D-A Books

Fantastic, entertaining book!! Loaded with history and recipes -- Who could ask for more??? Highly recommend.

Fine addition to anyone's cookbook collection and a great gift for the
rail fan. Recipes are easy and they work! Don't expect to lose weight!

Great book! Wonderful back story of an era mostly gone. Recipes are particularly interesting and became the theme for a wonderful party. Research done by the author is staggering. Bravo!

Really a fun book to have for the railroader with someone who loves to cook. Tons of fine recipies from railroads all over the country. SOME EXPERIENCE REQUIRED! I tried my hand at a dish, but it didn't turn out right despite following directions to the letter. Recently, Mom and I were successful. Her years of cooking experience handed down from Grandma paid off, because she noticed a missing step. Some basic preparation steps are left out becuase by the time a cook was assigned to the diner, he didn't need to see everything on paper. Since then, Mom and I have enjoyed many more weekend cooking classes with the dining car cookbook. Although many projects have turned out well, I'll always recall our first as my personal favorite: Western Pacific Rice Cream Pie. Good times!

The book "Dining by Rail" was purchased at the urging of a ten-year old son who is a rabid railfan. The book not only has a treasure trove of the most famous recipes from all the different rail lines, but it features a marvelous history of railroads from the point of view of the customer, the cooks, and others whose job it was to provide customer service. One also learns how the menus on the trains reflected the relations with the most important commercial customers of the railroad, an aspect nostalgic railfans don't always think about.

The book is well written and carefully researched. The pictures are evocative, and the recipes very easy to follow and recreate.

Altogether, this book is providing my son and me with a interesting and tasty railroad education!

"Divination" has become an important book for me - one that I usually have close at hand in case I might benefit (again) by rereading parts of it, or run into someone else who might. What was most enjoyable and central for me is not even the concept of divination (as interesting and intriguing as it is), but the knowledge and perspective that author Paul O'Brien so effectively imparts in the early sections of his book. This extended introduction is meant to set the stage for his in-depth discussions of divination in later chapters. But it has done more than that for me and several of my friends.

In a conversational style consistent with his multi-dimensional background and evident interests in theology, philosophy, high tech business, and the human condition (e.g. politics, sustainability), O'Brien delivers a significant, well-written survey of various religions, which, he makes it easy to see, dovetail perfectly with his core topic. Some of his discourse has the familiar ring of "things I learned somewhere along the line," but it feels quite fresh and modern nonetheless. As a high-tech person myself, involved in the arts and music, and interested in philosophy, I could relate well to O'Brien's perspective, but had never before read anything quite like it. I have usually found such material tedious or uninspired, but here it never gets boring. Maybe what I enjoyed the most is how much you really get to know this very special person and his well-considered views by reading this.

There are many good things I could say about this book. It concisely imparts a lot of interesting and useful knowledge. It is fun to read - plenty of good humor and great stories. It is grounded in, and clearly related to, the real world. Perhaps most surprising, it made me interested in divination, as obviously is its stated intent. I don't yet know where I will take this new interest, but I'm sure I will take it somewhere in the future. It's probably already had an effect on me and I just don't know what it is yet!

In any event, O'Brien is clearly a wise person, with a lot to share about the subject of wisdom itself. He sometimes addresses the topic head-on with surprisingly direct sections like "Developing Wisdom" and "Belief Systems Need to Evolve." Encountering such a lead-in, you might think entrepreneurial success has gone to his head...but when you read on, no such thoughts will cross your mind. O'Brien has a deep respect - an abiding reverence - for what wisdom is, where it comes from, and how one finds it. At the heart of "Divination" is as eloquent a treatment as I have read of one of the most important and universally applicable philosophical concepts: how to determine what you can and cannot control, what you can and cannot know. In addition to his central theme of how divination plays into this, O'Brien does a wonderful job of explaining how one can embrace the unknowable without having to unnaturally give yourself up to it ("Blind Faith is a Learning Disability").

Like the best teachers, Paul O'Brien has a student's passion and enthusiasm, an appropriate level of humility, and a disarming way of explaining what turns out to be a timeless set of knowledge that everyone can use to great personal advantage.

