Book Description
Whether they are corporate professionals, budding entrepreneurs, or they own a home business, most people are looking to achieve more in less time, while earning enough money to live comfortably. This book reveals the proven techniques thousands of people have used to attain all of the money they wanted while living healthy, happy and balanced lives. The Power of Focus, the new blockbuster from the coauthors of the bestselling Chicken Soup for the Soul, is a practical no-nonsense guide that shows readers how to reach their business, personal and financial goals without getting burned out in the process. Canfield, Hansen, and Hewitt have taken the best ideas from their own successful careers (seventy-nine years of combined business expertise), and distilled them into ten powerful focusing principles. The result is a treasury of insights that is enjoyable to read and easy to understand. At the outset, the book identifies the three most important fundamentals for consistent success: developing unusual clarity; understanding that habits determine your future; and using a "no exceptions policy" approach to focus on what you want. Numerous anecdotes and inspiring stories help to reinforce each principle. This is a must-read for business people, sales managers, entrepreneurs, and anyone who is serious about improving their personal awareness.
Customer Reviews:
Wow! This is great for us creative A.D.D types who are entrepreneurs .......2007-10-01
Amazing! I felt like that book was written just for me.
On page 14 they explain how to identify bad habits by listing 26 habits that hold you back. I had 24 of the 26 bad habits!
Now that I'm able to focus effectively, LIFE IS GREAT!
The Power of Focus.......2007-08-23
I have not completed the book yet but what I have read so far has been excellent and I have put into practice the ideas presented. I especially like the interactive study questions in each chapter. I would highly recommend this book for everyone who has their own business or is thinking about starting their own business
Great book for entrepreneurs.......2007-08-09
The creators of the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series, Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen, have teamed up with top performance coach Les Hewitt to create The Power of Focus, a step-by-step guide to making your dreams become reality and creating the life you want.
In order to get the most out of the information in this book, one must first realize this: "Success takes effort and consistent, focused activity." (quoted directly from the book)
In a nutshell, that's essentially what the book is all about, and it is only worth reading if one understands and agrees with that statement and is willing to put it into action. The "Power of Focus" is not something to just read and then think about; it is a set of instructions for doing the things necessary to achieve your goals
Each chapter describes specific strategies and techniques, and includes motivating stories about real people who have implemented and succeeded with those techniques. At the end of the chapter is a set of Action Steps, which condenses the strategies into an easy-to-follow instructional format. In addition to a well laid action plan for success, the book also provides loads of suggestions for additional reading to help keep one motivated and continuously learning. All in all, "The Power of Focus" is easy to read and understand, and is quite motivational as well.
While the book seems to be geared toward self-starters, business owners, entrepreneurs and the like, there is something of value in it for everyone. Most, if not all, of the techniques described in this book could be used with respect to any goal, be it business, financial, or personal. For someone who is stuck in any aspect of life and not sure how to effect change, reading and implementing the techniques defined in "The Power of Focus" could definitely help.
The Power of Focus: How to Hit Your Business, Personal and Financial Targets with Absolute Certainty.......2007-06-11
Very helpful book. For years I had thought that I was "flying by the seat of my pants" in my private practice. This book helped me plan and carry out a business structure that really works for me. I attend to many different areas (personal, health, relationship, contribution, etc.) in my life with direction. I have been using the methods in the book for four months now and it has changed my life. I have given this book as a birthday gift to my very good friend and my wife.
A MUST Read For Every Entrepreneur! .......2007-05-28
This book is my new business bible! It's absolutely the best book I have ever read on how to stay on track, find balance, and create not only a business that is in alignment with your desires and goals, but a better lifestyle!
It's an easy read and it actually tells you how to make these changes in a way that make sense and really work! After the first read, I've already made two major changes in my life that are giving me more balance; regular exercise, and making more time for family and friends. And I know that there will much more to come!
Book Description
President George W. Bush dubbed Karl Rove “The Architect” for his skill in creating an unprecedented campaign and fund-raising machine. But Rove’s ambitions have always been far more sweeping—to build a right-wing dynasty that can dominate American politics for decades. Rove’s master plan imagines a political system so controlled by Republicans that it is resisted only by symbolic opposition.
In The Architect, James Moore and Wayne Slater, the bestselling authors of Bush’s Brain, return with an even more penetrating examination of Rove, his sweeping agenda, and the price he may have to pay for his audacity. Drawing on their decades-long study of Rove, they provide a rarely seen view of the politics of absolute power in Washington—how it is acquired, expanded, and turned to startling ends. Specifically, they unveil how Rove:
• Used lobbyist Jack Abramoff as a cat’s-paw to manage unruly legislators
• Energetically led the antigay marriage movement while protecting a family secret that made his stance bizarrely cynical
• Turned Christian churches into a gigantic vote delivery system, despite privately admitting to being a nonbeliever
• Repeatedly leaked information to harm political opponents, making him the man investigators most wanted to talk to when they began probing the Plame affair
• Was intimately involved in an international disinformation scheme to lead America to war
The Architect is an eye-opening and frequently shocking report on the maneuverings of a brilliant but morally ambiguous political strategist, and the first-ever in-depth look at a political operative striving to absolutely control the future—even if he risks losing everything.
