The Power of Focus: How to Hit Your Business, Personal and Financial Targets with Absolute Certainty

Book Description

Whether they are corporate professionals, budding entrepreneurs, or they own a home business, most people are looking to achieve more in less time, while earning enough money to live comfortably. This book reveals the proven techniques thousands of people have used to attain all of the money they wanted while living healthy, happy and balanced lives. The Power of Focus, the new blockbuster from the coauthors of the bestselling Chicken Soup for the Soul, is a practical no-nonsense guide that shows readers how to reach their business, personal and financial goals without getting burned out in the process. Canfield, Hansen, and Hewitt have taken the best ideas from their own successful careers (seventy-nine years of combined business expertise), and distilled them into ten powerful focusing principles. The result is a treasury of insights that is enjoyable to read and easy to understand. At the outset, the book identifies the three most important fundamentals for consistent success: developing unusual clarity; understanding that habits determine your future; and using a "no exceptions policy" approach to focus on what you want. Numerous anecdotes and inspiring stories help to reinforce each principle. This is a must-read for business people, sales managers, entrepreneurs, and anyone who is serious about improving their personal awareness.

Customer Reviews:

Wow! This is great for us creative A.D.D types who are entrepreneurs .......2007-10-01

Amazing! I felt like that book was written just for me.

On page 14 they explain how to identify bad habits by listing 26 habits that hold you back. I had 24 of the 26 bad habits!

Now that I'm able to focus effectively, LIFE IS GREAT!

The Power of Focus.......2007-08-23

I have not completed the book yet but what I have read so far has been excellent and I have put into practice the ideas presented. I especially like the interactive study questions in each chapter. I would highly recommend this book for everyone who has their own business or is thinking about starting their own business

Great book for entrepreneurs.......2007-08-09

The creators of the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series, Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen, have teamed up with top performance coach Les Hewitt to create The Power of Focus, a step-by-step guide to making your dreams become reality and creating the life you want.

In order to get the most out of the information in this book, one must first realize this: "Success takes effort and consistent, focused activity." (quoted directly from the book)

In a nutshell, that's essentially what the book is all about, and it is only worth reading if one understands and agrees with that statement and is willing to put it into action. The "Power of Focus" is not something to just read and then think about; it is a set of instructions for doing the things necessary to achieve your goals

Each chapter describes specific strategies and techniques, and includes motivating stories about real people who have implemented and succeeded with those techniques. At the end of the chapter is a set of Action Steps, which condenses the strategies into an easy-to-follow instructional format. In addition to a well laid action plan for success, the book also provides loads of suggestions for additional reading to help keep one motivated and continuously learning. All in all, "The Power of Focus" is easy to read and understand, and is quite motivational as well.

While the book seems to be geared toward self-starters, business owners, entrepreneurs and the like, there is something of value in it for everyone. Most, if not all, of the techniques described in this book could be used with respect to any goal, be it business, financial, or personal. For someone who is stuck in any aspect of life and not sure how to effect change, reading and implementing the techniques defined in "The Power of Focus" could definitely help.

The Power of Focus: How to Hit Your Business, Personal and Financial Targets with Absolute Certainty.......2007-06-11

Very helpful book. For years I had thought that I was "flying by the seat of my pants" in my private practice. This book helped me plan and carry out a business structure that really works for me. I attend to many different areas (personal, health, relationship, contribution, etc.) in my life with direction. I have been using the methods in the book for four months now and it has changed my life. I have given this book as a birthday gift to my very good friend and my wife.

A MUST Read For Every Entrepreneur! .......2007-05-28

This book is my new business bible! It's absolutely the best book I have ever read on how to stay on track, find balance, and create not only a business that is in alignment with your desires and goals, but a better lifestyle!

It's an easy read and it actually tells you how to make these changes in a way that make sense and really work! After the first read, I've already made two major changes in my life that are giving me more balance; regular exercise, and making more time for family and friends. And I know that there will much more to come!

Average customer rating:

Batman is my hero!
Jeph Loeb & Tim Sale 4EVAH!
Woow, wooow, WOOOOOOOW!!!!!
Awesome Batmal Tale
Classic Batman Story Gets the Absolute Treatment

Absolute Batman: The Long Halloween
Jeph Loeb
Manufacturer: DC Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1401212824

Customer Reviews:

Batman is my hero!.......2007-08-20

This is an amazing batman comic so pick up if you are a diehard fan of not only Batman, but Jeph Loeb or Time Sale. The story is amazing and I can't wait until they release the Absolute Batman Dark Victory...which is the sequel to this amazing comic. I suggest you pick this up if you are a fan.

Peace...

Jeph Loeb & Tim Sale 4EVAH!.......2007-07-17

They rock and they make Batman's world as real as Frank Miller did with Year One. Instant Classic. A Great Noir story as well.