Stephen A. Rogers
Chief Technology Officer
LeanPath, Inc.

Paul O'Brien's Divination: Sacred Tools for Reading the Mind of God is nothing less than a masterful Divinity tool kit!

In 231 riveting pages, O'Brien masterfully makes the ancient tools of divination (Tarot, Numerology, Astrology, Runes, I Ching) user-friendly, sharpening intuition and answering the profound personal questions we all share: "Why am I here? What is my purpose? What is my calling? What's the best approach to manifest my heart's special desire?"

Generous with his personal biography, supple with his quotes of famous teachers and seekers, and compassionate and insightful in his sharing of the transformative stories of others, O'Brien combines a world-class, philosophical intellect with historical acumen and spiritual insight.

This book succeeds in opening doors, lots of doors to the inner life where communion with the mind of God flowers. Eye-opening, mind-bending, joyfully surprising--all of these describe the experience of journeying with O'Brien through these inspiring pages. All spiritual seekers should treat themselves to this healing companionship. Get a copy for yourself, and more for those you work with and love!

--Robert McDowell, The Poetry Mentor [...], is the author of the bestselling POETRY AS SPIRITUAL PRACTICE: Reading, Writing, and Using Poetry in Your Daily Rituals, Aspirations, and Intentions (July 15th, 2008) from Free Press.

I really enjoyed the story and Paul's weaving of epistemology, biography, history, psychology, a little politics & some good sense advice. Quite a bit of balancing. I especially appreciated the description of Jung and synchronicity.

Demystifying without lessening the Mystery.

As a curious person who enjoys history of all types, "Divination ~ Sacred Tools for Reading the Mind of God," by Paul D. O'Brien, pleased me greatly with its interesting and thorough historical background information on five major divination systems...Astrology, I Ching, Tarot, Numerology, and Runes. The author, amazing creator of the first authentic computer-generated divination programs and the originator of the website, Tarot.com, clearly understands, loves, and uses divination himself. He is so enthusiastic and yet respectfully serious about divination that he rightly makes sure that his readers know what he feels divination IS ~ fantastic tools to help people make better decisions and to stimulate their own intuition...and what divination ISN'T ~ a fortune-telling sham.

Some of my favorite sections in the book are the appendices, including Appendix C, "Divination in the Bible," which highlights the passages from the Bible that are in favor of divination and those passages that are decidedly not in favor of divination - very helpful for me to know as a Tarot reader, especially when one encounters a Bible thumper who proclaims Tarot as nothing less than a "capital offense" and quotes ONLY the passages against divination.

Chapter 7, "Divination Practice Today," was particularly helpful in that it focused on the when-why-how to successfully choose and use a divination system that will be meaningful to each person individually. I liked the section on what to look for in a live reader (and when to back out the door!), if one chooses to go that route. The information on what types of questions work best when using divination is downright excellent.

Additionally, I found Chapter 5, "Enemies of Divination," fascinating...including the mention of how misconceptions regarding divination get spread through television programs and even via incorrect and misleading definitions in dictionaries.

On an internet note, much appreciated was the listing of what Mr. O'Brien felt were the "Three Criteria for Authenticity of Interactive Divination"; particularly helpful so that one can decide which websites give an authentic divination experience and which do not.

I tend to adore and soak up enlightening quotes, by famous folks and otherwise. This book is chock full of such quotes almost to a fault, as there are sidebars of pertinent extra facts or tidbits of knowledge and/or italicized quotes on nearly every page. For the first few chapters the abundant sidebars disrupted my concentration as I read, but I must admit such quotes/sidebars were often such good reading that after awhile I didn't mind the hiccup to my train of thought.

This book wasn't "hard" reading per se, but in several areas it wasn't easy, plow-through-quickly, reading either. I found myself rereading passages again and again, especially in the first few chapters, to make sure I understood what was being said. In the end, it was worthwhile taking one's time to absorb all the helpful information. What I came away with was much more than a mere overview of five divination systems...I came away with an account of a rich and often controversial past that has grown and evolved into the divination systems that are revered and used by many the world over today. The author points out that such divination systems are not just for the rich or a chosen few...people from all walks of life and various backgrounds are enriched by these "sacred tools," which help them make better choices in their day-to-day living.

