Animal Welfare & the Environment: An Rspca Book

Book Description

Walk on a glacier near Juneau, kayak through a fjord, gorge yourself at an outdoor fish bake, cast your line for Alaska king salmon or find yourself in the company of whales—Fodor's Alaska Ports of Call 2006 offers all these experiences and more! Our local writers have traveled throughout the region to find the best hotels, restaurants, attractions and activities to prepare you for a journey of stunning variety. Before you leave for your trip be sure to pack your Fodor's guide to ensure you don't miss a thing.

The San Francisco Chronicle sums it up best —"Fodor's guides are saturated with information."

- We update our Alaska Ports of Call guide every year. You won't find a more accurate, current guidebook anywhere.
- Unlike other travel books, Fodor's guides rely heavily on local experts who know the territory best.
- We give you the planning tools you need to tailor your trip. We give options for all budgets. You make the choices.

-----------------------------------
With Fodor’s you get much more than a guidebook–we make it easy for you to customize your dream vacation.

Visit www.fodors.com to find up-to-date travel bargains, mini-guides to worldwide destinations, information on local festivals, dazzling drives, maps, vacation planning tips and much more!

And, for more insider secrets, visit “Travel Talk” and “Rants and Raves” online at www.fodors.com/forums to get advice from other travelers like you.

Customer Reviews:

Compact and Concise Tool.......2006-03-12

Having already chosen our cruise, we looked for a compact guidebook that focuses on the ports we will visit this summer. Fodor's Alaska Ports of Call is an excellent choice for those who have already chosen their cruise. Descriptions of the cruise lines and ships are minimal in comparison to other Alaska cruise guides such as Frommer's. However, there is ample information on what to expect once aboard your ship and how to prepare for the cruise. For the individual ports of call, there are concise and helpful descriptions of the cities, sights, excursions available, and restaurants. With the limited time available in each port, this guide will assist traveler in understanding the highlights to prioritize their time. The book is small and lightweight making it an ideal guide to take along on the days off the ship.

Fodor's Alaska 2006 (Fodor's Gold Guides)

Average customer rating:

Fodor's Alaska 2006 (Fodor's Gold Guides)
Fodor's
Manufacturer: Fodor's
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Guidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

North America | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Travel Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1400015618
Release Date: 2005-12-06

Average customer rating:

Interesting, but not profitable

So wonderfully, interesting practical

Fibonacci Ratios With Pattern Recognition

Good

Best Fibonacci Book

Fibonacci Ratios With Pattern Recognition
Larry Pesavento , and Steven Shapiro
Manufacturer: Traders Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Investing | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
General | Reference | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Reference Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Opening Price Principle: Best Kept Secret on Wall Street

Trading in the Zone: Master the Market with Confidence, Discipline and a Winning Attitude

Dynamic Trading: Dynamic Concepts in Time, Price & Pattern Analysis With Practical Strategies for Traders & Investors

Profitable Patterns for Stock Trading

Elliott Wave Principle (Wiley Trading Advantage)

ASIN: 0934380368

Book Description

Quoted from Robert Miner's Dynamic Trading Analysis Report, Pesavento has been trading for 30 years. Today, he is primarily a day trader. His new book is well focused and organized. The bulk of the book describes a limited number of high probability patterns which coincide with clusters of Fib price projections that provide the short-term trader with high probability and low capital exposure trade set-ups. These trade set-ups are equally valuable for intermediate term traders as well. The short-term set-ups can also be used to enter for an intermediate term position.

Quote from 1997 Supertrader's Almanac, Larry Pesavento presents a very persuasive argument that such patterns not only exist, but that the patterns can be profitably employed when they exhibit both the correct form and the form is in the correct proportions.

Customer Reviews:

Interesting, but not profitable.......2007-06-28

I read this book years ago, the author goes the extra mile to explain fibs and their relationship to the market.

Unfortunately fibs and fib pattern trading tends to create unnecessary bias based solely on ratios and patterns, this approach tends to be more coincidental than probable.