Woow, wooow, WOOOOOOOW!!!!!.......2007-06-13

For any Batman fan - I needn't write this, but you should have it. It's amazing!
For those of you unfamiliar with the story, just a few words on that later on. But, to be honest, who is new to this?! It was one of the best Batman storylines ever, with the most awesome artwork. Tim Sale to me is the most "European" of the American artists, his images - each and every cell - can be framed and studied for ages for perfect composition, lighting, pencilling, inking and coloring. So much style and class, woooow!!!
I already read the series as it came out, then waited for the HC back in 98. So why bother? Man, am I happy that I got this. The printing is fabulous! Thick paper, not glossy but matt like the original, deep wonderful colors almost like serigraphies (a huge compliment to the folks at DC! You can see that to them it has also been a work of love to get this out to us)
Now to those unfamiliar with Batman (?!?!) or comics(?!?!?!) Buy this, please, just to get a feel for what is is that all these others are enjoying so much year after year after year.
Unlike many other Batman stories you don't need to know who is who. You can read it as the series' introduction. All the villains are present.
For those of you familiar with the usual suspects, don't worry, the storyline never gets boring. The introductions are perfectly woven into the tale without pausing it for a second.
It's a murder mystery to be read and watched over and over again.
Without spoiling anything, I'm just giving you the original DC introduction from 98:
A costumed hero learning he can trust no one.
A serial killer using the holidays to mark his handiwork.
A crime lord trying to hold onto a crumbling empire.
A city beset by gangsters becoming a haven for freaks.
An honest district attorney hiding a terrible secret.
A dark woman tempting the Dark Knight detective.
And a friendship that would be shattered forever.

P.E.R.F.E.C.T. !!!!! Buy this!!!!! And enjoy for ages.

Awesome Batmal Tale.......2007-06-13

This is a terrific story with a solid mystery, great writing, beautiful artwork, clever dialogue, and rich characters. Highly recommended for both Batman/cominc book fans and anyone looking for a fun read! Entertaining and interesting--a classic. All the Batman villians in one story--what more could you ask for? And a spooky whodunit theme. Buy it for yourself or your friends. One of the best graphic novels of the last 20 years.

Classic Batman Story Gets the Absolute Treatment.......2007-04-09

Released in 1996 to 1997, Batman The Long Halloween was one of DC's most popular titles in the year the mini-series was released in monthly installments. I vividly recall Wizard Magazine's enthusiasm as they ran many articles speculating on who "Holiday" was.

Now ten years after it's initial run, DC has given the story the "Absolute" treatment. The result is what you can expect from the Absolute editions. A first rate production, the color is crisp, the pages thick, the extras include an interview with creators Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale. Again, it would have been nice to see some of Loeb's scripts, but the inclusion of the series proposal and their discussion of the series striking covers makes up for the lack of scripts (for me it does anyway). If you are a fan of The Long Halloween, or Tim Sale's art, this is a must have. I wonder what the next Absolute Edition will be...Dark Victory perhaps?

Average customer rating:

KEPT ME UP TOO LATE
Implausable, repetitive, not as good as Shiver
Just didn't work for me
Adult Nancy Drew Thriller?
Absolute Fear Review

Absolute Fear
Lisa Jackson
Manufacturer: Kensington
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Suspense | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0758211821
Release Date: 2007-03-27

Customer Reviews:

KEPT ME UP TOO LATE.......2007-08-12

I enjoyed this novel by Jackson. It is the sequel to Shiver and links many of her characters from previous books that you would not have had to read to enjoy this book. Mystery, thriller, and a bit of romance with nary a slow down. Great read.

Implausable, repetitive, not as good as Shiver.......2007-08-11

This book suffers from some implausible connections and story lines. There are developments and scenes that are both repetitive to Shiver and to earlier in Absolute Fear itself. The introduction of new character Kristi is interesting. Shiver was more dense, more spell binding, not just because it started the story line, but because of better writing. Absolute Fear is worth reading in paperback, but probably from the library. I enjoyed it, but it's a long ways from Shiver in quality and even further from Elizabeth George or James Lee Burke.
P

Just didn't work for me.......2007-08-03

"Cold-Blooded" and "Shiver", the previous two books in this series, were very good. This one, not so much.

Not enough info on:
*Eve's relationship with Cole before the shooting.
*What happened to Eve and Cole in the three months after the shooting.
*What really happened with Cole on the night of the shooting, because the few lines it was covered in were unclear.

Not enough development of the male and female leads. Ex: Did Eve work? If not how did she get her money?

As someone else pointed out why did Cole lose his house, car, job, money and possessions when he hadn't even been indicted yet? His attorney was a friend so he would have gotten a break on that fee and Cole was an attorney also so he would have been able to do a lot of the work on his own.

Now we have two women in the TSTL (too stupid to live), dumber than a box of rocks, don't have two brain cells to rub together category. Eve had found her friend brutally murdered with a tattoo carved into him, she'd been shot and almost died. Then her father was murdered in the same manner as her friend (also with a tattoo) and Eve has been targeted by the killer. Yet she went running around on her own, meeting a friend at a restaurant and then into a deserted insane asylum. TSTL

Kristi's dad is a cop and she's mad at him because he won't give her privileged details on a current investigation so she can write a true crime book. Kristi had been kidnapped, chained to a wall, and almost died because of the serial killer that had been after her. Yet there she is, a year or so later, wandering alone around the same insane asylum as Eve, not at the same time, taking pictures of the area where a nun had just been found also carved up and dead. TSTL

Other reviewers have brought up the fact that the insane asylum plot is getting really old and I agree; its way past time for it to go away.