Is divination nothing more than a crass attempt to foretell the future, or does it encompass a much broader range of metaphysical endeavor and archaic thought than most of us are aware? According to Paul O'Brien and his book `Divination: Sacred Tools for Reading the Mind of God' divination entails a myriad of systems, most of which are thousands of years old, designed for stimulating insights and unlocking the doors to synchronicity so we may access the mind of God (however you perceive the Divine) and fully manifest our intended destiny.

The author has a tall order to fill and he does an admirable job at doing so in this informative and nicely illustrated 232 page volume. O'Brien's book is a beautifully conceived, expertly organized and meticulously detailed presentation of the topic that will continue to serve as a valuable resource long after your initial reading is complete. The book is worth the purchase price for the Appendices alone.

I believe the most important contribution O'Brien makes to the ongoing study of divination is the material dealing with the rapidly evolving technology which is in the process of making these ages old esoteric systems new and relevant to a computer oriented generation.

As the author points out, "The responsibility for your spiritual progress is all yours" so if you really want to manifest your destiny you must be willing to hold nothing back on your journey of self discovery and say along with Paul O'Brien, "Wherever God Drags Me, I Will Follow".

My spiritual director told me it is essential to buy two books, to start spiritual direction: this book and Heliotropium: Conformity of the Human Will to the Divine. Both have been excellent resources, but this book is one I consider to be a completely under-appreciated gem of Catholic spirituality. It goes by the pre-V2 liturgical calender, with meditative reflections for each day. The book IS expensive, but I think it is worth every penny - particularly for the leather bound, as you'll want to read this every day for the rest of your life.

Devotion or "prayer" in the spiritual life differs greatly from the formal, organised study of Philosophy and Theology - it is the personal search for God - the daily practise, if you like, of "dialoguing" with one's Creator, a practise essential for every Christian.
I can think of no better aid beyond the Word of God itself (and frequent attendance at the Sacraments) than "Divine Intimacy" to bring the serious - and sincere Christian - to a better awareness of God in his daily life.

This book finally eliminates the possibility of the Christian practising something other than what he preaches.It will bring him in line with the highest aspects of the Christian Faith. Invaluable.

I have both this book and In Conversation With God. This book tends to be more contemplative, while Fr. Fernandez's books (ICwG) tends to be more pastoral. Also, this book follows the readings of the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, while the ICwG books follow the post-concilliar cycle of readings.

I can honestly say that this book is very good for giving your prayer life a jump start. I get more out of it when I couple it with a Rosary or quiet time. If you want to read a section, set it down and go back to your daily activities, you won't get much out of this. It is meant to be a springboard to further prayer.

Finally, and Baronius Press has now acquired the sole rights to print this book in English, so I don't think you will be able to get this edition by Tan Books.

I'd highly recommend getting a Sunday Missal or Daily Missal according to the 1962 rite, too. It makes following the readings a lot easier.

We have several similar books but I have never succeeded at sticking with them. I really like that this is broken down into short meditation readings (about 1 1/2 to 2 pages) and then a colloquy (a "conversation" with God) about the meditation. They follow the cycle of the Church, although not 100% up to date with Vatican II from what I can tell.

My wife and I have made it part of our daily prayer life.

"Divine Intimacy" is a set of daily readings and meditations that trace the Church's Liturgical year. The readings and meditations are both deep and profound. Each reading takes us through a meaningful set of issues, relative to the Liturgy. And the meditations are the reflections of the Saints on these particular issues.

This past year, I have begun every day with a reading and a meditation from "Divine Intimacy". And it has been a wonderful start for each day of this wonderful year. I strongly recommend this practice to all. God bless.

By the way, TAN Books of Rockford, Illinois has made this beautiful new edition available in an attractive, leather-bound format. It is a treasure. And we strongly recommend it.

