Apologia for the Status Quo...

Although this book likes to present itself as a libertarian tract against the tyranny of the 'green menace', it is essentially the work of an establishment figure chiding anyone with the audacity to try and restructure the world order that has served him and his ilk so well. Like it or not, the climate issue has been politisized and big business is starting to get hot under the collar as more and more people become aware of the irreversible damage the current model is wreaking on the planet. So expect to see more books like this, enlisting 'authority figues' and payrolled scientists to repudiate fact and defend unending growth and rapacious consumption in the name of 'reason' and 'common sense'. Sceptisism is a healthy and laudable trait, but it must have some basis in reality to avoid sounding like reactionary bluster.

Stop ruminating , start living

I know nothing about clinical depression but it is much bandied about. We all feel down from time to time and I am sure there are are those amongst us who hide behind this so as to wallow in their own self pity.<br /><br />The most common thing you can do and I see it in both myself and other is ruminative thinking. That is allowing things to go round and round in your head. I see it with people who will not make a decision for fear of making the wrong decision. They defend this behaviour because they think by taking no decision they will not make another mistake.<br /><br />It was the most important lesson from this book. Do not indulge in ruminative thinking.<br /><br />Fill your life up with things to do so that you do not have time to keep thinking about all your problems .<br /><br />I also liked the section of spotting errors in your thinking . It is easy to think somehow you are being a realist by accepting current cynical opinions such as turning molehills into mountains, overgeneralising and not thinking efficiently .<br /><br />For the last few years I have had a set of goals in both my private and business life. It gives me plenty to do and stops me ruminating about my past" failures".<br /><br />Also I try and practice mindfulness from meditation whereby you live in the moment and experience what you are doing right now.It is a form of concentration and can take you mind off the past and the future. dealing with the present is a full time occupation<br /><br /><br />A very good informative book on what could be a complicated subject. A must read who want to change their lives.

Really educational, to a point

I liked this book. There were many, many theories and points made that struck chords with me.<br /><br />The only problem I had with the book is not one of belief or faith, or even science - I found his tone a little snarky sometimes, which I thought was not very fitting of a scientist writing a serious book on why religion is illogical. I am perhaps confusing wit with snark, but I really felt at times that he was snickering at those who believe in a God (or Goddess, or whatever).<br /><br />So overall I feel this is a book for the converted (pardon the pun), as the tone is likely to turn off those who could be persuaded.

Essential for learners

One of the UK's top selling titles. If you are learning then this really is the only defnitive source of the current driving rules. The codes layout has improved over the years but it is still, inevitably, very dry and dull. The various interactive CDs may help you revise for your theory test but for revising on the train, in the library and elsewhere there is no substitute. <br />

Disappointed!

On the recommendation of the previous reviewers I purchased this book, only to be disappointed when it arrived. I was expecting a sexy rivetting read which would turn my missus from the ice maiden into a raving temptress and all I got was a book of regulations that it has taken me three days to read to her because she kept falling asleep! Please if you are going to review books, review them properly. <br /><br />Remember, not everybody will share your electric wit and you will leave some people very disappointed. AKA Me!

Excellent

I bought the book on the strength of the Dog Whisperer TV show and have to say that Cesar's philosophy is so simple that it is untrue. Humans have become so detached and confused about the way they view animals and dogs in particular that it is no wonder dogs develop phobias and other anxiety related problems. Cesar puts over clearly thought-out ideas in such a friendly and easy to understand way that it is recommended reading for any one who is interested in dogs, let alone anyone who owns one!

Excellent - A must Have

I would certainly recommend this to everyone and it will help you greatly in preparing for your Theory test. I pass my theory and hazard perception first time with the help of this book.

There is more to life than CBT

I bought this book a while ago and, unlike other reviewers, still find it an insult to my intelligence. The CBT approach put forward by the author fails to respect the complexities of difficult mental and emotional states. Padesky reduces our experiences to the simplistic reduction of 'thoughts' and 'behaviours'. This takes no account of my life circumstances, my history or my feelings! <br /><br />In this book CBT is shown in its true colours: it is an attempt to manualise client experiences and an insult to anyone suffering from any form of life difficulty.<br /><br />There is no substitute for seeing a real psychotherapist. CBT fails to recognise the human complexity of relationship in everyday living and this book is a perfect example of that lack.<br /><br />Save your money.

Forgotten Way

Half way through and thoroughly enjoying the book and results. <br /><br />I remember watching a nature program about big cats hunting mountain goats in some far outreach of Northern Asia. In one shot they showed a mountain goat resting on an outledge surveying the valley. In it's state it made me think we humans have lost something about being in touch with nature and what it is to be human. The power to be, not being distracted by the seemingly never ending stream of attempted assaults on our awareness that come at us throughout the day. Adverts, TV, radio, peer pressure, addiction - noticing rather than reacting to!<br /><br />This book shows you the way to a more natural state of being imho. One of being calm and aware and leaves you with a feeling of general clarity!<br /><br />

A Wonderful Selection...

