Product Description
A simple horse-and-cart race becomes a complicated matter as rules are applied and the entrants apply their own logic to the rules. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Pure Enjoyment
I could not put this book down. It kept my attention as no book has been able to do for a long time. I impatiently await receiving volume 2 in the mail so I can thoroughly enjoy reading the continuing story. As an adult, I prefer reading youth fantasy for it is clean and light-hearted and more relaxing.

Once again, out of chronological order
This set of four stories (two in each book) are out of chronological order, just like the four original Chrestomanci stories.This is the only reason I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars.When these things are out of order they don't make sense and I have to spend time wrestling with the timelines before I can go on and enjoy the stories.Buy both books in the Dalemark Quartet at the same time and read the stories in this order:

The Spellcoats
Drowned Ammet
then Cart and Cwidder
then The Crown of Dalemark.

This will make a lot more sense to you.

The stories were all very engaging and I kept reading and reading."The Spellcoats" dragged a bit - in fact it dragged a lot, because DWJ is throwing lots of fantasy-mythology stuff at the reader very quickly - but after I finished all four stories (in the publisher's order) I went back and reread "The Spellcoats" and it made more sense.The other three stories are pretty easy to figure out from the get-go.Great stuff.


**
Edited after a rereading...I've read a lot of Ms. Jones' work, and I feel the Dalemark Quartet is probably the best of the ones I've read.Instead of people "casting spells" as they do in her other stories (an act that is often just tossed out there as easily as "he scratched his ear"), the people in this world are plain old people, with the Undying (like gods) appearing to lend magical hands when needed.The character development is better in this quartet and the stories feel richer than, say, the Chrestomanci stories, where people just conjure up what they need, or wave a hand to mend broken items, and whatnot.Dalemark seems like a believable world structure.

The quartet begins
Diana Wynne-Jones is best known for her wizards and humorous magic, but in the Dalemark Quartet she takes a trip into more serious fantasy, complete with warring earldoms and strange gods. "The Dalemark Quartet Volume 1" includes the first two books of this series, "Cart And Cwidder" and "Drowned Ammet."

In "Cart and Cwidder," Moril is the dreamy son of a family of wandering minstrels, performing and offering news to various towns. But a mysterious traveller joins them on their journey -- and soon Moril's father is murdered, his brother is jailed, and his sister is enmeshed in a conspiracy involving the Duke's son. Now Moril must find a way to save his family, using a magical cwidder.

"In "Drowned Ammet," the impoverished Alhammitt (called "Mitt") has become a radical of sorts, after his father and mother are tossed out because of an evil duke. Later, the Free Holanders also take his father. Mitt is determined to get revenge, but his years of planning go awry, and he ends up desperately fleeing to the North with two captives... only to encounter storms, gods, and much more.

Jones is best known for a sort of wry, homey fantasy with a British flavor -- not to mention that they often have dapper wizards. That sort of stuff is mostly missing in "The Dalemark Quartet Volume 1." Instead, we get a darker, much more epic story -- there are godlike figures, earldoms, peasants, nobles, and plenty more.

Jones' writing is quite detailed in this book, since she not only describes the clothing, woods and people, but also the alternative world of Dalemark. Both stories are connected, but independent, and Jones carefully crafts the politics and conflicts that run under all the magic and the godlike Undying. Certainly not many authors can make an invented world that is simple, yet realistic.

Her heroes are also very realistic -- Moril is the kid who makes origami cranes instead of doing his math test. Smart, but daydreamy, and only murder and conspiracies wake him up. Mitt is entirely different, focused on revenge and getting more desperate every day, but learning about himself after he ends up adrift.

The first two books of the Dalemark Quartet are included in this two-pack, a pair of solid fantasies that will leave readers wanting to check out the third and fourth books. Definitely recommended. ... Read more

Product Description
Lancelot, the Knight of the Cart (French: Lancelot, le Chevalier de la Charrette) is an Old French poem by Chrétien de Troyes. Chrétien probably composed the work at the same time as or slightly before writing Yvain, the Knight of the Lion, which refers to the action in Lancelot a number of times. The love affair between Guinevere and Lancelot appears for the first time in this poem as does Arthur's court city of Camelot. Chrétien says he composed the romance at the behest of Marie, countess of Champagne, the daughter of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Louis VII of France and apparently his patroness at the time. There is reason to believe the adultery of Lancelot and Guinevere was invented wholecloth by Chrétien for the poem, but it is possible he found the episode already in whatever source material Marie provided him.

Chrétien de Troyes was a French poet and trouvère who flourished in the late 12th century. Little is known of his life, but he seems to have been from Troyes, or at least intimately connected with it, and between 1160 and 1172 he served at the court of his patroness Countess Marie de Champagne, daughter of Eleanor of Aquitaine, perhaps as herald-at-arms (as Gaston Paris speculated). His work on Arthurian subjects represents some of the best regarded of medieval literature. Chrétien de Troyes is generally considered as the first identified major French Language novelist.- Wikipedia ... Read more

Product Description
A fun, fact-filled examination of the science (or lack thereof) behind the hit television series Heroes.