Then there's the now dead priest who was taking advantage of women and fathering kids all over the place. This is just plain insulting! There have been cases of abuse by priests lately, but the vast majority of priests are good, spiritual people who believe in their calling. This part of the plot was particularly distasteful!

I realize New Orleans is not a huge city but it's not Mayberry so having all these people related to each other goes way past the bounds of being even slightly credible.

Fortunately I bought this book used!

Adult Nancy Drew Thriller?.......2007-07-09

Far-fetched -- where in the world can you have detectives, girlfriends, daughters, killer, mental hospital inmates, be related to each other, with the ending surprising even the characters as to their relationship? Except for the hot and heavy spicing of sex episodes, this could be classified as another Nancy Drew novel.

Absolute Fear Review.......2007-06-13

Absolute Fear was the second book in the New Orleans series. The characters were familiar and I enjoyed them in this book. The new characters were very intriquing. The end really stunned me. I couldn't believe that Kristi saw her father's death in the near future.

Absolute Java with Student Resource Disk (2nd Edition) (Savitch Series)

Average customer rating:

The best guide to JAVA
Finally! A non-baby intro book
Excellent book!
The book was good, and it came very fast
Great book, great condition!

Absolute Java with Student Resource Disk (2nd Edition) (Savitch Series)
Walter Savitch
Manufacturer: Addison Wesley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Programming | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0321330242

Book Description

With the second edition of Absolute Java, best-selling author Walt Savitch offers a comprehensive introduction of the java programming language. This book gives programmers the tools to master the Java language. He takes full advantage of the new Java 5.0 features and incorporates the new Scanner class. There is comprehensive coverage of generic types, including how to define classes with type parameters, collection classes done as generic classes, and linked lists done with type parameters.

Customer Reviews:

The best guide to JAVA.......2007-09-07

I learned JAVA language a coule of years ago. As I have to reuse it recently, I borrow the 2nd Edtion from a computer science guy in the school, because many people told me this is the best one. After I read through it, I decided to purchase the newest edtion. It's INDEED the best one of the JAVA guides I've ever read.

Finally! A non-baby intro book.......2007-04-07

I've tried three other Java intro books, and they either aren't well-organized or they take such a dim view of the reader's abilities that it's like reading Programming for Pre-schoolers. Absolute Java is well-structured with both breadth & depth: it doesn't ignore programming basics, but covers a much larger scope of material than other books I've tried, while still including detail about intricacies of more sophisticated aspects of the language. Uses lots of good, robust examples. Love it.

Excellent book!.......2007-02-23

It took me a couple months of my own time reading this book to prepare myself for a second round back to school. I have not programmed in almost 8 years and it was in C. I have to say that as an introductory programming book, Savitch did a superb job. You cannot get any more clear on the topics of the basics and foundations of the Java language than this. If you're just a passerby that just wants to get yourself started in Java, I recommend this book.

The book was good, and it came very fast.......2007-02-10

However, Amazon needs to find publisher that can scale down the prices on school textbook. The book was expensive!

Great book, great condition!.......2007-01-14

The book was recommended by my professor and it is extremely useful and came to me in excellent condition.

Average customer rating:

the ultimate sandman
A book only as Oversized as the Series itself
AMAZING!
speechless...
What follows is a series of remarks addressed to the readers of this review and about this book itself

The Absolute Sandman, Vol. 1
Neil Gaiman
Manufacturer: Vertigo
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover Comic

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ASIN: 1401210821

Book Description

THE SANDMAN, written by New York Times bestselling author Neil Gaiman, was the most acclaimed comic book title of the 1990s. A rich blend of modern myth and dark fantasy in which contemporary fiction, historical drama and legend are seamlessly interwoven, THE SANDMAN is also widely considered one of the most original and artistically ambitious series of the modern age. By the time it concluded in 1996, it had made significant contributions to the artistic maturity of comic books and become a pop culture phenomenon in its own right.Now, DC Comics is proud to present this comics classic in an all-new Absolute Edition format. The first of four beautifully designed slipcased volumes, THE ABSOLUTE SANDMAN VOL. 1 collects issues 1-20 of The Sandman and features completely new coloring, approved by the author, on the first 18 issues, as well as a host of never-before-seen extra material, including the complete original Sandman Proposal, a gallery of character designs from Gaiman and the artists who originated the look of the Sandman, and the original script to the World Fantasy Award-winning THE SANDMAN #19, "A Midsummer Night's Dream," together with reproductions of the issue's original pencils by Charles Vess. Also included are a new introduction by DC's president Paul Levitz and a new afterword by Gaiman.

Customer Reviews:

the ultimate sandman.......2007-10-11

The ultimate sandman was my dream come true. Great illustrations and the story line is fantastic. "Neil Gaiman at his best" Read it you will not be disappointed.

A book only as Oversized as the Series itself.......2007-09-28

Anyone who wants to start with Sandman I think should start by heading to the library and borrowing several volumes first. Anyone who's a fan should own this.

Neil Gaiman's Sandman is a wonderful series; a mythos that encompasses many other cultural mythologies into one nifty little setting. Anyone can pull up a short little synopsis about the series, but that would be an understatement of a task, for the series is so much more than just that. For the series is itself a mythology, a fantasy, and a reality, and anyone who comes across it, with a little patience, will immediately be swept away by the unfathomable truths contained within these tomes, and for once, being lost in a desert of dreams won't be such a bad idea.

