Buying-the

I do not feel this book is specific enough regarding values of stones for a beginner such as myself, especially for less-expensive stones.

Now in an updated second edition, Gemstone Buying Guide by experienced and professional gemologist Renee Newman is an authoritative, useful and "user friendly", no-nonsense guide to evaluating, identifying, and caring for colored gems, ranging from pearls and opals, to moonstone, topaz, turquoise, and more. Vibrant color photographs throughout add visualization to the tips, tricks, and techniques skillfully described in the text. If you are buying or selling any kind of gemstone then give Renee Newman's Gemstone Buying Guide is "must" reading.

If you are looking for a brief, concise, easy to read book that spells out the basics for gem buying, this is for you. It also has some lore and some of the most beautiful photographs of gems I have ever seen. Inexpensive and useful.

As a person looking to make several major furniture purchases, I bought this book looking for a way to learn the difference between a $600 and a $1000 sofa, as well as other furniture items. The book was only a little helpful in this regard. The author is a retired retail furniture salesman, and the book comes across somewhat as his personal swan song. It has a tone of "the good old days of retail when service mattered and a brand name like X really meant someting." The author definitely favors big brand names, and especially those at the high end of the spectrum. He includes some information about shopping for furniture in North Carolina, some info. about furniture care, and a little information about furniture prices and getting a good deal. I learned a little about what to look for in purchasing furniture, and figured out that furniture stores play all kinds of games with pricing, but that is about it. Still, if you are like me and are starting with very low level of knowledge and can't stomach spending one or two thousand dollars without doing some product research, this book will at least provide some information.

I am one of the lucky ones in that I was introduced to furniture quality by my Home Economic teacher 35 years ago. Unfortunately, I have watched friends and relatives repeatedly replace furniture because they only bought on looks and could not tell the difference between a $700 leather sofa and a $3500 one. This book is great! It tells new consumers what to look for and what they are paying for. The illustrations are great and the terminology is easy to understand. Mr. Lewin does not suggest that you buy only top of the line furniture; he urges you to consider the purpose and the abuse/use a piece of furniture will take. Furniture shopping to me is like looking in a museum. Although I knew a lot, I still found things to highlight in his book. I plan on buying this book for Christmas, wedding and graduation gifts.

Mr. Lewin has the right idea: inform the public about how to make better choices, and you have a reader who will pass on the word.

While this book does not possess the "glitz" of most of the books of decorating ilk, this slim, informative volume is reasonably priced, and completely accessible to readers who love furniture, no matter how furniture savvy or not.

This book gives cookie cutter advice without much elaboration for those of us who don't fit into the mold of "20% down, sterling credit" home-buyers. If you've read any other books then most of the information isn't new and a lot of it is just common sense (although some of it it is outdated now). I would only recommend this book to someone who knows nothing and is ready to read other books in order to put the advice in perspective. If you're going to read anything, read "The 106 Common Mistakes Homebuyers Make". It's a lot better!

I'm half way though this book and its obvious to me that much of what he suggests is unknowable. Buy when the market is going up. Don't buy on the way down. Don't wait for the absolute bottom. Ask Jean Dixon for advice....

So what is one to do? Aside from the fact that housing is something everybody needs, all I know is that people who bought houses in California for outrageously high prices...are now selling them for even higher prices.

And the same economic conditions that cause house prices to go up, also raise interest rates, making housing unaffordable.

The best time to buy a house is when you need one and can afford it. As I write this the good news is that interest rates are incredibly low; the bad news is George Junior is running this country off a cliff. Sure, its disconcerting but if you follow everything in this book the only home you'll be in the market for is a nursing home.

This is a must have for first time home buyers. Or Even if you have been burned the first time around. This book was very informative and easy to read. I would also reccomend that you buy "The Dictionary of Real Estate Terms". This is a great book to have also. Keep both books close at hand when shopping for a loan. There are tons of loan programs out there. But remember an educated shopper ALWAYS WINS!

This book provides a relatively poor overview of the foreclosure process (understandable since it changes somewhat by locality) and spends way too much time on salesy sounding scripts to use when talking to people. However, there are enough useful tidbits to make the book worth reading.