Also available as an eBook
Customer Reviews:
Excellent research........2007-01-02
I find myself enjoying non-fiction more and more as I grow older, but books like this make me stop and think, maybe I should stick to biographies, standard historical texts and of course fiction. That of course is what I wish this book was, fiction. I never knew much about Karl Rove, and never really thought about the man behind the man type of political animal. I'm aware they are more into the "game" than anything else, and that winning is all there is - just like ambitious coaches. Isn't that what Rove is, essentially, a coach. If so his personality and the way he goes about the business of creating an image, decimating opponents - with bald faced lies more often than not- is disturbing.
This is a very well written book, easy to follow and organized so that following the progression and development of the story Moore is telling is comfortable. Obviously there was a lot of research done and it is well used, not over used. I checked a few of the texts referred to and could find nothing objectionable as "out of context", and the opinions of the author is controlled and not intrusive. As a reading experience it was pleasant enough even if the material was oh so disturbing.
In the last four years I have probably read more political books than the previous thirty. Maybe because they are everywhere and being talked about constantly. Certainly they are no more interesting than say, "The Making of a President" from the 1960s. Most of the best sellers in this category are extremely divisive and in many cases, just by their titles, mean spirited (case in point the savage diatribes of Ann Coulter such as "How to talk to a Liberal, If You must".)and of little real value.
That said, "The Architect: Karl Rove and the Master Plan for Absolute Power" is very, very disturbing. Here is a man who has decided that ulra-conservative thought must rule for the next century, and who does he pick as his standard bearer but George W. Bush, a man with little experience, proven ineptitude and incompetence inbusiness, a draft dodger who doesn't even take his commitment to the air nathional guard seriously and a former drunk. Few people now will deny that as President - an office he didn't even win by popular vote - George W. Bush has remained true to his character and blundered his way through his first term in such a horrible way that no one with an ounce of sense would have voted for him for a second term - which he likely did not win legitimately either - but with a man like Karl Rove there to lie about his opponents, distort the truth about them and deny the absolute irrefutable truth about his candidate's own back ground and lack of moral character he remains the president for four more disaterous years. Karl Rove is a mastermind when it comes to duplicity. He saw to it that true American heroes who served during the Vietnam conflict were degraded (John Kerry, John Murtha, John Mccain, etal) and then promotes Bush as a man who has high regard for the military. What monumantal hypocrisy. The sadest part is that with all the facts before the American electorate Bush still remains president. Perhaps the contempt Rove expresses for the average American voter is the hook he has so effectively used, proving not once, but twice that an inept, incompetent, lazy, anti-intellectual, pretend evangelical christan can be a winner if the man behind him has no ethical standards, or moral compass and is willing to lie, cheat and steal to achieve his nefarious results.
Sadly, he is very, very good at it as this book shows. Sadly the voters buy it, and even more sadly we all loose in the end and worst of all the America of ideological moral standards and a reputation for care and concern for the down trodden is lost, and perhaps never to be regained.
Karl Rove has created the absolute worst world leader in the history of our great democracy and he is actually proud of himself. At the risk of repeating myself, how sad for us all.
2006 Midterms upend Rove & Co........2006-11-14
Even before the results of the recent midterm elections were in, "The Architect", a superbly written narrative about the life and actions of Karl Rove, would have been a big hit. Since last week, however, James Moore's and Wayne Slater's book must be viewed in a more substantive and profound light. After all, Rove was one of the big losers on November 7 and we can now read this book through a prism of recent events.
"The Architect" hits the ground running. After terrific chapters about the connection with Rove and the Christian right, the book lands on what Rove does best. By promoting the wedge issue known as "gay marriage", Rove succeeded in disarming then actually arming Evangelical Christians to rise up against this issue. Rove rightly looks at this group as "absolutists" and ramping up support for anti-gay marriage amendments with the help of the religious right is made all the more curious when one finds out that he was raised in a non-religious home and had a gay stepfather to boot. It must take great disassociation yet immense focus to achieve what Rove did on just this issue alone. It is also a wonder as to what could have been achieved had Rove recast his forces for the common good and not for divisive ends.
While "The Architect" is a very good book, it stumbles occasionally. Chapters regarding labor unions and trial lawyers have less of a direct Rove fingerprint. However, when Moore and Slater return to the sheer political power wielded by Rove, the book regains its clarity and interest. This is where the authors are at their collective best.
If one has read "The Architect" before last week it would be good to give it another read. For now we see that the whiz kid-cum-guru can't win them all and this lack of recent political success signals the beginning of the tide away from Rove and Co. I highly recommend this book for its revelations and the authors' ability to see their subject from so many different angles.
Fearsome Look into Karl Rove's Machiavellian Machinations Presented with Fierce Determination.......2006-11-04
It shouldn't come as much of a surprise that Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove's Machiavellian methods behind George W. Bush's gubernatorial and presidential election victories have garnered a begrudging admiration from conservative politicos and pundits. Texas journalists James Moore and Wayne Slater know their subject quite well since they are also responsible for the incisive book upon which the 2004 film version of "Bush's Brain" was based. The fiery documentary detailed Rove's tactics in orchestrating the successful 2000 presidential campaign. Moore and Slater's new book goes much further in showing a man who has made himself even more indispensable as a virtual Iago figure to Bush's Othello.
The co-authors assert that nothing is sacred to Rove, in particular, founding democratic principles and the U.S. Constitution, when it comes to attaining victory and that in fact, the amoral gamesmanship he feels is required is what motivates him. It's a scarifying portrait but one that comes across as far more textured than one would expect due to some surprising disclosures from the co-authors. They fill in details of Rove's background with his long-standing affiliation with several neo-con organizations, which in turn, shaped his drive toward dismantling unions, privatizing Social Security and diminishing those he saw as his political enemies, homosexuals and anti-war activists. However, the most publicized disclosure is the personal account of how Rove's beloved stepfather revealed himself to be gay and left his mother for another man. It is debatable whether this perceived act of betrayal was the lightning rod for Rove's aggregation of anti-gay sentiments.
