Book Description

Customer Reviews (4)

OK reading.Little new.
Jerome Charyn is a good writer and also a table tennis lover.He writes about the sport with many colorful analogies and clever expressions, sometimes using French without translating it.For me, it got a bit tiring, but it could be enjoyable if you like his creative writing style.

Much of the book is rehashing of the stuff in Marty Reisman's "The Money Player" and Tim Boggan's books.But Jerome also interviewed many people for the book and adds new perspectives to some well known figures in the sport from these interviews.

I noticed an occasional mistake in the book, but not many.It is mostly well researched.

Good book for students of table tennis history
I checked this book out expecting it to be an instructional book of table tennis.Nevertheless, I proceeded to read beyond the first few pages of the book and was enveloped in a different side of table tennis that I have never looked into before.

For a person who would like an instructional book, "Sizzling Chops and Devilish Spins," is not going to be the right book for you, but if you would like to read a book filled with witty anecdotes and info about the greatest players of all times (e.g. Dick Miles, Marty Reisman...etc) then this book should not be overlooked.

Dont let the title fool you
THIS BOOK DOES NOT TEACH ANY PING PONG PLAYING SKILLS.Do not buy this book if you want to know HOW to do Sizzling Chops and Devilish Spins.

This book only talks about older famous people who used to play ping pong.This book is not instructional AT ALL.I almost bought this POS thinking it would help me with my loops/counter loops and forehand chops, but luckily I looked inside it before I went to the register or I would have been really[mad]...

A Gem of a Book
Delving into this book is like opening the lid of a treasure chest.It's filled with gems of information about a forgotten era when ping-pong was in its heyday in the borough of Manhattan--at a spot called Lawrence's Broadway Courts.There played the biggest names in table tennis from around the world and produced such U.S. champions as Marty Reisman and Dick Miles.

But the best part of the book is the delightful writing of Jerome Charyn.His sentences are so interesting and evocative that I couldn't stop reading it once I began.You actually look forward to picking up where you left off.If you've ever picked up a paddle and found yourself hooked, or if you are any kind of paddle or raquet sport enthusiast, this book is a must buy. ... Read more

Book Description
Hank thought that getting through summer school to get to the fifth grade would be hard enough, but little did he know that it would get worse! Everyone in the fifth grade is starting to focus on a sport—and they're really good. Everyone, that is, except Hank. When Papa Pete suggests that Hank take up Ping-Pong, he decides to give it a try but keeps it top secret, as he thinks the other kids will tease him about it not being a "real" sport. Hank is so good that he manages to Ping-Pong his way to the championship! But when he finds out the contest is being held at "Nick the Tick" McKelty's family bowling alley, will he risk being the laughingstock of the fifth grade? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Henry Winkler does it again
Another excellent addition to the Hank Zipzer collection. Any child will be sure to relate to Hank's excitement of learning and succeeding at a new sport, as well as his apprehensiveness of telling his friends for fear of their reaction. Your child will be cheering for Hank all the way as you read of his finally telling his friends of his new talent, his getting to see that bully Nick McKelty put in his place, and then seeing Hank get his chance to show off his talent to his friends, teachers, and parents.Looking forward to book #10... ... Read more

Book Description
Alex Wellen is an excited, ambitious, and overwhelmed twenty-something law student trying to integrate into one of the most powerful and promise-filled cities in the world—New York. As he moves from graduating student to licensed lawyer—the second most important nine months he ever spent “gestating”—Alex fantasizes about the glitzy, high-powered lifestyle of a Manhattan attorney. He imagines hobnobbing with the elite, eating at the best restaurants, and being a guest at the most coveted social events—but in this city of overachievers, he is reminded every step of the way that he did not go to Harvard. Can he overcome the profession’s snobbery by wearing overpriced ties from Barneys, seat-filling at the VH1 fashion awards, cavorting with B-list celebrities, and throwing TriBeCa loft parties?

Is it enough for him to look and play the part?

Along the way, we meet his fellow sufferers in the dread-inducing bar exam cram courses, his girlfriends and roommate, the law firm recruiters interested in hiring him (and those who aren’t), and the new associates who work with him at a high-profile law firm, some of whom, the odds are, won’t pass the bar.

