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A hardcover book Artilce for Your Viewing
Bodacious Beautiful Books
Like most of us, when I was a teenager back in the late fifties, I knew it all, and no-one could convince me that I was wrong in my views on a heck of a lot of subjects. But as the years streamed on by, my mind matured some, and it soon became apparent that I really knew......
Like most of us, when I was a teenager back in the late fifties, I knew it all, and no-one could convince me that I was wrong in my views on a heck of a lot of subjects. But as the years streamed on by, my mind matured some, and it soon became apparent that I really knew very little, and what seem to amaze me the most was how much smarter my parents and other elders seem to be.
After high school, I enlisted in the U. S. Army and was sent to Germany where the urge to read seriously sunk it's hooks into me. Suddenly, my life became worth putting a lot of effort into it as fantastic worlds of adventure spread out before like a ever beckoning beautiful valley. Everything and everyone was now interesting. The entire universe was now my playground, and when I realized that there was no possibility of my happy self living long enough to learn it all was absolutely nil, I wanted(and still do) to live forever.
As my mortal life continued to flow through time, I could not read enough...I studied astronomy, early American history, some foreign history, plate tectonics, and more. The more I read, the more I not only educate myself on things I am interested in, but the more I seem to crave to want to be in the company of others so I could spread all of the wonderful information I had learned...and what really made me experience new levels of happiness, was that others wanted to be around me. Of course, being social creatures, I loved it!
Today, besides still reading more and more, I have also become immersed in writing. My favorite subjects to ink-sling about are human emotions...and since we all live our lives in our minds, our individual emotions re-act to how we each perceive life.
One day, a friend of mine paid me a very nice compliment when she stated that I always seem to be cheerful and have a smile for everyone. A little later on, all of those tiny synaptic connections in my brain burped out the thought that all of my reading has blessed me with many more assets...not only has it allowed me to view life as it really is, but because of it, I seem to plan ahead with reality as my basis.
As a direct result, although I didn't realize it at first, life never seem to be as serious, my stress levels were way down, life and everyone and everything was more interesting and entertaining, and any trials and tribulations I encounter in everyday life appear to be easier to cope with.
So what I would like to offer here is that we all read more and more books, for the more we read, the more we learn, the more we learn, the more interesting we are, the more interesting we are, the more entertaining we become, and the more entertaining we become, the more other folks wish to be around us, and the more other folks are around us
, the happier we are.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
(J) Marshall Wade is the author of ?90% You ? 10% Crap Shoot?,
?204 Ways To Enjoy Life? and numerous articles dealing with
emotions and other topics from various aspects.
hardcover book Items For Viewing
Here Come the ABCs [CD/DVD Combo]
Here Come the ABCs [CD/DVD Combo]
No stranger to the realm of children's records, They Might Be Giants have seen success with their CD No! and the book-and-CD combo Bed, Bed, Bed. Their latest CD, Here Come the ABCs, offers up 25 alphabetically themed songs. However, as is their charming way, the two Johns (Flansburgh and Linnell), use the letters as merely the connective tissue, allowing them to pursuit intriguing flights of fancy that consider everything from the relative power of letters and sounds to animal hijinks. Just as they've always done, there are wistful ballads and high octane rockers. TMBG have always been a family-friendly band, and this disc works just fine for adult fans, who can rightfully consider this simply their newest release. --David Greenberger
Customer Review: Great fun for everyone!
What a great, fun album! Our 23 month old has been listening to it for about 6 months now, and loves to speak along to it. Different songs are favorites at different times. My husband and I think it is catchy and fun for us, too. If your toddler is going to demand songs be repeated "one more time" as our does, these are songs you can listen to, too, "one more time" ad infinitum (almost). You even learn to sing the alphabet backward!
Customer Review: Great!
Here's another great hit by They Might Be Giants. Wonderful music and I loved the CD/DVD music combo. I don't think you can go wrong with this musical group for children.
Western Digital My Book Studio Edition External Hard Drive - 1TB - 7200rpm - Serial ATA/300, FireWire, USB 2.0, Mac (WDH1Q10000N)
Western Digital My Book Studio Edition External Hard Drive - 1TB - 7200rpm - Serial ATA/300, FireWire, USB 2.0, Mac (WDH1Q10000N)
E-SATA - USB 2.0 - Firewire 400 and 800 Interface / Mac Formatted Only
Customer Review: Do Not Buy this Drive!
Like others reviewing this product, I too, wanted to like this drive. Do not waste your time and money on this product. I have a MacBook Pro and I do a lot of presentations which requires a lot of storage. I thought this drive would fit my needs because it had a small footprint, complimented by computer and had multiple connections (e.g. USB, Firewire). At first the drive seemed fine, and then it started to hang up. It's flashing light went back and forth like a Cylon eye in Battlestar Gallactica. It just would not connect anymore. I was using a firewire connection. I turned the drive off, rebooted the computer and that did not work. I then switched to the USB connection and that worked for a day or so and then the drive did the same thing again. So I switched back to the firewire connection and after a couple of restarts it worked again.
So now I am thinking I have a defective drive, so I order a replacement (not from Amazon but from the Apple Store where I purchased it. I love Amazon don't get me wrong.) The replacement came and did the same exact thing.
My conclusion is that this drive is not reliable and I am not going to trust my files on this drive. I am on Amazon today to find another solution. Please don't let the looks fool you, beauty is truly on the outside of this one and the inside needs some work!
Customer Review: This could be a great drive
I have the exact same problem as the previous reviewer. The drive hangs up and freezes the Mac (Mini Mac running Leopard); and the Mac is indeed "too stupid" to quit trying. I found that if I leave the computer for a few hours and come back the drive is dead and Timemachine is hung.
It can be jump started by unplugging the firewire cable AND the power cable and putting it back together. This frees up the Mac but the drive does not come back. There may be a better way but it seems I have to re-boot the Mac before the drive is recognized and shows up on the desktop again.