However, I do have a few issues. The wonderful facet of a comic book (in the case of Sandman, Graphic Novels or Visual Literature) is that it is a collaborative medium. While Gaiman is undoubtedly a tour de force, the art itself helps to raise the bar of that force. Initially reading the series, you get a sense of its visceral visions and its somber tones, all through vibrant background colors. In the Absolute Sandman, however, the re-colors have somehow nullified some of that mood that was so powerfully combined with the writing itself. Newcomers to the series won't notice it if they start with this edition, but fans will. If you don't believe me, just compare the print from any of the previous TPB's or hardcovers of Issue #6 "24 Hours" (a shocking high-voltage horror tribute) or Issue #8 "The Sound of Her Wings" (this is the issue which for me is the definitive beginning of the mythos) with the Absolute editions. While the writing is still strong, I miss some of the old coloring, which helped to evoke a certain mood that solidified the series place in the comic book world. That isn't to say that some of the coloring hasn't actually improved on the old. In most cases, the recoloring was actually smoother and stronger, and set the mood more proper.

Newcomers should borrow from the library or from friends who have previous versions, to get a sense of the original mood (also, the book is just way too huge for carrying around), then if they see fit can buy the Absolute editions. I still think this is a wonderfully (and adequately) oversized edition, and some of the new coloring isn't bad, but bland in some cases. The large size magnifies the series in proper grandeur, and is an apt edition for fans to collect. It's not such a bad idea to own previous versions, in which there are those wonderful introductions by authors such as Clive Barker, Peter Straub, Stephen King, etc., with the Absolute editions (despite the costs), which I proudly own.

AMAZING!.......2007-09-25

I'm new to the Sandman comics and relatively new to Gaiman's writing, but this series was recommended to me several times so I decided to read it, and I most definitely was not disappointed. The story is very intricate and extremely creative, and the characters, although fantastic, become believable. The world entered while reading these comics is truly amazing, and those who can stand the scenes of violence will be well rewarded for checking it out.

speechless..........2007-08-25

I have already read my copies of the graphic novels to tatters, I've long since lost my copies of the original comic books. (I'm actually one of those weirdos who actually reads their comics.) I was completely amazed at the stunning quality of this collection. (No, the color reproduction isn't as bad as all the serious art students are making it out to be.) Absolutely beautiful. I'm always surprised when I talk to people who've never heard of Neil Gaiman's works. The Sandman series should be issued to the entire human race...

What follows is a series of remarks addressed to the readers of this review and about this book itself.......2007-08-16

Whoa... Were do i begin?

Let me start by saying, I would recommend to anyone to read some of the series, just to see if they like it. Personally, I think this is a treat not to be missed!

Absolute C++ (2nd Edition) (Savitch Series)

Average customer rating:

Fantastic Teaching Textbook
comprehensive
One of the Best
Absolutely a great book
The only C++ book I like

Absolute C++ (2nd Edition) (Savitch Series)
Walter Savitch
Manufacturer: Addison Wesley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0321330234

Book Description

Offers complete coverage of the C++ programming language. This title offers provides all the tools necessary for experienced and novice programmers to master C++, including: thorough coverage of the Standard Template Library; complete and fully executable code throughout; sections highlighting programming tips and common pitfalls; and a logical order of coverage of C++ topics in order for readers to better understand the language. This book is appropriate for anyone interested in learning how to programming using the C++ programming language.

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic Teaching Textbook.......2007-03-15

If you're not a seazoned programmer, and you need to learn C++, I could not recommend a better book. I've read my fair share of programming texts and most of them make fine references but do a sub par job of teaching you the language. Savitch has written a teaching text that will more than make up for your less than inspiring professor. The text is almost fun to read (lets face it, it's C++; only so much joy can be found here) and approaches each part of the language from multiple angles, insuring that you'll learn that part one way or another. There are gobs of examples, fine points, warnings, and projects. If you can't learn C++ with this text, you probably can't learn C++.

comprehensive.......2007-02-17

Seems to be the authority on C++. Gives all the details. Can be a little much if just learning C++.

One of the Best.......2005-12-09

This is a great C++ book. My experience is with the first edition, and I'm sure they've improved even that. The book is so easy to read and follow. The pages, and the code, are in color, so that specific lines of a program are highlighted to indicate the principle that the author is making.

We evaluated a number of textbooks for use in an introductory C++ course at our university, and this was the one that we thought was best for our intro C++ courses (1st year engineering, and 1st year computer science). Although we don't have an intro. C++ course for 1st year students anymore, we still use the book as a reference for our other courses.

Absolutely a great book.......2005-06-19

Absolute C++ is definitely one of my favourites. It is very well written, colorful, and very helpful. It covers so many things in detail and explains everything very well. During my courses in computer programming this book was my rescue!

The only C++ book I like.......2005-01-13

This is the only C++ book I have liked. He covers the material so well and does not but you to sleep while he is doing it. It is well broken down and easy to learn. Finally a coding book that is fun.

Average customer rating:

An extraordinary effort -- Moore's best
Awesome character development, ingenuous story
One of the Essential books for comic Fans
The Standard
The Watchmen Live On!