This book covers every aspect of the hysterectomy procedure and thoroughly explains alternatives. I really felt empowered by reading this book and have recommended it to all my female friends, regardless of their age. This is the kind of stuff women really need to know.

I came across this book after reading the authors' first book about Csection, which I found really helpful. I haven't had a hysterectomy but I needed some minor surgery and this book really explained the procedure well and what to expect afterwards. It also explained why I had the symptoms I did. My Mom also read it and though she's already had a hysterectomy found a lot of things she hadn't known (especially about the menopause afterwards) The book doesn't push you into surgeries but gives lots of information and a guide for making up your own mind.Queenie

Five stars for Michele C. Moore and Caroline M. De C osta's Do You Really Need Surgery? A Sensible Guide to Hysterectomy and Other
Procedures for Women. Physicians Moore and De Costa write clearly, humorfully, and usefully about women's options for gynecological surgery-remembering that hysterectomy used to be the most often performed unnecessary surgery, they offer numerous choices, always emphasizing the need for the empowered patient's choice. "Remember, you are the person having the surgery, not them [doctors]!" Michele and Caroline write, using their first names with pseudonyms for their patients. They offer personal narratives about their patients, some of whom have opted for surgery! -most notably hysterectomy-and some of whom have not. They consider the options of alternative medicine as well as
mainstream Western approaches. Michele and Caroline detail not only success stories, but also they offer clear explanations of the risks and consequences of gynecologic surgery. This book is written in clear colloquial language. (...) Some possible bad consequences, often temporary, are concisely described with "Yuck." The technical details are there, clearly presented using as little jargon as possible. I have friends facing some of the conditions Michele and Caroline analyze, and I will give them a copy of this book enthusiastically.
Particularly wonderful sections are those on what to expect after the surgery that squarely face women's sexual fears and realities that follow many hysterectomies-Moore quotes one of her patient's delighted analysis: "Hysterectomy takes away the baby carrier and leaves the playpen." The concluding section-tips to make a sensible decision-is brilliant. Though I hope to be lucky enough to avoid having the complications that would
make in-depth study of this book necessary, if they arose,I also hope I would be able to consult these two wise women.

I was lucky enough to get hold of a review copy of this book while going through the investigations and decision-making for my upcoming hysterectomy. This book covers everything I needed to know, without pushing the reader too much in any one direction. It's really good on the details and risks of hysterectomy with the laparoscope,this is information I couldn't find in any other book. As a result I now feel confident about having this procedure. I'll have the book with me as I go through the process, it has a lot of information about what happens in the weeks after hysterectomy and how to get back to better health quicker.Five stars to these sympathetic women ffor producing this sensible guide.

In Do You Really Need Surgery?: A Sensible Guide To Hysterectomy And Other Procedures For Women, Michele Moore (a family physician specializing in women's health) and Caroline de Costa (a gynecologist and obstetrician, and a mother of seven who has herself undergone a hysterectomy) combine their more than fifty years of experience to provide accurate and clear information to the reader about the anatomy, physiology, and common gynecological ailments of women. They deftly and accessibly cover diagnosis, alternative surgery, and full details about medical procedure of hysterectomy surgery. Do You Really Need Surgery? also takes the reader through the post-operative phase, explains what to expect and how to make the recovery easier, as well as how to take care after the surgery to insure against post-operative complications. Critically important and very highly recommended reading for anyone contemplating such surgery, Do You Really Need Surgery? also informatively addresses possible non-surgical options.

to truly live a meaningful life it is time to downshift. pick this up and read Simple Life and create purpose and meaning - why not add the four-hour work week to the mix. you can do this. you can live better. simply. beautifully. -beth
Simple Grace: Living a Meaningful Life

Having accomplished my own downshifting more than ten years ago I can attest that John Drake has developed a solid grasp of the needs and concerns of those thinking about a change/reduction in their work schedule. Very insightful and helpful thinking.

The author consulted with readers trying to slow down the hectic paces of their professional lives. He helped them cut back on work and downshift by offering real-life anecdotes. The tone of this book is serious; the advice seems solid.