So wonderfully, interesting practical.......2007-06-27

This is the best book on trading I have read in a long time. Great practical application for my 4X and option trading. Easy to understand format and content. Excellent book that every trader should own.

Fibonacci Ratios With Pattern Recognition.......2005-09-13

This book is a jumbo of Fibonacci charts and of little assistance with the application of the Fibonacci ratio.

Good.......2003-09-12

I've read Profitable Patterns and his Diary so far, and would have to say this book is clearly the best of the three. Sadly though, one would have a tough time discerning the difference between the three books .. since they all present the same ideas and the titles of the books could be changed without anyone noticing. Typical Pesavento Gartley, Fib, Cycle stuff.. if this is a set up you use, then this would be worth reading.

Best Fibonacci Book.......2003-03-09

This is some of the best work on Fibonacci I've seen. It is very advanced but if you expend the effort to learn it the patterns are profitable. For example, I use the Gartley "222" Pattern and the Shapiro Iteration regularly. There are many example charts to graphically explain the patterns. Highly Recommended

Book Description

Over 60 festive cuts—each in three sizes—with blank spaces for messages. Angels, Santas, holly, noisemakers, more.

Book Description

"Norton is clearly a charmer, and Gethers tells his story with contagious affection....Will warm the heart of any confirmed cat-lover."
THE WASHINGTON POST BOOK WORLD
Before Peter Gethers met Norton, the publisher, screenwriter, and author was a confirmed cat-hater. Then everything changed. Peter opened his heart to the Scottish Fold kitten and their adventures to Paris, Fire Island, and in the subways of Manhattan took on the color of legend and mutual love. THE CAT WHO WENT TO PARIS proves that sometimes all it takes is paws and personality to change a life.

Customer Reviews:

AN OLD TIME FAVOURITE!.......2006-07-16

Norton is just the sweetest little Scottish Fold kitten one could ever hope to meet. His folded ears, gentle disposition and loyalty to his owner, Peter Gethers, will astound you. Norton has a puss-in-ality extraordinaire. He trots obediently five steps behind his owner to the market, on the beach, and to visit friends. In a car, he sits perched atop Gethers shoulder and watches life go by. On a ferry ride, he puts his paws on the rail and follows the waves. Even Norton's father who is a confirmed "dog-lover, cat-hater" mellows up to the adorable little fellow and they become best friends. Norton even has the ability to help Gethers choose his girlfriends; some Norton likes, others he does not - and emphatically lets Gethers know which ones do not win his approval. Norton is a jet-setter. He accompanies Gethers on trans-continental flights to Paris and many other countries around the world. He dines in luxury at five-star dining establishments, sits in his own chair as if he had just graduated from the most exquisite Swiss finishing school, and enjoys his own fare specially prepared by the chef. However, according to Norton's palate, nothing tops a good can of Pounce!

No one could write a book about a cat in quite the same style and wit as Gethers. Norton is not a work of fiction; he is Gethers feline companion, soul mate and best friend. You will relish Norton's antics and adventures from start to finish. This book is an oldie but one of my all time favourites. If there were a hundred starts in the rating scale, this would shine at one hundred.

The Travels Of Norton.......2006-04-17

Norton, is a credit to Scotish Folds. And Mr. Gethers know excatly how fortunate he is in having the most Purr-fect of friends. This a joyful read of a cat who just can't help be lovable, and who loves the people he meets. Apparently some cats do on some level know exactly what's going on.

veeeeeeeeeeeeery gooooooooood^^*.......2006-03-22

It's very exciting and pleasant for reading this book!!
Thank you Peter~

A True Delight, Even For A Non Cat Lover.......2005-10-15

I have always liked cats fine but this book really got to me. I could not put it down and there were times I laughed out loud and tears came as well. I did not expect to find Mr. Gethers' work so honest, so warm and engaging but I look forward to reading all of his books! And I may just get a cat. If Peter Gethers can be less of a curmudgeon because of one special cat, maybe I can too.