Watchmen (Absolute Edition)
Alan Moore
Manufacturer: DC Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1401207138

Amazon.com

The story concerns a group called the Crimebusters and a plot to kill and discredit them. Moore's characterization is as sophisticated as any novel's. Importantly the costumes do not get in the way of the storytelling; rather they allow Moore to investigate issues of power and control--indeed it was Watchmen, and to a lesser extent Dark Knight, that propelled the comic genre forward, making "adult" comics a reality. The artwork of Gibbons (best known for 2000AD's Rogue Trooper and DC's Green Lantern) is very fine too, echoing Moore's paranoid mood perfectly throughout. Packed with symbolism, some of the overlying themes (arms control, nuclear threat, vigilantes) have dated but the intelligent social and political commentary, the structure of the story itself, its intertextuality (chapters appended with excerpts from other "works" and "studies" on Moore's characters, or with excerpts from another comic book being read by a child within the story), the finepace of the writing and its humanity mean that Watchmen more than stands up--it keeps its crown as the best the genre has yet produced. --Mark Thwaite

Book Description

Has any comic been as acclaimed as Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' Watchmen? Possibly only Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns, but Watchmen remains the critics' favorite. Why? Because Moore is a better writer, and Watchmen a more complex and dark and literate creation than Miller's fantastic, subversive take on the Batman myth. Moore, renowned for many other of the genre's finest creations (Saga of the Swamp Thing, V for Vendetta, and From Hell, with Eddie Campbell) first put out Watchmen in 12 issues for DC in 1986-87. It won a comic award at the time (the 1987 Jack Kirby Comics Industry Awards for Best Writer/Artist combination) and has continued to gather praise since.The story concerns a group called the Crimebusters and a plot to kill and discredit them. Moore's characterization is as sophisticated as any novel's. Importantly the costumes do not get in the way of the storytelling; rather they allow Moore to investigate issues of power and control--indeed it was Watchmen, and to a lesser extent Dark Knight, that propelled the comic genre forward, making "adult" comics a reality. The artwork of Gibbons (best known for 2000AD's Rogue Trooper and DC's Green Lantern) is very fine too, echoing Moore's paranoid mood perfectly throughout. Packed with symbolism, some of the overlying themes (arms control, nuclear threat, vigilantes) have dated but the intelligent social and political commentary, the structure of the story itself, its intertextuality (chapters appended with excerpts from other "works" and "studies" on Moore's characters, or with excerpts from another comic book being read by a child within the story), the finepace of the writing and its humanity mean that Watchmen more than stands up--it keeps its crown as the best the genre has yet produced. --MarkThwaite

Customer Reviews:

An extraordinary effort -- Moore's best.......2007-10-03

"The Watchmen" is a tour de force of the graphic novel genre, showing Alan Moore at his best. Moore invents a graphic universe, with a unique cast of characters whose interesting histories and personalities add complexity and fascination to the entire book.

The central character of the work ("hero" is too happy a term) is "Rorschach," a psychopathic masked avenger who is tracking down whoever is killing off a cast of masked former crime fighters, who are now in middle age if now retirement. In the world of The Watchmen, "adventuring" by masked vigilantes has been made illegal. Most of the superheroes have gone along with the law, and have more-or-less happily hung up their masks, cowls and crime-fighting devices to attempt the uneasy adjustment to normal life. Moore creates a complete reality that spans generations, where now-elderly retired crime fighters have passed the baton to a younger (now middle-aged) generation. But the stirrings of adventure lie just below the surface, and it doesn't take much perturbation to bring them to the surface.

Moore's heroes seem familiar, but they're not. Night Owl, a paunchy and bespectacled nerd, wears around in a slightly-ludicrous owl costume, complete with wings and night-vision goggles. In a bit of (I think) intentional humor, his arctic outfit is actually shaped and colored to resemble a snowy owl. Ozymandias is a wealthy acrobat, obsessed with ancient Egypt, and now spins his former glory (via toys and merchandise) into gold. Silk Specter, a leggy beauty 15 years younger than the rest, is living with Doctor Manhattan, a scientist whose 1959 turn in a radiation chamber that rendered him, naked, blue, emotionally tone-deaf, and with the godlike ability to transfer between worlds and dimensions. Not to mention that he likes to go around without clothes.

The story starts with the gruesome death of The Comedian by persons unknown. After the cops leave, Rorschach arrives (through the broken high-rise from which the victim made his unintended exit) and the fun begins. The rest of the novel spins a story of dark personal secrets, an not-so-innocent world unaware of impending danger, and the desire to take up old passions -- all set against a world in which political powers are posturing and threatening each other with annihilation. The heroes spend a great deal of time dealing with their personal issues -- former loves, the loss of friends, parenthood and aging -- while wondering whether and how to engage in the growing turmoil around them.

Moore's heroes are not bound by the rules of "good guy" niceness that we might expect in comic books. They curse, intimidate, attack, manipulate, act psychopathic and work outside the rules, leaving behind a high body count. It's no wonder they were outlawed by more decent people. The strip deals with quite dark issues -- warfare, murder, rape, abandonment, even free will and determinism. It is extremely violent, sexy and rough -- way too much for even the PG-13 crowd. The story is told as an interlocking and overlapping narrative, with lots of meaningful repetition, flashbacks ad even a tragic comic-within-a-comic whose plot mirrors the novel's own. The plot is fascinating, and will keep your reading -- though much too quickly to grasp every detail. Like any good book, this one needs to be read and reread to catch the way it plays with history and characters.