At the same time, his persistent efforts to smear opponents appear to have this common thread, and the co-authors effectively show us to what degree he was willing to use this tactic. It is not a new campaigning approach, but it's one that Rove has elevated to an art form in 2004. Targeting the Christian fundamentalist conservatives that constitute the largest cross-section of the Republican base, Rove used whatever means necessary to convey the conviction that Democratic opponents were dominated by a significant homosexual lobby. The most egregious maneuver was how he purportedly orchestrated a campaign of automatic telephone messages to be placed to thousands of numbers nationwide. The infamous message stated it was from the Kerry campaign and that if elected, gay rights would be a top priority. Moreover, beyond the presidential campaign, the Republican machine under Rove's direction managed to put anti-marriage equality referenda on eleven state ballots under the guise of groups like the Traditional Values Coalition, which were fronts for the religious right.
While anti-gay paranoia was his linchpin, Rove was not limited in his arsenal of weapons, whether it was vote suppression in Ohio where Bush won by a slim margin or pressure placed on members of Congress to support controversial bills. Moore and Slater detail the smear campaign developed against Joe Wilson and Valerie Plame to cover up the truth about Bush's rationale for invading Iraq, as well as the connection to Jack Abramoff and the resulting corporate corruption scandals. While Rove's hypocrisy is fiercely documented and obviously reviled by his opponents, his supporters are ambivalent about his methods. Moore and Slater provide a comprehensive portrait of a man who based on his record, illustrates a total disregard for democracy. He has amassed a fearsome respect among the White House inner circle for the past six years, and one wonders from this fascinating book whether a possible dismantling of the Republican hegemony in the House will diminish his standing.
Good book: terrible title.......2006-10-25
Perhaps people should not judge a book by the cover--but they do.
"Bush's Brain": Great title.
"State of Denial": Great title.
"The Architect": Terrible title.
Who is going to read this book? Only those who already have contempt for
Karl Rove and George W. Bush and nobody else. No Republicans and no swing voters.
Very Alarming!.......2006-09-13
"The Architect" reports that Karl Rove's ambition is to build a right-wing dynasty that can dominate American politics for decades, and that ultimately he will be remembered for figuring out how to game the American political system.
The politics of deception has become a conventional political tool for Rove-aided Republicans. His history is to use surrogate organizations and third-party operatives to attack opponents - without leaving either Rove's or his candidates fingerprints.
Rove's special talent is achieving synergy - pleasing moneyed and/or voter-rich coalitions while undermining Democratic party strengths. For example, lanugage inserted into the Homeland Security Bill restricting TSA employees' ability to unionize pleases big business, while reducing Democrats' ability to derive strength from government unions; a "special bonus" was achieved through also offering a means to attack Democrats rising to unions' defense as "weak on defending America" --> defeat of at least one Democrat senator (Max Cleland). Similarly with vouchers and the "No Child Left Behind" act - this helps motivate the Christian Right, homeschoolers, and anti-government conservatives to the polls, boost Republicans' image as pro-education (even among African-Americans), while undercutting teacher union strength and their ability to support Democrats. Privatizing Social Security obviously would bring increased revenues for Wall Street (and more Republican donations from them), boost the Republican-leaning "investor class," and loosen Democrat strength among the elderly.
Early on Rove realized that politically conservative Christian evangelicals were easy to organize - they were already organized into churches. Rove saw Ralph Reed (Christian Coalition leader) as an asset, and thus "parked" him at Enron as an energy lobbyist, awaiting Bush II's candidacy. From others Rove also recognized that traditional Catholics and Orthodox Jews were similarly inclined to be politically conservative. Emphasizing support for Israel served to further bring conservative Jews and Christians together into the Bush camp (the latter hoping to bring about biblical prophesies about "end-times"), and siphoned off funds from Democrats.
However, analysis of the 2000 election convinced Rove that over three million of these groups had not voted. Thus, to invigorate the group he launched an emphasis on attacking homosexuals - despite the fact that his father was a homosexual, and most also believe the Republican Party Chairman is as well. (Rove had used this ploy earlier in Bush vs. Richards in the '94 Texas gubernatorial race, taking one of Richards' strengths - her inclusiveness - and turning it into a weakness. Similarly, he launched a whisper campaign against an Alabama judicial candidate well-known as a benefactor of troubled youth - spreading suspicions that he was a pedophile.)
Attempting to sell Social Security privatization, Rove's "signature approach" also appeared vs. AARP, the leading opponent. Ads were taken out claiming that AARP supported same-sex marriages, based on the organization's objection to wording in the Ohio anti-gay marriage amendment (it feared the wording would also ban elderly heterosexuals living together).
Meanwhile, the Bush II administration, instead of working out effective solutions to terrorism, Katrina, the economy, etc., focuses on weakening enforcement of regulations against businesses and the wealth, while increasing same vs. unions.
Bottom Line: Rove and Bush II decsion-making is dominated by political manuevering, instead of what's best for the nation - this explains Bush II's reliance on cronies rather than experts. Worse, Rove has probably irrevocably changed American politics for the worse. In doing so, he has taken advantage of the overwhelming complexity and extent of government today that prevents citizens from adequately following and analyzing events. Rove's actions show that he lacks a decent moral compass; unfortunately, Bush's retention of Rove doesn't say much for him either.