Delightful.......2005-08-09

The Cat Who Went To Paris, the first book in the Norton trilogy by Peter Gethers, is a charming read. The human and feline hijincks and Gethers' pithy, witty observations will have readers giggling, as well as thinking on the more meaningful comments on life. An entertaining read and a must for all cat lovers.

The Cat Who Went To Paris & A Cat Abroad: Two Volumes In One

Average customer rating:

5 miaou rating, 4 paws down!

The Cat Who Went To Paris & A Cat Abroad: Two Volumes In One

Manufacturer: Barnes & Noble Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Similar Items:

ASIN: 076073030X

Customer Reviews:

5 miaou rating, 4 paws down!.......2004-03-19

Before Peter Gethers met Norton, the publisher, screenwriter, and author was a confirmed cat-hater. Then everything changed. Peter opened his heart to the Scottish Fold kitten and their adventures to Paris, Fire Island, and in the subways of Manhattan took on the color of legend and mutual love.

A Cat Abroad The Further Adventures of Norton, the Cat Who Went to Paris, and His Human

Average customer rating:

NORTON LIVES ON
A book for all ages- whethere cat lover or not
Yet Another Charming Book
Where is Norton?
great book

A Cat Abroad The Further Adventures of Norton, the Cat Who Went to Paris, and His Human
Peter Gethers
Manufacturer: Crown
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0517591103
Release Date: 1993-08-31

Book Description

"Charming, witty, and winning...[A] delightful sequel."
SAN FRANCISCO EXAMINER
Norton charmed even the most avowed cat haters in the bestselling THE CAT WHO WENT TO PARIS. Now, in Peter Gethers' and Norton's further adventures, the extraordinary feline with the great Scottish Fold ears, is hightailing it to the south of France--and making pit stops all over the globe (with his favorite human, of course). Along the way, Norton and his human companion face change and learn to understand the problems and the pleasure that come with growing up and growing older together. Like its predecessor, A CAT ABROAD is funny, touching, and wise.
AN ALTERNATE SELECTION OF THE BOOK-OF-THE-MONTH CLUB

Customer Reviews:

NORTON LIVES ON.......2006-07-17

I liked this book, the sequel to "Norton, The Cat Who Went to Paris." This beautiful Scottish Fold with the folded ears is no longer a baby kitten, but a playful full grown cat who travels the world with his owner. Here the reader will learn of Norton's adventures in Germany, Italy, Holland, Spain and his ability to win audiences along the way. Wherever Norton goes, he is given the red carpet treatment.

Gethers' first book was worth a hundred stars; however, this book was a step down from that simply because the adventures in A Cat Abroad seemed to be focused more on Gethers and his career than that of Norton's adventures. The book is still a fantastic book, but not quite up to par with "The Cat Who Went to Paris."

A book for all ages- whethere cat lover or not.......2006-07-08

A guy friend bought the Norton books for me when I was having a tough day. He said these will cheer you up! I thought it was comical....and they sat on my shelves for awhile. Then I thought he went to the trouble of getting those books specifically for me that I should give them a go. I could not put them down. Norton is intriguing and his adventures are fun to read. Even better is the style, wit and genuis of Peter Gethers. His life is SO interesting. I would ready any book by him any day!

Yet Another Charming Book.......2005-08-09

When I found Peter Gethers had continued his Norton saga, I was overjoyed to discover that the witty writing had not diminished at all. Now with Norton (and Peter) heading overseas to France, the sweet Scottish Fold endears himself to all of the readers again, as Gethers makes his readers groan with comments about how nice Nice is. A definite must red!