I found a firmware upgrade (because of Leopard) on the Western Digital website that I applied. It now hangs and freezes a little differently but in fact still hangs and freezes.
It looks good and WOULD be a great value if it worked. The bottom line is it doesn't work; so don't waste your time, skip this drive and skip the problems; Mac owners deserve better than this.
It does have Firewire 400 and 800, USB2 and eSATA and I found you could reformat it for the PC... I don't know if you'll have the same problems on the Windoze machines but why try? Just pass it up.
Webkinz: Beagle
Webkinz: Beagle
Discover a virtual world with Webkinz pets. Webkinz animals come with a special Internet code so your child can interact with it online. The code lets you enter Webkinz World and bring your pet to life. Pet owners can name it, make it a home and even play games. Beagle measures 10". Not recommended for children under 3.
Minimum supported browsers: Windows - Internet Explorer 6, Netscape 7.2, Firefox 1.0, AOL Explorer 1.5. McIntosh - Safari 1.2.3, Internet Explorer 5.2.3, Fire Fox 1.5, High-speed Internet Required, Monitor Resolution 1024 x 768. Requirements may change; check www.webkinz.com for latest revisions.
Customer Review: There's nothing like watching a 7-year old with a Webkinz
I recently got to spend some time with my 7-year old niece and watched her "wax lyrical" about how much she loves her Webkinz (she has three of them!). She took me over to the computer and showed me how the computer part works with the beagle Webkinz she named "Sam". I watched her zip around the computer playing all sorts of games to "make money" to pay for the food, clothes, and treats for her "pet".
The game teaches kids some of the responsibilities of having a pet (like making sure they get fed, taking them for a walk, spending time playing with them, etc.) while teaching computer skills at the same time. The carnival-like environment where they play games to make money for their pet is fun and provides enough variety to keep them coming back day after day.
I'd highly recommend Webkinz for any child who loves toy animals and wants to gain further experience on the computer.
Customer Review: Webkinz Beagle
I bought this for my daughter when I couldn't find one around our home town. So, I ordered it thru the internet and Amazon. It was one of her favourite gifts! Not only can she cuddle with him, but she goes on the Webkinz website and creates a room for her virtual pet, and plays educational games that will build up W-$ for her to buy things for her pet!! She really enjoys playing on the website and she sleeps with the beagle every night! I even went and bought a chocolate lab webkinz for my son who is 3. He and his sister have a good time playing on the website and carrying their pets wherever they go!
Cake Charms
Cake Charms
This set of six silver-plated cake charms is perfect for the bridesmaid ribbon-pulling tradition.
One Chance
One Chance
Britain's Got Talent winner Paul Potts has spent most of his life feeling 'insignificant'. Bullied at school for being 'different', he realized growing up that he had one true friend and that was his voice. Singing was his escape. He was able to lose himself in his own little world - the vicious words of his tormentors replaced by hauntingly beautiful lyrics and melodies that lifted his heart and spirit. It was a love, a passion, a lifeline that would follow Paul into adulthood and help him through many more periods of adversity.
Though it's fair to say that when Paul strolled awkwardly - almost apologetically - onto the Cardiff stage for his first Britain's Got Talent audition a week before that final, in his now infamous £35 Tesco suit, and announced to Simon and fellow judges Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan that he was going to sing opera, they never thought for one minute they were looking at their winner. Until he opened his mouth and started to sing.
Paul Potts Photos
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Customer Review: last chance-the best chance
whatever stressed you out, listening to "last Chance" melts it all away, what a voice, wow...
Customer Review: Paul Potts is beyond a winner
The musical beauty of this CD by Paul Potts will send positive chills down your spine and out through your limbs. His voice is magnetic and moves the soul no matter what language he is singing. A must have for your tenor music collection and a moving story of success behind the music. He is the new "Pavarotti" with even more sentiment in his presentation.
Change of Heart: A Novel
The acclaimed #1 New York Times bestselling author presents a spellbinding tale of a mother's tragic loss and one man's last chance at gaining salvation.
Can we save ourselves, or do we rely on others to do it? Is what we believe always the truth?
One moment June Nealon was happily looking forward to years full of laughter and adventure with her family, and the next, she was staring into a future that was as empty as her heart. Now her life is a waiting game. Waiting for time to heal her wounds, waiting for justice. In short, waiting for a miracle to happen.
For Shay Bourne, life holds no more surprises. The world has given him nothing, and he has nothing to offer the world. In a heartbeat, though, something happens that changes everything for him. Now, he has one last chance for salvation, and it lies with June's eleven-year-old daughter, Claire. But between Shay and Claire stretches an ocean of bitter regrets, past crimes, and the rage of a mother who has lost her child.
Would you give up your vengeance against someone you hate if it meant saving someone you love? Would you want your dreams to come true if it meant granting your enemy's dying wish?
Once again, Jodi Picoult mesmerizes and enthralls readers with this story of redemption, justice, and love.
Customer Review: I may be the one with 'A Change of Heart' ...
Eagerly anticipating Picoult's latest work, I read the excerpt online and couldn't wait to sink my teeth into what I thought would be her latest masterpiece. After my disappointment with The Tenth Circle, tepid interest in Nineteen Minutes, and sheer love affair with The Pact, imagine my surprise when I was met with a prescribed plot without any of her stylistic twists. What My Sister's Keeper offered, this novel lacked. A cross between The Green Mile and The DaVinci Code, Picoult's work fell way short, and dedicated fans will be disappointed. Picoult will need to produce something miraculous with her next work, or my {literary} Heart will need to be Harvested elsewhere.