These two investors have done an excellent job at explaining the nuts and bolts of real estate investing. Many authors fill pages and pages telling us the RESULTS of their successfull negotiations (e.g. infomercial testimonials). But P&D go into the details of how they communicate and negotiate their deals. They've put a lot of thought into their process as they explore the psychology of negotiating with sellers.

But why didn't I give this book 5 stars? Because in my view, their 2nd book is EVEN BETTER. While their 1st book was ok, they hit their stride on the 2nd book (Making Big Money Investing in Real Estate Withoug Tenants, Banks, or Rehab Projects) which in my mind is the BEST of the three they've written so far. I give them an A+ for content and quality. And this (new)book is right on the money too. So, I recommend reading BOTH books; they complement each other nicely. They have a win-win approach to investing. They also advocate putting 10% of your profits to good use in helping others. Like I said, a class act!

This book is written for everyone, easy to read and understand with all the information needed for anyone to get started. Peter Conti and David Finkel teach not only how to build wealth buying foreclosures but more importantly how to do it with integrity. Solving problems for those that have financial issues, while making sure not to ever "take advantage" of them is a point made clear throughout all of Peter and David's books. Making Big Money Buying Foreclosures..... is more than a book about Real Estate investing, as you read each page you get a real feel for the authors, the genuine spirit of fair play and sincerity both Peter & David posess reach out from each page letting you know this is not just about building wealth; but helping people.
I had the opportunity to spend this last weekend in Devner, CO with the Mentor Financial Group (owned by Peter Conti & David Finkel) and I am sold on the fact these two gentleman walk their talk. Buying foreclosures is a time spent working with sellers in an emotional state; this book teaches you as an investor how to work with these sellers in a way that is not demeaning but even uplifting. If you are an investor, big or small or maybe someone simply considering the purchase of a few properties to hang onto for future income or a more quality retirement, buy this book. Making Big Money Investing In Foreclosures......was not written and published to be put on your shelf, I have read dozens of books regarding Real Estate investment and for me, it's always been about the people I am working with and the wealth & freedom building, in that order. Even if you know nothing about Real Estate investing or are a licensed Real Estate Agent - (...) - READ IT - FOLLOW WHAT IT SAYS, EXACTLY HOW IT SAYS TO DO IT.......IT'S THAT SIMPLE! It has something for everyone and you will be glad you did.

It's 20 below outside and the snow is drifted over the door to the garage I can't get to where my jeep is stored. I'm going through Jeep withdrawal. The mail comes and I'm saved. "Jeep" By Jim Allen has arrived in the mail. Filled with the beautiful photos and expert discussion of the history and details that makes my Jeep more than just transportation. This book is for every jeep junkie. Even without Jim's expert commentary on the breed this book would be worth buying just for the high quality photos and collected documentation. If you haven't already added this book to your growing Jim Allen collection you're missing out.

Lee Maguire

Noted Jeep scholar and photographer, Jim Allen, has assembled a lavish, detailed, and engaging story. Being a longtime student of the brand, Allen has amassed a wealth of previously unseen historic images which he uses in support of beautiful images of perfectly restored models. Readers will recognize a number of Military Vehicle Preservation Association National Convention winners as well as some of the rarest examples of both civilian and military models in private collections.

Allen has divided his research into 10 chapters, eight of which follow a chronological sequence of the marque. Chapter Nine deviates from this timeline to ask the question, "Will the real Jeep please stand up?" What might be a sidebar in most books, this chapter explores the etymology of the word "Jeep," expelling some myths while explaining others.

The final chapter of the book, like the Statham title, is dedicated to the "Jeep Lifestyle." Unlike the other book though, the author looks beyond the rock climbers, giving note to reenactors, collectors, and restorers. The book concludes with a nice glossary of the Jeep "Alphabet". Three appendices are included, the most useful of which is a detailed list of specifications for all models, beginning with the Bantam BRC-40 and ending with the Cherokee XJ and and Grand Cherokee ZJ of 1999.

Engaging text, fresh research, and frame-quality photography make this book a bargain at... A Jeep library will be incomplete if this book isn't added to the shelf. It is too bad there isn't an award for "Outstanding Publication in the Field of Jeep History." This book would receive my nomination.

This is an excellent data book (Just like all the other vehicle "Buyers Guide" books) on a wide variety of Jeep vehicles with much detail data such as built numbers and option lists. It's more a "documentary" piece than a "color and story" book. Excellent for people hunting for Jeep facts on a wide variety of Jeeps and for people trying to decide what vintage Jeep to buy or restore.