Ordinary people with extraordinary powers populate the world of the hit television show Heroes, where characters exhibit such abilities as flight, telepathy, tissue regeneration, prognostication, invisibility, and teleportation through space and time.

The Science of Heroes explores these superpowers and many more through real-world research into the potential of human physical and mental capabilities. Citing the work of renowned scientists and engineers, Yvonne Carts-Powell reveals that even the least likely of powers has been studied—and in some cases, even developed. From the wonders found in nature and cutting-edge technological achievements to the latest discoveries in genetics and mutations, humanity might just possess the knowledge to achieve the extraordinary. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Real Science, Using The TV Show Heroes as Examples
Carts-Powell is an accomplished science writer, and, here in her first book, explores the science in the hit TV show "Heroes." Much in the vein of books like "The Science of Star Trek," "The Science of Heroes" goes into cutting-edge research, letting you know just how plausible (or not) the various powers being thrown around by the cast really are. Chapters are set up with each character, using them to explore the concept behind their powers. Hiro focuses on time, how it works, thoughts on time travel, and experiments in it. Nathan is a chapter on flying, Claire's is on cellular regeneration. Carts-Powell does a very good job providing more than just summary of today's technology and research, but also gives sidebar history and explanations in clear, easy to read language. Fans of the show may be disappointed in that it doesn't go into any characterization of the heroes themselves, but it does give a good science lesson in several fields, letting you be just a bit geekier than the next guy (or gal).

Truth is stranger than fiction
I'm a reading teacher. If I were a science teacher, I would buy 30 copies of this book and keep it in my classroom. It's written on a level that both adults and eighth graders can thoroughly enjoy. Forget "assume a spherical cow," we're into the realm of "assume an orbital coyote" now. The style is easy-to-read, with amusing but effective examples, and the content is surprisingly deep.

You don't need to be a fan of "Heroes" to enjoy this book. Personally, I've never watched a single episode. What _The Science of Heroes_ does is not just to explain the background of a science fiction series but to get at the reality underneath - the world in which we live. It shows that science is catchingup to television, that invisibility and time travel are more possible than we ever imagined, and that truth really is stranger than fiction. Five stars.

making science interesting and relevant
As a high school science teacher, I find The Science of Heroes to be an excellent example of how to interest people in science.It starts from something interesting and culturally relevant--the popular TV show Heroes--and explores the aspects of science that are relevant to each character's special powers.

The subtitle claims that the book's purpose is to explore the real-life possibilities behind the TV show, but I think its real value is in Carts-Powell's "here's what you need to know" explanations of the science involved, and how that science got us to where we are today.Because the scope of the book is limited to the TV show, the explanations could not stand as a replacement for a textbook, but the descriptions provide the kind of background that scientists, teachers, and textbook authors wish everyone had.Moreover, because people are more likely to actually read the stories and become interested in science as a result, the book may well accomplish something that those scientists, teachers, and textbook authors have been trying to do for generations.

Because each chapter looks at a different character and a different branch of science, the book is easy to read piecemeal.This would make it well-suited for a science teacher who wants to use the chapters relevant to their disciplines as supplemental reading material.It also makes the book well-suited for use as a coffee table book, in a waiting room, or as interesting reading material on an airplane or while commuting by train to work.

In short, I highly recommend it for anyone who finds the world to be an interesting place.

for the curious
Three things you should know about me to understand my reaction to this book:

1) Science and math are my weak points;
2) I'm still intrigued by the mechanics of science;
3) I'm a pop culture geek.

I had great fun with "The Science of Heroes." If given the chance, I'd rather have logical explanations behind the impossible in the fiction I read and/or watch, and this book gives me that chance. Carts-Powell comes up with creative explanations for the phenomenons in the series, and she writes in a way that's clear, concise, and informative. I definitely recommend it to Heroes viewers who want to dig a bit deeper. ... Read more

Product Description
When Kaleb goes grocery shopping with Mom, he always rides in thecart . . . but the ride is never this exciting! This time the cart—with Kalebin it—rolls out of the parking lot and into the street, and he’s off licketyspliton a traffic-stopping adventure. Hilarious neighborhood characterschase after the runaway cart as it zips on by. Kaleb’s exhilarating trip leapsfrom every page in boldly colored illustrations rendered with a stylish senseof fun. The tale, a twist on the classic Golden Goose, ends happily withKaleb’s cart rolling back into the parking lot, where it all began. Phew! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A fun book
Kids will love the chase sequence in this book.They will also enjoy recognizing places and people they're familiar with (mom at the grocery store, hyper dog, etc.).A fun book.

Great children's book
I bought this book for my son and would highly recommend it to other parents. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

good Cart building book
Found it helpful for ideas for making carts.more info on measurements would have been nice.But not much choice out there for cart books, this was a used copy.I was lucky to find one.