Customer Review: Tried To Be About Many Things And Ended Up Being About Very Little
I liked the last novel I read by this author (The Tenth Circle) but Change of Heart was too scattered and perhaps far-reaching to find the solidity it needed to bring off this sort of plot. The religious aspects were leaden and heavy-handed, very much simplistic when in this particular circumstance some complexity of thought was required. Also the crimes central to the story were somehow glossed over and dismissed, even as Picoult tried hard to make them all the more lurid in their destructive aftermath. The prison chapters (and some of her chapters desperately needed to be longer!) were so weak and nimbly touched upon, and so painfully unrealistic that they lacked the horror they should have provoked from within a reader. Finally the idea of miracles occurring as she described totally undermined the last shred of realism she might have clung to in this already diluted tale. I found it a weak and unsatisfying sort of book, and I wish I had never bought it or read it.
Apple MacBook Pro MA896LL/A 15" Laptop (2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 2 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD SuperDrive)
Apple MacBook Pro MA896LL/A 15" Laptop (2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 2 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD SuperDrive)
Stylishly and intelligently designed for mobile professionals, Apple's MacBook Pro gets a serious speed bump with the new, powerful Intel chipset (dubbed Santa Rosa), which provides a faster Core 2 Duo processor, longer battery life, and native support for 802.11n wireless connectivity. This model (MA896LL/A) also includes a new mercury-free, power-efficient LED-backlit display measuring 15.4 inches and a state-of-the art NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT video card for more realistic graphics for animation and gaming. This MacBook Pro is powered by the new 2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo T7700 processor and 2 GB of 667 MHz DDR2 memory--the fastest portable computer memory currently on the market (June 2007). But some things haven't changed: the trademark stunning aluminum enclosure that's is just one-inch thin, built-in iSight video camera, and Apple's magnetically connected MagSafe power adapter, which safely disconnects when under strain.
 This MacBook Pro measures just 1 inch thin and weighs 5.4 pounds. |
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
The Intel Core 2 Duo T7500 processor has a 2.2 GHz processor speed, super-fast 800 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and an enormous 4 MB of Smart Cache, an L2 cache that can be shared between the cores as needed. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)
The Intel Core 2 Duo's 128-bit SSE3 vector engine handles 128-bit computations in a single clock cycle, accelerating data manipulation by simultaneously applying a single instruction to multiple data. And its two execution cores are designed to share resources and conserve power, helping it to achieve higher levels of performance since it uses fewer watts
 The new 15-inch MacBook Pro offers a new mercury-free, power-efficient LED-backlit display with an antiglare finish that's perfect for color-minded professionals. |
The 15.4-inch widescreen TFT (non-glossy) display offers a native resolution of 1440 x 900 pixels and an antiglare widescreen display that's perfect for color-minded professionals. The new MacBook Pro display is backlit by light emitting diodes (LEDs), which gives it a lighter weight and more power efficiency than the cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs) which most notebooks employ. It's also better for the environment, thanks to its new mercury-free display.
Video and graphics are powered by the NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT card, which is boosted by 256 MB of GDDR3 SDRAM. GDDR3 (Graphics Double Data Rate, version 3) is a graphics card-specific memory technology that's better able to deliver fluid frame rates for even the most advanced games and applications. The GeForce 8600M GT brings a new level of realism to the MacBook Pro with its 16-lane PCI Express architecture, 16x full screen anti-aliasing, 128-bit High Dynamic Range rendering, and a texture fill rate of up to 8.2 billion per second.
Hard Drive and Memory
The 160 GB Serial-ATA (SATA) hard drive (5400 RPM) provides more than enough space to store business-related documents and presentations, as well as offers space for a large digital audio and video library. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0. The 2 GB of PC5300 DDR2 RAM (two SO-DIMMs of 1 GB) have an industry-leading 667 MHz speed, and the RAM capacity can be increased to a whopping 4 GB.
Wireless Connectivity
The built-in 802.11n wireless networking provides up to five times the performance and twice the range of 802.11g, but it's also backward-compatible with 802.11a/b/g routers, enabling you to communicate with the a wide variety of Wi-Fi resources. It works seamlessly with the new AirPort Extreme with 802.11n. Use the built-in Bluetooth wireless technology to connect to your PDA or cell phone, synchronize addresses, or download pictures from your cell phone. You can also use a wireless headset for iChat audio chats and VoIP calls as well as quickly share files with a colleague.
Video Conferencing with Built-in iSight
Artfully placed in the display bezel is an iSight camera, which enables easy video conferencing as well as allows you to snap pictures of yourself and create video podcasts. Using the iChat AV application, video conferencing is integrated into your iChat buddy list, so initiating a video conference is a breeze. iChat also lets you hold audio chats with up to 10 people and provides high-quality audio compression and full-duplex sound so conversation can flow naturally. For video podcasting, you can record a short clip using the iSight camera, then use iWeb to create a video blog entry or post your GarageBand-recorded podcast.
Apple Innovations
 The magnetically connected MagSafe power adapter breaks cleanly away, without damage to either the cord or the MacBook Pro, if you trip over the cord.. |
 Using two-fingered scrolling, you can easily scroll around your documents or open contextual menus with one hand. |
The MacBook Pro has battery life that rivals most notebooks in its class. If you'd like to make that battery last even longer, Mac OS X has a few tricks up its sleeve. Go to System Preferences, click Energy Saver, and change battery optimization from Normal to Better Battery Life. Or tell MacBook Pro to reduce its screen brightness and give yourself a little more time untethered.
And with the included Apple Remote and Front Row software, you can show off your latest photos and access your iTunes music and playlists from across the room. You can also use it to watch downloaded movies and TV episodes as well as control playback of DVD movies. The Apple Remote features a minimalist six buttons--just press the Menu button to activate Front Row and begin to navigate through your media. You can even use the remote to control Keynote presentations in iWork '06.