Jack Drake has provided an easy to read, road mapped dialogue that is very important in today's work scenario. He recognizes the need to communicate with the thirty somethings and emphasize the importance of personal, as opposed to material, life. Well Done! The self help format should allow everyone to evaluate their individual needs. There is life after work!!

If you are on the fence, Downshifting will get you to move. Great psychological and spiritual insights to help live a more peace filled life.

Not a word wasted.

Strange.

Funny.

More ideas than 100 sci-fi novels.

More violence than the Crusades.

It is ace. You should buy it.

reviewed by Cellblock (Withersin Magazine)

08.02.07




This book took me less than a day to read, but about a week to digest and I found myself rereading pages in order to make sure I was not missing a clue. D. Harlan Wilson has, what can only be described as, a "Webster-like" vocabulary. Sharp readers will pick up all manner of enigmatical pop culture references. The action was fast paced and often appalling and hilarious at the same time. I could easily try to break this story down into an existentialist rambling, but I thoroughly enjoyed trying to analyze the obscure references to today's sad attempt at cultural reformation. It felt like I was sitting in an episode of Mystery Science Theatre 3000, laughing at half of the jokes and wondering at the rest. Readers would be advised to pack a dictionary and get ready to feast on the carnage.

D. Harlan Wilson's Dr. Identity is a hip, darkly funny satire that focuses on newly minted assistant professor Dr. Blah Blah Blah, the robot he occasionally sends to teach his students, and the overall absurdities of academic life. Shortly after beginning his stint at Corndog University, Dr. Blah finds that his colleagues demonstrate a covert animosity toward him, which, in addition to his students' tardiness and apathy, renders his new job altogether intolerable. When a discouraged Dr. Blah sends his robot, Dr. Identity, to teach his class for him a second time in one week (which is normally a risky undertaking at Corndog U.), the machine's accidental murder of a student sets the stage for a fun, mind-bending journey, which, although completely surreal, becomes eerily reminiscent of the reader's own college experience.

In addition to the well-read hilarity of the book, Wilson's juxtaposition of the realistic and the bizarre does a great job of reinforcing aspects of the novel that parody academia and its strange, unspoken codes of conduct. This pairing becomes an elegant, economical way of suggesting that the pretensions within Corndog University's English department are just as absurd as electric sheep or neozuters having a conversation in Donaldduckspeak. For example, Wilson writes: "Bob had legally changed his surname to an author in his field who was of interest to him in some pedagogical or scholarly way. Additionally, he had done his best to dress himself up like the Russian novelist, sporting dimestore spectacles, a long greasy beard, and a motheaten overcoat. He had grafted eyebags on his face, too" (16). Poking fun at the way academics, like many other professionals, feel pressured to assume a persona, Wilson takes Dr. Blah and his colleagues beyond the stereotypical tweed blazer with suede elbow patches, often emphasizing some characters' desire for plastic surgery and other physical changes to better perform their jobs. Depicting commonplace behavior in an exaggerated and surreal way, Wilson's parody subtly hints at the ridiculousness of doing a job and trying to act the part at the expense of one's individuality, keeping the reader laughing out loud all the while.

Dr. Identity's exploration of technology and the ways it shapes the characters' sense of self is also impressive. Often focusing on the way electronics and other innovations begin to dominate rather than merely mediate one's day-to-day experiences, characters sometimes demonstrate a desire to imitate technology or even become mechanical themselves. For example, Wilson writes in Dr. Identity: "I thought he was an android. He was wearing mechanical contact lenses. Apparently it's a new fashion statement that surfaced yesterday and was disseminated last night via the Schizoverse...That was the de facto scoop your student-things gave me. To be nonhuman. Nobody told me about that kind of technodesire" (32). Using the same juxtaposition of the everyday with the bizarre found in previous passages to help the reader envision his or her own comfortable world becoming the futuristic one in this novel, Wilson's depictions of the characters' identity being shaped by media and technology forces prove both realistic and chilling.

