Binder

John Binder's "The Chicago Outfit" is a must-have for any serious researcher's library. The pictures and commentary bring an era and its criminals to life like no other work has done, so I'm anxious to see what this author can do with a full-length work on the same subject.

John Binder rates among Chicago Gangland's most knowledgeable researchers. Those seeking information about the area's sordid past will not be disappointed by Binder's knowledgeable text and extraordinary photographs. His first book is an informative and delightful read - let's hope it's not his last!

Binder's volume on The Chicago Outfit is really comprehensive, spanning the better part of the twentieth century mob-scene in a great city and region. The text is clear and precise and moves deftly from decade to decade, but it is Binder's unique collection of photos that lends utter fascination to the book, everything from the gorey to the demure and dapper aspects of gangland figures and their lifestyles.

One of the things that I found extraordinarily helpful with this product is that it comes with a CD-Rom, which allows you to actually customize the contracts to your liking.

When using the CD-Rom that comes with this book, you can go into each contract and add your company and/or other parties names, agreed %, dollar amounts and just about anything else that you need to add, and then print the contract out directly from your printer, giving you an agreement that is fully customized and professional looking.

I also found this thing to be extremely easy to use and self explanatory - No law degree needed.

Talk about convenience!!! You can't beat it.

This product is a godsend; Unlike other template contract sets, the contractual material found within it is fresh, up-to-date and with the times.

You have a great idea. I found the service to be an excellent value.

Tulku Urgyen was a fine example of a true yogi.
His devotion to his teachers shines through in these pages, and there's more to be learned here than just the verbal info.
I highly recomend keeping this book around.

While the author teaches in the Dzogchen tradition as he clearly explains in this book, for this reader I can see no difference between it and Zen. "Direct pointing" to that which we call mind is the essence of this book, a real "how-to-do-it" explanation. I have studied Buddhism, and Zen in particular, for over 20 years and this is one of the most helpful texts I have ever come across. I would recommend it to any serious student of Buddhism.

Too often people think that the only way to practice Buddhism is to sit and quiet or empty the mind. Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche effectively rebuts that view. Since this book was published there have been two additional volumes, both of which are excellect (5 stars). They are titled "As It Is," volumes 1 and 2.

Combine Rainbow Painting with the author's son, Tsoknyi Rinpoche's book "Carefree Dignity"... it is clear how simple it really can be to live our daily lives, all day--all night, as a spiritual path. Simple and straight foward, recognize your own nature. A very special teacher. Highly recommended!

I am ordering my third copy of the 2959 Plan. I have worn out two others. What I like about the plan is that it helps me to cover many prayer topics in a week's time. There is also good teaching and encouragement regarding prayer in the book. I have used both the three ring binder and the spiral versions, and I prefer the binder version. If a person has a desire to have a consistent prayer life, but can't seem to get over feeling disorganized and overwhelmed by the task, this book could be your answer.

My journal, "The 2959 Plan", has been a part of my life for such a long time that the binding is now held together with layers of tape. Because of this guide, my devotion time has been greatly organized. As the week goes by I feel, and you will, too, that I've communicated with God daily in so many different areas, (i.e. Fellow believers, Lost and Backslidden, Those In Authority, My Church, etc.) because of the details in this journaling. I'm praying and communicating with the Lord, with the help of the printed daily scriptures, prayer directions through each specific day and the notes I'm being prompted to make. This book has greatly enriched my life!

This book revolutionized my prayer life. It is an organized approach to prayer that will help you communicate more effectively with God while truly enriching your spiritual life. He gives general guidance and new concepts but also practical applications for everything.

Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, is credited as being the main person who brought Buddhism to Tibet, and is also understood by Tibetan Buddhists to have been a Buddha himself.

In some contexts, one approaches teachings directly at their source first, and then looks to commentaries, explanations, etc. For example, in Protestant Christianity, one is often encouraged to go straight to the New Testament and read that. Then one reads the works of theologians, biblical scholars, preachers, and so on.

However, in Buddhism the approach is often the opposite. First one goes to a teacher who is a contemporary of yours. Then, having gained some confidence from that teacher, and having put into practice some of the teachings and having seen their effectiveness and practicality, one then turns to some other writings of an introductory nature. After having gained some grounding in those, one may then turn to a commentary on a root text. Then, one may read the root texts oneself. Lastly, one may turn to the sutras and words of the Buddha himself. Trying to start there, however, would not be advised -- as anyone who has tried to read the Tripitaka (the three baskets of teachings of the Buddha) or the tantras can attest!

Similarly in the case of this text -- one should have a good grounding before attempting very difficult texts, and they should in all cases be read while one is studying with a lama. Otherwise, misunderstandings may occur, and these may be worse than not having encountered the text in the first place. But if one does have that grounding, what greater treasure is there than to read such wonderful texts?