I could go on and on. "The Watchmen" is an unexpected masterpiece, taking the comic book form far from its banal origins, to tell a tale that is repellent and fascinating and extremely well-executed. It's one of the books you must read before you die.

Awesome character development, ingenuous story.......2007-09-29

Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons is my absolute favorite graphic novel. I just finished re-reading it. It's actually the comic that inspired all of my magical approaches to using comics as a magical tool/technique. I'm also always amazed at just how in-depth the story is...how much detail is put into the characters, even the minor ones.

I also have my favorite characters, which are the Comedian, Rorschach, and Ozymandias. I like all of them because they stand out as fairly unique characters even in a comic book that already has unique characters. They have very distinctive personalities...

The comedian is a very amoral character and that amorality allows him to embrace perspectives that enable him to move past situations that would stop people. He knows his nature and utterly accepts without the moral qualms that many people would have. I like his character not because of his actions, but because he is so at peace with who and what he is.

Rorschach...well my favorite scene is where someone attacks him and he uses only his shirt to essentially trap the person...your hands, my perspective. Again his is a perspective that allows him to see past the obvious constraints and find solutions where other people won't go.

And ozymandias embodies lateral thinking overall...again that perspective, that way of taking a situation and turning it from a disaster into something else. Plus a continued focus on improving himself, being able to see what he can do...and not letting limitations stop him.

I admire anyone who takes a different perspective and makes it work.

Good book...go read it if you haven't...cause it definitely applies to the post 9/11 world.

One of the Essential books for comic Fans.......2007-09-27

It might be an old book, but it still holds weight today.there is nothing else to say other then, you MUST read, and re-read to catch everything in it

The Standard.......2007-09-24

What can I say that hasn't been said already. This is the "Hamlet" of the comic book world. The "Godfather" of comics, if you will. The "Moving Pictures" of the comic book industry. What Moore and Gibbons have crafted here is a wonder unrivaled in the comics world. The sheer level of detail that they put into their work is astounding. Literally every single panel on every single page contains something important, some detail that if noticed, will make the reading experience that much more magical. I savored over this book for about two weeks before I finished it. It took me about two hours per chapter. This isn't the type of book that you can just breeze through, like many of today's comics. You will find yourself deeply drawn into this world and the lives of its characters. They will become like old friends to you. The mystery, the intrigue, the action...its all fantastic. You are in for a fantastic experience when you read The Watchmen.

The Watchmen Live On!.......2007-09-08

After hearing that the book THE WATCHMEN is at last being made into a movie, I thought now was a good time to reread it and see how it would stand up today. I first read this back in the late 80's and it is just as mind catching a story as it was then. Still love it. Hope the movie does the book justice....but why wait for the movie READ THE BOOK FIRST! OUTSTANDING!

The ABCs of Violin for the Absolute Beginner, Violin Book 1

Average customer rating:

Perfect for my 10 y/o
Violin Book
A couple of drawbacks, but a very good choice
It is not book for absolute beginner, far from it
Written for beginner musicians by a natural musician

The ABCs of Violin for the Absolute Beginner, Violin Book 1
Janice Tucker Rhoda
Manufacturer: ABCs of Violin, the
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0966373103

Book Description

This instruction book along with the accompanying DVD and CD is the perfect start for an Absolute Beginner of any age on the Violin!

There are many familiar folk, fiddle, sacred and classical melodies with short warm-up exercises and study pieces to advance students technically in an easy and enjoyable way! Simple duets, scales, a note-reading worksheet, glossary and practice chart are also included in this book along with many graphs to show left-hand finger placement.

This ABCs of Violin Book 1 is the first in a series of five books. The method features melodies by composers such as Bach, Beethoven, Dvorak, Mozart, Schubert and Tchaikovsky. Popular fiddle tunes like Arkansas Traveler, Irish Washer Woman and Turkey in the Straw, and some of the world's most loved melodies like Amazing Grace, Ave Maria and Home of the Range appear. Christmas Carols Jingle Bells, Joy to the World, O Come All Ye Faithful, The First Noel and Deck the Halls, and Hanukah favorites My Dreydl and Hanukah are all included.

Each book in the series has its own piano accompaniment book to facilitate study and recital performance.

The ABCs of Duets Book has harmonies to many of the melodies in ABCs of Violin Book 1.

Author Janice Tucker Rhoda teaches Violin for the Absolute Beginner classes at the Cambridge Center for Adult Education in Massachusetts.

Customer Reviews:

Perfect for my 10 y/o.......2007-10-07

We tried another video that started out assuming too much.
This book/video combination is perfect. We are in an isolated area without access to a violin teacher, and my 10 y/o dd is blasting through this book like a house on fire, mostly self-teaching. And we can stand being in the same room with her after only 2 weeks!

Violin Book.......2007-07-15

The book makes the beginning steps of learning the violin amazingly easy, very easy to follow. Excellent!!!!

A couple of drawbacks, but a very good choice.......2007-07-05

I purchased this book and the accompanying DVD based on the reviews I read here. The book has been extremely helpful in conjunction with the DVD, especially since after over 30 years of not playing, I am now back at the beginner level. I would like to emphasize that the DVD is almost a necessity to the book, your lessons will be much easier if you have both. Definitely with the investment.