A mix of Orwellian satire, existential philosophy, and strikingly original humor, Dr. Identity is an erudite and entertaining read. Anyone who enjoys zoot suits, fedoras, an intellectually engaging parody, or a skillfully constructed narrative will be missing out if they don't add this book to their library. Five stars.

I have been a fan of D.Harlan Wilson's very descriptive and at times disturbing stories, but never have I been able to connect the dots until reading Dr. Identity. Reminding me a bit of Kurt Vonnegut's work, his heroes are flawed, and their enemies are not individuals, but culture, society and history, which are certainly making a mess of our planet. Bliptown, it's enhabitants and cultures are so outrageous that at first glance the reader might not see the reality inside, but take a closer look and you will see that it is the current state of the world staring you in the face. This is a very daring and truthful novel - one that every participant of society should read read and learn from!

After reading the first few chapters of this book, you'll think to yourself "Wow, this guy REALLY knows his sci-fi."

I say this because any science fiction fan will know that sci-fi novels often are sprinkled (or doused) with its own lingo. Authors create a future and go about sprucing everyday items up and giving them knew names. Sometimes this makes the entire story/novel confusing, sometimes it works to create a richer world that just feels more real. Which one is DR. IDENTITY? Well, let's just say it's a rich, rich world.

D. Harlan Wilson has obviously studied science-fiction. You can tell just by the way he uses language in order to paint the world he created. It's quite similar, in fact, to Philip K. Dick. I believe that there is indeed shadows of PKD throughout DR. IDENTITY and this is not a bad thing at all.

One thing that sets THIS book and the works of PKD is the humor. DR.IDENTITY is filled with it. Even in the ultraviolent, splatter(cyber)punk parts.. you can't help but chuckle at the absurd lengths of bloody carnage.

The book is also a furious attack on academia. D. Harlan Wilson seems to be no stranger to that world and has had enough experience to see through the B.S. of the academic world. Throughout this book you'll see not so subtle jabs at that world and you'll laugh. However, through that laughter you'll realize that it's actually quite sad considering how very true it is. In fact, if I was a department head or a Dean at a university, I wouldn't be happy at all by this book. I'd probably dismiss it as fluff or garbage. But thank god I'm not because this book is anything but fluff or garbage. The author himself calls it a "pulp science fiction" novel... but really it feels like more than that.

Okay, so what about action? Any action?

Yes.

Loads of it. Bloody action. More action than KILL BILL. More violence than GRINDHOUSE. More blood than any move I've ever seen. Is it disturbing then? Is D. Harlan Wilson the next Edward Lee? No, no. The violence, like I mentioned, is done in such an over-the-top way that it's not stomach-churning.

CONS: I think towards the end it slows a bit and doesn't wrap itself up as neatly as I would have liked. Throughout the book, the chapters switch perspectives from Dr.-----, Dr. Identity, and then third person. I just felt that toward the end, the reader lost connection with Dr.Identity and Dr.-----.. and so it wasn't as satisfying as I had expected. I admit that others may feel differently. But if I was pressed to come up with a criticism (which is only fair), I'd say that's about it.

DR.IDENTITY is a worthwhile book because it's entertaining and vivid, funny and violent. It has lots to say about academia, capitalism, and society. If you like your sci-fi funny and irreverent, buy this book and read it.

I initially bought this book because it was about a Yorkie...I have now bought additional copies to send to friends that have Yorkies.

I had to keep reading until I finished, couldn't put it down. And have now decided any dog lover will totally enjoy this book and see their dog through each story!!

DON'T MISS IT!! It will brighten your day and we can all use a little of that!!

As a life-long dog owner, I was so excited to read this book. Reading the puppy-training stories, brought those days right back to mind. The author does such a great job of humorously describing the antics of her puppy. Great coffee table book - you'll hear your guests laughing out loud. Super gift idea for any dog lover in your life!

I received this book as a gift for Christmas and couldn't put it down until I had finished it. The book is totally hilarious. The author describes pet ownership to a T. Even though I am a life long cat person, meow, I can so totally relate to the authors experiences. Great Book, a must read if you want to laugh hysterically. I hope the author keeps us up to date with another book about Dylan's antics.