I write this review, and give it five stars, in part because I saw that there are already three reviews and even though each one praised the book, for some reason one of the reviews shows up as having no stars (a bug in Amazon's system, I suppose), and so the general rating of this book was only three and a half. Yet, clearly, stars cannot estimate the value of such works...

"Don't mistake mere words to be the meaning of the teachings. Mingle the practice with your own being and attain liberation right now." It really is advice, in plain English. I keep this book on my bedside table.

Before the reader begins these teachings, s/he must ask, "am I ready for this?" Padmasambhava's terma treasures are as exact, direct and profound as one might expect from the first teacher of dzogchen. There is nothing in these texts, nothing to be learned. I have never encountered anything more frighteningly wonderful in any other teaching. The translation is excellent as well, and the book includes a detailed glossary that any reader will find useful and informative.

Simply the best book I've read on Dzogchen, the effortless integration of space and awareness that is our natural unaffected state of being. Very down to earth and unadorned explanations with lots of humor and spontaeity-truly embodying the premise of Dzogchen (and the four Noble Truths) that our problems are rooted in the attempt to fixate and discriminate. Read it. Practice it. May all beings benefit!

As well as the wonderful teachings mentioned in the previous review, two chapters of this book, which is a compilation of talks given in Denmark and Nepal in 1966, are Guided Meditations. The first one is on Refuge and Guru Yoga, and the other is the Vajrasattva Meditation. Both of them are the farthest thing from theory. I am just a beginner but because of the Tsoknyi Rinpoche's down-to-earth simplicity and clarity, I found it very easy to perform the meditations. These are immediate, very beautiful, and extremely powerful experiences, practical teaching direct from a recognized master. And you can perform them over and over! This was the most powerful part of the book for me so far. Also, almost every chapter ends with a few pages of questions and answers from those in the audience. These are very interesting and help to make the teachings even more real. The chapters are arranged in a wonderful sequence, where each one builds on the other. I read one chapter a day, and each day I was able to experience more and more of the teaching, so that the next chapter always seemed to be leading me to the next step. And it was always extremely relevant to the day's events. I consider it the most wonderful of blessings to have been given the chance to encounter this book.

I had the good fortune to see Tsoknyi Rinpoche teaching at Lerab Ling in France last year. When I first came across this book, I wondered how such an animated and provocative performance could be brought to the printed page. Thankfully, this compilation of his talks does succeed in conveying the vitality and humour that is his hallmark. He teaches in an experiential way, getting directly to the main point in a manner that is easy to relate to and to understand.

By his use of uncomplicated language and examples from everyday life, you begin to see that there is indeed a way to be free. He shows how a simple shift in our understanding of mind, releases our entanglement in our desires and fears, in our imaginings. Rather than struggling with thoughts and emotions, we begin to understand mind's expression as a creative, ephemeral display.

By becoming familiar with and applying this perspective, both in meditation sessions and during daily life, we un-knot those complex habitual patterns that entrap us, becoming simpler, more carefree. "Simply having the idea that smoking is bad doesn't make us stop smoking, because we have a deeply embedded habit. (...) What is necessary is to interrupt the habitual involvement in the act, again and again."

I found that reading the book really deepened and improved my understanding of what meditation is. He spells out how we can practice freedom from moment to moment, remaining present, uncomplicated and carefree, even amidst the busyness of life.

This carefree condition is not an indifferent dismissal of the hardships of living but an all-embracing openness, a deep and heart felt union with everything. "Carefree doesn't mean careless, that you are sloppy or that you don't care about others. "

The talks cover meditation, distraction, refuge, ngondro, compassion, devotion, the bardos, confusion, enlightenment, emptiness; you name it, it's probably there! He explains these topics with such simple accuracy that the book is eminently readable by beginners as well as seasoned dharma veterans.

My only grumble, (well this is samsara so I had to find some fault!) is that there are occasional misspellings.

I found this to be the most useful and inspiring book I've read in ages. Get it!

I purchased the Astrological Appointment book, and I was amazed by the carefully crafted booked, you can see that alot of thought and work was invested on the product, it is not just another mass produced appoitment book. I'm looking forward to purchase the new next year (2004/2005) version of it.

This planner contains very uplifiting astrological information, besides having all the attributes of a great planner. Even if you are not into astrology this planner will fit your needs, since its lunar stations and phases definitions can be easily understood by anyone. I would definetly recommend it.

I edited this book, and I think it gives useful, practical information in a clear, easy-to-read format. It should give even the experienced salesperson some fresh ideas, and would certainly be a good place for a novice salesperson to start.