Filled with easy, fun and satisfying projects.
I highly recommend this book as one of the few books "TAB Books, Inc." did right. Starts off with the history of horse drawn carts, push carts and bike carts with a chapter on carts used for service businesses and food vending. There is a chapter entitled: "Occupation: Cartright" Definitely, in the vein of the charmingly optimistic, energy conscious, do-it-yourself books of the 70's and 80's of a Mother Earth News variety.

Most plans involve the use of electrical conduit pipe and simple materials. Most (or all) plans do not require the use of a welder. Plans included are: patio flower cart, wood-frame garden cart, bike wagon, vendor booth, steel frame garden cart, pushcart, dog sulky and wheelchair cart, etc... I built a garden cart combination/ bike trailer with a removeable hitch/handle. I was very pleased with the results. ... Read more

Product Description
Successful Internet marketers Daniel Hall & Tom Antion reveal how to use pick a shopping cart that makes you money. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

May not be what you think....
The carts in this book are mostly conduit (tube steel) frame carts with bicycle tires,with plywood boxes and seats. They have garden carts, bicycle-drawn carts, a wheelchair cart, a tea cart, a dog/goat cart, and one 2-wheel pony or horse cart. The designs are simple and basic, and the step by step instructions appear to be easy to follow. These are basic, usable carts, not fancy or sophisticated.
I was actually looking for a book about how to build nice horse carts and wagons, so this was not really what I was looking for. I will keep the book for now, however, because the one horse cart they do have may be a good first project. ... Read more

Product Description
This sweet and tender story about life-yes, life-in a hospice is told with gentle good humor and eye for the significant humanity in every human being. Author Edward Bear's now-sober narrator is ordered to do community service at the Hospice of St. Michael where he's put in charge of the cocktail cart and becomes the late afternoon drink dispenser for the patients there. With his great ear for dialogue, Bear draws out the meanings of the individual lives that his narrator now shares.This is a book that makes you laugh, brings a tear to your eye, and makes you think all at the same time. A wonderful read for all. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

the cocktail cart
I loved this book, been lending it out to people since I read it, funny and simple another wonderful book by Edward Bear, in my own journey of recovery I volunteered at our local hospital with a trolley serving cups of tea and found many life lessons there too. The spiritual aspect unfolds slowly and allows the reader his or her own interpretation, I didnt want it to finish.

MUST READ
THIS BOOK REMINDS US TO LISTEN, REALLY LISTEN TO PEOPLE, REGARDLESS OF WHAT THEY LOOK LIKE.
TO HEED THAT QUITE VOICE WE ALL HAVE WITHIN US.
AND THAT WE CAN AND DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE INSOFAR AS WE HELP OTHERS.

You will love this book!
If you are going to die, or if you know someone who is going to die, this book is a must read.An angel helps a human messenger show the dying they can live, laugh and continue to learn, right up to their last breathe.The characters open to the messenger's compassion and gain the strength to forgive others, themselves andthen let go to that greater awareness that comes when one releases from the physical body.The author blends the reality of death (the true non-discriminator) with the humor of life.While reading the book I laughed, I cried, I smiled and I thanked the universe for the gift of life.

Serving Compassion
Edward Bear writesa compassionate and thought provoking tale of one man's journey as he accompanies others on their final journey.The characters are as varied as any group of people, but similiar in their need to make peace with this life before they move on to their next destination.

It is a story that resonates with remembrances of people who have passed and reminders of the power of kindness. It is a great read.

The Coctail Cart
What a delight.I laughed, I cried and didn't want it to end.If you enjoyed "Tuesdays With Morrey", you'll love this too.A great read and would make a good gift, especially for those who take life to seriously. ... Read more

Product Description

Shopping Cart Soldiers is a modern day Odyssean tale of the atrocities of war and its even more appalling aftermath. Set against the brutal realities of the conflict in Vietnam, John Mulligan tells the story of Finn MacDonald, an eighteen-year-old boy who is drafted soon after he emigrates with his family from Scotland. Upon returning from Vietnam, Finn is plagued by the terrible memories of all he has seen and is pushed into a haze of self-destructive behavior that tests his will to survive. Shopping Cart Soldiers chronicles Finn's painful and remarkable journey -- and his triumphant path to spiritual renewal and recovery. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

REVIEW QUOTES
"...a poetic, mystical and, ultimately, healing autobiographical novel..." --The San Francisco Chronicle

"An important book, inspired by war but dedicated to each veteran's personal search for spiritual peace." --The Los Angeles Times

"The novel does exactly what it should-which is make the hair stand up on the back of your neck in horror one minute and fill you with hope the next." --The Hartford Advocate

"One of the three novels that best embody the war." --The Washington Post ... Read more

