A change of format.

Previous Bradygames GTA guides have always began with the controls, weapons and a vehicle showroom. This guide does not. The controls for the Xbox360 and PS3 are not discussed anywhere, the weapons are listed on one page and there is no vehicle showroom. Passtimes or Procedural Missions as they are called in this guide are incorporated into the Main Story Walkthrough. An example is how the Vigilante missions are described after the Crime and punishment mission in the book.<br /><br />Each of the Main Story missions are broken down into Objectives, Prerequisites, Fail Conditions and New Elements Introduced. A map of the local area is included which shows the positions of weapons, first aid kits and armour to help in a specific mission. The back of the book has several Liberty City maps which show the position of all 200 flying rats (pigeons) and Unique Stunt Jumps. Multiplayer coverage is very brief - only 6 out of 286 pages are dedicated to it. There is a foldout map inside the back cover which shows the location of vehicles, races, characters, etc.<br /><br />I missed the Vehicle Showroom but the authors have obviously put alot of work into this guide. For anyone wanting to get the most from GTA4 this guide is probably essential.

Bestg book I have ever read

His techniques on memory have, in some ways, changed my life.<br />I can not understand how some people can know these things <br />he explains, and not spend a good lot of time putting them into practice.<br />I would love him to write another book, maybe going into more detail<br />about magic, or one of the other topics he covered. I'd also like to thank him<br />for giving me a new armory of questions to ask my closed minded colleagues<br />At my closed minded catholic school. <br />Maybe the best purchase I ever made, Toby Thompson

Buy this!

Is there anything left to say about Wisden? The 2008 issue has a new editor in Scyld Berry but apart from that, it's as you would expect.<br />The writers aren't slow in dishing out brickbats where due - the dreadful 2007 World Cup in particular, or praising things that work - the 2007 World Twenty 20.<br /><br />The only abberation I have found is the missing attendance figure for the Friends Provident Trophy Final. What I've always found strange is that whilst gate figures are given for domestic Test Matches, One Day Internationals and Twenty20 Cup games, they're missing from all other matches. Why not publish attendances for all domestic matches and those abroad, where known? Are they really that embarrassing?<br /><br />The 1680 pages should keep you busy until the 2009 edition is out.<br /><br />

An original contribution to cricket bibliography

A long-standing commitment and affection for England's national game is all too apparent in this fascinating and authoritative book. Sir John demonstrates - as if there were any need - the quality of his research and intellect. Old myths are re-examined, sometimes debunked sometimes confirmed, and a new light is shone upon some of cricket's historic controversies. The references to social mores of the times and the matching political events gives it a different but weighty style. I would recommend the book strongly, especially for those who enjoy history as well as cricket.

A detailed and invaluable pocket guide - ideal for any cricket fan

The"Playfair Cricket Annual" has an excellent reputation as the pocket guide for any follower of the game. Now in its 61st edition, it contains everything a cricket enthusiast should need to know, with a wealth of statistics on all the players and teams playing in England in 2008, on both the county and international levels.<br /><br />As always, it has been fully revised for the 2008 season, with a new preface by BBC Test Match Special scorer and statistician Bill Frindall. Other informative articles include a brief analysis of the Duckworth-Lewis scoring system, used for resetting targets in rain-affected one-day matches; and an explanation of Kolpak registrations for overseas players - currently a controversial issue in the county game. However, the real role of this book is as a statistical reference, and in this respect it does not disappoint.<br /><br />The first half of the book is a register of all players currently contracted to the 18 English county teams, providing vital statistics - such as height, career history, batting and bowling styles, highest scores and best bowling performances in both first-class and limited overs cricket - for every one. A further section lists career bowling and batting averages for all contracted first-class players, making this a comprehensive yet accessible ready-reference. The reader will also find records for every county and international team, and for every form of the game played in England (including Test Matches and ODIs, but also the County Championship, Friends Provident Trophy, Pro40 League and Twenty20 Cup).<br /><br />Nearer the back are provided complete scorecards for every Test Match that took place in 2007, as well as a list of all English domestic and international fixtures for the 2008 summer. Finally there is a fielding chart illustrating the names of all the most common positions - ideal for new fans of the game.<br /><br />All in all, the"Playfair Cricket Annual" is an affordable and invaluable guide. The information given is presented very densely, and in most cases the book's clear structure makes it easy to locate whichever statistics are required - although the small type may be a problem for those who are harder of sight. In addition, at only 320 pages it is relatively compact and lightweight, and its pocket-sized format means that this is an excellent companion for taking to matches.