I purchased the book at first having met the author personally curious about her work. The author brings structure and elaborates on details helping refreshen the timeshare presentation for seasoned veterans or get green-pea rookies up and selling. Her selling psychology highly motivates the reader to wanting a chance to "try" her approaches on the next tour. If your lost or not doing well selling timeshare, would like to read what a proven producer has to say, or would simply like to refreshen your sales presentation skills then I highly recommend the book. I've met her and she writes as well as she sounds. In sales presentations she'll blow you away.

This is a quite exceptional volume. Books of any kind on vacation ownership are uncommon; literate and genuinely valuable books on the subject can certainly be counted on the fingers of one hand (probably excluding thumbs...). If you sell timeshare, you simply cannot afford not to master everything in this book; if you just want to understand how timeshare works and how it is sold, you need not even begin to look elsewhere. Sales people - here is a seasoned, intelligent, and successful professional telling you how to do it. What more could you ask for, other than for them to write you a check?

You will not find a better book on the subject anywhere. If you are serious about your career, you need to buy this book and read it. If you are motivated and driven to be successful at timeshare sales, all you will need is the knowledge contained in this book and a positive attitude. No excuses- SEE YOU AT THE TOP!

This book did a good job of explaining the sales office process, but skipped over the really scary things, like buying the lot, lot upgrades, working with contractors, water, sewer, septic, etc...If Mr. Burnsides wanted to be really thorough, he would have given us better statistics, like the Consumer Guide info he refers to, but does not elaborate on nearly enough. A manufacturer list or customer service survey of manufacturers would be nice too. Last but not least, the author's credibility was not helped by all the mis-spellings and errors. Didn't anyone edit this book for him?

This book should be required reading for anyone considering a manufactured home. A few evenings spent with this book will not only save you thousands of dollars it will result in you getting a much better home. Be sure to make notes and take them with you when you visit the dealers and the manufactured home factory (something you really must consider doing before you sign). Buying a manufactured home isn't like buying a car - so don't treat it that way.

Aloha,If you are in the market for a manufactured home you *must* get this book. He tells all the ins and outs of the manufactured home buying process written from the perspective of a guy who is simply trying to tell you the truth. He is sincere and *very* knowledgeable and will save you significant money and hassle.As one reviewer noted, this is not the best editing job. There are a number of grammatical errors, careless things like a missing pro-noun or mispelled words. But you don't buy a book like this looking for pulitzer prize level literature. You buy it to arm yourself with information. Mr. Burnside does a very good job of doing just that, arming you, and does so in an easy to read/understand fashion. I read the whole thing in about 4 hours.He gives tips on all aspects of buying a manufactured home and setting it up on your property. But the primary focus is how to handle the home dealers and how to get the best deal with the right options. In that light it would be wise to have this book as but one book in your home buying collection. A great book that covers other important areas like finding and buying land (etc) in a more comprehensive way than Mr. Burnside's book is "Finding and Buying Your Place in the Country" by Scher & Scher (husband wife team). This is also a *must* have book. Do not as much as set foot inside a manufactured home dealer without reading this book.Good Luck! It is a best seller for a reason.

H-I-S-T-O-R-Y. This book is sooo outdated, it's ridiculous. Granted, that the field of home entertainment is changing very rapidly, but this book was dated the day it hit the shelves back in 1997. The only reason it even got one star was because Ferstler does indeed have a simple way of explaining some complicated issues, but beyond that, there is almost no useful information presented here, especially 5 years past publication. Betamax! Please. Much of the information is also contrary to present ideology regarding home theater equipment (ie- Go ahead and use [less costly]speaker cable, it's okay, and Don't waste your money on power contitioning). This book is totally geared toward low-end users and I found nothing beyond the ordinary information available on dozens of web sites, for FREE. Don't even think about wasting your money.

Ferstler's latest book, The Home Theater Companion, is a practical and insigtful guide to Audio-Visual systems. It is easy reading because Ferstler has a knack for reducing complicated subject matter into easy-to-understand language for the lay user. One particular advantage to this book is the author's extensive knowledge of audio; from this, he has been able to clearly differentiate the good from the not-so-good in the sound portion of any A-V setup. There have been some insincere criticisms of Howard's book (likely by those who have not actually read it); however, once you have absorbed it and realize the scope of his work, you will be very pleased with what you learn about this complicated subject. One suggestion, however, is the need for a follow-on update of the subject matter. The concept and technology of today's A-V systems are very dynamic; a revision to this book should be written to assure up-to-date subject matter.