Other Features
- Two USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 400, one FireWire 800, ExpressCard/34 slot
- DVI output port; VGA output using included DVI to VGA adapter
- 8x slot-loading SuperDrive with the following write speeds: 8x DVD-R, DVD+R; 4x DVD-R DL (double layer), DVD+R DL (double layer), DVD-RW, DVD+RW; 24x CD-R; 10x CD-RW
- Backlit keyboard with ambient light sensors for automatic adjustment of keyboard illumination and screen brightness
- Internal omnidirectional microphone and built-in speakers
- Combined optical digital output/headphone out (minijack)
- Combined optical digital input/audio line in (minijack)
- 60-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery (with integrated charge indicator LEDs) providing up to 6 hours of battery life
- Kensington cable lock slot
- Measures 14.1 x 9.6 x 1 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 5.4 pounds (including battery)
Included Software
Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard (includes Spotlight, Dashboard, Mail, iChat AV, Safari, Address Book, QuickTime, iCal, DVD Player, Xcode Developer Tools), iLife '06 (includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie HD, iDVD, iWeb, GarageBand), Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac Test Drive, a 30-day trial of iWork '06, Comic Life, FileMaker Pro Trial, OmniOutliner, Photo Booth, and Front Row.
What's in the Box
MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.4 GHz); 85W MagSafe power adapter, AC wall plug, and power cord; lithium-polymer battery; Apple Remote; DVI to VGA adapter; install/restore DVDs; printed and electronic documentation. It's backed by 90 days of telephone support and a one-year limited warranty.
Customer Review: MacBook Pro
The MacBook Pro is great, looks great and works well. The only thing is the new operating system wasn't loaded to the laptop but the disk was included. Other than that, everything is great. Love it.
Customer Review: MacBook Pro
I bought this computer one month ago and the price has dropped $305! I bought an Apple for its reputation as a reliable system. This one crashes regularly, especially when I attempt to use the help function. Also, it does not pick up wireless signals unless they are very, very strong. My six-year old Toshiba works better than this machine. Definitely not worth the premium paid.
Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions
Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions
- Why do our headaches persist after taking a one-cent aspirin but disappear when we take a 50-cent aspirin?
- Why does recalling the Ten Commandments reduce our tendency to lie, even when we couldn't possibly be caught?
- Why do we splurge on a lavish meal but cut coupons to save twenty-five cents on a can of soup?
- Why do we go back for second helpings at the unlimited buffet, even when our stomachs are already full?
- And how did we ever start spending $4.15 on a cup of coffee when, just a few years ago, we used to pay less than a dollar?
When it comes to making decisions in our lives, we think we're in control. We think we're making smart, rational choices. But are we?
In a series of illuminating, often surprising experiments, MIT behavioral economist Dan Ariely refutes the common assumption that we behave in fundamentally rational ways. Blending everyday experience with groundbreaking research, Ariely explains how expectations, emotions, social norms, and other invisible, seemingly illogical forces skew our reasoning abilities.
Not only do we make astonishingly simple mistakes every day, but we make the same types of mistakes, Ariely discovers. We consistently overpay, underestimate, and procrastinate. We fail to understand the profound effects of our emotions on what we want, and we overvalue what we already own. Yet these misguided behaviors are neither random nor senseless. They're systematic and predictable—making us predictably irrational.
From drinking coffee to losing weight, from buying a car to choosing a romantic partner, Ariely explains how to break through these systematic patterns of thought to make better decisions. Predictably Irrational will change the way we interact with the world—one small decision at a time.
Customer Review: un-predictably irrational
I purchased the book to learn something about the human nature. I found author's examples of irrationality interesting but quite obvious to anyone who is even marginally observant. Since the human behavior interests me, I read the book.
Then the author came to a surprising conclusion - the free market price mechanism is not working because the people make decisions irrationally. It is some time since I read the Wealth of Nations, but I do not recollect rationality as the condition for free movement of price.
Not content with that strange reasoning, the author capps it with a whopper: The government policies are needed for markets to work "for the best". Now that is REALLY irrational!
I finally lost it when the author advises return to the "social norms" to replace "market norms". Anyone with cursory knowledge of 20th century history will recognize this as socialism - you work for your Socialist state, your Fuehrer, your "society", not for money. There is name for complete replacement of "market norms" with "social norms" - it is called SLAVERY.
I bought the book to learn about irrational human behavior. The book is irrational, but in an unpredictable way.
Customer Review: Interesting, Living, and Engaging
Rarely do a buy a book through spontaneity. But I was in Target last week and noticed this book. I picked it up and flipped through the pages. The content seemed interesting. From the beginning impression to the final impression, the book did not disappoint. It was a great read about behavioral economics. It highlighted studies of how peer pressure and slogans influence our decisions. This style of economic thought differs from the classic economics because of the classic approach of assuming that all business transactions deal with rational people, but this discipline of thought realizes the wide variety of influences over our buying decisions. The book is more than just a technical rendering of the material, it has fresh insights and helpful application. If someone enjoyed Freakonomics, then this book is a must read.
Headlines on hardcover book
Adventurers Fen by E a R Ennion
Mon, 07 Jul 2008 09:59:11 GMT
History / History- Local / Adventurers Fen by E A R Ennion Monday, July 07, 2008 Book Title: Adventurers Fen ISBN: mw00166434 Publisher: Herbert Jenkins Year Published: 1949 Our Price: 14.30 GBP Description: ...
VIN SUPRYNOWICZ: Are books an appreciating asset? - Las Vegas Review - Journal
Sun, 06 Jul 2008 09:18:03 GMT
VIN SUPRYNOWICZ: Are books an appreciating asset? Las Vegas Review - Journal, NV - A late, 26th hardcover printing of "Atlas Shrugged" from the 1970s (original list price $26.50) is now a $40 book. A true 1957 first printing? ... |
Adventurers Fen by E a R Ennion
Mon, 07 Jul 2008 09:59:11 GMT
History / History- Local / Adventurers Fen by E A R Ennion Monday, July 07, 2008 Book Title: Adventurers Fen ISBN: mw00166434 Publisher: Herbert Jenkins Year Published: 1949 Our Price: 14.30 GBP Description: ...