Product Description
Soar to the Stratosphere with Dorothy, the Scarecrow, and the Wizard of Oz himself as they attempt to find the missing Ozoplane and save Oz and Jellia Jamb from the clutches of King Strut in Ruth Plumly Thompson's OZOPLANING WITH THE WIZARD OF OZ. The Wizard of Oz has built two Ozzy spaceships to present to Princess Ozma. But before he can show them to her one of them mysteriously takes off with the Tin Woodman, Jellia Jamb, and the Soldier with the Green Whiskers aboard. The errant spaceship flies to Stratovania where King Strut learns of Oz and decides it really belongs to him--and he want Jellia to become his wife! Discover a whole new look for the classic Oz books! Terrific new full-color cover by Oz illustrator Eric Shanower. A new Foreword by BOOKLIST columnist Michael Cart. ALL of John R. Neill's original illustrations - Bigger and better than ever! Additional OZOPLANING artwork by Eric Shanower! A Hundred Years of Jellia Jamb - Picture Gallery! A collection of Thompson poems about the Sky Fairies! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Finally!
As a great Oz fan since childhood, I have long wanted to explore the Oz books written after Baum's death. They were out of print when I was a kid. When I first encountered Thompson's books as an adult, I was at first disappointed. They were just not as good. In time though, as I read through the series, they did get better. I did notice one particular phenomenon, though. She did better with characters she created herself instead of the originals. It was as if she was more comfortable writing for them. Some of her later books were as good as some of Baum's lesser efforts. (That's pretty good)

This one breaks new ground. It features characters from the original WIZARD OF OZ. Dorothy, the Wizard, Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, the Cowardly Lion, the Soldier with the Green Whiskers and Jellia Jamb are the principals. Jellia was a very minor character but has a place of prominence in this one. This is unusual, especially for Thompson's later work. She did a very good job. It is not as good as Baum's best but it is a good effort anyway. It's too bad it was her last one.

The story involves a reunion. The Wizard has gathered the personages from the original story to celebrate Dorothy's first trip to Oz. While there, he shows off his newest inventions: magical aeroplanes. While investigating these new devices, the soldier accidentally launches one with himself, the Tin Woodman and Jellia aboard. They wind up in an airborne kingdom with unsavory inhabitants who resolve to conquer Oz. Meanwhile, the Wizard and the rest of the party try to catch up in the other plane. While doing so, they have to do the obligatory adventuring such as rescue a kingdom, save a princess and meet new magical peoples.

It started off a bit slow but finished well. That goes for the series as well as this book. It was worth the effort.

The Oz Royal Family Takes To The Air
1939 was a banner year for Oz: MGM studios released its classic film adaptation of The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz, and Royal Historian Ruth Plumly Thompson issued her last official Oz novel, Ozoplaning With The Wizard Of Oz, which, as serendipity would have it, was also one of her finest.

Probably due to the release of the film, Ozoplaning With The Wizard Of Oz opens on a crisp fall evening when the cast of the first book - and thus the cast of the film - are celebrating the anniversary of Dorothy' arrival in Oz. Sparing no detail and demonstrating Oz's reality principle, an elaborate cake has been prepared with a model of Dorothy's Kansas house in its center, the house that fell to Oz in a cyclone and happily, accidentally, and conveniently crushed the Wicked Witch Of The West. The Little Wizard, who has grown quite stout, has another surprise: his latest invention, two airships that are equal part rocket, airplane, and hot air balloon. With Ozma temporarily away from the Emerald City, the group, accompanied by newly matured maid - in - waiting Jellia Jamb ('Jelly and Jam') and the Soldier With The Green Whiskers, take to the skies adventuring.

After several weak and disposable titles, Thompson's Ozoplaning With The Wizard Of Oz has the distinction of being the fastest moving and most economic novel in the entire Oz chronicle. There is no superfluous padding whatsoever, and, looking ahead to illustrator John R. Neill's The Wonder City In Oz (1940), the novel has a loose, kooky, post - romantic tone which perfectly suits Baum's utopist fairyland. No longer a 'sweet, darling little maid' perennially restricted to the background, Jellia Jamb is modern young lady - not a little girl - with a feisty, determined spirit and a bright mind. Happily, it is Jellia, and not Dorothy (who, in defiance of the laws of the kingdom, also seems to have matured considerably), who is the book's protagonist. Thompson also allows the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman to stand center stage, utterly freeing the characters from the dreary limitations Baum often saddled them with in his later titles. Never has the Tin Woodman been this lively, decisive, vigorous, and comical. Thompson's characterization of the Cowardly Lion was the most realized of any of the Oz writers, a talent again demonstrated here. Thankfully, none of the lead characters are transformed into beasts, no overly sweet or obnoxious sidekick animals are introduced, and no one speaks in broken baby talk.

Though the narrative eventually falls back on the overused idea of the Emerald City being invaded by outside forces, the writing throughout is so rollicking and enthusiastic that the inevitable invasion seems almost fresh. In an unusual touch, Thompson has the only briefly seen Trot, Betsy, Tik - Tok, and the Patchwork Girl fleeing the invasion rather than heroically standing their ground. In another refreshing twist, aggressive flying King Strut of The Strat decides to attack the Emerald City only after the Tin Woodman declares Strut's sky kingdom a new colony of Oz. Deeply offended when told that he and his people are now subjects of Ozma, Strut reasonably feels that it is his kingdom that has been invaded, and decides to take the offensive.