I do have a couple of comments regarding the DVD.

Tuning:
The pitch pipe used on the DVD by Ms. Rhoda to tune the violin strings was not helpful to me at all. In fact, it was much, much more helpful to hear the sounds of the strings as they were being plucked and how the string should sound when tuned. You do not get that with the pitch pipe Ms. Rhoda used. It was impossible for me to tune using the sound of the pitch pipe and as a result, I had to replay (at least 7 times) the extremely short section where Ms. Rhoda is tuning the strings by plucking, to tune my violin properly. The emphasis for violin tuning should have been placed on hearing the strings (while plucking) as they are tuned, not just using a pitch pipe OR equal emphasis given to both.

Holding the Bow:
For me, in holding the bow, I found that if I held the bow hairs flat against the strings while playing, more often than not, I would play two strings at the same time (unintentionally). However, while watching the DVD, I noticed that Ms. Rhoda seemed to hold her bow so that the edge of the bow hairs were in contact with each string while playing, not the flat side. I tried it and I'm able to play one string at a time, which is what I wanted. I've also seen fiddlers/violinists play using the edge of the bow hairs, and it seems to work for me. However, this was not referenced on the DVD.

Overall, after reading reviews for some of the other beginning lesson books, I feel this was the best choice, but because of the above drawbacks to the DVD, I only gave it three stars.

It is not book for absolute beginner, far from it.......2007-06-16

I myself recently started to study violin at ripe age of 37. I can see how this book may enhance my ability to play it. But, and this is big but, I took already 4 private lessons from professional violin teacher and I am still taking it, and not about to drop them very soon. You have to know how to hold bow, you should know how to place it correctly on strings, how to hold violin (different people hold it differently, but there's totally wrong way to hold it), you must know how to place your fingers on fingerboard, how to hold your palm under it. This book doesn't say anything about it. People you need teacher who can show you by example placing your elbow, fingers, in right position. This is not playing harmonica, or strumming easy chords on guitar, or even whistle on recorder (and I can play more or less on all those musical instruments). This is The VIOLIN. And this is not the book for absolute beginner. Let someone to show you how to start handle it correctly.

Written for beginner musicians by a natural musician.......2007-06-10

I love this book, I'm new to the violin and I loved it. It is truly for the beginner, [to the violin] but I understand how some people can get confused. This book is brilliant at instructing someone how to learn the violin, but it's written by someone with a musical inclination, and being read by some people who don't. If you have no idea how to read music, I suggest you purchase a supplemental music theory book. If you don't know how to hold a violin merely from looking at it, I don't know if you are the best candidate for playing one. Sorry, it's just the truth. Brilliant book though.

Average customer rating:

Great Compilation
Cost to damn much.
BOTH Worthy Reads
Great Batman book
Half good, half ordinary

Absolute Dark Knight
Frank Miller , and Klaus Janson
Manufacturer: DC Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover Comic

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ASIN: 1401210791

Book Description

DC Comics Absolute Editions set the standard for the highest quality, most in-depth presentation of classic graphic novels.Each oversized volume is presented in a slipcase and includes unique additional material making each Absolute Edition a cornerstone of any serious comic collection.On its publication in 1986, Frank Miller's THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS changed the landscape of the graphic novel irrevocably.With its dark vision of Batman's future and its stunning artwork, THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS set the world on fire.15 years later, Miller's sequel, THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN, further redefined the boundaries of the superhero genre.Now, both of these comics masterpieces are collected in one giant-sized slipcase edition for the first time ever.Frank Miller has provided a new introduction, a new cover and new art for the slipcase.This edition is also filled with bonus material featuring an excerpt from Miller'soriginal plot for DARK KNIGHT RETURNS #4,sketchbook material and much more.

Customer Reviews:

Great Compilation.......2007-04-03

A well put together bundle of both the classic and the new graphic novels with a few extras. Very Impressive packaging (coffee table worthy).

Cost to damn much........2007-01-28

The first one was great. The second one...I think that Frank Miller read "Kingdom Come" and said "I can do better!".

Only problem is. He didn't.

Once Amazon dropped their discount this is no longer worth it. Buy it if you love Frank Miller but buy it somewhere else.

BOTH Worthy Reads.......2007-01-27

Everybody knows TDKR was a phenominal book. What everybody doesn't know is that The Dark Knight Strikes Again is ALSO a phenominal book. Many readers have their opinions warped by superficial comic book reviewers who critique Miller's sequel because it was not as "dark" or "gritty" as the first book was. Is that it? Is that you're only complaint? Are you so ignorant that you're not going to delve underneath the appearances to look at the thematic significance of the work?
Yes, TDKSA is a departure from its predecessor in terms of style. But it still shines in RELEVENCY. Miller gives us a mind blowing look at what our society is and may become. What is democracy in the media age? Do the people really run a country where a select few that run the major news outlets control everything that the people know and believe? And does it make us feel any better that it is one man, Batman, who is arrogant enough to enforce his social ideology on us?
Don't be fooled. While The Dark Knight Returns is still a significant work in today's literary work, it was a book about yesterday. The Dark Knight Strikes Again is a book about TODAY.