A hardcover book Artilce for Your Viewing
Bodacious Beautiful Books
Like most of us, when I was a teenager back in the late fifties, I knew it all, and no-one could convince me that I was wrong in my views on a heck of a lot of subjects. But as the years streamed on by, my mind matured some, and it soon became apparent that I really knew......
Like most of us, when I was a teenager back in the late fifties, I knew it all, and no-one could convince me that I was wrong in my views on a heck of a lot of subjects. But as the years streamed on by, my mind matured some, and it soon became apparent that I really knew very little, and what seem to amaze me the most was how much smarter my parents and other elders seem to be.
After high school, I enlisted in the U. S. Army and was sent to Germany where the urge to read seriously sunk it's hooks into me. Suddenly, my life became worth putting a lot of effort into it as fantastic worlds of adventure spread out before like a ever beckoning beautiful valley. Everything and everyone was now interesting. The entire universe was now my playground, and when I realized that there was no possibility of my happy self living long enough to learn it all was absolutely nil, I wanted(and still do) to live forever.
As my mortal life continued to flow through time, I could not read enough...I studied astronomy, early American history, some foreign history, plate tectonics, and more. The more I read, the more I not only educate myself on things I am interested in, but the more I seem to crave to want to be in the company of others so I could spread all of the wonderful information I had learned...and what really made me experience new levels of happiness, was that others wanted to be around me. Of course, being social creatures, I loved it!
Today, besides still reading more and more, I have also become immersed in writing. My favorite subjects to ink-sling about are human emotions...and since we all live our lives in our minds, our individual emotions re-act to how we each perceive life.
One day, a friend of mine paid me a very nice compliment when she stated that I always seem to be cheerful and have a smile for everyone. A little later on, all of those tiny synaptic connections in my brain burped out the thought that all of my reading has blessed me with many more assets...not only has it allowed me to view life as it really is, but because of it, I seem to plan ahead with reality as my basis.
As a direct result, although I didn't realize it at first, life never seem to be as serious, my stress levels were way down, life and everyone and everything was more interesting and entertaining, and any trials and tribulations I encounter in everyday life appear to be easier to cope with.
So what I would like to offer here is that we all read more and more books, for the more we read, the more we learn, the more we learn, the more interesting we are, the more interesting we are, the more entertaining we become, and the more entertaining we become, the more other folks wish to be around us, and the more other folks are around us, the happier we are.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
(J) Marshall Wade is the author of ?90% You ? 10% Crap Shoot?,
?204 Ways To Enjoy Life? and numerous articles dealing with
emotions and other topics from various aspects.
hardcover book Items For Viewing
Here Come the ABCs [CD/DVD Combo]
Here Come the ABCs [CD/DVD Combo]
No stranger to the realm of children's records, They Might Be Giants have seen success with their CD No! and the book-and-CD combo Bed, Bed, Bed. Their latest CD, Here Come the ABCs, offers up 25 alphabetically themed songs. However, as is their charming way, the two Johns (Flansburgh and Linnell), use the letters as merely the connective tissue, allowing them to pursuit intriguing flights of fancy that consider everything from the relative power of letters and sounds to animal hijinks. Just as they've always done, there are wistful ballads and high octane rockers. TMBG have always been a family-friendly band, and this disc works just fine for adult fans, who can rightfully consider this simply their newest release. --David Greenberger
Customer Review: Great fun for everyone!
What a great, fun album! Our 23 month old has been listening to it for about 6 months now, and loves to speak along to it. Different songs are favorites at different times. My husband and I think it is catchy and fun for us, too. If your toddler is going to demand songs be repeated "one more time" as our does, these are songs you can listen to, too, "one more time" ad infinitum (almost). You even learn to sing the alphabet backward!
Customer Review: Great!
Here's another great hit by They Might Be Giants. Wonderful music and I loved the CD/DVD music combo. I don't think you can go wrong with this musical group for children.
Western Digital My Book Studio Edition External Hard Drive - 1TB - 7200rpm - Serial ATA/300, FireWire, USB 2.0, Mac (WDH1Q10000N)
Western Digital My Book Studio Edition External Hard Drive - 1TB - 7200rpm - Serial ATA/300, FireWire, USB 2.0, Mac (WDH1Q10000N)
E-SATA - USB 2.0 - Firewire 400 and 800 Interface / Mac Formatted Only
Customer Review: Do Not Buy this Drive!
Like others reviewing this product, I too, wanted to like this drive. Do not waste your time and money on this product. I have a MacBook Pro and I do a lot of presentations which requires a lot of storage. I thought this drive would fit my needs because it had a small footprint, complimented by computer and had multiple connections (e.g. USB, Firewire). At first the drive seemed fine, and then it started to hang up. It's flashing light went back and forth like a Cylon eye in Battlestar Gallactica. It just would not connect anymore. I was using a firewire connection. I turned the drive off, rebooted the computer and that did not work. I then switched to the USB connection and that worked for a day or so and then the drive did the same thing again. So I switched back to the firewire connection and after a couple of restarts it worked again.
So now I am thinking I have a defective drive, so I order a replacement (not from Amazon but from the Apple Store where I purchased it. I love Amazon don't get me wrong.) The replacement came and did the same exact thing.
My conclusion is that this drive is not reliable and I am not going to trust my files on this drive. I am on Amazon today to find another solution. Please don't let the looks fool you, beauty is truly on the outside of this one and the inside needs some work!
Customer Review: This could be a great drive
I have the exact same problem as the previous reviewer. The drive hangs up and freezes the Mac (Mini Mac running Leopard); and the Mac is indeed "too stupid" to quit trying. I found that if I leave the computer for a few hours and come back the drive is dead and Timemachine is hung.
It can be jump started by unplugging the firewire cable AND the power cable and putting it back together. This frees up the Mac but the drive does not come back. There may be a better way but it seems I have to re-boot the Mac before the drive is recognized and shows up on the desktop again.