Ozoplaning With The Wizard Of Oz is one of the classic entries in the series, touching as it does on both established Oz history as well as Oz history to come. At the fireside party in the opening chapters, early Oz history is thoroughly and joyfully recounted by the attendees. Thompson's Jellia Jamb will remind readers of a kinder, less boisterous Jenny Jump, and the Wizard's cat - like "kit bag" of magic may have been the inspiration for Jenny Jump's "handbag of fairy gifts." For reasons unknown, Thompson changes the true name of the Soldier With The Green Whiskers from the established Omby Amby to Wantowin Battles ('Want To Win Battles'), but, regardless, the Soldier, who is far more of a coward than the Lion, adds excellent comic relief to the story.

Regarding Oz mythology, with its occasionally shifting laws, rules and regulations, Jellia states early in the novel, "If I live to be a million, I'll never forget the day she (Dorothy) came to the castle with the Cowardly Lion, the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman. Not if I live to be a million!" As Oz scholars know, Oz is not only a non - earthly paradise but also an approximation of the Christian concept of the afterlife. Presuming she is genuinely alive in the earthly sense of the word, Jellia will live to be a million, and, in fact, will live forever, since no one dies in Oz and only the unlucky or unfavored - like the Wicked Witch of the West - can be destroyed. Not only does the opening chapter take the unusual step of informing the reader that it is autumn in Oz (one of the airships has been christened "the Oztober"), but, at the book's end, Dorothy mentions Halloween. Unfortunately the highly potent idea of celebrating Halloween in Oz is explored no further.

Reflecting the book's light, fun tone, John R. Neill's illustrations are among his most brazenly comic. Particularly interesting is Neill's drawing of Glinda the Good's castle in the red Quadling country, which is unexpectedly massive beyond belief.Highly recommended for both children and adults, as well as for established Oz fans and new readers.

Not one of the best Oz books, but still fun
I'm quite fond of Ruth Plumly Thompson's Oz books, and I think there's a definite sense of fun that prevails even in her weaker Oz books.Unfortunately, this is one of those weaker books.The plot revolves around the major characters from the first Oz book visiting a country in the stratosphere.The Tin Woodman angers their ruler, and he sets out to conquer Oz.By this point in her Oz-writing career, Thompson seems to fall back on the "some villain wants to conquer Oz" plot when she can't think of anything else, and King Strutoovious isn't really even that much of a threat.Despite being weak in terms of plot, however, this book is still a fun read.The descriptions of Stratovania are interesting, Ozma's maid Jellia Jamb finally receives a starring role, and the Wizard of Oz gets the chance to use some clever magical devices.While there are many better Oz books, this one is still pretty good.

High Flying Fun from Oz!
This is Thompson's last official Oz book, but also one of her best! The Wizard has inventing flying airships---OZOPLANES and it's a high flying adventure above the skies of Oz as an Ozoplane takes off in hot pursuit of the other Ozoplane which went off accidently! Turns out, King Strutoovious wants to conquer the Land of Oz and Glinda and Ozma are away! This was a great book which is expected from Ruth Plumly Thompson's sense of humor! ... Read more

Product Description
Upstart Business Consulting Group creates comprehensive business plan kits for a variety of businesses and industries. When you purchase one of our business plan kits, you will have access to the tools that will allow you to be an entrepreneur. We only create business plan kits for businesses that can capitalize on current trends and consumer demand. All businesses we cover require an initial start-up capital investment of $1,000 to $10,000. Although the required start-up capital is relatively small, you will have the potential for substantial cash flow and a high return on investment. The format of the business plan kits are modeled after business plans that have been used in successful start-up companies. These business plan kits are for those individuals who want a better work/life balance, want the flexibility, pride, and fulfillment that comes with being an entrepreneur, and want to earn extra income. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

This book helped me start my new business
This book focused my thoughts and efforts.I wanted to start my own business for the last 5 years, but never knew where to start.This book gave me the confidence I needed.I have started my business and I have been operating for several months.Based on initial revenue over the first 3 months, I expect to breakeven in the next year.I am hoping to grow my business over time and eventually do this full time.I have used the consulting services from Upstart Business Consulting Group and have been very pleased with the results.This book is a must read for those who really have the entrepreneurial spirit.

BEWARE
This is my personal opinion based on 25 years in the corporate environment, so my views may be somewhat jaded.
If you are looking for a business plan this may be what you want. In my opinion it appears to be a cut and past plan that could be used for any business and mainly the names changed to protect the guilty. It would be good to look at the publishers web site before buying this book ([...]) to understand what I mean. The book contains all the anachronism, psycho-babble and blather of modern business, marketing, accounting corporate business. It even tells you to have your mission statement. I suppose that if you are going to finance this operation, that may impress your banker.
The only thing it doesn't do is tell you how to outsource your hotdog cart to China. The majority of the information provided will be set up by an accountant and lawyer if one were to proceed that far with the business. The rest is an attempt to codify common sense. Coupled with much redundancy, expect to find much blank paper, approximately a third of the book,
The book may be good to give potential competition as it may scare them out of the business.
If you are looking for an in depth book dealing with the real everyday nuts and bolts of actually starting a hotdog or food cart business this is not it.