Average customer rating:
- What the *&!$%)?
- Planetary II. redux (6/10)
- Volume Three May Not Be The Charm..., But It's Still Good.
- Much better than the first two!
- A Superman/Batman book oughtta have superman and batman in it...
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Superman/Batman Vol. 3: Absolute Power
Jeph Loeb , and
Carlos Pacheco
Manufacturer: DC Comics
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Superman: Sacrifice (The OMAC Project) (Infinite Crisis)
ASIN: 1401204473 |
Book Description
In the aftermath of the devastating battle with Darkseid, the Earth wakes up to a brand-new world orderone in which Batman and Superman rule with an iron fist. Humankind has a choice: obey or die. How did things get this way? Is there anyone left who can stop them?
Customer Reviews:
What the *&!$%)?.......2007-01-20
I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in this series, but this one kept me from going any further. While the first two had well-developed characters and entertaining moments, I did not recognize those heroes in this episode.
The plot started off intriguingly, but then quickly dissolved into an incomprehensible menagerie of images and reality-flipping. Here's a tank! Here's a cowboy! The story soon dissolved into silliness - I can't believe I spent the money on the hardcover. I read it thinking, "This is what the comic store kept wrapped up in plastic? Why?"
Most of Loeb's other stories I found to be excellent, especially the Hush stories - but this put a dent in my opinion of him as a writer. Save your money and invest it in something else. I already gave my copy away.
Planetary II. redux (6/10).......2006-12-05
How great could this have been if they had just stuck with the premise of a world with a despot Superman and Batman and how they destroyed the JLA. Instead we have a very promising first chapter and then a bunch of incoherent time travel with 4th rate DC characters. Clean it up. Why make a great premise more confusing. Planetary did in a few pages what this could not accomplish in an entire Graphic Novel.
Re-readability: 6/10
*I always put re-readability in my reviews for people who like to keep their TPB to re-read. Something can be awesome, but not something I am going to frequenty re-read (Maus), or it can be horrible, but I might still re-read it (JLA).*
Volume Three May Not Be The Charm..., But It's Still Good........2006-10-22
The bad news is that this is not as good as volumes one and two of the Superman/Batman series. There is a considerable dropoff here from what came before it.
The good news is that this is still a really good read. It's darker than the "Public Enemies" or "Supergirl" storylines due to the theme, but not drab or dreary by any means.
The chemistry between Clark and Bruce is still there in Loeb's writing. The premise here makes for some confusing moments, but nothing too weird.
The art is better than just good, though not outright great.
Overall, this is still better than most trade paperbacks out there by a long shot. Like volumes one and two, this is fun, fast-paced, and easy to read.
Much better than the first two!.......2006-10-11
Jeph Loeb is hit or miss for me. Usually, his stuff is either great or just competent. The competent stuff is good, but it's nothing that sticks with me days or even months later. It doesn't bounce around in my head like Watchmen or Return of the Dark Night or Runaways. It's just good.
The first two story arcs in this series were competent. Having Superman/Batman stories is a cool idea and the dueling narrative can be interesting. Sometimes it can be overly repetitive and even distracting from the rest of the story. But sometimes it's dead on. The first story arc, Public Enemies, was solid. Fun at times, a little contrived at others. A good superhero story. The second story arc, Supergirl, was better. I can't tell if that's because of Turner's artwork (God can that boy draw women) or Superman's whole off-balance and anger that made this a better story arc. Maybe both.
But the third story arc, Absolute Power, was the best of them all. To see Batman and Superman as duel-rulers of the world was very cool. Taking down fellow heroes, even cooler. I really liked how when things went to hell, the changes in timeline made things even better! And then we get to Batman and his parents... that was great!
This was a well-done story arc and a collection that has been sticking around with me for the past couple of days. I like the idea of a hero who knows the love of his parents when he's 20 even though they were murdered in front of him when he was 10. I think that it makes for very interesting characters. And this collection made for a very great read!
A Superman/Batman book oughtta have superman and batman in it..........2006-08-30
The reason I've read the other books in this series is because I enjoy the interplay of Batman and Superman, two very different characters. THIS enstalment, however, does not star Batman and Superman, but two brainwashed guys wearing their costumes. Reading this I kept thinking, "Man, Batman and Superman are jerks."
I don't want to read about super-powered jerks. I want Superman and Batman.
Average customer rating:
- Different than movie
- If books were rated.. this one would get more than an "R"
- The Yardstick All Other Thrillers Are Measured By
- Good thriller. Lots of problems.
- A Guilty Pleasure -- Baldacci Made his Career with this Book
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Absolute Power
David Baldacci
Manufacturer: Grand Central Publishing
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ASIN: 0446519960 |
Amazon.com
Can the President get away with murder? The fictional answer to this question results in a fast-paced page turner that combines political intrigue with gritty, hard-boiled suspense
Download Description
In a heavily guarded mansion in a posh Virginia suburb, a man and a woman start to make love, trapping Luther Whitney, a career break-in artist, behind a secret wall. Then the passion turns deadly, and Luther is running into the night. Because what he has just seen is a brutal murder involving Alan Richmond, the president of the United States, the man with . . . Absolute Power.
Customer Reviews:
Different than movie.......2007-07-11
I finally decided to go back and read the Baldacci thriller that I hadn't read. I was reluctant because I have seen the movie and thought I would be a step ahead every page. I was wrong. As usual, the book is better than the movie. The main premise of the book and movie is the same, but parts of the storyline and characters are a quite different. I would rate this as one of my favorite Baldacci books up there with The Winner. If you like the movie, you'll love the book.