Where is Norton?.......2004-08-31

I am a person who really only likes people who like animals. Humans, in my opinion, exist only to be awed by the beauty and mystery of the other animals on the planet. Nuf said? I'm nuts about animals. So I wanted to love this book, I should have loved this book, sadly, I didn't. Mr. Gethers is an entertaining writer, who is an easy and enjoyable read. However, this book is about the author, his travels, his meeting up with famous people, and his robust and endearing love of food. Norton seems quite incidental to the whole book. Certainly, Norton accompanies the author on his journeys, but at the end of the book I felt I knew the author and his friends, but, when I think about Norton, there really is just a blank. Any cats I have ever been lucky enough to share my life with have had personalities I could rattle on for days about. That famous people are charmed that a cat appears in unlikely situations (restaurants, theatres, etc.) seems to be enough to keep the author enthralled with the experience. But having grumped about this book, I will also tell you that it was an enjoyable (if hollow) read. You won't be made angry, depressed, or offended by anything in it (and anymore, that goes a long way for me). This is an entertaining book for a summer's afternoon diversion.

great book.......2004-05-07

This is an excellent book for cat lovers. a great series of books. Witty and really fun to read. Very well done and cute.

Average customer rating:

The Cat who went to Paris
Peter Gethers
Manufacturer: Crown Publishers Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GRIXVU

Average customer rating:

A Cat Abroad - The Further Adventures Of Norton, The Cat Who Went To Paris, And His Human
Peter Gethers
Manufacturer: Fawcett Columbine
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000K03OQW

Average customer rating:

The Cat Who Went To Paris -
Peter Gethers -
Manufacturer: Fawcett Publishing -
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000O0DBOS

Average customer rating:

A VERY VERY VALUABLE RESOURCE - RECOMMEND HIGHLY!

All you need to know about orchids!

The best book on Orchid growing

The "Bible".

Why publish black and white photos of orchids?

Home Orchid Growing, 4th Edition
Rebecca tyson Northen
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Flowers | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Orchids | Flowers | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Orchids

Understanding Orchids: An Uncomplicated Guide to Growing the World's Most Exotic Plants

Orchids Simplified

Orchids as House Plants

Botanica's Orchids: Over 1200 Species (Botanica's Gardening Series) (Botanica's Gardening Series)

ASIN: 067176327X

Book Description

Whether your garden is a windowsill, a basement, a greenhouse, or a plot of land, Home Orchid Growing is the only reference book you will ever need to cultivate one of nature's most varied and fascinating plants. In the past forty years, it has become the best-known and most authoritative work in its field, and even gardeners who still have an original copy of this classic work will find much to inspire and delight them in the revised and updated fourth edition.

This completely revised and updated edition includes introductions to 650 of the more than 30,000 species of orchid, with advice on which plants to choose for a variety of growing conditions. For the neophyte, there are explanations of the fundamentals of plant structure and function, plus basic care instructions. For those who have already mastered the fundamentals, Home Orchid Growing provides detailed instructions on:

* Growing with artificial light
* Genetics and hybridization
* Seed germination and seedlings
* Cloning (micropropagation)
* Control of flowering
* Dealing with pests and diseases

This beautiful book is complete with drawings and photos of every phase of cultivation (including the construction and management of greenhouses and sample lighting setups). There are also full-color plates of the orchids themselves.

Of particular importance to growers is the updated information on the destruction of the tropical forests where many species of orchid thrive and discussions of how to save these natural habitats and develop seed banks for the future.

Customer Reviews:

A VERY VERY VALUABLE RESOURCE - RECOMMEND HIGHLY!.......2005-09-08

I began attempting to grow orchids in my home a number of years ago. After making an absolute wretched mess of things and killing many a beautiful plant, I happened upon this book. It is one of the best purchaces I've made concerning this art, i.e. growing orchids. I must admit to having read this thing cover to cover and find myself constantly going back with each new purchase or gift of a plant. I simply could not grow the things without it! The text is quite understandable and the illustrations are concise and fit perfectly with the text. I do respectfully disagree with some other reviewers in that I actually found many of the black and white photos more helpful than color. If I wanted a book of pretty pictures I would buy it, or better yet attend one of the many, many orchid shows in the area. I wanted, and desperately needed hard information...with this book that is exactly what I got. I am sure there are other very good books out there on this subject, but this one certainly met my needs and I recommend it highly. Thank you Ms. Northen.

