Mini Book Expo For Bloggers

Grown Up Digital [Mark's review]

Mark gives Grown Up Digital top grades on his blog, Mark Leslie's Blog:

Following up on his book Growing up Digital from well over a decade ago, Tapscott returns to study the new generation, dubbed the Net Generation by the author. Based upon a multi-million dollar four year private research study, Tapscott provides an in-depth look into the routines, habits and challenges of this young generation.

This is a fascinating, eye-opening look at the Net Generation, and serves to contradict many blatant assumptions being made about today's youth. Tapscott deftly handles the claims that today's young people are a bunch of spoiled brats with limited attention spans who have had everything handed to them and have no scruples by analysing facts and statistics and applying information from surveys with over 11,000 youth.

Including detailed statistics and charts as well as quotes and examples from real youth all over the world, Tapscott demonstrates a generation that is not only remarkably bright and skilled at thinking, interacting and socializing in entirely new ways, but that they are active participants in a complex and challenging world, that they are fine analysts and are concerned about basic integrity.

Tapscott not only goes through dynamic shifts brought about by this merger of youth and technology (with concepts such as education needing to change from a traditional "broadcast" style to a more interactive environment), but it outlines strategies and suggestions for how to properly embrace and understand the Net Generation.

This is a timely and well informed book that is easy to read and definitely pleasurable and eye-opening. Despite the hard data, charts and graphs, it is an approachable and fascinating read. The Net Generation is mobilized, skilled and connected in a way that no previous generation every possible could be -- they are changing the world and will continue to change it.

And though Tapscott has many positive responses to some of the "darker" sides of this new world the Net Generation are both navigating through and creating, he does offer cautionary details that youth and the older generations need to be clear about such as issues of privacy (that many are either not properly aware of and are giving up in the pursuit of high level/advanced networking), cyberbullying (often much more dangerous and "permanent" than bullying performed in school yards previous to the turn of the century) and a different look at defining "social skills."

I would highly recommend Grown up Digital to adults of all ages, particularly parents, as there are insightful suggestions on how to properly connect with and understand the Net Generation without being imposing and causing them more frustration. I would particularly suggest that those who have a negative view of the younger generation and their "technology endowed habits" pick it up and start looking at these details in a whole new light.
* 5 stars *

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More information   

• Book Site: http://www.growingupdigital.com/   
• McGraw Hill | Chapters.ca  | Amazon.com   
• ISBN-10: 0071508635   
• ISBN-13: 978-0071508636

The Race for Perfect [alphanitrate's review]

The Race for Perfect isn't over, and alphanitrate weighs in on the progress:

I recommend this book to lovers of design and computers, and to general geekdom. 

From the early "Luggables" (computers that came in their own suitcase, with an attachable monitor that you set up when you arrived) to the Apple Air™ and even the BlackBerry™, Steve Hamm takes us through the 40 years of development of portable computers.

The Race for Perfect shows the processes that go into laptop design.
The considerations of the user:
• mouse (going from trackball, to tracking stick, to the     touchpad)
• keyboard (style, shape, feel)
• screens
• weight

The book also covers the development of the ThinkPad X300, the newest and greatest laptop on the market today.
* 3 stars *

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More information

• McGraw Hill | Chapters.ca  | Amazon.com
• ISBN-10: 0071606106
• ISBN-13: 978-0071606103

Your Evening Class: French [Sam's review]

Sam encourages us all to grab a croissant and a coffee and open Your Evening Class: French:

For those of us who can recall a few French words somewhere in the back of our minds and would like to be able to recall more of it (without the fear and ridicule this time), this is the ticket!

So, I started off a bit of a skeptic, but I must say I was really impressed with the formatting of this evening course, designed to be completed in your own home.  It was an amazing way to start to recall (no sweating in front of the board this time) and build on some of the fundamentals that seemed to be locked forever in the old grey matter.

There are ten complete units in the course with workbooks and CDs to accompany each.  I liked the choice and selection offered and the practicality of each unit which became quite challenging as the course progressed.  The handy reference book was a natural extension to the course and was well paced, too.
Even if you haven't got a language learning background, you could easily pick up a great deal of the language by completing this course.
Within each of the 10 units there are mini exams to test what’s been learned, which was really useful as well.