Savvy and entertaining, Wellen’s story is The Paper Chase meets Sex and the City—a career memoir for anyone who has discovered his or her life’s goal, yet must overcome tremendous obstacles to attain it.

Barman is an honest, revealing, and hilarious portrait of a lawyer as a young man. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (30)

Could not put it down!!
Alex Wellen has captured all the madness, urgency and utter panic that envelops the life and times of anyone who is taking the bar.A great storyteller, Alex makes this an interesting, funny, and extremely engaging read.I could not put it down!I cannot remember a book that was this entertaining and enjoyable to me.For anyone who has ever been there, and more importantly, for anyone who never has, this is a great story you don't want to miss!

Fast Read
A friend recomended this so I bought it. I loved it! Really intersting and funny. I appreciated the unpolished perspective on a life I am pursuing.

Fun and Funny
Alex Wellen is a very funny fellow.I liked "Barman" because Alex tells his story in an engagingly self-deprecating way, yet his feel-it-now style reveals the dehumanizing intellectual hazing process of trying to pass the bar.I look forward to reading more of this gifted storyteller's work.

John DeDakis
Author, FAST TRACK

Engrossing and Entertaining!
One of the rare gifts of good writing is an honest voice. In Alex Wellen's "Barman", you can hear his raw voice as he struggles through young adulthood and the modern rite of passage for law professionals, the bar exam. I laughed out loud, sat horrified at the inner workings of the male mind, and cheered his successes. I'm not a law student, I'm not connected to the legal profession, but none of that matters. I adored it and bought one for my brother who struggled through law school and then he sent his fellow law school grads Wellen's book. They all adored it, laughed and winced through it. I don't take the time to write reviews, but this one merits it. You'll enjoy Wellen's tales and cheer on the victories of the every-man!

WAAAH POOR ME I ONLY WENT TO TEMPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!
A friend of mine loaned me this book. Thankfully I didn't spend money on it.

Allow me to provide a brief summery of this book:

"WAAAHA PITY ME I DIDN'T GO TO A FIRST TIER LAW SCHOOL! I ONLY GOT INTO CRAPPY TEMPLE THAT'S ONLY AT THE TOP OF THE CRAPPY SECOND (out of four) TEIR! BOOH HOO! I ONLY GOT IN AGAINST THE ODDS AT A SCHOOL THAT ONLY ACCEPTS FOUR HUNDRED STUDENTS OUT OF NEARLY FOUR THOUSAND WHO APPLY! WATCH ME ACT LIKE A JERK AS I TRY, AGAINST ALL THE FORCES OF FATE AND IVORY TOWER ELITISM, TO SUCCEED DESPITE THE LABLE OF "CRAPPY TEMPLE STUDENT" TATTOED LIKE A MARK OF CAIN ACROSS MY BROW!"

My overwhelming temptation, if I ever met this guy on the street, would be to inform him that I, too, like nearly everybody else in this 'inspired by real events' POS, deep down think he's a flaming loser. I could rant at length. Instead, I will address a few remarks to Temple Law's admissions staff.

Why the hades did you let this loser in rather than somebody who'd have worked with what they had rather than spent so much time and paper malingering over what they felt they deserved, and then feel like they succeeded DESPITE their school rather than BECAUSE of it? I tutored no less than three people for the LSAT who desperately wanted to go to Temple Law, and not one of them got in to ANY second OR third tier school. All of them had plenty of experience in making the most of the cards they're dealt and would've been a better alumni than this pathetic clown, who grates and annoys and makes himself sound like something closer to Forrest Gump than a legal eagle from the first sentance until the last.

All I can say in closing is: thank freaking hell he's not from MY law school, I'd be freaking ashamed rather than just intensely annoyed. ... Read more

Product Description

Ping-Pong Words byMarti Kramer Suddarth is a children's sermon book. Here are some of the topics covered in this children's sermon book:

Customer Reviews (4)

A Guide To Teaching Sunday School
I can remember back to teaching Sunday school each week and what a difficult job it was to have new ideas for younger children. You had to become very creative in order to reach those children. Well, there is now a handy and most helpful solution to that kind of a situation in the form of a little book called "Ping-Pong Words And 30 More Children's Sermons" by Marti Kramer Suddarth.