I found a firmware upgrade (because of Leopard) on the Western Digital website that I applied. It now hangs and freezes a little differently but in fact still hangs and freezes.
It looks good and WOULD be a great value if it worked. The bottom line is it doesn't work; so don't waste your time, skip this drive and skip the problems; Mac owners deserve better than this.
It does have Firewire 400 and 800, USB2 and eSATA and I found you could reformat it for the PC... I don't know if you'll have the same problems on the Windoze machines but why try? Just pass it up.
Webkinz: Beagle
Webkinz: Beagle
Discover a virtual world with Webkinz pets. Webkinz animals come with a special Internet code so your child can interact with it online. The code lets you enter Webkinz World and bring your pet to life. Pet owners can name it, make it a home and even play games. Beagle measures 10". Not recommended for children under 3.
Minimum supported browsers: Windows - Internet Explorer 6, Netscape 7.2, Firefox 1.0, AOL Explorer 1.5. McIntosh - Safari 1.2.3, Internet Explorer 5.2.3, Fire Fox 1.5, High-speed Internet Required, Monitor Resolution 1024 x 768. Requirements may change; check www.webkinz.com for latest revisions.
Customer Review: There's nothing like watching a 7-year old with a Webkinz
I recently got to spend some time with my 7-year old niece and watched her "wax lyrical" about how much she loves her Webkinz (she has three of them!). She took me over to the computer and showed me how the computer part works with the beagle Webkinz she named "Sam". I watched her zip around the computer playing all sorts of games to "make money" to pay for the food, clothes, and treats for her "pet".
The game teaches kids some of the responsibilities of having a pet (like making sure they get fed, taking them for a walk, spending time playing with them, etc.) while teaching computer skills at the same time. The carnival-like environment where they play games to make money for their pet is fun and provides enough variety to keep them coming back day after day.
I'd highly recommend Webkinz for any child who loves toy animals and wants to gain further experience on the computer.
Customer Review: Webkinz Beagle
I bought this for my daughter when I couldn't find one around our home town. So, I ordered it thru the internet and Amazon. It was one of her favourite gifts! Not only can she cuddle with him, but she goes on the Webkinz website and creates a room for her virtual pet, and plays educational games that will build up W-$ for her to buy things for her pet!! She really enjoys playing on the website and she sleeps with the beagle every night! I even went and bought a chocolate lab webkinz for my son who is 3. He and his sister have a good time playing on the website and carrying their pets wherever they go!
Cake Charms
Cake Charms
This set of six silver-plated cake charms is perfect for the bridesmaid ribbon-pulling tradition.
One Chance
One Chance
Britain's Got Talent winner Paul Potts has spent most of his life feeling 'insignificant'. Bullied at school for being 'different', he realized growing up that he had one true friend and that was his voice. Singing was his escape. He was able to lose himself in his own little world - the vicious words of his tormentors replaced by hauntingly beautiful lyrics and melodies that lifted his heart and spirit. It was a love, a passion, a lifeline that would follow Paul into adulthood and help him through many more periods of adversity.
Though it's fair to say that when Paul strolled awkwardly - almost apologetically - onto the Cardiff stage for his first Britain's Got Talent audition a week before that final, in his now infamous £35 Tesco suit, and announced to Simon and fellow judges Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan that he was going to sing opera, they never thought for one minute they were looking at their winner. Until he opened his mouth and started to sing.
Paul Potts Photos
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Customer Review: last chance-the best chance
whatever stressed you out, listening to "last Chance" melts it all away, what a voice, wow...
Customer Review: Paul Potts is beyond a winner
The musical beauty of this CD by Paul Potts will send positive chills down your spine and out through your limbs. His voice is magnetic and moves the soul no matter what language he is singing. A must have for your tenor music collection and a moving story of success behind the music. He is the new "Pavarotti" with even more sentiment in his presentation.
Change of Heart: A Novel
The acclaimed #1 New York Times bestselling author presents a spellbinding tale of a mother's tragic loss and one man's last chance at gaining salvation.
Can we save ourselves, or do we rely on others to do it? Is what we believe always the truth?
One moment June Nealon was happily looking forward to years full of laughter and adventure with her family, and the next, she was staring into a future that was as empty as her heart. Now her life is a waiting game. Waiting for time to heal her wounds, waiting for justice. In short, waiting for a miracle to happen.
For Shay Bourne, life holds no more surprises. The world has given him nothing, and he has nothing to offer the world. In a heartbeat, though, something happens that changes everything for him. Now, he has one last chance for salvation, and it lies with June's eleven-year-old daughter, Claire. But between Shay and Claire stretches an ocean of bitter regrets, past crimes, and the rage of a mother who has lost her child.
Would you give up your vengeance against someone you hate if it meant saving someone you love? Would you want your dreams to come true if it meant granting your enemy's dying wish?
Once again, Jodi Picoult mesmerizes and enthralls readers with this story of redemption, justice, and love.
Customer Review: I may be the one with 'A Change of Heart' ...
Eagerly anticipating Picoult's latest work, I read the excerpt online and couldn't wait to sink my teeth into what I thought would be her latest masterpiece. After my disappointment with The Tenth Circle, tepid interest in Nineteen Minutes, and sheer love affair with The Pact, imagine my surprise when I was met with a prescribed plot without any of her stylistic twists. What My Sister's Keeper offered, this novel lacked. A cross between The Green Mile and The DaVinci Code, Picoult's work fell way short, and dedicated fans will be disappointed. Picoult will need to produce something miraculous with her next work, or my {literary} Heart will need to be Harvested elsewhere.
