simple truth proven in many different context. In essence, results are same as in the case of those who learn Kanji via repetition of writing.. but the advantage of using Heisig system over repetition [of writing] is, of course, the ability to recite it in your head as you're headed off for sleep or on the road (and repetition in writing requires sitting up straight and.. well for any person you can only sit still for so many hours). And the fault of writing is that if you forget.. that's it. You have to go back to the reference book and look it up. But using Heisig system you can "think" your way back to what that Kanji means until you acquire independence from imagery.. which you will want to develop as you can't afford to spend time thinking about them (too inefficient).
You won't learn how to pronunciate.. you won't learn how to use read these characters in their Japanese equivalents.. in short you won't know the usage of these Kanjis. Once again, this book teaches English speakers how to remember just the Kanjis in English equivalents (which I am sure is bad exercise).. and nothing more (hence my claim of using this book as just memory exercise).
Heisig really deserves a special praise. It takes a lot of time to come up with these imageries... I know because I have applied this technique to other subjects. It's time consuming when we have to come up with it. $42 bucks (as the time of this writing) is really a small price to pay... buy this book if you're looking for a lazy way to learn Kanji. Otherwise... nothing wrong with doing it the old-fashion way of repetition, repetition, repetition.. but if you learn Heisig system you're .25-.5 of your way there into mastering the first 2,000 Kanjis or so.
Good Second Round.......2006-03-21
This is an excellent book for learning the Kanji characters. But I call it a good second round because you should learn Kana first (meaning hiragana and then katakana) and some basic Japanese phrases first, and the book makes much more sense. Read some books on the japanese culture also to learn even more and making it easier (since you will know honorific ideas etc).
The books only downfall is that it takes you a while to realize the characters on impact. I mean you see the symbol then translet it into what it looks like, idetify it, and then understand it, as opposed to just seeing it and knowing it.
To get around the only downfall, buy some books with Japanese writing (ones that Japan would sell to kids and young adults), and read them. The more you read, the more you understand them. You can even import DVD's of english movies you love, and just use the Japanese subtitles! (Requires a different DVD player than the US version). All in all, no better way to learn on your own.
Book Description
It's so natural and easy, anyone can achieve elegant, legible handwriting.
Write more legibly…
These simple, slightly sloped letters were designed for both legibility and speed. Italic is a fast, efficient, and practical writing style that eliminates the loops and flourishes of conventional handwriting.
Italic handwriting is easy and natural…
Italic is a modern handwriting system based on l6th century letterforms that are highly suited to rapid and legible writing. Rhythmic patterns of sloped lines and elliptical shapes follow the natural movement of the hand. These handsome letterforms are as easy to write as they are to read.
Make a positive impression…
Your handwriting says a lot about you. Italic writing commands respect and makes a lasting statement about your style and competence.
Send handwritten notes you can be proud of…
Friends and business associates will appreciate receiving legible and distinctive handwritten messages.
No more hand cramps or broken pencil points… New in this completely handwritten, revised edition of Write Now, is an ergonomically efficient alternative pen hold, offering relief to those individuals who tend to grasp their writing instrument too tightly.
Quick and easy reference… New supplementary section with a complete review of basic and cursive italic and capitals.
This natural and easy handwriting style is a delight for both the writer and the reader.
Customer Reviews:
Not for us........2007-07-18
Deadly dull and uninspiring. I am not a fan of the italicized printing that is used and do not aspire to emulate their model. Am throwing this fish back in the water for a refund. How did it manage to get 4-5 stars????
Just enough substance, lots of overhead.......2007-07-10
This book claims to improve your handwriting by providing excercises. This is actually the case. After going through a number of excercises (tracing and reproducing basic shapes and letters), my writing seemed to improve. However, from the 96 pages in the book, only pages 14-50 contain the actual excersises, the bulk of the book is formed by how our script developed, too many pages highlighting improvements of other book users, how to address an envelope etc.
All in all I think the amount of actual info you need to improve handwriting is too small for the price of the book. For people interested in this subject, go to http://briem.ismennt.is/4/4.1.1a/4.1.1.1.quick.htm and find lots of excercises to learn write in Italic. Definitely more than you will get via this book, and its free!
Going to buy one for myself.......2007-06-27
I had a student who wanted to improve her handwriting, and after some hunting I settled on this. When I received it, I was really impressed. The book is clear and well organized. Anyone could improve their handwriting with this book. I am often complimented on my handwriting, but I have often been dissatisfied with it. Just looking over the instructions in this book helped me quite a bit. I am planning to pick up another copy to keep.