If books were rated.. this one would get more than an "R".......2007-02-26
David Baldacci has a great gift for descriptive imagery and writing. Unfortunately he gets carried away with more than one sexual encounter that really aren't necessary - at least in such detail - for the plot of the book.
It's definitely a thriller, and definitely a page turner if you enjoy a good political thriller, but the sexual plots just aren't beneficial to the book.
I rated it a 3/5 because it's a good plot and well written, but the other factors warranted some deductions for spoiling a good book.
The Yardstick All Other Thrillers Are Measured By.......2007-02-08
Cat burglar extraordinaire Luther Whitney is getting a little long in the tooth. He's in his sixties and should probably retire, but he decides to pull of one last heist, a big one. He breaks into this rich guy's home, finds a secret room off the master bedroom. He's hit the jackpot. The room has a mirrored door, he can see out, but whoever is in the bedroom can't see in. Just as Luther is wondering what the rich guy has watched from behind this door he hears someone coming.
Uh oh, it's Alan Richmond, the President of the United States and he's with the wife of the rich guy. He's making advances, she fends him off, there's noise. The secret service busts into the room and shoots the woman dead. This is not good. Not good for the president and definitely not good for Luther. Needless to say, after Luther makes his getaway and the Secret Service cleans up the mess and starts their coverup, they figure out about the mirrored door. And they figure out someone was behind that mirror. And it doesn't take them long to figure out who it was.
And that is the beginning of a thriller that will have you up all night. Because even though it was written years ago, and even though Clint Eastwood and Gene Hackman made an excellent movie, the book is still the yardstick all other thrillers are measured by. It's that good. Yes the move was great, but the book is better.
Good thriller. Lots of problems........2006-10-27
Absolute Power was a well-written thriller that held my interest all the way through. That said, there are a lot of things about the book that detracted from making it a great book. I note that when the book was made into the movie, they completely eliminated the protagonist, Jack Graham, and the subplot of him and his rich girlfriend, Jennifer. The movie worked, much better than the book, I think.
The things that annoyed me about this book were:
The premise of the Jack Graham character being hung up by his girlfriend's fit about his not making it to a political reception because he had to work late, is ridiculous.
Luther is really the protagonist of this book, as he is in the movie, and never should have been killed off in the middle of the book. That just about ruined the story and was a cop-out as far as I'm concerned. Luther should have solved the crime himself, not just sent photographs to other people.
Luther's daughter, Kate, is much too bitchy. I cannot understand why she is so mean to Jack Graham and always keeps him at arm's length.
I hated the way every character who knows something about the plot to cover up the murder of Christine Sullivan gets killed before he can do anything. Please, author, think of some other way to handle it.
It was totally incredible that the President, Alan Richmond, could be such a sadistic monster and get away with it. He would have shown his true stripes to alot of people and not been this popular president. That just didn't play.
It was superfluous and uncredible that Gloria had sex with the President in the murder room. Ugghh! Just to be prurient, right?
The whole thing really played more like a farce than a mystery, but at least it kept me interested until the bitter end.
A Guilty Pleasure -- Baldacci Made his Career with this Book.......2006-10-15
I typically read over a hundred thrillers each year, and I think ABSOLUTE POWER is one of the best I've read recently.
ABSOLUTE POWER is David Baldacci's debut novel, and was released in 1996 with much fanfare. Baldacci got paid over a million dollars for this book, which was a remarkable sum for a debut novel. After reading this book, I can see why he got paid the money. Obviously, the publisher made a good investment, because this novel was a huge hit, and Baldacci has since become one of the top selling writers of the past decade.
I won't rehash the plot, which is essentially a murder plot involving the President. In fact, the plot of ABSOLUTE POWER is its weakest point. Most of the story is rather over-the-top and based on a series of unlikely coincidences. Some of the characterization is also on the cardboard side. But I can forgive that problem (a common one with most thriller fiction) if the story is well written, and this one surely is.
ABSOLUTE POWER, quite simply, delivers the goods. It's an extremely well-written suspense story, and kept me turning the pages. It is also a suprisingly well-done crime procedural. Baldacci clearly did his research on forensics and crime scene investigation. My guess is that Baldacci spent a lot of time on this novel, and it shows in how effectively the story unfolds.
I have read some of Baldacci's later work, and I don't think it measures up to his debut. I therefore suggest you first start with this novel, which is the best of Baldacci's books I've read so far. If you dislike this one, you will probably dislike most of his more recent work.
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- Graphic SF Reader
- Brutal
- A good beginning but a bad end
- Just the way they would really be.
- Superman/Batman vol 3
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Superman/Batman Vol. 3: Absolute Power
Jeph Loeb
Manufacturer: DC Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Similar Items:
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Superman/Batman Vol. 2: Supergirl
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Superman/Batman Vol. 1: Public Enemies
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Superman/Batman Vol. 4: Vengeance
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Superman/Batman Vol. 5: The Enemies Among Us
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Supergirl Vol. 1: Power
ASIN: 1401207146 |
Customer Reviews:
Graphic SF Reader.......2007-09-25
What had been an entertaining and really quite good series now starts to go downhill with the introduction of this alternate reality romp and changing of things as a version of the Legion of Super Villains tries to turn Superman and Batman into a version of the Crime Syndicate crossed with Mark Waid's Empire.