The book was written by someone who has been there and done that.This book is like a school lesson planner whereshe lays out 31 lessons. The ideas illustrate the principals of the Bible and are scripture based. She has succeeded in connecting with the needs of younger children with this very appropriate volume for Sunday school classes.

Suddarth, who is herself an elementary school teacher, gives easy to follow instructions complete with what materials one needs to make the lessons come alive.Truly a gifted effort and one that fills a huge need in the religious community.

If you are a Sunday school teacher -then this is a must have for your reference library. This book has my personal recommendation and receives The American Authors Association highest book rating of FIVE STARS!

Ping Pong Words Are Fun for Kids!
What's more intimidating than trying to show a Bible truth to a bunch of kids on Sunday morning? Marti Suddarth takes the fear factor out, and puts the fun into showing kids God's truths. Kid-tested and from an experienced classroom teacher, you will want to get a copy to keep if you are in charge of any children's program at church or in Christian schools.

Ping-Pong Words Review by Karen Wingate
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Whole Being Worship
In the introduction of her new book, "Ping Pong Words: And 30 More Children's Sermons" Marti Suddarth says, "Preschoolers and early elementary-aged children often listen with more than just their ears. They stand while doing art projects, dance while listening to music, and wiggle and laugh while anticipating favorite parts of stories. In short, young children listen with their ears, their eyes, their voices and their whole bodies." When I commented on this except to Marti, she told me how children in her first grade class will stand beside their desk as they contemplate a problem, concentrating so hard, they are unaware they have stood up.

This made me think of multiple verses in the Bible that talk about David's reaction to God. He says, "I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart (Psalm 9:1), "Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name (Psalm103:1), "I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands (Psalm 119:10), and "Give me understanding and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart (Psalm 119:34). [italics mine]

The New Testament builds on this concept of whole being surrender to God. Jesus told his followers to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30). Paul tells his readers, "Therefore my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain (I Corinthians 15:58).

As I watch the children I teach, I realize that God wants me to put my whole being into my worship of Him. How do I do this? Five year old Peyton reminded me how last Sunday. Four year old Tori told me solemnly that God is always with us. "But he's invisible; we can't see him," she said. "One day, we'll go to Heaven; then we'll see Jesus and be with Him forever," I told her. Hearing that, Peyton jumped out of her chair with a grin that lit up her face and clapped enthusiastically.

My worship should be exuberant. My service and obedience should be with whole hearted passion. When I am reminded of my spiritual blessings, I should burst out of my chair like Peyton. When I obey the Lord, it should be with such concentration that I'm not even aware of how I'm throwing my whole being into my obedience.

"Become like little children," Jesus told us. This week I want to do some whole-being worship, some full blown service. How about you?
Posted by Karen Wingate

Ping Pong Words Review
Making a presentation that conveys a spiritual or moral lesson to a group of children can be very intimidating. You may have considered writing your own material but perhaps time constraints or a feeling intimidation prevented you. Marti Kramer Suddarth, an elementary school teacher and published writer has devised a clever grouping of children's sermons to make this job easier. Ping-Pong Words contains 31 short"Children's time" lessons targeted to children ages toddler through age 13.

The lessons are easily adaptable to a variety of venues including Sunday school, worship services, religious schools and even day care programs. Each begins with a scripture reference, then lists materials needed.
Suddarth includes cues and suggestions for how the presenter should approach the audience.There are typically two roles, one for the primary speaker and the other for an assistant. Together they enact a short scenario to bring home a lesson point. Lessons are closed in prayer.