A Great Practical Guide to Improved Handwriting.......2007-05-27
After a two page preface, this book gets right down to business. There is a quick introduction to the terminology used in the book followed by 2 pages of advice on writing tools and how to sit, hold the pen, and position the page. That is followed by a half page on the six essential characteristics of handwriting: shape, stroke sequence, size, slope, spacing, and speed.
This is first and foremost a workbook. You see the letters, trace the letters, and then copy the letters. Then you progress to copying sentences and full paragraphs. There isn't much in the way of theory here. Getty and Dubay show you what to do and then you practice. Repeat the same process for cursive and finally for edged italic.
Interspersed throughout are interesting asides about the historical development of writing as well as tips for practicing your own.
The overall focus is on ease of writing and reading, not on your ability to copy exactly the letterforms they have written. They recognize and discuss differences in size, spacing, slope, and speed. It is, after all, _your_ handwriting.
The most useful pages for me have been the overview page and the blank practice pages. The overview page shows how to write every letter, both capital and lower case, both in printing and cursive, all on one page. It is the page I open to when practicing. The practice pages with dotted lines for height of capitals and length of descenders have helped me develop a consistent width and height. I photocopy 5 every week and then fill a maximum of one page per night. This spreads out my practice time so I don't get burned out or bored with it.
I've had the book for about a month now and the improvement has been dramatic despite dedicating only a few hours a week to it. Though my writing has always been legible, it was messy and inconsistent chicken scratch. No longer. It is now smooth and even; and the italic style really stands out in comparison to other people's handwriting. The better my writing gets, the more I want to write.
I am very satisfied with my purchase. Considering how much I will write over my lifetime, this book is a bargain. Thanks to Amazon for carrying it. Neither B&N nor Borders do.
Great book.......2007-03-23
This book is excellent. It re-teaches adults how to write legibly, just the way our teachers did when we were children. Numerous excercises and frequent practice will have your handwriting fixed in no-time!
Book Description
Produce winning presentations and reports with expert advice from this definitive guide. Discover vital tips on how to best utilize Crystal Reports’ features to analyze data, and build professional, complex, and effective reports. Find the entire spectrum of user knowledge—from advice for new users on how to develop, design, and build a simple report, to in-depth information on complex features such as Crystal Server Pages and integrating Crystal Reports into Visual Basic.NET programs.
Customer Reviews:
Crystal Reprots 10 - complete reference.......2007-02-20
This is a very good, thorough book with lots of examples included. I have bought other books by the same publisher and have been very pleased with all of them.
Best Book on Crystal Reports 10.......2005-06-17
This book has been an invaluable resource in creating and publishing reports with Crystal Reports 10. I've been able to give it to new designers to get them up to speed and also use it to look for answers to quick questions on new features. Overall, this is the most versatile book I've found on Crystal Reports 10.
Complete but not for learners.......2005-04-02
This book delivers exactly what the title promises. It goes through Crystal Reports 10 screen by screen and feature by feature. It is well laid out and has lots of screen prints. There is way too much verbiage, at least for this reader.
So what's the problem? The book desparately needs examples of how you actually DO some of the things it talks about in such detail. Crystal gives you some really nice sample reports, but they are all finished, not exactly easy to break apart and understand. If this book had some case studies (eg, now lets build the chart report of Quarterly Sales by Employee), I would have found it a whole lot more useful.
Come to think of ut, I would trade this book in a minute for something more task-oriented and hands-on.
Good review -- lacks advanced depth.......2005-03-30
The text is one of the first available for Crystal Reports 10. It does a good job of covering all the basics. It even goes into some "intermediate" details in various sections. If you're new or fairly new to Crystal Reports, then the book will be a valuable reference to you.
If you're an experienced Crystal Reports developer, then this book will probably not get too much use. It lacks the hard-hitting details that would make it an excellent standard resource, and it's shy on the "topics for gurus" sections commonly found in complete references. One thing that is good about the book is the scope--there is not much left out entirely, so even an advanced developer will find bits of useful information, particularly when using Crystal Reports in new ways or on new platforms, etc.
If you're familiar with the earlier renditions of this book (i.e., for Crystal Reports version 8.5, etc.), then you will find this rendition exactly as expected.
Book Review.......2004-07-16
I have to say I'm disappointed in this book. Normally I don't buy McGraw-Hill "Complete Reference" books because generally I find them lacking sufficient detail and depth to do any real programming. I bought this book because there aren't an abundance of Crystal 10 books out yet and because Crystal Reports documentation is notoriously bad, but this book has lived up to my McGraw-Hill "Complete Reference" expectations. I find the book lacks sufficient detail and code samples to be of any real use for integrating Crystal Reports into an application. Specifically, I'm working with Part II, Crystal Reports 10 on the Web.
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