Cash Action Dan

Action Dan, whose Tournament books, are rated as amongst the best has gone and done it again but this time for Cash NL Holdem. His Tournament books quickly gave beginners some real skills needed to start winning and more advanced tactics that cost a lot of people time and money to find out.<br /><br />The book is set out the same and you will find not only more stats to help you but some gems that I hoped he would not be revealed ;) Perhaps some of the best quick advice is especially good for MTT players and thats how to play TPTK in a cash game scenerio. Revealing the reasons why you surprisingly see hands like this checked down or little action.<br /><br />Cash Action Dan reveals some of the real secrets to Cash games and, if you believe what he says about his prefered bet frequency regarding high starting hands on the flop, now needs to be called Cash Action Dan.<br /><br />He is a few £million times better than me and i like to bet at the flop if i am the aggressor but are his suggested continuation type bet rates a little high for some of the hands?<br /><br />Its another must read by Dan the Action Man and buy both books as you will want to carry on reading the 2nd one straight away. Do I get a % commission sale for saying that?<br /><br />

Very Good

Excellent content but very little new material. Basically a script version of the TV series

so much more than.........

I've not been interested in writing a book review before, but having read Ed Smith's book since hearing his interview on BBC radio last Saturday, I want to record my impressions.<br />Its more than a sport book, you don't need to be interested in sport. <br />Its not a psychology book, but it helps you to think about how others think. <br />Its not a business book, but helps you to reflect how people work together or as individuals.<br />It might even not be a book; it seems a series of essays. You can read at a breathless pace desperate to find out what Smith thinks of Zidane, or you can read and linger on fabulous prose.<br />I smiled wryly on many occasions, when Smith clarified for me, many of those debates I've had and heard over the decades, my self-reflection being"yes of course" and"why couldn't I see that".<br />I could write more, but I'm going to read it again, I'm sure I'll read it differently this time.<br />Delightful yes. Highly recommended yes.<br />

An amzing insight into The Great Dane

The first thing that I wil say about this book is - WOW! It is absolutely amazing!<br /><br />The book follows the hands that Gus Hansen played whilst competing in the Aussie Millions event in 2007. Gus actually gived an insight into his playing and explains why he made the decision he did on each of the hands.<br /><br />This is not your normal poker textbook. By going over his thought processes Gus has enabled even a poker novice to gain a better understanding of what to look for in a hand, when to fold, call etc.<br /><br />I cannot reccomend this book highly enough!

Strength Training Anatomy

Sometimes, I get frustrated when exercising. I know that a little strength training is supposed to be good for my bones while promoting weight loss. Unfortunately, I usually only have half a clue about what I'm doing. Thus, much of my workout is spent worrying whether I'm doing the movements correctly, hoping I don't hurt myself, and wishing I had a personal trainer to tell me what to do. <br /><br />Strength Training Anatomy is definitely a better alternative. This book includes 15 different strength training exercises (free weights and resistance), focusing on the arms, shoulders, chest, back, legs, and buttocks. The proper range of motion is illustrated for each exercise (including variations) with the particular muscle groups highlighted in full colour. Both male and female body types are shown. The text also includes special features about common injuries: what causes these problems and how to avoid them. <br /><br />Now, when working out, I am far more confident. I know which muscle groups are supposed to be in motion. I know how to avoid potential injury dangers. I even have an understanding of how to adapt these exercises to best suit my body form and abilities.

A combination of useless and useful information - great for Trivia buffs!

