1990 Books

Ben Feldman has been acknowledged to be the best insurance salesman of all time, having sold over one billion dollars of insurance during his career. This is an excellemt hands on manual with word by word phrases to use for almost every situation. It reads in a very conversational tone rather than a dull textbook style format.

As on insurance agent I found it's advice pratical, easy to utilize, and interesting to read. His other books are to be recommended as well. The Feldman Method is highly recommended. If you come across a copy of the original Creative Selling go ahead and snatch it up. The 90's edition has only two minor changes. One is the chapter of selling 6 million in 6 months. It has now been upgraded to 12 million in 6 months by doubling the dollar amounts. The other difference is the epilogue where Ben takes about 2 paragraphs to mentio the usefulness of computerization in insurance sales, for database purposes, proposals, etc.

The earlier version can be found for substantially less and has word for word the same information.

Another excellent author is John Savage. His books "Savage on Selling", The High Touch and others are must reads. Also include The Kinders "Secrets of Successful Insurance Sales" and you have a good basic library of insurance specific hands on material. Frank Bettger is not to be overlooked either. Add Napoleon Hill's "Think and Grow Rich' and "Laws of Success" and you need not buy much else.

Hope this has been helpful. These books have helped me to go from not even on the roster to Number 1 in our agency of 40+ agents and number 7 in the southeastern region for my company. These books will help you as well. Get them and use them.

I found this book to be filled with lots of valuable information on selling. I've always been a firm believer in learning from the very best, an actual practitioner, in the respective area in which a person wishes to improve. Ben Feldman was the most prolific in the field of insurance sales. But, after reading Creative Selling, I found the tactics that he utilized in selling insurance could be creatively adapted to work in almost any sales field.

Perhaps Ben's most powerful technique is his gambit of speaking to a prospect in headlines, just like those that can be found in a newspaper. In newspapers, the headline grabs the reader's attention. In conversation, Ben would use headline-esqe phrases that involved a prospect's particular problem. That would immediately gain the prospect's attention, a feat in of itself...and would set Ben up to make his pitch.

Ben would never allow himself to be perceived as "selling insurance". Ben would always position himself in the prospect's mind as selling customized packages of solutions. For example, he would say, "I have here special educational package for your children's children." This worked so well, and continues to work today, due to the fact that people always will want something that is specifically for them...or anything they "perceive" to be created specifically for them. All people feel more comfortable buying a product that seems to be a snug solution to their problem, as opposed to a solution that is identical to the ones that the masses use.

I am confident that this book would make a valuable addition to any aspiring sales superstar's library. I recommend it with confidence.

I can just echo the substance of remarks of the other reviewers on the contents. As an avid reader of mystery fiction, I can visualize opening a page at random and picking my next book to read. As a computer programmer, I look at books like this and envision how I would write the program that would generate this information. If the author did not use a computer program, I am doubly impressed. This book should be on the shelf of every crime fiction aficionado. If not on your shelf then that of your local library.