Now for the tricky bit:  some of the accents.  As a Canadian girl, I found some of the French a bit tough to understand, but that was one of the great features of the course as well; I could go back and listen to it again.

I quite liked this experience, and the ability to complete this at my own pace without the pressure to submit assignments. 
So, for those of us war-wounded in a language classroom, there is hope, and all that French is not lost.  Give it a try!
* 5 stars *

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More information

• McGraw Hill | Chapters.ca  | Amazon.com
• ISBN-10: 034097432X
• ISBN-13: 978-0340974322

Red Rubber Ball at Work [Sam's review]

Red Rubber Ball At Work is a catchy, quick study in Sam's hands:

Red Rubber Ball at Work is a sweet little read that evokes memories of childhood and makes the reader crave a workplace that she enjoyed as much as the people profiled in the book.  It’s a quick, snippety read which is heavily anecdotal but one which allows the reader to feel as though they are reading a particularly astute advice column. 

What I liked is the ease with which I could read, reflect and re-read this diminutive, yet thought provoking book.  I like the concept of having a writer compartmentalize his writing in order to allow the reader to mull it over or skim through at her leisure.  I particularly enjoyed the thematic idea that success was attained for many of those profiled by remaining true to their own ideas of what was appropriate and fun.

It's no mistake that the book is formatted for the ADD working girl who doesn't have novel study reads in mind, but who is looking for a few new ideas.

Well worth the time to read and 'play'.
* 4 stars *

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More information   

• Author Site:    
  • The Katalyst Blog [Link to author's site or blog]   
  
• McGraw Hill | Chapters.ca  | Amazon.com 
• ISBN-10: 0071599444   
• ISBN-13: 978-0071599443 

The Pirates' Pact [Memory's review]

Where's the passion?  Memory can't find it in The Pirate's Pact:

Burgess has made ample use of primary sources; he often quotes directly from the papers at his disposal, including privateering commissions and private correspondence, to bolster his claims. He also brings in many points of law, drawn directly from the courts of the time and heavily informed by his own knowledge of the subject. The result is a detailed, informative piece of research.
* 3.5 stars *

Keep reading Memory's review... 

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More information   

• Extra Info:
• • Table of Contents     
  • First Page     
  • Index  
• McGraw Hill | Chapters.ca  | Amazon.com  
• ISBN-10: 0071474765   
• ISBN-13: 978-0071474764

 

The New Day Trader Advantage [Jon Markman]

Courtesy of McGraw Hill

Markets are abuzz over the rebirth of the day trader. Rather than maniacally trading volatile stocks multiple times in a single day, active traders are now holding onto investments longer, relying more on planning and patience rather than fast reflexes. The New Day Trader Advantage features sure-fire techniques for profiting from this more measured, cunning method of active trading-techniques that will help busy professionals and individuals achieve their investing goals with minimum stress and maximum gain.

Written by veteran investment advisor and MSN Money columnist Jon Markman, The New Day Trader Advantage offers successful strategies for discovering, tracking, buying and selling the strongest companies in the best sectors of any economy. This hands-on guide introduces each trading method with compelling, real-life examples that show how the techniques work-then dives into the details of the actual trade from start to finish. You'll learn how to:

• Profit on the popularity of a stock's sector, which accounts for up to 60% of its movement
• Know which stocks historically trade way up or way down in particular months of the year-or before or after their quarterly earnings reports
• Buy new IPOs from previously bankrupt companies and make a fortune
• Find information on new offerings and corporate spin-offs and effectively trade them in the first week, month, and year
• Use the author's proprietary stock-rating system to buy five to ten winning stocks a month for six-month holds
• Gain valuable insight by observing a stock's relationship to its ten-month moving average
• Recognize local, national, and global “ecosystems,” and determine where the greatest short-term value is being created
• Sell or sell short at the right time to capture maximum profits

No other book offers the same depth of coverage and expert insight into short-term market forces. By learning how to profit at the right time in the right markets, you can gain The New Day Trader Advantage.