Just when I become convinced there was no decent books around on selling technique, I picked up the Art of Selling. Wow. This book is so unique. The author's approach of putting you into the class that he's teaching really worked for me. I have been using his sales strategies and the difference they make in my success rate is substantial. The stories at the end of each Chapter are not only provocative but serve as a means of enhancing my understanding of the principal. My only worry: that my competitors will discover this book!!!

Preface: Usually, I don't like "middle" books... the second in a trilogy, etc., I find them "pasty", as in school paste, used to bind the good parts of the story together. That said, "The Binder's Road" is a happy departure from such gluey fare. In "Illumination", Ms. McGarry Created the world of Eiden Myr, a world where magic is the norm, and to be without it, an embarrassment. She created within this world a cast of characters as diverse and as integrated as a snowstorm, with all the swirls of intrigue, pathos, and love as the analogy can allow. She left me wanting more... and in The Binder's Road, she delivers. She has created a new cast, separate yet tied by just enough threads to Illumination to make readers of the first book to think "Aha..." without leaving new readers thinking "Wha...?" If Rich characterizations and fantastic worlds made real are the elements you look for in your reading, read both of these and salivate with me while we wait for the third book!

Terry McGarry's elegantly written follow-up to ILLUMINATION, her marvelous first novel, is an extraordinary tale of heart-rending loss, the desperate quest for truth and understanding, and, ultimately, the renewal of hope and light. Like McGarry's first book, this one is elegantly written. The author has a unique and compelling voice, and her instincts as a storyteller are impeccable. Yet, there is more to this book than just fine prose. This is a thrill ride, complete with a chilling murder mystery, magic that is both wondrous and eerie, and fight scenes that will leave you breathless. McGarry's characters are hauntingly real -- Pelufer in particular is one of the most compelling, fascinating people I've ever encountered in literature -- and the world she has created manages to be both fantastic and brutally real. In short this book is a must read for anyone who enjoys fantasy that is at once eloquent and exhilarating, intelligent and passionate. Though a sequel, THE BINDER'S ROAD stands alone as a complete, satisfying tale that will leave you thinking long after you have turned the last page.

I think this book tops what i would consider other contenders for this type of all-in-one cookbook (joy of cooking and fannie farmer) I love that this book has pictures...missing from the other two books I mentioned. It's a nice LARGE general, basic cook book.

A perfect gift for a person setting up an apartment for the first time, learning how to cook, going off to college (altho sometimes cooking options in college are limited).

I love the extra help sections...how to do things... techniques... examples etc. All around books tend to be at a disadvantage when they try to be all things to all people. While I dont think there is any substitute for regional and specific food type/cooking method/ ethnic cuisine cook books, I also think there is an important place in everyones home for a general all purpose cook book. ( For times when you want to know the *basics*...how long to cook something, for example.)

I have been dissapointed with the fannie farmer cookbook and the joy of cooking... this book would be my number 1 choice for a favorite general cook book for everyones kitchen

If I had to cut my extensive (over fifty) cookbook collection back to just one book this would be the "keeper!" When my beloved twelve-year old copy of this cookbook finally fell apart I purchased the 11th edition thinking I would mostly be replacing what I already had and knew well.

There was so much new and useful information included in the eleventh edition I wished I'd let go of my old copy earlier. I am especially fond of the nutrition analysis included with each recipe and the tips for making recipes lower in fat. The prep-times included with each recipe were also a new, and very useful, feature to me. Plus the editors upgraded the book to reflect the wider availability of formerly "exotic" fruits and vegetables now in the everyday market.

The fledgling cook will find everything needed to confidently accomplish any task from hard-boiling an egg to properly setting the table for a family meal or a buffet-style party. Pesky, but common, cooking terms like "al dente" and "crisp-tender" are explained in a straight forward manner in the cooking basics section where you will also find great tips for stocking a pantry or purchasing the basic cooking equipment you might need when just starting out.

Useful features for all levels of cook are scattered throughout the text. For example, there is a full-page photograph of different pastas with the name under each (finally! I now know the difference between Gemelli and Fusilli!). Also very useful are the extensive illustrative photos of retail cuts of meat cross-referenced to the wholesale cut and listing the best way to cook each cut.

One of my favorite things about the hardcover cookbook is the three-ring binder format. This makes it possible to lay the book flat on the counter or prop it up nearby with, or without, a cookbook stand. It also makes it easier to add your own notes right alongside your favorite recipes.

I love to give this cookbook as a gift to a young person just starting out -- inside a big crockpot or tied together with some fun kitchen tools.

Regarding the recipes, this is the one cookbook that contains recipes that many people ask me for. They are that good! The Chicken Marsala, Roasted Corn and Crab Soup and Coq au vin are restaurant quality and easy to make. Unlike other cookbooks where you hope to find a few dishes the family will like, *every* dish in BH&G is a hit. I have no hesitation trying new recipes now ~ I just jump right in! :o)