This book is a must for any inveterate reader. It lists all the mystery writers, their varied pen names, the characters, book titles, films made from mystery books, and other curiously interesting bits of information. The price is daunting but is well worth it, believe me. This is one of those books that one can spend many happy hours just browsing through. The book is divided into two volumes with Volume 1 being the Author Index with 889 pages of mystery writers listed alphabetically by last name. It includes all known pseudonyms used by a particular author, along with the titles of the works, and the names of any characters created, series or one-shot. It also has the dates of publication and lists the publisher. A few examples of pseudonyms. Did you know that Stephen King also writes under the name Richard Bachman. Of course you did, everyone knows that. But did you know that Dean Koontz, popular mystery writer, also uses the names David Axton, Brian Coffey, Anthony North, Owen West, Deanna Dwyer, K.R. Dwyer, Leigh Nichols, and Richard Paige? How about Donald Westlake, author of the ever-popular 'Dortmunder' series of serio-comedic mysteries. He also uses the names Curt Clark, Tucker Coe, Timothy Culver, Samuel Holt, and Richard Stark. Lawrence Sanders sometimes uses the names Lesley Avaress or Mark Upton. John Creasey, author of the 'Toff' series, has more than a dozen different pen names he uses, and must hold some sort of record for sheer number of nom-de-plumes. Why pen names you ask? The book doesn't answer that question. In fact it doesn't even address it. This tome is strictly a presentation of facts; no long boring narratives. Who knows why an author elects to write under a different name than its own? There must be as many logical, or illogical, reasons as there are authors. Choose your own. Volume 2 is divided into seven sections, to include a Title Index (326 pages), Setting Index (98 pages), Series Index (24 Pages), Series Character Chronology (18 pages), Film Index (136 pages), Screenwriter's Index (48 pages), and Director's Index (29 pages). The Title Index is a veritable treasure trove of information to aspiring writers. It shows which titles have already been used and how often. For instance, did you know that there are five books with the title "Watchers"? Or six called "Tunnel"? There are over 2,100 that begin with the word "Murder" and 700 that begin with "Mystery". This listing alone would be worth its weight in gold to a writer struggling to find that just-so correct appropriate title. The Settings Index is another source of information to the aspiring writer. It lists the locale of all the works listed in this opus. Almost any location is listed, from cities to states to countries. For instance, did you know that there are 15 books listed as happening in Rhodesia, 4 in Monaco, and 9 pages of stories occurring in New York City! The Series Index includes the name of the character listed with its creator. Again, this is invaluable to a new author. Imagine if you will, writing the perfect mystery and sending it off to a receptive publisher only to be rudely informed by a sympathetic editor that the character's name you thought was original has been in used for over 40 years by another author. Embarrassing, to say the least! Not to mention the re-write time involved in changing all the myriad references to your not-so-original creation. The Series Character Chronology lists by year of introduction each series character along with the type of character (inspector, police, detective, priest, lawyer, doctor, etc.) country where usually located, name of the author, and the number of books this character appears in. The Film Index lists movies by title, with the title of the book origin, the author of the book, the studio name, and the year of the movie. The Screenwriter's and Director's Indexes are self-explanatory. To summarize, this book is a joy to own and to the aspiring writer, invaluable with the information that can be gleaned. It is heartily recommended and would make an excellent "special" gift at Christmastime or birthday.

"Cry Bosnia" is definitely a good "coffee table book"- it's oversized and has lots of photographs. At the same time, it's so much more. "Cry Bosnia" tells the sad story of the Bosnian War, which is now fading from the collective memory in the face of the Iraq War, in the words of the people who were there. Through Paul Harris' haunting photos and his interviewees, we see how the world stood by as the strong took advantage of the weak. If you're interested in the Bosnian War, contemporary history, or human drama generally, then this book is for you.

I found this book hidden in the corner of the post exchange on Eagle Base in Tuzla. From the moment I opened its pages I knew that I would never put it down. Many volumes speak about the political, social, economic and ethnic divisions which caused the war in the Balkans. Cry Bosnia is not a dry history book which feeds the intellect with numerous facts and figures. Paul Harris, through his photography, has allowed the people of the region speak to us through their hearts. It is through the pictures and commentary that Cry Bosnia speaks to the hearts and minds of those distant witnesses of the Balkan War.

Harris doesn't spare us as he shows us the pictures of both human and physical destruction of a land of beauty. When we view those pictures we see faces of grief, despair and rage. At the same time we see hope, courage, laughter and the spirit of tenaciousness as a people attempt to rebuild their lives in the midst of a senseless war. When we see these pictures we see the ugliness of our humanity. Bosnia reflects the beast which is within us as the "world" allowed slaughter to go on as is asserted in the text. If anything Cry Bosnia can teach us to move beyond our negative spirits and recover the good from within us. Such a reflection from a war should move us to be more accountable to one another as our world gets smaller and smaller.

Hostetter has put together a crucially important book on Cuba--well edited and well researched, it provides expansive insight into this island nation. A must-read for scholars, as well as all others interested in understanding this country and its rich history and culture.

Hostetter does it again! Her insight into the Cuban nation offers a new perspective on this tiny island nation. I wouldn't be suprised if Castro himself lights a cigar, strokes his beard and curls up with this masterpiece! MUST READ!!!!!

This speech records a great moment in history the prosecution of Cuba's rectification process a struggle against the type of bureaucratism and corruption that led to Stalin's victory in the Soviet Union. Castro explains this is Cuba's part in the world struggle to build socialism. It also records another great result of Cuba's struggle" the victory of Cuban-Angolan-SWAPO forces against the South African army in southern Angola in early 1988 that led to the downfall of the Apartheid Regime in South Africa and independence for Angola and Namibia.