Doesn't work all that well, except for a bit of cross-genre artist work.
Brutal.......2007-08-19
I found the storyline ridiculous. Hard for me to finish this one. I liked Volume 2 better.
A good beginning but a bad end.......2007-08-14
Like the title, the book begins really interesting, but then appear a lot of stupid characters and they doesn't explain in an scientific way, the book is sort of dissapointing, the only good thing is that the drawing is great.
Just the way they would really be........2007-07-09
A long time fan of Batman (from the days of the original 80 page giants)I never really cared for his portrayal when accompanied by Superman. DC has finally gotten them together in a realistic way. The art is wonderful and the storyline is a fine arc that eventually takes us all into the crossover mania of Identity Crisis (which I did like). This is not always accessible for little kids, but nothing to shy away from if you've got 'em.
Very enjoyable and a good example of why DC is the best.
Superman/Batman vol 3.......2007-03-31
As far as the series of four books for Superman/Batman goes this is the weakest link. Because it is a series you need all four of them. This one (volume 3) is a read once and place on the shelf book.
Book Description
This is the best-selling account of corruption and abuse in the Clinton Administration.
Customer Reviews:
I find it interesting.......2006-06-25
People who complain about the truth never have any facts to back it up. Womnder why? Those Facts do not exist. If the David Barrett report is ever realeased...Hillary and Bill will be in line for a prison term.
The truth is out there. Facts are out there and David L has put out a book that people who want truth and can think for themselves will find.
Its interesting because in the past 6 months so much had come out. Facts regarding WMD's and Al Quaeda's ties with Iraq. The tuth needs to be spoken and this book speaks out loud and clear. A must read.
Lazy Clip Job.......2005-04-26
Well of course this is biased nonsense. What did you expect? That's not my trouble with this book, as I expect nothing less from Rush's little brother. What did depress me was how lazily thrown together it was, like maybe Rush had a few of his interns dig up some Washington Times articles for David to weave together into a partisan rant. Also a tad distressing was the lack of any sort of historical perspective, on say what Ed Meese got up to let alone Nixon's crook Mitchell. (Though again this is standard party trick of right wing hacks so no surprise.) I am vaguely interested in whether David actually believes this stuff, as "The Legacy of Corruption" has the whiff of utter cynicism and making a buck off the rubes...
I HATE BILL CLINTON ...............2004-12-23
....is what the title of this book should read. Limbaugh clearly has an agenda here. If your republican you'll love this, if your democrat you'll hate it. Big surprise!!
Absolutely Enthralling!.......2004-04-27
A nationally syndicated columnist and bestselling author of two books, David Limbaugh performs the duties the mainstream media used to perform decades ago with his page-turning expose "Absolute Power: The Legacy of Corruption in the Clinton-Reno Justice Department". Few non-fiction books in the past ten years have held me captive like this one.
During the 1992 campaign, and throughout the Clinton presidency, Americans heard reports of various Clinton administration improprieties. Sometimes, as was the case with Monica Lewinsky, we actually witnessed the scandals unfold. But rarely would the mainstream media afford the public more than a cursory overview of such activities. Simply put, David Limbaugh does the job the mainstream media should have.
With chapters that run the gambit on such topics as Waco, the Tobacco Wars, Billy Dale and The White House Travel Office, Monica Lewinsky, presidential pardons to benefit Hillary's Senate campaign, and Elian Gonzalez, Absolute Power is one of the premiere historical records cataloguing the innumerable scandals that plagued Bill Clinton's presidency. Surprisingly, readers will find little commentary. I can find no instance of the author offering his own opinion. Instead, his book reads like a newspaper description of a public event (or at least in the days before liberal media bias). The book contains extensive footnotes and source references, quoting FBI agents and high-ranking officials on the record by name, rather than by quoting "anonymous sources"...
The result is a genuine breath of fresh air. I was fifteen when the storming of the Waco compound took place. Yet despite the abundance of media coverage, I knew few details regarding the incident itself and the people surrounding it before reading this book. David Limbaugh fills in the details about the life of David Koresh, the history of Waco, and all of the other topics previously listed in a way the major media outlets have failed to do since those events occurred.
Readers of Absolute Power will be left breathless by its vivid illustration of a presidential administration willing to use the courts and agents of federal law enforcement to achieve its own political ends. Had David Limbaugh published this book just one year earlier, no American would have been surprised by Al Gore's attempts to circumvent election law in Florida. Although, optimist that I am, I'd like to believe that had this book been published one year earlier, the 2000 presidential election would not have been so close...
Britt Gillette
Author of "The Dittohead's Guide To Adult Beverages"
Law under Clinton and Reno.......2003-08-27
The two greatest organizations for enforcing the law under the Clinton and Reno administration politicized the law, weakened justice, and brought politics under the influence of big business because political partiesý differences eroded to a point where a single individualýs influence in the party was considered minimal; the goal of such erosion was to reduce polarization of ideas, allowing increased influence from the special interests groups; the special interests groups used money to open import businesses, get contracts, buy weapons, gain most-favored-nation status, decrease legal penalties and soften constitutional intent.