Suddarth, who has had mini-musicals and anthology inclusions published, excels at taking scriptural and moral lessons and simplifying them for a creative, fun presentation. If you work with children in any form of teaching setting Ping-Pong words should be in your arsenal of resources. ... Read more

Product Description
They stole $16,421,808 last week. You could add up the lifetime take for Jesse James, John Dillinger and Willie Sutton, then throw in the Great Brinks Robbery and it wouldn’t be close to what these four men had just taken, but this was just a so-so week. Moreover, these people had no fear of being caught because they knew the money would never be missed. In fact, they planned to do it again next week just like they had every week for over two decades.Over the last 20 years Tom Baldwin, technical genius, founder and CEO of the firm that manufactures and services all state lottery machines and numbered ping pong balls, has supplied his deep cover CIA associates with all winning lottery numbers. He controls the lotteries each week using on-line computers, concealed electromagnets in the machines and metal-based paint on pre-selected ping pong balls.Over $22 Billion has been deposited to The CIA’s Discretionary Fund through Tom’s efforts. As advancing age and declining health push him closer to the day on which he must hand the controls over to younger men, he decides to reacquaint himself with his three estranged grandchildren who have not seen or heard from him in over 16 years, and give each of them the key to the lottery in their state.Three compelling subplots diverge as each grandchild follows a different path with their newfound wealth. The story builds to a tense and unnerving crescendo as their inability to control the greed within and around them begins to topple the lottery scheme and the CIA itself.No one appears to escape the evil seduction of power brought about by the sudden availability of unlimited amounts of money. However, the unexpected but quite believable twist in the last scene will cause the reader to question whether the story is fact or fiction. ... Read more

Book Description
This tour de force in experimental robotics paves the way toward understanding dynamic environments in vision and robotics. It describes the first robot able to play, and even beat, human ping-pong players.

Constructing a machine to play ping-pong was proposed years ago as a particularly difficult problem requiring fast, accurate sensing and actuation, and the intelligence to play the game. The research reported here began as a series of experiments in building a true real-time vision system. The ping-pong machine incorporates sensor and processing techniques as well as the techniques needed to intelligently plan the robot's response in the fraction of a second available. it thrives on a constant stream of new data. Subjectively evaluating and improving its motion plan as the data arrives, it presages future robot systems with many joints and sensors that must do the same, no matter what the task.

Contents:
Introduction. Robot Ping-Pong. System Design. Real-Time Vision System Robot Controller. Expert Controller Preliminaries. Expert Controller. Robot Ping-Pong Application. Conclusion.

Russell L. Andersson is Member of Technical Staff, Robotics Systems Research Department, AT&T Bell Laboratories. A Robot Ping-Pong Player is included in the Artificial Intelligence Series, edited by Patrick Winston and Michael Brady. ... Read more

Book Description
Shepard's Guide to Mastering French Wines makes you an authority on the finest French wines. Explore the vineyards region by region. Then throw away those misleading point scorecards as you develop your own wine taste.

What They Are Saying About Shepard's Robbie Cutler Diplomatic Mystery Series

Customer Reviews (1)

Mastering French Wines Review
I have had a working knowledge of domestic wines for several years.In attempting to broaden my knowledge to french wines as well, I read Mr. Shepard's Guide to Mastering French Wines.It is beyond me how Mr. Shepard has put so much information on the subject in one book.I now consider it my encyclopedia on French Wine.

In addition, if I am ever lucky enough to tarvel to the French Wine country I think it would make a great travel companion. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Un excellent livre jeunesse
Enfin un livre qui s'adresse aux jeunes et qui parle avec humour et sensibilité de la discrimination auxquels font face les enfants de l'adoption international! À lire absolument! ... Read more

Book Description
We hear a fresh new voice in Michael Amram, one that talks quite candidly about the horrors, scandals, scams, and profiteering made possible by religion. In Would God Move a Ping-Pong Table? A Cumulative Analysis of Faith andReligion he describes what has become a clandestine society, immune to the laws and politics of the rest of the world quite simply because it is backed by God. Amram pits researched material agaist his own humorously told experiences in a writing style that presents the factsand the hard truths of his subject while trying not to lose the reader with its weightiness. One such experience--"Awandering Jew I was . . . sampling all there was to offer for the theologically vulnerable"--tells of the time at UMD when he became a Christian for 48 hours! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

He picked the wrong religion
He should have become a Roman Catholic then, if he really had studied his faith, he wouldn't have written this book. ... Read more