All you need to know about orchids!.......2001-06-22

If colleges offered "Orchids 101", this would be the text book! Clear, concise, easy to read and understand, this book spells out all we need to know about growing orchids. Interesting sections on sowing seeds, the culture of seedling orchids, and even the dynamics behind orchid names, make this book much more than a simple 'how-to' book. It's a complete source of all you need to know. The one book to buy first, it'll probably be the only book you need.

The best book on Orchid growing.......2000-04-24

If I were interested in looking at pictures of orchids I'd buy a book of orchid photographs but in the 20 years I have been growing orchids, my opinion is unwavering in holding this book in the highest esteem. It was my first book on orchid growing and was always invaluable. When I lost it I didn't hesitate to buy it again as it has all the information one needs to grow any orchid and how to provide it with what it needs to bloom.

The "Bible"........1999-10-16

If you're going to have one book on orchids this should be it. Vast numbers of species descriptions, beautiful color photos, and complete information on general culture as well as exhaustive details of specific cultural requirements for many varieties; AND all you'll need to know about orchid genetics, hybridization, and natural history! This has been a standard reference for me for the 28 years I've been growing orchids.

Why publish black and white photos of orchids?.......1999-03-19

This book has a great deal of useful information, but about 90% of the orchid photography is in black and white. One of the joys of any orchid book is the illustrations. In this case, most of the art is not even very useful for identifying the plants, as color is so essential. Very disappointing.

Book Description

This volume brings together papers by Crusades' experts from England, France, Canada and the United States discussing the confrontation between the Franks and Muslims in twelfth-century Syria, balancing the traditional European view with an Islamic perspective. Each author's individual contribution lies in the new ideas and insights to a particular topic such as new interpretations in Crusade studies, Latin jurists in the Levant, the Italian colonies, propagation of violence and propaganda, the role of individual popes, the impact on Islamic society as reflected in literature, religious propaganda, and diplomatic relations.

Crusaders and Muslims in Twelfth-Century Syria

Average customer rating:

Crusaders and Muslims in Twelfth-Century Syria
M. (Edt)/ Shatzmiller, Maya (Edt) Shatzmiller
Manufacturer: NY
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000N66C80

Amazon.com

This guided tour to QuarkXPress 4 for Macintosh and Windows teaches beginners all about the popular, high-end desktop publishing package from Quark. The 14 lessons show you how to create documents; create, import, and edit text and graphic elements; work with style sheets and master pages; use color; manage long documents; use Libraries; and prepare your work for a printer. The last two lessons focus on creating Internet and multimedia documents with the HTML-export feature, using Adobe Acrobat and QuarkImmedia, and using XTensions, the add-ins for extending QuarkXPress's functionality. The author teaches you effective layout and design techniques and offers lots of shortcut tips. Appendices include a buyer's guide to many XTensions on the market and tips on cross-platform use of QuarkXPress. The bundled CD-ROM has XTensions for Macintosh as well as clip art, templates, and fonts.

Book Description

Whether you're a student, a graphic designer wanting to upgrade your skills, or someone who needs to learn QuarkXPress for a new job responsibility, Sams Teach Yourself QuarkXPress 4 in 14 Days has all the information and valuable insight you need to get up and running with efficiency. With real-world tutorials, expert advice, and detailed instructions, you'll master the essentials of effectively using QuarkXPress. In just two short weeks, you'll understand the fundamentals of QuarkXPress, master page layout techniques, learn how to effectively use all the tools and features, and get tips on creating spectacular designs--quickly and easily.

Successfully navigate your way through QuarkXPress using step-by-step instructions and expert advice
Use type and graphics to create stunning designs
Explore the intricacies of Bezier boxes and lines
CD-ROM contains Xtensions for Macintosh and a wide variety of templates, fonts, and clip art to use in your layouts

Customer Reviews:

THIS BOOK HELPED ME.......2003-10-02

This is belated I know, but this book helped me a lot even though I was using it to try and figure out Quarkxpress 5.0. It does have a few mistakes but I have never read a computer book that doesn't.