Exactly the book I needed.
This book spells out how business plans should be written in a clear and concise manner. I needed a resource that would tell me exactly what I needed to know without needing an MBA to understand it. In addition to the book, I was able to e-mail the business consultants from Upstart Business Consulting Group.This was extremely helpful, plus it was all free. This book is meant for inexperienced entrepreneurs, but probably is not for those who have already written one or more business plans.

The best guide on business plan writing
As a small business consultant, I have read over 10 books on how to write a business plan.This is by far the best because it focuses on a specific business, hot dog carts, rather than just general statements that can apply to all business. Since this is just one book that is part of a larger series of books, I have encouraged all of my clients to read this book or whichever book is tailored to the business they want to start.I was impressed with how many different business plans Upstart Business Consulting Group has published.Each of my clients who has read one of their books have all benefited from the information.I review the business plans my clients create and they have all been high quality plans. Also, I found the financial examples and graphs helpful. ... Read more

Product Description
Miva Script is a Web application tool that allows developers to create complex Web applications with little or no programming experience. It provides the power of CGI, with easy programming comparable to HTML. There is no easier way to build sophisticated cross-platform server side applications. This book explains how.

With the information in The Official Miva Web-Scripting Book, readers will discover the elements of Miva Script along with examples of how each tag and function is used in different circumstances. The reference section of the book contains descriptions of all Miva Script tags and system functions.

This book not only teaches the beginner how to use Miva Script, it can also help the expert exploit the power of the language. Miva Script is easy to learn; it's powerful; it's flexible; and it's fast. It's the full-featured language of the Internet. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Horrible for the beginner!
Look, I have a BS in Computer Science.I see so many manuals that it would make your head swim.This book ranks up with the worst of the worst.It is a reference, NOT a guide.If you already know Miva, great, buy the book.If you are just beginning, keep searching because this book does nothing, absolutely ZIP in helping you create, maintain an ecommerce website.

This one gets a lot of use.
If you're customizing Miva Merchant or developing other Mivascripts, you'll find this book essential.The writing is clear, thetext is well-indexed and full of examples.My only complaint is thatmany of the examples are simplified - perhaps to help us all getstarted...

Almost the same as the Manual
The book was complete complete and I did not see any mistakes but it wasmainly just a nicer printed version of the manual.There were some scriptsand explanaitions but not much.If you want a bound and printed referenceit is good, otherwise I would just use the only manual and example codefrom the shopping cart or a miva programming site.

The only book out there
I was thankful to find a Miva script resource in print. However, as I am interested in the security aspects of the language, I had hoped to read more in depth about macros. This book is a better desktop languagereference than real world application development learn-by-example conceptguide. This book is a quick read, will help you get your head around thebasics of Miva scripting, but be aware of the author's free use of macrosin script examples. ... Read more

Product Description
NOTE BY THE EDITOR WITH the battle of the Sea of Japan another turning-point in the brief course of recorded human history has been reached. Whatever the outcome of the negotiations for peace, one thing is sure: for better, for worse, and whether we will or no, the West must know the East, and the East must know the West. With that knowledge will inevitably come an inter cliange of potent influences, of influences that will affect profoundly the religion and morals, the philosophy, the literature, the art, in short, all the elements that make up the civilizations of the two hemispheres. It is a part of the responsibility resting upon the molders and leaders of the thought and life of our time, and upon our Universities in particular, to see to it that these new forces, mighty for good or for evil, are directed aright. The fruitfulness of those scions of Western civilization which the Japanese have grafted upon their own stock is to-day the admiration of the world. In our wonder, let

Table of Contents

CONTENTS; NOTE BY THE EDITOR OF THE SERIES ix; PREFACE RY THE TRANSLATOR xi INTRODUCTION; THE AUTHOR AND THE PIAY XV; THE TRANSLATION xxiii; AN OUTLINE OF THE PLOT XXVi; DRAMATIS PERSONAK XXX TRANSLATION OF THE LITTLE CLAY CART; PROLOGUE I; ACT I THE GEMS ARE LEFT BEHIND 6; ACT II THE SHAMPOOER WHO GAMBLED 27; ACT III THE HOLE IN THE WALL 43; ACT IV MADANIKA AND SHARVILAKA 57; ACT V THE STORM 75; ACT VI THE SWAPPING OF THE BULLOCK-CARTS 93; ACT VII ARYAKA's ESCAPE 105; ACT VIII THE STRANGLING OF VASANTASENA 109; ACT IX THE TRIAL 132; ACT X THE END 153; EPILOGUE 176; DEPARTURES OF THE TRANSLATION FROM PARAB'S TEXT U7

About the Publisher

Forgotten Books is a publisher of historical writings, such as: Philosophy, Classics, Science, Religion, History, Folklore ... Read more

Product Description
Public stunts and all-for-fun, utterly nonpoliticized publicity bashes can be a great way to promote a library to a community, get people to see the library in a different light and become interested and involved, and finally reach those who think that libraries are boring or stuffy places. This light-hearted but precise manual provides step-by-step instructions on how to plan, equip and train a successful book cart drill team. It includes tips for recruiting members and making the experience gratifying, finding festive opportunities to perform, costuming, decorating the carts-and especially, clear choreographic drawings for imaginative, attention-getting routines. And by the way: grocery stores, retailers, rental outfits and others could easily adapt the ideas in this book. It doesn't have to be library book carts, it can be grocery carts, baby strollers, and lawn mowers-anything you can push down the street. ... Read more

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Bold, innovative, and eclectic—that’s Rush Hour, the place for thoughtprovoking work from today’s most distinguished voices, both established and new.