Customer Review: Tried To Be About Many Things And Ended Up Being About Very Little
I liked the last novel I read by this author (The Tenth Circle) but Change of Heart was too scattered and perhaps far-reaching to find the solidity it needed to bring off this sort of plot. The religious aspects were leaden and heavy-handed, very much simplistic when in this particular circumstance some complexity of thought was required. Also the crimes central to the story were somehow glossed over and dismissed, even as Picoult tried hard to make them all the more lurid in their destructive aftermath. The prison chapters (and some of her chapters desperately needed to be longer!) were so weak and nimbly touched upon, and so painfully unrealistic that they lacked the horror they should have provoked from within a reader. Finally the idea of miracles occurring as she described totally undermined the last shred of realism she might have clung to in this already diluted tale. I found it a weak and unsatisfying sort of book, and I wish I had never bought it or read it.
Apple MacBook Pro MA896LL/A 15" Laptop (2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 2 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD SuperDrive)
Apple MacBook Pro MA896LL/A 15" Laptop (2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 2 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD SuperDrive)
Stylishly and intelligently designed for mobile professionals, Apple's MacBook Pro gets a serious speed bump with the new, powerful Intel chipset (dubbed Santa Rosa), which provides a faster Core 2 Duo processor, longer battery life, and native support for 802.11n wireless connectivity. This model (MA896LL/A) also includes a new mercury-free, power-efficient LED-backlit display measuring 15.4 inches and a state-of-the art NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT video card for more realistic graphics for animation and gaming. This MacBook Pro is powered by the new 2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo T7700 processor and 2 GB of 667 MHz DDR2 memory--the fastest portable computer memory currently on the market (June 2007). But some things haven't changed: the trademark stunning aluminum enclosure that's is just one-inch thin, built-in iSight video camera, and Apple's magnetically connected MagSafe power adapter, which safely disconnects when under strain.
This MacBook Pro measures just 1 inch thin and weighs 5.4 pounds. |
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
The Intel Core 2 Duo T7500 processor has a 2.2 GHz processor speed, super-fast 800 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and an enormous 4 MB of Smart Cache, an L2 cache that can be shared between the cores as needed. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)
The Intel Core 2 Duo's 128-bit SSE3 vector engine handles 128-bit computations in a single clock cycle, accelerating data manipulation by simultaneously applying a single instruction to multiple data. And its two execution cores are designed to share resources and conserve power, helping it to achieve higher levels of performance since it uses fewer watts
The new 15-inch MacBook Pro offers a new mercury-free, power-efficient LED-backlit display with an antiglare finish that's perfect for color-minded professionals. |
The 15.4-inch widescreen TFT (non-glossy) display offers a native resolution of 1440 x 900 pixels and an antiglare widescreen display that's perfect for color-minded professionals. The new MacBook Pro display is backlit by light emitting diodes (LEDs), which gives it a lighter weight and more power efficiency than the cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs) which most notebooks employ. It's also better for the environment, thanks to its new mercury-free display.
Video and graphics are powered by the NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT card, which is boosted by 256 MB of GDDR3 SDRAM. GDDR3 (Graphics Double Data Rate, version 3) is a graphics card-specific memory technology that's better able to deliver fluid frame rates for even the most advanced games and applications. The GeForce 8600M GT brings a new level of realism to the MacBook Pro with its 16-lane PCI Express architecture, 16x full screen anti-aliasing, 128-bit High Dynamic Range rendering, and a texture fill rate of up to 8.2 billion per second.
Hard Drive and Memory
The 160 GB Serial-ATA (SATA) hard drive (5400 RPM) provides more than enough space to store business-related documents and presentations, as well as offers space for a large digital audio and video library. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0. The 2 GB of PC5300 DDR2 RAM (two SO-DIMMs of 1 GB) have an industry-leading 667 MHz speed, and the RAM capacity can be increased to a whopping 4 GB.
Wireless Connectivity
The built-in 802.11n wireless networking provides up to five times the performance and twice the range of 802.11g, but it's also backward-compatible with 802.11a/b/g routers, enabling you to communicate with the a wide variety of Wi-Fi resources. It works seamlessly with the new AirPort Extreme with 802.11n. Use the built-in Bluetooth wireless technology to connect to your PDA or cell phone, synchronize addresses, or download pictures from your cell phone. You can also use a wireless headset for iChat audio chats and VoIP calls as well as quickly share files with a colleague.
Video Conferencing with Built-in iSight
Artfully placed in the display bezel is an iSight camera, which enables easy video conferencing as well as allows you to snap pictures of yourself and create video podcasts. Using the iChat AV application, video conferencing is integrated into your iChat buddy list, so initiating a video conference is a breeze. iChat also lets you hold audio chats with up to 10 people and provides high-quality audio compression and full-duplex sound so conversation can flow naturally. For video podcasting, you can record a short clip using the iSight camera, then use iWeb to create a video blog entry or post your GarageBand-recorded podcast.
Apple Innovations
The magnetically connected MagSafe power adapter breaks cleanly away, without damage to either the cord or the MacBook Pro, if you trip over the cord.. |
Using two-fingered scrolling, you can easily scroll around your documents or open contextual menus with one hand. |
The MacBook Pro has battery life that rivals most notebooks in its class. If you'd like to make that battery last even longer, Mac OS X has a few tricks up its sleeve. Go to System Preferences, click Energy Saver, and change battery optimization from Normal to Better Battery Life. Or tell MacBook Pro to reduce its screen brightness and give yourself a little more time untethered.
And with the included Apple Remote and Front Row software, you can show off your latest photos and access your iTunes music and playlists from across the room. You can also use it to watch downloaded movies and TV episodes as well as control playback of DVD movies. The Apple Remote features a minimalist six buttons--just press the Menu button to activate Front Row and begin to navigate through your media. You can even use the remote to control Keynote presentations in iWork '06.