I had checked out several books from the library designed for version 5.0 but their authors all seemed to be using them as an avenue to show off the extent of their knowledge rather than teach. The "For Dummies" book was especially bad. It started out simply but soon I was all in a wad.

This book is simple, step by step, and it has lots of fun projects. My projects didn't always turn out quite right, probably because of the difference in versions, but I got the drift.

I think Quark is a pretty complicated program, anyway. You can't really expect to start off at square one and know it all at the end of just one book. But I learned a lot from this one. Thank you Kate Binder!

GREAT! FOR LINING THE BIRD'S CAGE!!.......2001-08-19

I wouldn't recommend this book to my worst enemy. The CD that comes with it doesn't work and the text has so many mistakes that I couldn't even count them all. I found over 20 in the first 4 days of my 14 days of teaching myself QuarkXPress. I spent over a month (Daily 6 hrs a day) and still didn't learn QuarkXPress! The only reason I gave it 1 star is because you can't give it -5 stars.

Simplest Things Cannot be Found, Even in The Index!.......2000-01-17

LESS THAN 1 STAR.

I took a class in Quark 4 and wanted a book to supplement the instruction, so I purchased this book, (Quark can seem quite difficult when you are beginning to learn about it). I needed something that I could turn to quickly to find out how to do something without wading through pages and pages trying to find it. Sam's Teach Yourself QuarkXPress in 14 Days? -- NOT!

Want a well-edited book on Quark with an easy-to-follow layout? Get the Visual Quickstart Guide published by Peachpit Press.

!4 days to QuarkXPress.......1999-11-25

I tried to use this book as a teaching guide for beginnng students. There were a lot of inconsistencies. For instance the instruction would not yield the expected result.The book did not even explain the measurement palette until very late in the chapters and it made assumptions that the user already knew something about Quark. This is not a book for a beginner to desktop publishing.

BAD BAD BAD BAD BAD..................WASTE of MONEY and TIME.......1999-09-22

This book is full of errors and should not be listed for sale

Book Description

At the heart of Tiger Woods' accomplishments is the special bond he shares with his father, mentor and first goal coach, Earl Woods. In Playing Through,?Tiger's dad shares the never-before-told story of the Woods family. Part autobiography and part ultimate insider's biography of Tiger, Playing Through is Earl Woods' opportunity to have his say and pass on lessons he has learned along the way.

For the first time, Earl faces the critics and cynics, addressing head-on the controversies and rumors that have grabbed headlines. In this brutally honest account of life with Tiger, Earl reveals how Tiger struggled to adapt to life as a pro, the racial attacks and hate mail, the painful sacrifices the family made throughout the years and the real reasons Tiger left Stanford after just two years. He also tells the untold story of what happened the night before Tiger's Masters' victory and the unique philosophy behind all of Tiger's actions, professional and personal.

Earl also shares his own stunning story. Raised by his sister after losing both of his parents by the time he was 13, he chose the military over a promising baseball career. He reveals the racial barriers that tortured him throughout his Army days, how he found his calling in the Green Berets and shocking details about his two tours of duty in Vietnam, where he met and befriended the original "Tiger," for whom his famous son is named. Woven throughout his recollections is the legacy of his mother and the lessons she imparted to him about family, faith and hard work -- all of which helped Earl to nurture and guide his son's talent.

A tribute to Tiger, to the powerful role of family and the bonds between fathers and sons and to the sport that has made so much possible for the Woods family, Earl's words will inspire all of us to work hard, dream big and "play through" life's challenges.