David Limbaugh hedges towards demonstrating how the Clinton and Reno administration found loopholes in the law, extended the interpretation of the law, used obscure laws to establish precedents, bombarded their opponents using trial-lawyer-rhetoric and accusatory, false witnesses as diversionary tactics, and pitted the United States against the United States by creating conflicting interests within government organizations; thus, the Justice Department became a political arm of the Executive Branch. The cases are: Waco (military usage in civilian affair), Linda Tripp (privacy act violation), Campaign scandal (soft money in the Democratic National Committee (DNC)), discrediting of Kenneth Star (conflict of interest), Elian Gonzalez (political pressure to overturn the courts). Waco is a wake up call! Clinton would say the incident at Waco was a tragedy, but he could not control a fanatic who decided to kill himself and everyone at Waco. A review board analyzed the governmentýs handling of Waco and found no wrong doing. Limbaugh presented a different story and revealed a number of blatant lies.
Why attack Koresh? Koresh's original name was Veron Howell. The Koresh group was a break-off, apostate, dissenting group from the original Seventh Day Adventist organization. Divisions occurred over the doctrine of spiritual (White: Something happened in heaven) versus physical (Davidic throne) manifestation of Christýs second coming and the particular date this event would occur. Howell claims to be the seventh messenger for the seventh seal as recorded in the Book of Revelation in the Bible.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) becomes involved in watching the activities on the Waco (Mount Carmel, TX) compound. Dispute over ownership occurs between Howell and Roden; Roden forces the ATF to petition for US military assistance because Roden has set up a methamphetamine lab, but at the time of the petition, the lab was dysfunctional; Roden challenged Howell to a contest to determine who was God; Howell had a sexual relationship with Lois Roden, who was sixty, thinking she was like the biblical Sarah, and he would produce offspring with her; Roden digs up a 20-year-dead corpse and challenges Howell to bring the corpse back to life; Howell declines; Howell reports Rodenýs activities to the authorities; Roden is charged with contempt of court; Howell gains possession of the property and the followers; Howell changes his name to David Koresh; Koresh claims to be the Messiah to bring about the end-of-time prophecy; reports of Koresh beating children surface (he boasts 17 wives and 11 children, many of the wives were under-aged); Marc Breault, a disgruntled member, prods the sheriff to take action; Child Protective Services becomes involved; June 9, 1992, ATF begins an open investigation. Dummy hand grenades were discovered, there were purchases of aluminum and black powder, and evidence of 40,000 AR-15 rifles (convertible to a machine gun). The Fed does not prohibit possession of a machine gun; however, it does require a registration for each weapon, a registration Koresh did not complete. A warrant is obtained based on this evidence; Koresh is seen leaving the Mount Carmel premises, no arrest is made because a dynamic raid is preferred; Koresh was tipped off according to Robert Rodrigues, 76 agents staged the raid, they were exposed to Koresh during unload, but no shots were fired.
The 1878 Posse Comitatus Act restricted military involvement in civilian law enforcement because military is used to fight wars, not enforce the law, with the exception of drugs; there was evidence surfacing the Koresh residents were anticipating a peaceful resolution; Reno justified force because she believed 1) there was no reason to believe Koresh would voluntary come out 2) the health and jeopardy of the children were at risk 3) the Hostage rescue team was fatigued; the hostage rescue team wanted action, and the experts urged caution. The two groups were at odds with each other, but eventually, the team acted. A tank pushed through a wall and either knocked over the kerosene lamps, starting a fire, or Koresh committed mass suicide. Why would Koresh murder his people? He had not finished his mission. The tactics employed by the Hostage Rescue team follow a military strategy, and casualties are expected; "strike first, strike hard, no compromise" is the message. Why was a military force strategy employed in a local, law enforcement situation?
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CCEL Classics CD: works by Saint Augustine, John Calvin, John Donne, Julian of Norwich, Brother Lawrence, Martin Luther, Saint Teresa of Avila, Thomas Aquinas, Thomas a Kempis, John Wesley, and more!
Dr. W. Harry Plantinga
Manufacturer: Christian Classics Ethereal Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: CD-ROM
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ASIN: 1931848076
Release Date: 2006-12-15 |
Product Description
The most important spiritual writings of Christian history are available on this Classics CD by the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) at Calvin College. It contains 118 Christian classics, including three versions of the Bible, several commentaries, Bible dictionaries, readings, spiritual guides, sermons, poems and journals -- all in a convenient, searchable form. Books are available in HTML and PDF formats. The easy-to-use CCEL Desktop software powering the CD enables users to browse and print books and install additional books from the Web. The top-of-class search engine can search for words or phrases in books, in authors works or in the whole library. In addition, it can search for dictionary definitions of words and commentary or references to scripture passages. The interface is a Web browser. The CD is compatible with Windows 2000+, Macintosh 10.3+, and most Linux versions.
Book Description
A native Muscovite, Ostrovsky became Russia's most prolific painter of Mercantile Society and the common people, writing over fifty plays, mostly comedies. Includes: The Forest, Artistes and Admirers, Wolves and Sheep, Sin and Sorrow, and The Power Darkness.
Book Description
From breaking the ice at a business seminar, to hosting a successful cocktail party, Power Schmoozing is packed with extremely useful techniques and real world information about how to talk to people, what to say, and how to keep in touch with them to cultivate productive long-term business relationships. It's for every business person who wants to move through the world a little more fearlessly, a little more freely, and with a lot more confidence. It shows how to overcome the fear and imtimidation associated with unfamiliar social situations, take on a room full of strangers--in any business or social setting--and emerge with contacts, even friends, host a successful party or event, and observe the rules for dating someone at work.