This book contains a wonderful selection of authors and books from the early 20th centuary onwards, with a personal introduction/commentary by the excellent Richard Dawkins.<br /><br />The selections range from classic titles which have influenced many a famous scientist to more recent popular science books. <br /><br />The book extracts/short pieces included range from a single page to several pages.<br />Sometimes, Dawkins acknowledges an authors most well known book, but includes an extract from a less well known book by the author. Most useful if you're already familiar with the authors well known book.<br /><br />With so many science books out there, The Oxford Book of Modern Science Writing by Richard Dawkins is also a wonderful guide. It 'guided' me to books which i was wholly unaware of, that l have now purchased and am very glad l did. The first three books l obtained were Per Baks How Nature Works, Lewis Wolperts The Unnatural Nature of Science and D'Arcy Thompsons On Growth and Form.<br /><br />This book is well worth having on your book shelf to dip into regularly. Recommended! <br /><br />

Good Introduction

I bought this book recently through a desire to understand the countryside around me and try some of its natural foodstuffs.<br />The book is very well presented and includes an excellent foreword by the author. It provides a basic explaination of the various flora, a little of their natural and culinary history and there are nice photographs with identification hints.<br />I think I would like to have seen more recipies and ways in which they might be implemented. In the section dedicated to Spring I think there are only three recipies with much of the other suggestions directed towards salads. On balance a satisfactory purchase but I think that if my interest in wild foods develops I will certainly have to follow up my purchase with something more wholly dedicated to the culinary.

The Ultimate Dog Training Book

"Be The Pack Leader" is a very different book to Cesar's first book"Cesars Way". As a professional dog trainer I know though experience that the system which Cesar outlines in this book needs to form the base of any effective dog training program.<br /><br />Like the great martial artist Bruce Lee said we need to"Research our own experience, absorb what is useful, reject what is useless and add what is uniquely our own". Cesar's method (which is very similar to Jan Fennels) focuses on you becoming your dogs 'alpha' or 'pack leader'. In"Be The Pack Leader" he offers powerful guidance as to how to create the leadership skills you need to create a balanced and happy dog.<br /><br />Once this foundation is built, then and ONLY then are other methods (clicker training, obedience work) likely to have any real effect. Bruce Lee also counselled us to have"No way as way and no limitation as limitation". Cesars methods allow us to be creative and innovative with the way we work with our canine friends. <br /><br />"Be The Pack Leader" is a book which I have found very useful in my work and I recommend it VERY highly to all those who wish to work with their dogs and to create trust and respect!

An entralling high level snapshot that challenges possibilities

Got this book and finished it the day after it arrived. Captivating stuff ! As a high level introduction to the current state of a variety of scientific areas it's fantastic.<br />Kaku tends to spend a little more time on the areas close to him, but everthing gets good coverage. As a springboard to understand current progress it allows the reader to go off and find more information on the particular subject areas that interest them.<br />I read it in the same week as Ray Kurzweil's 'The Singularity is Near' and it's interesting to see both the overlap, and how things have moved on in 5 years.<br />All in all a great book for the layman and those with a scientific background. Oh, and a great price for a hardback book right now :)

The martial art of communication!

Don't let the term Neuro Linguistic Programming put you off the idea of learning about this amazing subject. NLP is literally the martial art of communication and this book is a first class introduction.<br /><br />Everyone can benefit from NLP, either in their career or personal life. NLP is actually a whole range of tools and mental processes that enable one to develop the skills for understanding people more clearly and also how to influence others. Some of the techniques in this book are extremely powerful, you will discover a lot about yourself as you learn!<br /><br />The book is clearly written and avoids too much jargon. The authors also have a sense of humour!<br /><br />

There is no easy way.....

I gave up after reading this book but it wasn't easy. The book certainly helps you over come the physiological addition of smoking. It goes through all the smoker excuses: I smoke when I'm stressed, I can't enjoy a drink without a smoke, I'll get fat if I stop etc etc. It was Allen's myth busting that helped me but you have to want to give up in the first place, I have a number of friends who gave up and then started again. <br /><br />I am very very happy I gave up,it will be 3 years in September.<br /><br />Good luck!

Good Book - not too complex and clear layout

Another good book from the IEE on the 17th Edition wiring regulations. We use this at PPL Training for our City and Guilds 2382 17th Ed regulations course. The book is clearly laid out with easy to follow text on the updates for the 17th edition. Students also taking the City and Guilds 2392/2391 will find this book useful.

Time management that makes sense

I have to be honest only been using it a little while, however it works. It's a simple process to follow and without trying achieved tons of things that have been lying around for ages. I've cleared the decks, tidied the desk at work and made by home office spotless. Everything is where is should be and I know what there is to do and when it needs to be done.

Chatty but comprehensive

Not a huge amount of this book was new to me, but I can see why it is popular with people who have never had to crack open a science textbook since leaving school, or even with some who have. Bryson's chatty style, which hasn't always worked for me, carries us fairly effortlessly through the fundamentals of physics, geology and evolutionary biology, with a decent amount of reflection on the men and women behind the scientific theories (though without going very far into the sociology of knowledge).<br /><br />Two things really jumped out at me, both of which I was vaguely aware of but which Bryson really brought to life: 1) the imminent and catastophic eruption of the Yellowstone caldera, which will wipe out a significantly large chunk of the continental United States; and 2) the catastrophic impact of human fishing on the fauna of our oceans. Definitely losing sleep about both of those now.