In Rush Hour: Reckless, you’ll find captivating poetry by Michael L. Printz Honor winner Helen Frost and popular screenwriter Kirsten Smith; stories by Coretta Scott King Honor winner Sharon Flake and Lambda Literary Award winner David Levithan; and artwork by two-time Caldecott Honor winner Mo Willems. There is also a fascinating interview with Yann Martel, author of the international bestselling novel The Life of Pi, as well as original stories by rising stars like Martin Wilson and Greg Galloway. ... Read more

Product Description
''The Shopping Cart Man'' is a return to good, old-fashioned American values. It is slice of Americana from the 1970s. A family on a cross-country road trip to spend Christmas with their grandmother learn what it means to be modern day Good Samaritans, when they encounter a lost soul whom they first pity, then befriend, and eventually learn to love. The plot thickens when the man begins suffering troubling flashbacks of his forgotten past. When they eventually part, the man goes on a personal quest to discover who he is and how he came to be homeless. This story will touch your heart and make you ponder what tremendous impact little acts of kindness can do for others. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

A good title for Junior High School readers.
This is a good story. The guidelines recommend it for 9-12 years old and I feel that the subject matter and length of the story make it more appropriate for the typical Junior High schooler/young High Schoolerlooking for a meaningful and at times, humorous story during the Christmas season.

Very enjoyable read
The *storyline* of The Shopping Cart Man is wonderful! I just finished it, and am happy to say that I feel a warm glow. As I began reading the book, I expected a moral parable...which it is. But in addition, this is *also* a mystery novel--and I adore mystery novels. The mystery aspect really picks up in the second half (as does the entire story), when the details of Sam's (the Shopping Cart Man's) past begin to emerge. As I neared the end, I both wanted to read faster to find out what happened, and slow down because I wanted to extend the pleasure of spending time with these characters.

I do hope that this book is picked up by a commercial publishing house, because the attentions of a good editor could transform it from good to excellent. That's why I gave it 4 rather than 5 stars; with some polishing, this could be a 5 star novel. There are some places where the story lags and there is overly much detail, and others where I wish the story had been fleshed out somewhat more. But I know that almost all novels require some editing. Certainly this book is of a quality to warrant being picked up by a commercial publisher.

I also agree with other reviewers that this story would make a good Hallmark Channel movie, or something similar. The characters are well-developed (Luke is an especially funny kid!), and there is an ongoing conflict and flashbacks within Sam that would translate well to the screen.

This book might well appeal to a variety of audiences. It's ideal for young people aged 10-15 to read alone. But it would also be a really good book for parents and children, or teachers/students, to read out loud together, as it would likely trigger a lot of good discussion. On the other hand, I'm a 44 year old woman, and I enjoyed it too! So, yes, I'd say it could have broad appeal. I'm donating a second copy to my local Chicago library branch. In these times, I think we can all use all the "warm glows" we can get! :-) I hope to see more books by Mr. Nufer in the future.

Wonderful Story!
The book was wonderfully written!I was engrossed until the very end.I enjoyed trying to figure out what was going to happen next.It also gave me a reminder of what's important in our lives and how we should try to make a difference to someone less fortunate than ourselves.I would recommend this book to anyone that likes to read about good people doing good things.

A Very Enjoyble Read
This book caught my attention at the very beginning and held it all the way to the end.I especially enjoyed the unpredictable finish.Its a story that makes one think about how we could make a difference in someone's life?I'm with many others who think it would make a great TV movie!

A feel good book, great for Christmas!!!!
This book was wonderful!What a great reminder for all of us focus more on others!! Perfect for the holidays!! ... Read more

Product Description

Lust, Desire, Fantasy, Obsession, Love

In one outstanding volume, ten of today's finest authors of adult and young-adult literature lend teir talent and their vioces to take a hard, clear look at love and sexuality. From balancing abstinence and desire, to learning the difference between love and lust, to fulfilling a childhood obsession, each of these stories depicts characters exploring a world of new feelings and sensations that is opening up before them. At times magical, funny, sad, and angry -- but always heartbraakingly honest -- these stories reveal the pressures and complications -- and sometimes joy -- of love and sex.