Customer Reviews:

my review paper for english class.......2006-03-30

(...)
9th English
24 March 2006
"Playing Through"
In the book "Playing Through" written by Earl Woods telling how to play through life's challenges, to dream big, and to work hard.
"Playing Through means getting down to business, not letting anything get in your way, dealing with the task at hand, and accomplishing your goals." Tiger had to go through lots of racial discrimination when he first became a pro golfer. His father Earl Woods went through some of the same things when he was a young man. His father was the first African-American to play in the Big Eight Conference, Which is a Baseball League. So he also had to play through all of the racial discrimination.
Dream Big, that is what Tiger Woods has been doing seen he was a little boy. Earl wanted him to be a baseball player like himself, but Tiger had other plans. Tiger wanted to be a golfer; he has been playing golf since he was around the age of three, when he was hitting balls in his garage. Then at the age of eleven he beat his dad for the first time 71 to 72.
Work Hard, even though Tiger is a pro at what he does he still has to practice at his game. He really had to work hard at his game when he was younger or he would not be as good as he is now. Working hard also goes into playing through if he could not focus on his own game he could not play as good as he does.

BEHIND THE TIGER.......2003-05-09

Who was the man who was behind Tiger Woods to mold and shape him into the champion that he is today? The answer is Earl Woods, Tiger's father, friend and confidant. Playing Through is Earl Woods' own biography of what it is like to be the father of one of golf's greatest stars. One would expect a cohesive and comprehensive story about Earl's life and that of his son. Instead you are presented with a man who is uncapable of seperating himself from the persona of his son. Earl Woods spends the majority of the time speaking about his son rather than himself. How strange, since the book is supposed to be about Earl Woods. Unfortunately it ends up as a promotional text about Tiger.

Earl Woods is a man who dealt with many obstacles in his life. As a teenager he lost his parents, struggled with a career choice, dealt with the racism in the Army and a failed marriage. Then after his divorce and remarriage a child was born and Earl devotes his life to him even at the expense of his own marriage. At this juncture we hear no more about Earl. Tiger becomes the focus which is a shame since Earl's life is far more interesting.

Throughout the work Earl tends to put people on a pedestle to the point where they become unreal ( his mother, his brother-in-law, and the orignial Tiger, his friend). He is defensive about any criticism about his son and doesn't tell us much about his relationship with his other children. Earl is so emeshed in his youngest son's identity that he becomes a bore. Surely he could have told us more about himself rather than going on and on and on about Tiger.

Despite his faults Earl Woods raises some interesting questions regarding the role of the NCAA on student athletes. He intimates that the NCAA controls the athletes who make money for their schools but receive nothing in return. Earl also shows the impact that Tiger's status has made on the game. Tiger's presence has made the game more accessible to people, raised the purses, tightened security and inspired more minority children as well as their parents to take up the game. Tiger's impact is immeasurable as he continues his career.

If you can tolerate Earl's egotistical meanderings and defensive posture, the book is a good lesson in how not to make the mistakes Earl made and become a better parent. It is filled with Tiger's triumphs and challenges. Earl comes across as your controlling parent of an exceptional and talented player. It is worth the read for those who are Tiger fans and collectors of books written about thim.

The Man's Got Me Down.......2001-03-15

From this book, I get the feeling that Earl Woods is one of the most egotistical people I have ever come across. He does nothing but talk about how good he is at this, how good he is at that, what he did to bring up Tiger, etc. He even says his separation from his wife Tida is due to affluence, not that they are simply separated. Also, he takes no responsibility for anything that has ever happened to him. Every negative experience in his life was due to him being a minority. Give me a break.

He also feels the NCAA was out to get he and his precious Tiger. NCAA rules are rules, just like in golf. Get over it. Tiger was not treated any differently than any other college athlete. Tiger was offered a country club membership at the Olympic Club while he was at Stanford, and Earl can't figure out why the NCAA wouldn't let him take it. Because, believe it, or not...Tiger has to live under the same rules as everyone else on this planet.

I do have to say the book is an easy read, and keeps you interested, but only because Earl's "thumb on my back" mentality keeps you laughing.

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