<br />As a primary school teacher, I had to laugh when I got my hands on it! Many of the mnemonics, reminders and memory 'helpers' that I use on a regular basis are in here - along with many others - some of which could well be useful! My copy now sits in my classroom on the reference shelf, where it is often looked through by my class of Year 6 children. Many of us can now count to 10 in Japanese thanks to the handy mnemonics hidden within - and we can all spell diarrhoea! (Dash, in a real rush, hurry or else accident)<br /><br />I'm sure we can all remember some of the mnemonics that are in this book - even those of us who are unsure of what 'mnemonics' are! Think back to your childhhood and remember such things as: <br />'Big Elephants Can Always Upset Small Elephants' (Because)<br />'Richard of York Gave Battle in Vain' for the colours of the rainbow<br />'My Very Easy Method Just Shows Us Names of Planets' (I never get them in the wrong order when I use this mnemonic!<br /><br />There are also a great many more - far too many to even mention!<br /><br />However, possibly more importantly, it also gave me the answer to the question"What are sine and cosine?" which a colleague and I were discussing only the other day! Neither of us could remember why they were important, but we had clear memories of log books (me!) and using the appropriate key on the scientific calculator (my younger colleague!)<br /><br />This is another book that is great for the bathroom and a terrific gift for trivia buffs all over. You never know, the mnemonics in it may well help you to win the next quiz night (I'm hoping!)<br /><br />Enjoy it! I certainly have, and also managed to get hold of more copies as Christmas presents for trivia buffs and fellow pedants that I know! At this price, it would make a terrific small 'thank you' gift or extra Birthday present.

Brilliant - but you have a choice

These books are truly a Lakeland Companion. In the pages the author not only sets out the details of the fells (with scrupulous accuracy) but shares himself. And this is not in an intrusive way; indeed it is rare insight into the thinking of a middle-aged man of 40 plus years ago.<br /><br />As guide books the series is second to none. They are brilliantly designed for use on the fells (in wind or rain they are so much easier than a map). They also are great pre and post holiday reading; as valuable for reminiscing as planning.<br /><br />There is a weakness. They are out of date! Some of the changes do not matter a jot (everyone knows that the railway to Keswick is no more) but some could be significant - for example some paths have been re-routed and others have suffered erosion. Before buying consider whether the second edition (with revisions by Chris Jesty) is more appropriate for your needs.

Fantastic!

I bought this book earlier this year as I wanted to get fit and healthy without any extreme dieting. It has fantastic advice on getting started and taking you from lazy to fit in a matter of months.<br /><br />I'm in the 7th week of my 60 second plan and I feel great. A lot of people think running is as easy as slipping on your trainers and running a few miles, but if your starting out, it's far from that.<br /><br />If your commited, this book can also take you to competing in races, even the marathon within a year. I'm already confident enough that i'll be running in the London marathon 2009.<br /><br />This book has helped my running so much, and can do the same for you,<br />BUY IT!

Get swimming!

As someone who loves swimming and takes any opportunity to have a splash around - this book is an inspiration and a practical guide. The photos take you to wonderful places where you can imagine (and begin to plan!)long summer days and evenings with friends surrounded by nature. The descriptions give you real information about water quality and how long it takes to get to these spots...with additional info like opportunities for bog snorkelling, local pubs, forests, waterfalls and walks. Get swimming!

Birds - lots of feathers

I bought this book to identify the little blighters who hop and fly merrily around my garden. It's a great book with good images and text. The only bird book you'll ever need.

Tournament Poker Sorted!!

Well as Gordon Ramsay might say if he was a poker player,Harrington on hold em:expert strategy series is tournament poker DONE!! From total beginner to advanced player anyone and everyone can learn from these books.Harrington leaves nothing untouched as he takes you through every aspect of tournament poker from what hands to play in what posistion,against what kind of oppenents,to pot odds,to how to bet,when to bet and why to bet in different situations.I have all three in the series and can not put it any more simple then buy,read,improve,read again,improve some more.If you want to know what tournament poker is all about well you will not find better then this.