Other Features
- Two USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 400, one FireWire 800, ExpressCard/34 slot
- DVI output port; VGA output using included DVI to VGA adapter
- 8x slot-loading SuperDrive with the following write speeds: 8x DVD-R, DVD+R; 4x DVD-R DL (double layer), DVD+R DL (double layer), DVD-RW, DVD+RW; 24x CD-R; 10x CD-RW
- Backlit keyboard with ambient light sensors for automatic adjustment of keyboard illumination and screen brightness
- Internal omnidirectional microphone and built-in speakers
- Combined optical digital output/headphone out (minijack)
- Combined optical digital input/audio line in (minijack)
- 60-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery (with integrated charge indicator LEDs) providing up to 6 hours of battery life
- Kensington cable lock slot
- Measures 14.1 x 9.6 x 1 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 5.4 pounds (including battery)
Included Software
Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard (includes Spotlight, Dashboard, Mail, iChat AV, Safari, Address Book, QuickTime, iCal, DVD Player, Xcode Developer Tools), iLife '06 (includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie HD, iDVD, iWeb, GarageBand), Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac Test Drive, a 30-day trial of iWork '06, Comic Life, FileMaker Pro Trial, OmniOutliner, Photo Booth, and Front Row.
What's in the Box
MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.4 GHz); 85W MagSafe power adapter, AC wall plug, and power cord; lithium-polymer battery; Apple Remote; DVI to VGA adapter; install/restore DVDs; printed and electronic documentation. It's backed by 90 days of telephone support and a one-year limited warranty.
Customer Review: MacBook Pro
The MacBook Pro is great, looks great and works well. The only thing is the new operating system wasn't loaded to the laptop but the disk was included. Other than that, everything is great. Love it.
Customer Review: MacBook Pro
I bought this computer one month ago and the price has dropped $305! I bought an Apple for its reputation as a reliable system. This one crashes regularly, especially when I attempt to use the help function. Also, it does not pick up wireless signals unless they are very, very strong. My six-year old Toshiba works better than this machine. Definitely not worth the premium paid.
Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions
Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions
- Why do our headaches persist after taking a one-cent aspirin but disappear when we take a 50-cent aspirin?
- Why does recalling the Ten Commandments reduce our tendency to lie, even when we couldn't possibly be caught?
- Why do we splurge on a lavish meal but cut coupons to save twenty-five cents on a can of soup?
- Why do we go back for second helpings at the unlimited buffet, even when our stomachs are already full?
- And how did we ever start spending $4.15 on a cup of coffee when, just a few years ago, we used to pay less than a dollar?
When it comes to making decisions in our lives, we think we're in control. We think we're making smart, rational choices. But are we?
In a series of illuminating, often surprising experiments, MIT behavioral economist Dan Ariely refutes the common assumption that we behave in fundamentally rational ways. Blending everyday experience with groundbreaking research, Ariely explains how expectations, emotions, social norms, and other invisible, seemingly illogical forces skew our reasoning abilities.
Not only do we make astonishingly simple mistakes every day, but we make the same types of mistakes, Ariely discovers. We consistently overpay, underestimate, and procrastinate. We fail to understand the profound effects of our emotions on what we want, and we overvalue what we already own. Yet these misguided behaviors are neither random nor senseless. They're systematic and predictable—making us predictably irrational.
From drinking coffee to losing weight, from buying a car to choosing a romantic partner, Ariely explains how to break through these systematic patterns of thought to make better decisions. Predictably Irrational will change the way we interact with the world—one small decision at a time.
Customer Review: un-predictably irrational
I purchased the book to learn something about the human nature. I found author's examples of irrationality interesting but quite obvious to anyone who is even marginally observant. Since the human behavior interests me, I read the book.
Then the author came to a surprising conclusion - the free market price mechanism is not working because the people make decisions irrationally. It is some time since I read the Wealth of Nations, but I do not recollect rationality as the condition for free movement of price.
Not content with that strange reasoning, the author capps it with a whopper: The government policies are needed for markets to work "for the best". Now that is REALLY irrational!
I finally lost it when the author advises return to the "social norms" to replace "market norms". Anyone with cursory knowledge of 20th century history will recognize this as socialism - you work for your Socialist state, your Fuehrer, your "society", not for money. There is name for complete replacement of "market norms" with "social norms" - it is called SLAVERY.
I bought the book to learn about irrational human behavior. The book is irrational, but in an unpredictable way.
Customer Review: Interesting, Living, and Engaging
Rarely do a buy a book through spontaneity. But I was in Target last week and noticed this book. I picked it up and flipped through the pages. The content seemed interesting. From the beginning impression to the final impression, the book did not disappoint. It was a great read about behavioral economics. It highlighted studies of how peer pressure and slogans influence our decisions. This style of economic thought differs from the classic economics because of the classic approach of assuming that all business transactions deal with rational people, but this discipline of thought realizes the wide variety of influences over our buying decisions. The book is more than just a technical rendering of the material, it has fresh insights and helpful application. If someone enjoyed Freakonomics, then this book is a must read.
Headlines on hardcover book
Adventurers Fen by E a R Ennion
Mon, 07 Jul 2008 09:59:11 GMT
History / History- Local / Adventurers Fen by E A R Ennion Monday, July 07, 2008 Book Title: Adventurers Fen ISBN: mw00166434 Publisher: Herbert Jenkins Year Published: 1949 Our Price: 14.30 GBP Description: ...
VIN SUPRYNOWICZ: Are books an appreciating asset? - Las Vegas Review - Journal
Sun, 06 Jul 2008 09:18:03 GMT
VIN SUPRYNOWICZ: Are books an appreciating asset? Las Vegas Review - Journal, NV - A late, 26th hardcover printing of "Atlas Shrugged" from the 1970s (original list price $26.50) is now a $40 book. A true 1957 first printing? ... |
Adventurers Fen by E a R Ennion
Mon, 07 Jul 2008 09:59:11 GMT
History / History- Local / Adventurers Fen by E A R Ennion Monday, July 07, 2008 Book Title: Adventurers Fen ISBN: mw00166434 Publisher: Herbert Jenkins Year Published: 1949 Our Price: 14.30 GBP Description: ...
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