About the Author

Jon Markman, a veteran money manager and award-winning journalist, is editor and founder of the investment research newsletters Trader's Advantage and Strategic Advantage. He speaks frequently on investment topics at conferences nationwide, as well as on TV and radio. He is a weekly columnist for MSN Money and a contributor to TheStreet.com.

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More information

• Author Site: Jon Markman
• McGraw Hill | Chapters.ca  | Amazon.com

Product Details

• No Longer Available
  
• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (December 26, 2007)
• ISBN-10: 007150852X
• ISBN-13: 978-0071508520

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Testosterone for Life [Abraham Morgentaler]

Recharge Your Sex Drive, Muscle Mass, Energy and Overall Health

Courtesy of McGraw Hill

From a Harvard doctor and a leading expert on testosterone . . .. The groundbreaking book that shows you how to raise your testosterone levels-and live your life to the fullest

Better sex. Increased vitality. More muscle. Improved health. Greater mental agility. These are just a few of the life-enhancing benefits that men with low levels of testosterone can experience when they increase their testosterone level. If you've noticed a decrease in your sex drive; experienced erectile dysfunction; or felt tired, depressed, and unmotivated, this authoritative, up-to-date guide from an expert at Harvard Medical School will help you determine if you have low testosterone-a surprisingly common but frequently undiagnosed condition among middle-aged men.

Learn how to:

• Recognize the symptoms of low testosterone.
• Diagnose the problem with simple tests.
• Find the treatment that's right for you.
• Explore options your doctor might not know about.
• Reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.
• Feel healthier, more vigorous, and more alive

Based on thirty years of research, Testosterone for Life covers the safest medical and natural treatments, latest scientific breakthroughs and benefits, and case studies of men who have rediscovered their zest for life. It shows the most effective, clinically proven way to reverse the effects of low testosterone and jump-start your health--your sex life, your body, your mind, and your mood--for life.

About the Author

Abraham Morgentaler, M.D., is an Associate Clinical Professor of Urology at Harvard Medical. School, and is the founder of Men�s Health Boston, a center focusing on sexual and reproductive. health for men. He is the author of a number of popular books including The Male Body and. The Viagra Myth.

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More information

• Extra Info: [ToC, excerpt, sample image]
• Table of Contents
• Excerpt
• McGraw Hill | Chapters.ca  | Amazon.com

Product Details

• No Longer Available
• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (October 31, 2008)
• ISBN-10: 0071494804
• ISBN-13: 978-0071494809

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Smart Parenting During and After Divorce [Peter Favaro]

The Essential Guide to Making Divorce Easier on Your Child

Courtesy of McGraw Hill

Invaluable parenting advice on how to co-parent during and after divorce, from a sought-after expert on parenting topics

As a court-appointed child custody evaluator for 15 years, Dr. Peter Favaro is uniquely qualified to write this must-have guide for parents going through divorce. A child psychologist, he understands the effects divorce can have on families, especially when difficult exes, lawyers, visitation schedules, and other issues directly affect the child. Favaro addresses 50 essential topics in short, easy-to-read chapters, including 100 dos and don’ts that will make things easier on your child--and better for your family.

About the Author

Peter J. Favaro, Ph.D., is a psychologist and executive director of Smart Parenting: The Family Center, which provides court services to high-conflict individuals and families. He has handled more than six thousand custody cases in the state of New York.

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More information

• McGraw Hill | Chapters.ca  | Amazon.com

Product Details

• 1 copy available  This book is CLAIMED
• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (December 19, 2008)
• ISBN-10: 0071597557
• ISBN-13: 978-0071597555

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The Beauty Diet [Lisa Drayer]

Looking Great has Never Been So Delicious

Courtesy of McGraw Hill

The secret to glowing skin, brighter eyes, whiter teeth, shinier hair, and stronger nails

According to nationally known nutritionist Lisa Drayer, it�s not what you put on your body, but what you put in your body that makes you beautiful. Drayer's groundbreaking guide reveals the Top 10 Beauty Foods--nature�s best kept secrets for glowing skin, fuller hair, healthier nails, brighter eyes, and whiter teeth. Her easy-to-follow program�including a mouth-watering four-week meal plan with more than 100 recipes�unlocks the amazing power of these Beauty Foods and makes every part of your body look and feel absolutely fantastic.