Fidel emphasizes all of this has been a result of the struggle against the narrow selfish outlook that Capitalism breeds. Fidel's message is really aimed at the discussions that led to the breakup of official Stalinism in the USSR and Eastern Europe. While some use this great opening for free political discussion and mass involvement to fall back to capitalism, Cuba's example and this speech by Castro shows the way forward is to socialism!

Some lump Cuba's government in with the wide assortment of progressive or populist regimes that have come and gone over the years. What makes Cuba different? Why has it been able to stand up to the U.S. so successfully? How has it been able to provide such an unmatched record of solidarity and service in behalf of oppressed peoples? The answer is to be found in this speech by Fidel Castro. Cuba had a socialist revolution and does not rely on capitalist methods.It does not rely on wealth, greed, corruption or cronyism to get things done. Cuba relies on the understanding and dedication of its workers and farmers. To take a current example, in Cuba, the government is able to mobilize its population and make sure that no one suffers or dies in a hurricane. Contrast this with the U.S. where capitalist methods are followed, leaving workers in New Orleans or Miami in the midst of an unending social disaster. In this speech, Castro outlines that it will not rest on its laurels or allow any of the corruption that marked the Stalinist regimes of the USSR. In the last part of this speech, Fidel provides a wonderful explanation of the Cuba-Angola victory over South African apartheid in 1988. Once again, Cuba mobilized its workers and farmers, sending tens of thousands of troops, saving Angola from conques,t and proving that apartheid was not invincible. This inspiring little book truly explains what makes Cuba different.

The newest addition to the ABC-CLIO 'Global Studies: Latin America & The Caribbean' series, "Cuba: A Global Studies Handbook", compiled and written by Ted Henken (a Fellow at the Bildner Center for Western Hemisphere Studies, CUNY Graduate Center, new York) and an academic specialist in Cuban Economics) provides a detailed overview of Cuba's geography and history, its economics and development, as well as its institutions, culture and society. Of special note is the Reference Section highlighting key events in Cuban history; significant people, places, and events; Cuban language, food, etiquette, and holidays; Cuba-related organizations, on-line publications, and websites. Enhanced with the inclusion of an extensive bibliography and a detailed index, "Cuba: A Global Studies Handbook" is an especially appropriate addition to academic and community library International Studies reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

Cuba: A Global Studies Handbook provides a clear, provocative, and up-to-date overview of Cuban historical, political, economic, and sociocultural development from the pre-Columbian period to the present day with an emphasis on the Cuban Revolution, U.S.-Cuban relations, and Cuba's current socio-economic reality.

This comprehensive reference/text book of almost 600 pages seeks to present the many diverse characteristics of Cuba (music and dance, literature, cinema, revolutionary politics, Cuban exile politics, sugar/tobacco/rum, U.S. policy, history of the Spanish conquest and African slavery, and state socialist economics), as a complex but integrated whole - without trying to over-simplify or trivialize any of these characteristics.

Moreover, this ambitious work is written by an author who has a broad expertise in a wide array of contemporary Cuban reality having traveled to the island more than a dozen times since 1997. As such, the book benefits from direct, first-hand knowledge of the everyday struggles and engaging, endearing characteristics of the Cuban people (both on the island and in exile).

This exposure and sensitivity allows the author to provide the reader with sympathetic, dignified, but critical-minded portrayals of both committed revolutionaries and ardent counter-revolutionaries, refusing to choose sides between those Cubans who left and those who have remained in their homeland.

The book also includes a critical assessment of U.S. policy toward Cuba since the beginnings of the 19th century with John Quincy Adams' "ripe fruit" policy, up to the imposition of the Platt Amendment on the newly independent Cuban nation in 1902, culminating with the U.S. embargo (1960 - Eisenhower/Kennedy) and its hardening into the Helms-Burton Act (1996 - Clinton) and the measures of the Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba (2003 - Bush).

CONTENTS: Cuba: A Global Studies Handbook provides an overview of Cuban historical, political, economic, and socio-cultural development from the pre-Columbian period to the present day with an emphasis on the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.

The book contains four narrative chapters on (1) geography and history, (2) economics and development, (3) institutions, and (4) culture and society - each with its own bibliography.

This is followed by a reference section that provides fresh, detailed information on key historical events, important people, Cuban Spanish, etiquette (national habits and traditions, cuisine, and holidays), and leading institutions and organizations both in Cuba and abroad.