Laurie Halse Anderson "Snake"
Joan Bauer "Extra Virgin"
Emma Donoghue "The Welcome"
Louise Hawes "Fine and Dandy"
Angela Johnson "Watcher"
Michael Lowenthal "The Acuteness of Desire"
Chris Lynch "The Cure of Curtis"
GarhtNix "Lightning Bringer"
Sonya Sones "Secret Shelf"
Shelley Steohr "Troll Bumps"Amazon.com Review
A collection of little romances with happy endings? No way. These "ten stories of truth" take a hard, clear look at those first overwhelming feelings of passion, the yearning, aching, sweaty miseries and ecstasies of young love. Distinguished young adult critic and author Michael Cart has brought together 10 brilliant, original stories that examine the many facets of adolescent amour. They range from Joan Bauer's warm, funny tale about the dedicated chastity struggles of an "Extra Virgin" to Michael Lowenthal's achingly erotic story of a young gay male's first disastrous experience with "The Acuteness of Desire." Cart's cast of writers includes some of the freshest talent in young adult literature. Fantasy writer Garth Nix brings his magic touch to "Lightning Bringer"; Sonya Sones shares a set of evocative poems about love in "Secret Shelf"; Laurie Halse Anderson uses the setting of wacky, tacky Venice Beach to tell of a reluctant date that catches fire after meeting a "Snake"; and Emma Donoghue touches on transgender in a story of a young lesbian virgin's crush in "The Welcome." In Louise Hawes's story, a girl makes the hard decision for abortion rather than marrying the boring young man who would have made everything "Fine and Dandy." Chris Lynch relays an almost-funny anecdote of confused sexual identity, and Shelley Stoehr and Angela Johnson explore the nature of sexual obsession in two very different stories to round out this delectable and provocative collection. A portion of the money generated from the sale of this book will be donated to the American Library Association's Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). (Ages 14 and older) --Patty Campbell ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

A mixed bag, as always with anthologies
Although I am usually disappointed in anthologies, I was looking forward to reading this one. Love &Sex: Ten Stories of Truth - this title is irresistible and reeks of parental disapproval, does it not?

But as soon as I read first two stories, I was about to return it right back to the library. If you can think of the most cliche subjects for teen stories about love and sex, what comes first to your mind? I bet it's something about virginity and saving yourself until marriage ("Extra Virgin" by Joan Bauer) and something cautionary about sex/pregnancy/abortion ("Fine and Dandy" by Louise Hawes.

Swallowing my disappointment, I decided to give one more story a try - it turned out to be Garth Nix's "Lightning Bringer." Although it was obvious the man wanted to write a story about lightning and not love and sex, he blended the two very well creating a nice fantasy tale about sexual power.

So, thanks to Garth Nix, I stuck with the anthology after all. As always, the collection was a mixed bag of good, mediocre, and bad. It is always evident when a writer has very little experience with writing short stories. Such writers do not understand that a short story requires just as much back story, world-building and plot as a novel and instead produce underdeveloped short outlines.

Some, however, stood out. Along with Garth Nix's short story, I enjoyed Sonya Sones's collection of poems of love and lust titled "Secret Shelf" and Emma Donoghue's "The Welcome" - a tale about sexual identity. Michael Lowenthal's "The Acuteness of Desire" stood out for a different reason - a rather explicit account of the first homosexual encounter.

As a whole, I found this collection more satisfying than many other multi-author anthologies I've read in the past. I expect some adults will be turned off by the explicit nature of several stories.

Both sides of an issue
"Love and Sex" presents both sides of the sexuality issue, ranging from heterosexual abstinence to homosexual relationships and the societal hardships they face. It is a good read.

Disgusting Trash
I work with high school students and I purchased this book because I was told it was made available to the students in their school for sex ed and was controversial. I wanted to see what the big deal was for myself and let me tell you this book is absolute trash. Not all of the stories are bad but there are at least 2 that read like pornography. It is a shame that we live in a world where our public school system is trying to indoctrinate them into an Epicurean worldview. The left screams tolerance except when it deals with being a somewhat moral and decent human being. This book belongs in the garbage.

About so much more than sex
I actually first picked up the book because of the authors featured in this compilation; the title gave me pause. But what I found within the pages of this book was both surprising and comforting.

While there is sex (shocking, isn't it?), that is not really what this book is all about. Each of the stories centers on a character who must make difficult choices that will affect not only his/her adolescence but also the moral character that will carry him/her into adulthood.

I very much enjoyed Sonya Sones story "Secret Shelf" because of the seamless prose and main character I first fell in love with in "What My Mother Doesn't Know." I also enjoyed "Extra Virgin" by Joan Bauer because it reminded me of my personal beliefs at that age. And my heart broke for Michael Lowenthal's main character in "The Acuteness of Desire," even though it was about a topic I struggle to relate with.

Each story is well written, and the genres vary while still holding any audiences attention and keeping with the theme. Each author is extremely talented, and the characters all ring true.

Perfect for fans of the Writers
I must admit I fist pickes it up becuase I was intrigued by the title... Who wouldn't be? Some of the stories are longer then others but none of them exceed 30 pages. I liked that at the end of all the stories, the authors gave a meaningful explination of the story then there was a short bio about that author that you would most likely find on the jacket of one of their books.

I would highly recommened this if you are a fan of any of the authors in the book or even if not, Love & Sex could get you totally hooked on someone new. ... Read more