Here are the Top 10 Beauty Foods

• Wild Salmon
• Yogurt
• Blueberries
• Spinach
• Kiwis
• Tomatoes
• Oysters
• Sweet Potatoes
• Walnuts
• Dark Chocolate

About the Author

Lisa Drayer, M.A., R.D. is a beauty nutritionist and health reporter, and the author of Strong, Slim, and 30! (McGraw-Hill, 2007). She frequently appears on NBC’s Today Show and ABC’s Good Morning America and has been a regular contributor to CNN, CNN Headline News, and WCBS-TV. Lisa is a columnist and spokesperson for Women’s Health and has also been featured in Elle, Marie Claire, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times. Lisa is a consultant to Maybelline/Garnier and has been a spokesperson for Crest Pro-Health and the Got Milk? campaign. In addition, Lisa has been the recipient of the American Dietetic Association’s Media Excellence Award, given on behalf of ADA’s seventy thousand members. Lisa has a private practice in New York City, where she has helped many individuals achieve their health goals, including some of New York's most prestigious and visible personalities. For more information about Lisa, please visit .

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More information

• Author Site: Lisa Drayer
• McGraw Hill | Chapters.ca  | Amazon.com

Product Details

• This book is CLAIMED
  
• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (September 29, 2008)
• ISBN-10: 0071544771
• ISBN-13: 978-0071544771

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Wargaming for Leaders [Mark L. Herman, Mark D. Frost]

Strategic Decision Making from the Battlefield to the Boardroom

Courtesy of McGraw Hill

Business is war. Here’s how to win it with field-tested strategies from the world’s leading wargamers at Booz Allen Hamilton.

Today, wargaming is used at the highest levels of government and business to provide leaders with the. sharpest competitive edge--to anticipate the future. and beat the enemy. In Wargaming for Leaders, Mark. Herman, world-renowned wargame developer for. Booz Allen Hamilton with coauthors Frost and Kurz,. explores the strategies learned from wargames. designed and staged for the U.S. Army, global corporations,. and nonprofit groups, revealing how these exercises. have made for significant decisions and. competitve advantage.

About the Author

Mark Herman is a Booz Allen Hamilton vice president based in McLean, Virginia, who leads the firm's modeling, simulation, wargaming, and analysis work. He has more than 30 years of experience designing and developing wargames on a variety of strategic and boardroom topics for the U.S. Department of Defense and Fortune 500 companies.

Robert Kurz is a principal with Booz Allen Hamilton in McLean, Virginia, with 30 years of experience in governmental strategy and operations. For the last 15 years, he has supported government and commercial clients with consulting services in strategy, analysis, and wargaming.

Mark Frost is a principal with Booz Allen Hamilton in McLean, Virginia, with more than 20 years of experience in military, government, and commercial modeling, simulation, wargaming, and analysis. In the commercial sector, he has pioneered the transfer of military wargaming techniques to assist in developing strategy and managing change for major corporations worldwide.

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More information

• Author Site:
• Mark Herman’s Game Design Page
• Book Site:
• Wargaming for Leaders
• Wargaming for Leaders Podcast
• Extra Info:
• Table of Contents
•  Excerpt
• McGraw Hill | Chapters.ca  | Amazon.com

Product Details

• 1 copy available   This book is CLAIMED
  
• Hardcover: 264 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (November 13, 2008)
• ISBN-10: 0071596887
• ISBN-13: 978-0071596886

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Make Every Man Want You [Marie Forleo]

Courtesy of McGraw Hill

Unleash Your Irresistibility!

"Make Every Man Want You gives every woman the tools she needs to unlock her inner magnet."
--Kelly Ripa

"A must read for any woman who wants to awaken her most conscious, irresistible self . . . delivered in a brilliantly funny and accessible way."
--Gay Hendricks, Ph.D., author of Five Wishes and coauthor, with Kathlyn Hendricks, of Conscious Living

Let's make one thing clear: this book is like no other dating book you've read. There are no rules, no list of things to do to land a husband in thirty days, and no reason to blame yourself if “he's just not that into you.” Please. Throw those books away.