The book ends with an annotated bibliography that lists some of the most helpful resources used in preparing this volume (including books, newspapers, periodicals, films and documentaries, and websites).

Interspersed throughout the text are more than forty of the author's own photographs taken in Cuba since 1997, a timeline of Cuban history, a chart tracing the development of Cuban popular music, and a "discography" or listeners guide to some of Cuba's best music.

In sum, the book tells a critical yet sympathetic tale of Cuba's history and development, aimed at appealing especially to curious observers who want to add some historical weight and socio-cultural depth to what they already know about the island.

While the book is titled, Cuba: A Global Studies Handbook, it could well be subtitled, "Cuba: The Country that Dreamed It Was a Continent." That is, the island of Cuba has long had a political, strategic, and cultural importance that belied by its relatively small size, meager natural resource base, and scant population. Why is Cuba so BIG? Read this book to find out.

About the author: Ted A. Henken is an assistant professor of Black and Hispanic Studies and Sociology/Anthropology at Baruch College, City University of New York. He received a Ph.D. in Latin American Studies from the Stone Center for Latin American Studies, Tulane University, 2002. Dr. Henken has traveled to Cuba on numerous occasions since 1997 to lead educational exchanges for Tulane University's Cuban/Caribbean Studies Institute and the CubaNola Collective, to attend academic conferences, and to conduct research. His work on Cuba has appeared in the journals Cuban Studies, Encuentro de la cultura cubana, Latin American Research Review, Latino Studies, and Cuba in Transition. He is a member of the board of directors of the Association for the Study of the Cuban Economy (ASCE).

I was drawn to the book by the powerful and fun photographic images. Ledbetter does an outstanding job capturing the images of Cuban life in a way that allows you to both celebrate it and to empathise with the struggle of the Cuban people.

The Essays are an unexpected extra in a book of this nature that make the work a multi-dimensional experience. It appeals to those interested in both Photography and Cuba. I highly recommend it!

This magnificent collection of photographs captures the beauty, spirit and mystery of Cuba, the USA's often-overlooked neighbor... Ledbetter's clear, passionate and respectful eye has created a stunning work -- the book takes us far more deeply into the Cuban culture than the soundbites of recent news stories (Elian Gonzales, President Carter's visit) allow. Ledbetter's photographs and the accompanying essays make this book essential for anyone who wishes to understand Cuba more fully; the book also richly rewards the reader who simply appreciates great photography.

This book has more than 100 really good photos. If you like Damon you will love it.

Damon writes a review of the 1996 season with Williams Renault and his subsiquent championship victory. He allows the reader to visit areas that one can't gain from TV coverage and as it's and "official" Damon Hill publication there are many non-gp moments covered too. I hope this can become an annual event.

I've used the Women's Traveller for years, and it's been a part of some of my best vacation experiences. It lists b&b's, recreation ideas, restaurants, travel agents, etc.

Excellent guide--we've used it for all sorts of trips and vacations and it's always made everything a lot more fun--I definitely recommend having one on hand!

Crisis = Danger + Opportunity. When French President Nicolas Sarkozy met with Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, she said, "What can I do for you?" And he said, bluntly, "Improve your image in the world. It's difficult when the country that is the most powerful, the most successful--that is of necessity, the leader of our side--is one of the most unpopular countries in the world." Author Ed Djerejian's book is a primer on how to use diplomacy to improve our image in the Muslim world. In this clear and readable book, Ambassador Djerejian distills lessons learned serving eight presidents to provide a roadmap to surmount one of the most important challenges of our time: the struggle between the forces of extremism and moderation. Any person interested in the future of our world should pay attention to the Ambassador's advice on how to convert a dangerous situation into one in which alliances are formed based on mutual interests. Danger and Opportunity is an enjoyable and important book.

If the reader wants a very clear and well thought out perspective of the middle east challenges, dangers and opportunities from an author that has served every administration from JFK to W. J. Clinton then this is a MUST READ. You will turn the last page and have a much clearer, a vivid understanding of the culture, religious sects, people, and perspectives of the Middle East Muslim world. A well thought out plan on how to approach the greater Muslim community, the distinctions between various moderate and extremist groups there and a hope for the future unfolds. Considering the world we live in today every American should read this book and I would suggest every citizen of the world community that is slightly touched by the conflicts and challenges that evolve daily among the Muslim, Israeli, N. A., Europe, Asia and African worlds will benefit greatly spending the hours to experience the insights of this author.