Customer Reviews:
This book can change your outlook on life!.......2000-04-18
I bought this book a few years ago, and find myself going back to freshen up with it every few months. Power Schmoozing is still an interesting read. Terri Mandell's book provides excellent insight into the art of socializing amongst people, including social etiquette rules for "the game" of everyday life. It has changed how I perceive and interact with others, at least somewhat. Applying some of the techniques can recover what would otherwise be an akward moment of personal disaster into a memorable and often endearing episode. I had once thought that I was the only person that felt like a bit of an outsider around new people, until I discovered that everybody else has the same problem with 'breaking-the-ice' too! I have in the past recommended this book to others. If you are somewhat withdrawn, a social pessimist, or a bit low on confidence, this book could change your life!
As a student, I find that offering to help out at the registration desk at a conference has worked exceedingly well. I was able to get free admission to two separate full-day conferences for me within the last 2 weeks, and the opportunities to network with potential employers at the conference is even better. In its advice and content, Power Schmoozing has returned many times my original investment.
Find the courage within yourself to go forth boldly and truthfully... and have fun out there!
THIS BOOK COULD CHANGE YOUR SOCIAL AND PROFESSIONAL LIFE.......2000-01-15
The techniques are brash and a bit scary. But you know what? I tried it, and it really works! I was mortified at first about being so bold until I just bit the bullet and used some of Mandell's ideas. Suddenly I'm the center of attention. My instinct was to panic and say, "Yeah, NEGATIVE attention..." But when I realized my social calendar was filling up and my morning call lists were getting shorter (because people were actually calling me instead), I knew I was onto something. And it gets easier with time. I think my personality has really opened up in the process, I feel much more confident, and socially at ease wherever I go. In control of a room rather than the room being in control of me. Bottom line... no guts, no glory. You've gotta really want it to make it work. My guess is the majority of people are probably too timid to even give these techniques a try. I've heard Mandell does great seminars on "Power Schmoozing" as well.
Thanks, but no thanks........1999-07-13
I read parts of her book. One of the things she recommends is that if you can't afford to pay for a social event, to sneak in!?!?!? Thanks, but NO THANKS!!!!! Perhaps I'm too honest, but I got a problem with that technique. The consequences of getting caught and the damage to your reputation would far outweigh any benefit.
Too heavy-handed........1999-02-08
I found the author's treatment of schmoozing to be very serious and heavy. If someone were to try her techniques, I am quite sure most people would be turned off. Schmoozing, as I understand it, is a process whereby both parties can benefit. Mandell's approach is very self serving.
Good, but better guides available.......1998-11-29
For example, I found the "Vault Reports Guide to Schmoozing" to be more current, more interesting, and more informative.
Book Description
Get the Body of Your Dreams– Absolutely!
Join Alan Harris as he gives you an exercise program that combines the very best elements of all the latest fitness trends. Absolute Body Power will give you the body of your dreams faster and easier than you ever thought possible!
This simple yet powerful plan maximizes the benefits of aerobics, strength training, yoga, and Pilates to deliver results quickly and easily. Based on the best-selling Absolute Body Power and Total Circuit Training workout videos, getting into shape couldn’t be simpler.
Everything you need to succeed is included:
• Two easy-to-follow workouts on a deluxe 40-minute DVD
• A motivational interactive fitness journal
• Detailed descriptions of exercises – the right form for the right results
• A customized workout plan for all fitness levels
• A healthy eating plan, tasty recipes, insider tips and much, much more
Alan Harris’s no-nonsense approach to fitness gives you the power and tools to get the body you’ve always dreamed of. Get ready for Absolute Body Power– and get ready for a new you!
Customer Reviews:
Mr. Fitness.......2007-02-12
A good book but not much new stuff. Alan's motivations shines as he communicates through his book. His tone is enough to go out and purchase. Should help anyone trying to better themselves through a fitness program.
Absolute Body Power.......2007-01-10
This book and the DVD that comes with it is fabulous...Alan Harris is so dynamic and fun to watch...he explains all the exercises slowly and completely...and I love the fact that he had people of all shapes, ages and both male and female participating in the DVD...so much energy...I would recommend this book & DVD to anyone that would like to lose weight and strengthen their bodies for appearance and better health...you will truly enjoy it...Judy D.
Books:
- The Rapture: In the Twinkling of an Eye--Countdown to the Earth's Last Days (Before They Were Left Behind, Book 3)
- The Rules of Work: The Unspoken Truth About Getting Ahead in Business (Richard Templar's Rules)
- The Secret
- The Shunning/The Confession/The Reckoning (The Heritage of Lancaster County 1-3)
- The Sword of Truth, Boxed Set I, Books 1-3: Wizard's First Rule, Blood of the Fold ,Stone of Tears
- The Templar Legacy: A Novel
- The Truelove
- Treasure of Khan
- Unafraid: Mary (Lineage of Grace)
- V for Vendetta
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Failure Is Not an Option
- American Mourning: The Intimate Story of Two Families Joined by War, Torn by Beliefs
- This Other Eden
- When Did Ignorance Become A Point Of View
- Wiley GAAP 2007: Interpretation and Application of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
- Chopin: Pianist and Teacher: As Seen by his Pupils
- Asia Shock: Horror And Dark Cinema from Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, And Thailand
- Divesports: A Cumulative Practice Set in Business Paper Format
- Tigers Tamed: The End of the Asian Miracle
- Ragman - reissue: And Other Cries of Faith
The Success Principles(TM): How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be
THE ALADDIN FACTOR
Success Is Not an Accident: Change Your Choices; Change Your Life
The Instant Millionaire: A Tale of Wisdom and Wealth
The Power of Focus for Women: How to Live the Life You Really Want