Instead, let's focus on you--and how you can make yourself more appealing to others in almost every situation--whether you have a man or not. Think of it as a crash course in desirability, a life-changing lesson in loving yourself inside and out. Once you embrace your unique qualities and dissolve your bad relationship habits, you'll be amazed to find how irresistible you are to others! This girl-friendly guide reveals:

• Five Truths Every Irresistible Woman Needs to Know
• Seven Habits of Highly Unattractive Women
• Eight Secrets of Attracting the Right Man for You

About the Author

Marie Forleo is a life coach, fitness personality, and relationship expert for Fox News online. Learn more at marieforleo.com.

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More information

• Author Site:
• Marie Forleo
• the good life
• Book Site: Make Every Man Want You
• Extra Info:
•  Excerpt
• Table of Contents
• McGraw Hill | Chapters.ca  | Amazon.com

Product Details

• 1 copy available  This book is CLAIMED
  
• Paperback: 172 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (April 4, 2008)
• ISBN-10: 0071597816
• ISBN-13: 978-0071597814

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The Red Rubber Ball at Work [Sam's Review]

Sam enjoyed the sense of the play (and the quick read) of The Red Rubber Ball at Work:

Kevin Carroll provides an honest follow up to his best-selling Rules of the Red Rubber Ball with a fresh and sincere look at how incorporating play in to your work life allows for more freedom, creativity and enjoyment of your daily work day.  By profiling some of the great and well-known, including a famous chef, surgeons and authors, Carroll revisits the idea that ‘play’ can make it all worthwhile.

Red Rubber Ball at Work is a sweet little read that evokes memories of childhood and makes the reader crave a workplace that she enjoyed as much as the people profiled in the book.  It’s a quick, snippety read which is heavily anecdotal but one which allows the reader to feel as though they are reading a particularly astute advice column. 

What I liked is the ease with which I could read, reflect and re-read this diminutive, yet thought provoking book.  I like the concept of having a writer compartmentalize his writing in order to allow the reader to mull it over or skim through at her leisure.  I particularly enjoyed the thematic idea that success was attained for many of those profiled by remaining true to their own ideas of what was appropriate and fun.

It's no mistake that the book is formatted for the ADD working girl who doesn't have novel study reads in mind, but who is looking for a few new ideas.

Well worth the time to read and 'play'.

*4 stars*

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More information   

• Author Site:    
  • The Katalyst Blog   
• McGraw Hill | Chapters.ca  | Amazon.com  
• ISBN-10: 0071599444   
• ISBN-13: 978-0071599443 

Secrets of the White House Fellows [Charles P. Garcia]

Learn How To Inspire Others, Achieve Greatness and Find Success in Any Organization

Courtesy of McGraw Hill

Lessons on leadership from one of the nation's most elite fellowships

The White House Fellows program is one of the most exclusive and prestigious fellowships in the United States. Each year fewer than twenty Fellows are chosen from a pool of nearly four thousand applicants to work alongside the president, vice president, cabinet secretaries, and other top government officials.

Written by a former Fellow and bestselling author who served in the administrations of Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, Leadership Lessons of the White House Fellows explores the program through the eyes of distinguished former Fellows whose professional and personal lives were transformed by their time spent at the sides of the nation's most powerful elite. Working from in-depth interviews of the men and women profiled in the book, as well as his own experiences in the White House, Charles P. Garcia extracts powerful insights into the nature of leadership and shares the secrets of successful leadership that readers can readily apply to virtually any field of endeavour.

About the Author

Charles P. Garcia is a former White House Fellow, a graduate of the US Air Force academy, a Columbia Law school graduate, and a bestselling author. In 2006, he sold his investment banking firm, which grew from three people to 60 offices in seven countries; Inc. magazine had identified it as one of the top ten fastest-growing privately held companies in the U.S. Garcia has been named entrepreneur of the year by three national organizations. He is on the board of Fortune 500 companies and he was appointed by President Bush as the Chairman of the Board of Visitors of the US Air Force Academy.