There are simplistic books on the subject; there are books obviously slanted towards off-the-wall gazillion-dollar weird systems -- and then there is this one. If you want to really understand what home theaters are all about, what is important and what isn't, take the time to read it through and absorb what the author is telling you. You will be rewarded.

will appreciate this fine book . . . an excellent reference for ANY Mercedes-Bens enthusiast, collector, researcher, etc.

Lots of black and white photographs with a brief synopsis covering virtually all "production" (and a few non-production "custom-prototype") Mercedes cars from 1886 thru 2002.

Anecdotal information tells you why your particular model/version of a Mercedes car could be important.

Has an "Investment Rating" potential table.

This book is invaluable to MBZ lovers. It is written with love and experience and knowledge. If you've seen the others in this series (BMW, Jaguar, Corvette, Porsche, etc.) they simply don't compare in quality. The photos are terrific; the advice honest.

This is a must have for any MBZ lover.

Frank Barrett, as editor of "The Star," the magazine of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America, has become THE guru for classic Mercedes-Benz knowledge. I've been in the Mercedes business for 20 years. I'm considered very knowledgeable about Mercedes-Benz. But when someone talks about acquiring a classic Mercedes, I tell them to first buy this book. It can save a prospective purchaser a lot of money. It also acts as a quick source for statistics I've long since forgotten. It's a great reference book I'll expect to have available at my desk for a long time. It's well written, interesting, and accurate. If you need information about pre-owned or classic Mercedes, buy it.

I collect antique sewing machines. My newest one is a 1966 Singer 221 Featherweight. When I got this book, I gave it to my son who is just learning to sew. It was written in terms he could understand and had a lot of practical knowledge in it. For me, it was of no use. I have been sewing since age 11 and have taught myself most everything I know about machines. So, if you are just starting out, this is a great book. If you are an antique sewer like me, find another book like Charles Law's Encyclopedia of Antique Sewing Machines (limited print and hard to find). He tells you how to restore a black japanned finish with gold leaf without destroying the surface, what chemicals to use and not to use, and has many manuals for obsolete machines in the back of the book with diagrams.

John states very early in his book that buying a sewing machine is like buying a car: buy the brand you like, know, or have the tools and skills to fix. This is very true and excellent advice, and since his brand preferences become very clear by the end of the book, I followed it and found my wife the best used Swiss-made machine I could afford. It is a great machine, and it completely revitalized my wife's interest in sewing. She evens wants to start quilting.

The biggest weakness of the book is that no details are offered as to machine brands differ mechanically; the reader is left to shop by features alone. In my case, this was no help, because mechanical malfunctions (and not a lack of a feature) that rendered my former machine worst than useless. These technical details are known, and I was lucky enough to find a former Singer wholesaler who could explain the differences between brands and models.

The section about how to finance a machine can be skipped. The repair section is interesting and useful, but it won't jump-start a dead machine. The list of great machines of the past is really good, but they are not to be found in the market (Although one did appear on a online auction). His price guidelines I found to be too high (yeah!) for this area.

It is a nice book, and very readable. The list of machines and the final chapter make the book worth buying.

Some chapters of this book weren't worth the time to read them.

The pricing guides obviously become obsolete right away. He indicates you couldn't possibly get a good sewing machine for under $150 even buying used, and that the only place to get a good used sewing machine is at a dealer, I disagree.

The section about finding your "Sewing Tempermant" was contradictory and just wacky.

Perhaps it's my fault for assuming that "refurbishing" would be about restoring a neglected machine to top condition, but it's actually about taking your old well-cared for machine, and cleaning, oiling and shining it up a bit.

"How to Modernize an Old Machine" is really just a collection of tips about changing your sewing habits. Mostly very interesting tips, but not really about changing your old machine.

Despite all of those complaints, I enjoyed the book and learned a lot. I especially liked the information on the brands, who made what when, and who's making it now, etc.

The chapter "Setting Up Your Sewing Space" is reason enough to read this book, and certainly isn't just for novices.