I don't own a dog and I love this funny, witty and incredibly entertaining book of short stories about Ellice and her dog, Dylan. I have a cat, yet I can totally relate to the funny little things that go on between pet and owner. It's just that there are not many talented and creative pet owners who can compile all these beloved stories and turn them into a beautiful little book. I'll be anxiously awaiting a sequel!

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. I found myself laughing from start to finish. When I got to the last page - I was sorry it was over. I loved it.

Thanks so much!!!

This book is filled awesome art work and stories. I have this book on my coffee table and always get complements on it.....

Another great book by Fairey. This book takes you through the Obey campaign and the like-titled show. As reviewed on [...], the full color spreads and pictures of work in process allow a glimpse into the world of the artist. Although I prefer Supply and Demand, I would recommend this book to all Obey Giant fans.

Great book. Really good collection of images and artist's thoughts on pieces. I was lucky enough to see show in person and this book is the best thing ever for any fan of Fairey or people looking to see great first hand examples of high-quality fine art as well as street art.

I bought two copies: one to keep and one to cut up. There are so many rad pictures from Shep in this book that I knew I was going to want to make little framed pictures of them. I even thought of cutting out pictures and framing them for Christmas presents.

But enough about that -- how about the book itself? I really like the political nature of this second book. It is inspiring. I saw a show of his in LA in 2007 that had many of these art works. Since then, I have been waiting for this book to come out in print. What strikes me about Shep's art is the seemless blend on progressive politics and popular culture. It isn't too preachy (well, sometimes it is a little) and it isn't tame. The art also has the ability to penetrate deep seated hegemony -- maybe even capable of holding a mirror up to those who don't know how ugly their politics make them. We can hope.

I think Shep's art is rad in the both the hip and radical senses of that word.

This book is awesome, Shepard Fairey is a great artist. I think most of the people have seen his designs, even if they`re not knowing that they`re his. You should check it out, lot`s of pictures and designs.
Things you coulod also see on his http://obeygiant.com/ website.
Watch the book: E Pluribus Venom

The book is very to study and to know about e-business, it is an excellent referent to study.

He fully understands the relationship between collaborative technology as it relates to project management in a large enterprise environment.

As he so well points out... "the speed which one implements technology relating to process management in order to accomplish large tasks" will differentiate success from failure. This is a "must read" for senior management if they wish to survive in a complex "project management", collaboration /Internet environment. How to utilize technology to accomplish this is the key!!

A great resource for management.

Mr. Shield clearly gets it!!".

He fully understands the relationship between collaborative technology as it relates to project management in a large enterprise environment.

As he so well points out... "the speed which one implements technology relating to process management in order to accomplish large tasks" will differentiate success from failure. This is a "must read" for senior management if they wish to survive in a complex "project management", collaboration /Internet environment. How to utilize technology to accomplish this is the key!!

A great resource for management.

If you are coming from an APICS viewpoint on ERP, this book is consultant-speak only. It is however a prime mover on a very important issue, how will those 1996-1999 implemented ERP systems move forward now that Y2k spending has been digested in Fortune 2000 companies?

An excellent overview of a very complex and timely subject. I especially liked the ERP/E-Business Matrix and the discussion of regions, companies and assumptions underlying it. I found the discussion of "adaptive" vs. "disruptive" changes helpful and insightful. Very concise and to-the-point, a quick & easy read, but one which should be internalized over a longer period of time. Covered a lot of ground in less than 200 pages. Overall, an excellent addition to my bookshelf.