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• McGraw Hill | Chapters.ca  | Amazon.com

Product Details

• This book is CLAIMED
  
• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (May 10, 2009)
• ISBN-10: 0071598480
• ISBN-13: 978-0071598484

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Why Hasn't He Called? [Tina's review]

Tina smiled all the way through Why Hasn't He Called?:

The great thing about a book titled Why Hasn't He Called is that I really don't need to summarize the content - I am sure that every woman who has looked at this book's cover knows exactly what the subject matter is - the problem is we don't have a clue about how to 'get/understand' the subject matter. That's right - we are talking about the eternal duh! question - what goes on in a guy's mind!
* 4 stars *

Keep reading Tina's review... 

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More information 

• Author Sites:
• • Text in The City    
  • Matt Titus’s Blog     
  • Matt’s Little Black Book     
  • SassyBean.com  
• Book Site: Why Hasn’t He Called?   
• Extra Info:
• • Table of Contents     
  • First Page     
  • Index     
  • Preview on Google Book Search  
     
• McGraw Hill | Chapters.ca  | Amazon.com   
• ISBN-10: 007154609X   
• ISBN-13: 978-0071546096

Closing the Innovation Gap [Christine's review]

Christine thinks Closing the Innovation Gap is a business book with spirit:

In Closing the Innovation Gap, author Judy Estrin takes a fresh approach to the sometimes dry genre of business writing. By relying on her years of entrepreneurial experience and one-on-one interviews with the big-name connections she has come to know in the American technology sector, Estrin is able to share not only first person accounts of her successes and failures in business, but also tidbits from the triumphs and defeats of some of the top executives from America’s most prominent corporations.

Estrin analytically examines the conditions and attitudes required to successfully foster innovation in the workplace in what she pegs the “innovation ecosystem.” According the author, the interdependence of business leadership, workplace culture, academic opportunity, public policymaking, and funding availability are critical elements in the cycle of research, development, and application that can lead to groundbreaking technological and scientific advancement. Closing the Innovation Gap bluntly tells the reader how to foster a hospitable workplace and business structure that will encourage and reward technological and scientific development, and the business and human resources practices that will surely kill innovation – and quite possibly an otherwise viable business enterprise – in its tracks.

Although the scope of Closing the Innovation Gap, published by McGraw-Hill, tends to limit itself to a protectionist American viewpoint by glossing past the broader issues of globalization and American economic instability, this title is a worthwhile read. It would be a valuable addition to the personal libraries of scientists, business executives, HR managers, labour activists, students, and educators, alike. Recommended.
* 4 stars *

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More information

• Book Site:
• • Closing the Innovation Gap   
  • Sample Chapter
  • People interviewed for the book: Interviewees
• McGraw-Hill podcast interview with Judy Estrin talking about her new book "Closing the Innovation Gap".   Download Audio File
• McGraw Hill | Chapters.ca  | Amazon.com
• ISBN-10: 0071499873 
• ISBN-13: 978-0071499873

McGraw-Hill's Spanish Student Dictionary for Your iPod [Ruth's review]

McGraw-Hill's Spanish Student Dictionary for Your iPod is for beginners with patience according to Ruth:

McGraw-Hill attempts to embrace modern technology in McGraw-Hill’s Spanish Student Dictionary for Your iPod by offering student learners a rudimentary glimpse into the Spanish language on an mp3 downloadable to iPod. The disk comes packaged in a sturdy plastic case with an easy to follow instruction booklet that outlines the steps for copying the mp3 contents to your iPod software and using the dictionary once it is synced to your device. A duplicate copy of the instruction manual is included on the disk in a Word document and PDF file for easy reference.

Copying and then syncing the dictionary to my computer and 30GB video iPod was a relatively painless, albeit very slow process. According to the enclosed manual, it may take in excess of 30 minutes to load the 4,825 dictionary entries on old or slow computers. They aren’t kidding.