Great Batman book.......2007-01-16

I love Batman and this book is realy great its one of the best books I own you should buy it.

Half good, half ordinary.......2007-01-16

I can distinctly remember the pleasure I had reading the original Return of the Dark Knight issues way, way back. A massive, high quality volume like Absolute Dark Knight is fitting for a such body of work. Sadly, the second part is _much_ less interesting in most respects.

Average customer rating:

Great book
Cooke's Masterpiece
THIS IS A GREAT BOOK!
If you don't buy this. There is something wrong with your eyes!
The best since Alex Toth!

Absolute DC: The New Frontier
Darwyn Cooke
Manufacturer: DC Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1401210805

Book Description

DC Comics Absolute Editions set the standard for the highestquality, most in-depth presentation of classic graphic novels. Eachoversized volume is presented in a slipcase and includes unique additionalmaterial making each Absolute Edition a cornerstone of any serious comicscollection.The latest Absolute Collection is the Eisner Award-winning DC: THE NEWFRONTIER, written illustrated by Darwyn Cooke where the dawning of theSilver Age DC Universe is told from the perspective of those who survivedthe anti-hero sentiment of the Cold War, including Superman, Wonder Womanand Batman,as well as eager newcomers like Green Lantern and The Flash,poised to become the next generation of crimefighters.This oversized hardcover includes the entire series plus annotations, newstory pages, rare promotional art, a gallery of DC Direct DC: The NewFrontier product and much more.

Customer Reviews:

Great book.......2007-10-09

Love this edition of this work by Darwyn Cooke, and the added material in the back make it more than worth the price.
For those sentimental for Silver-Age heroism,this is a good read. But there is some colorful language used at times. And there is a dark tone the book takes. Seeing American through 50's communist paranoid,and dealing with racial injustice. It takes a hard look at America's mindset of the area. Through hindsight and reinterpretation.
But still a great book,worth checking out.

Cooke's Masterpiece.......2007-10-08

It's always a pleasure to read something like this that lives up to your expectations. New Frontier not only did that but exceeded them as well. From the heavily researched story to the beautiful artwork, this book succeeds on all levels.

The basic premise takes place during the 1950's and makes the transition from the Golden Age of DC Comics to the Silver Age. Here Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman have already been established, but we are now introduced to a handful of new characters such as The Flash (Barry Allen), Martian Manhunter (J'onn J'onzz), and Green Lantern (Hal Jordan), who takes center stage in this retelling. I thoroughly enjoyed watching as J'onn passes himself off as human John Jones, a detective in Gotham City, because this is how he sees Earth's heroes and he wants to be a force for good.

There are several other long forgotten DC characters that were popular during war time such as The Losers, The Suicide Squad, and The Black Hawks who make an appearance here. Jack Kirby's Challengers of the Unknown also play a role. Not only is the story exciting and epic in scale, the artwork is consistantly cinematic quality. Dave Stewart is now officialy my favorite colorist of all time. His work is just so eye popping, I don't know how he does it but this is some of the best coloring in a book you'll ever see.

If the oversized pages don't do it for you, the additional features in the back make this edition worth it. Cooke provides a list of page numbers that give you tidbits of information ranging from character backstories, to artistic inspiration, to what pages were left out of the original trades, as well as inside jokes. It's the closest thing you'll ever get to a director's commentary for something like this. It also explained the mysterious inclusion of the character John Henry and why I had never heard of him before. Of course, there's also the obligatory sketchbook as well as a behind the scenes look at how each page is put together step by step. There's even a couple deleted scenes.

One of my favorite books I've read so far this year, I really can't recommend it enough. After the DC animated movie adaptation of this comes out next year, a lot more attention will surely be poured on this edition and deservedly so.

THIS IS A GREAT BOOK!.......2007-09-29

Are you nostalgic for the DC Heroes from the 60's, This book has it all! I am a huge comic book and Graphic Novel fan especially the DC universe. This story looks at how the DC Universe would have reacted the the change from between the second world war up until Kennedy took office in 1960. This is an exciting and inspiring read. This book is also written by comic book writer and artist Darwyn Cooke arguably one of todays greatest creative minds. If you are nostalgic for the 50's and 60's and love the DC universe this book is for you. In addition to what I have mentioned about the story this edition is well worth the money it is in DC "Absolute Edition" which is the best way you can get a book you really like. It has oversized pages and is in a hardbound edition with a slipcase included. After I bought this book it has quickly become my favorite storyline of all-time!

If you don't buy this. There is something wrong with your eyes!.......2007-09-06

Every thing about this book is great! The art is amazing Darwyn Cooke comes from an animation background and it shines through in his comic work.
The three panel layout is brilliant makes it look much more cinematic and less cluttered. The story is really good as well, every character is well thought out and evolves nicely through the course of the book.
Even if you're not a DC fan or even a comic book fan it's worth the money,
The absolute version has a lot of break downs of pages and loads of sketch book work.
Any way stop reading this and go buy it!

The best since Alex Toth!.......2007-08-31

Not that Cooke's artwork copies Toth's, but it has the same feeling. Understated clean art, with great style mixed in! Story is told in a classic tone and delivers a sense of the promise of the 1960's new frontier, even with mankinds failures mixed in. Well done!

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