Would, however, have liked to see a bibliography & some footnotes for the statistics cited

Those businesses that make the best use of the best technologies available are the truly innovative and solid e-businesses. The most successful of these companies are the ones that recognize that a retail sale is still a very human activity and requires a mix of technology and personalization. Marketing and promotions are still required; however, the internet requires technology upgrades at a greater rate. There are still three keys of retail, and these objectives must be met properly utilizing the latest technologies in order to be successful:

· Attract customers
· Make shopping simple and easy
· Offer superior customer service

The author of this book lists twelve "must-have" technologies that will help to achieve the three listed objectives. The reader will learn about:

· Place websites high in the search engine
· Partner with aggregators
· Use targeted electronic direct mail
· Connect with customers on the go
· Install search tools to help buyers find what they want
· Make the site personal
· Adapt the site for global customers
· Give customers real-time inventory access
· Keep all information current by using a content management system (CMS)
· Use real-time presales chat and other online customer support
· Integrate on-line and offline customer support
· Realize and use the importance of alternate payment systems

This book was helpful in defining all the new technologies and illustrates many challenges businesses face integrating their initiatives online.

There are a lot of facets to running a business that not only must serve an online community but an offline customer base as well. Gutzman does a nice job highlighting the various sectors and the tools businesses must consider to address those needs. She provides examples and case studies. Good book, must read.

In the Preface, Gutzman explains that her book "is designed to tell you what the must-have technologies are for your Web site, with resources listing vendors for each technology. However, new vendors are entering the field daily. For example, for the technology I discuss in the Epiloque, alternative payment systems, I received three press releases in the week before the book went to the printer. In fact, this book has been difficult to write because I have never felt that any chapter was finished." Nor could one be. There are several reasons why I thus begin this brief commentary. First, to indicate that Gutzman focuses on "must-have technologies" rather than on, for example, specific strategies and tactics. Also, to indicate (as does she) how rapidly circumstances in the "digital arena" can change. Finally, to suggest that a Web site is never "finished." Gutzman organizes her material within five Parts: The E-Commerce Climate, Technologies for Driving Traffic, Technologies for Making Buying Easier, Technologies for Customer Service, and finally, Turnkey Growth. Of special interest to me are the various "Case Studies" of exemplar companies and technology applications. Also various "Profiles" such as those of "Net Perceptions", "Soliloquy" and "BroadVision", each of which briefly discusses specific functions, features, and benefits of specific technologies. As a non-technical person, I commend Gutzman on creating access for me to subjects which can sometimes be daunting, if not intimidating.

Gutzman's is a "three-pronged strategy" for meeting your demands: implement essential technologies, maintain a flexible business model, and outsource everything. Think of the material in her book as if it were on display in a store which you enter, tool box in hand. Roam the aisles. Examine various clusters of items. She is your expert advisor as well as the store's proprietress. (I strongly suspect that she had this metaphor in mind when writing the book.) Over time, all of your questions are answered. She helps you to make appropriate selections. In process, she has helped you to understand not only what you need and how to use it but also why you need it. Effective use of the 12 "must have" technologies will drive traffic to the Web site, create and sustain Web site functionality, and facilitate customer service which ensures that the Web site will be ETDBW (Easy to Do Business With). In the Epilogue, Gutzman adds another "must have" technology: alternative payment systems.

For whom will this book be most valuable? First, I highly recommend it to decision-makers in small-to-midsize organizations which already have or are now developing a Web site. The more they know and the more they understand, the better prepared they will be to select and then work with vendors. (NOTE: Reputable vendors will welcome such expertise because it enables them to accomplish more for their client and in less time. The same expertise will enable decision-makers to recognize disreputable vendors, either immediately or soon thereafter. That one benefit all by itself is worth at least ten times the cost of the book and probably a great deal more.) I also strongly recommend this book to decision-makers in larger organizations because, in the "digital arena", they will be expected (if not required) to gain a literacy in the technologies which Gutzman examines. Also, these same decision-makers will become progressively more involved in business initiatives (marketing, client relationships, strategic planning, market research, etc.) which the "must have" technologies support. Congratulations to Gutzman on a brilliant achievement.

The E-Commerce Arsenal surveys twelve technologies needed to prevail in the digital business world, from submitting a URL and web positioning to using targeted direct email. The case histories from other business experiences are particularly revealing, covering common problems and solutions.

This book gives practical, action oriented information for both developers and merchants, and explains it in an easily comprehendible way. The author does not dwell on theory or basics, but gives concrete insight into what's working and what's not from the first chapter - something I've found very valuable as one who has little time to read a book from cover to cover.