In my case, the process of copying the dictionary to my iPod’s music library on my computer and then syncing it to my iPod device took over two hours from start to finish – and my computer is not excessively old. I was not bothered by the length of time required to install the dictionary, as I deliberately selected a weekend day when I had ample time to spare. At one point when I was satisfied that copying was well underway and my input was no longer required, I left my computer to do its thing while I prepared lunch. Users expecting a speedier installation or who generally lack patience, however, will surely be frustrated with this aspect of the installation process.

The dictionary, once installed, has its merits. A high point of the dictionary is the English to Spanish translations. A soothing male voice recites a selected word in English, repeats it twice in all of its Spanish forms, and then concludes with the English word again. The pace offers adequate pauses during which the user can practice speaking the Spanish word, if desired. Each entry visible on the iPod screen indicates whether the word is masculine or feminine and if it is a noun, verb or adjective, etc.

The dictionary is arranged alphabetically, as well as by categories such as colours, body parts, and food items, which may extend its use beyond students to business or pleasure travelers. However, the dictionary does not define words nor does it offer a primer on the basic rules of Spanish grammar. It is a straight up, bare bones word-for-word translation of simple everyday language. For this reason, a basic familiarity with a Romance language will enhance the functionality of this dictionary for the user if it is being relied on as a standalone resource. (The case sleeve indicates that the disk is part of a set, but only the item referenced herein was offered to me for review.)

Unfortunately, there are some design flaws that adversely affect and undermine the usefulness of McGraw-Hill’s Spanish Student Dictionary for Your iPod. The spoken Spanish to English translation of each word does not state the Spanish word followed by the English translation, as one would expect. Rather, it states the English word, then the Spanish phrase. If the user wants to master recognition of the Spanish phrase without first reading the Spanish on the iPod screen, this feature makes it impossible.

There are also some omissions and peculiarities that limit the versatility of the dictionary. If a user intends to rely on this dictionary while travelling in a Spanish-speaking nation, let’s hope that she is not requesting a vegetarian meal! You won’t find the word vegetarian under ‘V’ or even in the food category, for that matter. For me, vegetarian is one of the “essential words… [I] need to know,” but McGraw-Hill misses the mark on this one.

The occasional odd English pronunciation makes me wonder if the same might be true of the Spanish pronunciations. Unfortunately, I am not equipped to comment on this aspect of the dictionary. I will leave that assessment to someone with a more advanced knowledge of the Spanish language.

Despite its deficiencies, I am quite enamoured with McGraw-Hill’s Spanish Student Dictionary. Adapting a dictionary for use on the iPod is an enticing concept. I like it so much, in fact, that I intend to purchase the French edition as a refresher for my fading French.

With a bit of an overhaul to make it more versatile, functional, and encompassing, McGraw-Hill’s Spanish Student Dictionary for Your iPod will be a worthwhile resource. Until then, I recommend this title for the bare basics only.
* 3 stars *

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More information

• McGraw Hill | Chapters.ca  | Amazon.com
• ISBN-10: 0071592032 
• ISBN-13: 978-0071592031

Stop Self-Sabotage [Pat Pearson]

Courtesy of McGraw Hill 

Five proven strategies for getting “unstuck” at work, in relationships, and in life

A self-published success, with more than 55,000 copies sold, this practical guide from a licensed psychotherapist shows you how to conquer any negative beliefs that might be sabotaging your life.

Are you feeling stuck in your career? Making less money than you should? Are your relationships working out the way you wanted them to? You might be sabotaging your own success without even knowing it. This eye-opening guide reveals the five most common pitfalls of self-sabotage that hold people back and offers step-by-step strategies to help conquer the limiting beliefs and feelings that get in the way of our happiness. Stop sabotaging yourself by:

• No longer settling for less than you deserve
• Reaching your goals and not throwing them away once you reach them
• Learning how to not give up before you start
• Realizing when you are in denial and by acknowledging reality
• Understanding the difference between your self-esteem and self-confidence

Filled with enlightening self-tests, empowering exercises, and inspiring examples, this life-changing book will help you raise your ?Deserve Level? and reach higher levels of success in your career, your relationships, your health, and so much more. (You know you deserve it!) 

About the Author

Pat Pearson, M.S.S.W., is an international author, speaker, and clinical psychotherapist. Her company offers seminars, audios, and books to clients and corporations worldwide.

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• Author Site: Pat Pearson
• McGraw Hill | Chapters.ca  | Amazon.com

Product Details

• 1 copy available   This book is CLAIMED    
• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (December 5, 2008)
• ISBN-10: 0071603190
• ISBN-13: 978-0071603195

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When Things Get Crazy with Your Teen [Mike Bradley]

The Why, the How, and What to do Now

Courtesy of McGraw Hill

No, it’s not easy raising teenagers. Yes, there are sane solutions--in this problem-solving parent’s guide from the bestselling author of Yes, Your Teen Is Crazy

How should you respond when your teen comes home late? Wears inappropriate clothes? Is pregnant, or flunking out? You’ll find the answers here--right at your fingertips--in this quick-reference manual from one of the leading experts on adolescent behaviour. As someone who has counselled hundreds of teens in his practice and as a father of two teens himself, Dr. Michael Bradley understands how teenagers can drive you crazy. Offering practical “first response” advice, he tells you exactly what to do and what NOT to do in about every scenario you’ll ever face with your kid,from messy rooms and monstrous moods to drug abuse and depression.

Dr. Bradley’s advice for when a teen’s room is a mess:

Do

• Remain calm and don’t nag or yell.
• Calmly ask for some effort,    telling him that you are a tad neurotic about this.
• Offer incentives for some     (not perfect) neatness.
• Offer to work with her once a week to help shovel her room out.

Don't

• Be sarcastic.
• Clean his room for him.
• Make fun of her room to her or to others     (especially to her friends).
• Go to war (where he feels that you really, personally dislike who he is because he’s messy).

About the Author

Michael Bradley, Ed.D., is a psychologist and award-winning author specializing in adolescent behaviour and is certified by the American College of Professional Psychology in the treatment of substance abuse disorders. He has appeared frequently on "Today," "Good Morning America," CNN, and National Public Radio, and he has authored several books including the bestselling Yes, Your Teen is Crazy: Loving Your Kid Without Losing Your Mind. He resides near Philadelphia where he worries incessantly that his own two children might grow up to be people like him.

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More information

• Author Site: Mike Bradley
• Extra Info:
  • Table of Contents
  • Excerpt
  • Index
• McGraw Hill | Chapters.ca  | Amazon.com

Product Details

• 1 copy available This book is CLAIMED
  
• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (December 24, 2008)
• ISBN-10: 0071545719
• ISBN-13: 978-0071545716

Shipping within Canada & US sponsored by McGraw Hill

McGraw-Hill's Italian Student Dictionary [Raffaele A. Dioguardi]

for your iPod (MP3 CD-ROM + Guide) (Mcgraw-Hill Dictionary)

Courtesy of McGraw Hill

The ideal language reference, vocabulary builder, and pronunciation tutor--all on your iPod! 

McGraw-Hill's Italian Student Dictionary for your iPod gives you access to 3,500 essential words and their pronunciations with a mere click. You can look up words in English or in Italian and instantly see its translated counterpart on the iPod screen. Best of all, you don't have to decipher phonetic symbols--you can hear how the words sound right away without any effort. You also have the option to find words by category; this approach mirrors how words are taught in the classroom.

Requires 400MB of free space. 

About the Author   
McGraw-Hill is leading the field in publishing language products for your iPod.

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• McGraw Hill | Chapters.ca  | Amazon.com

Product Details

• 1 copy available This book is CLAIMED
  
• MP3 CD: 8 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (August 14, 2008)
• ISBN-10: 0071592350
• ISBN-13: 978-0071592352

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10-Minute Toughness [Dave's review]

10-Minute Toughness impresses Dave:

I loved the step by step instructions on how high performance athletes can regain their form.  The author uses his many hours in front of the television to give examples of how his clientele used their new-found techniques to reach a higher level of performance in their trade.
Worksheets allow the reader to complete their own performance improvement toughness.   

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More information 

• Extra Info:
  • Table of Contents 
  • Excerpt 
  • Index   
• McGraw Hill | Chapters.ca  | Amazon.com
• ISBN-10: 0071600639 
• ISBN-13: 978-0071600637