Live Well in Ireland: How to Relocate, Retire, and Increase Your Standard of Living (The Live Well Series)

Book Description

The storybook countryside of Ireland is remarkably accessible to Americans considering a move. Having moved to Ireland ten years ago, the author tells how to settle in and settle down in a new community.

Customer Reviews:

A comprehensive look at retirement in Ireland.......2005-11-08

I was pleased to see the book was a personalized look at retirement in Ireland. Things change with time as it has with this book but I wasn't looking for an exact-science approach. I can get that from embassies and governments. Various "insider" tips on things to watch out for in housing, employment, locations, and retirement living are very helpful. I got a feel for the character of areas and where to look for housing that suit my taste and pocketbook. I'm glad I spent the small sum for the book.

out of date.......2005-08-20

I am an American who has been living in Europe for the past six years. This book is behind the times enough that, in my estimation, it is not a trustworthy guide for those considering a permanent move to Ireland.

Gives you a good overview.......2005-07-12

A good overview, but I would like a little bit more about the legalities of moving to Ireland.

And for the other, negative reviewers, who in the world ever said anybody considered moving to Ireland for the tax benefits? What an absurd criticism. The benefits are beautiful countryside, a social safety net, and friendly people.

Review of Review.......2000-03-05

While the book contains an egregious error, the most egregious of errors would be to use a single source to make life decisions. None of the retirement in Ireland books truly explicates the tax ramifications of retiring in Ireland. This book has useful information, but you had better do your homework fully first. Rule number 2, never use the exchange rate used in a book. Look it up.

live well in ireland.......2000-02-14

After 54 pages, Steenie gets up to the subject of the cost of this alleged improved standard of living. Suggested IR1,200/1,5000 per month being ample. A bit low in my view....However the currency conversion factor was misapplied causing her to state that US$850 to $1064 should work. Wroong! Using the conversion factor on page 56 the US$ is 1630 to 2040 per month. How any reputable publisher would allow this to continue to be shipped is appalling. No correction is offered. I was interested in Living Well In Mexico, a country I do not know ....so I bought Steenie's book on Ireland which I do know, just to test for accuracy before making any plans based on LWMEX. While LWI has worthwhile info, the magnitude of this mistake renders it useless for the uninformed, who will most likely misapply the currency factor as was done in this book. Eventually, only to find the US$ amount to be twice their estimate. Muir should withdraw the book. I'd like my money back and will trust no Muir publication.

Book Description

A lively and compelling portrait of one of the most acerbic and distinctive voices in American literature, Ambrose Bierce: Alone in Bad Company is a clear-eyed but sympathetic account of a complex individual at odds with his country, his family, his times, and himself. The only American writer of any stature to fight in and survive the Civil War, Bierce discovered in the conflict a bitter confirmation of his darkest assumptions about man and his nature. Profoundly disillusioned, Bierce spent the next fifty years struggling to disabuse his fellow Americans of their own cherished ideals--be they romantic, religious, or political. His groundbreaking short stories of the war, including his most famous work, "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge," have had a lasting influence on every subsequent American author dealing with war. And the heartless, hilarious aphorisms in his caustic lexicon The Devil's Dictionary have entered, often uncredited, our national consciousness. In this insightful, critically acclaimed biography, the first comprehensive study in almost fifty years, Roy Morris, Jr., accounts for both the influential art that Ambrose Bierce made from a harsh and unforgiving vision--and the high price he had to pay for it in loneliness, rancor, and spiritual isolation.

Customer Reviews:

Worth reading for the speculation alone -- maybe Bierce didn't die in Mexico.......2006-04-29

Conventional wisdom and history books have it that Ambrose Bierce died in Mexico during the Revolution. But Morris, in this in-depth biography, offers a fairly plausible alternative. (Sorry, not giving the store away as part of the review; you're going to have to get your hands on this book.)

Much of the rest of the speculation in which Morris engages is psychological. He first analyses Bierce's childhood and parents, then takes note of his Civil War head wound, and wonders just how much the two of these things combined to contribute to the Ambrose Bierce we know today.

That said, while not denying either childhood or adult causes of personality development -- or personality change -- I give more credence to genetic causes, i.e., the ideas of evolutionary psychology, properly applied.

I find it likely that Bierce was pretty much born with tendencies toward the character he later exhibited. His upbringing and his war wound may have intensified it, but I think he came by much of his cynicism naturally. Life events probably added the dollop of churlishness to it.

I teeter on a rating and end up at 4 stars. If I were to fine tune, it would probably be about 3 2/3 stars. The psycho-speculation is interesting, but in addition to being incomplete, if not somewhat wrong, too much of a focus on it means less focus on historical biography or on literary analysis.

Bierce a lesser figure?.......2006-02-27

I am perfectly aware that to say that Ambrose Bierce was the most original, provocative and fascinating of all American writers (not to say the most brilliant of all) is like preaching in the desert. It is probably going to cost me a lot of negative feedback to say what I'm going to say, so I won't extend myself more than what it is absolutely necessary in order to speak my mind.

The main reason for me to write this review is that this laughable biography by Roy Morris is so flagrantly detrimental on Bierce's accomplishments that I personally didn't want to lose the opportunity to advise you against reading such a lot of blather. The author even puts an awful novel like "The Red Badge of Courage" above Bierce's war stories (hilarious, isn't it?). After that, what else can be said about this biographer's ineptitude? Let's draw a veil over it and forget it.

Anyone wishing to know something about the skilled artistry and posterior influence of the Ohio writer would be better looking for another book written by someone who had actually grasped Bierce's significance. But the best thing to do is reading Bierce's stories on your own and make up your mind about them instead of losing your time with the prejudices and lack of perspective of others.

After reading some passages of this book, I reassure myself in my opinion that literary critics are, well, funny...

In a world where mediocrity runs rampant and where authors like Mark Twain and the hideous Henry James have always been praised, it is difficult that really worthy authors like Bierce can find the recognition they deserve. But, perhaps, it is better that way, I don't know.

What I know for sure (because I've seen it) is that, when a genius is born, all nefarious souls tend to ally themselves against it. Anyway, how could a writer like Bierce be enjoyed by a majority? It's impossible.

Well, I don't think this review is gonna get anywhere, so I'd better stop here. Thank you for your reading.

Note- sorry for any bad grammar on my part. I don't usually write in the language of the "Empire".

Bierce.......2005-10-06

"Bitter Bierce" they called him because of his scathing sarcasm. After the Civil War, in which he fought valiantly for four years, he went to San Francisco and began writing for the Hearst newspapers. Satire was his game. He wrote a couple of decent short stories ("Chickamauga" and "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge"), THE DEVIL'S DICTIONARY, and that's about it (other books, mainly short story and poetry collections, have been forgotten, in some cases unfairly so). His wit, as revealed in the DICTIONARY is clever, but at times sophomoric. Influenced by Poe, many of his stories deal with the supernatural and are laced with horror. He disappeared in Mexico in 1913 and was never seen again. Speculation, from suicide to fighting for Pancho Villa, has been rampant ever since. Morris does a good job relating the events of Bierce's strange life, who must have been a very difficult man to know.

Definative Bio of Bierce.......2001-07-11

This book gives insight into one of the American literary greats. There are times that the book drags, but I think this is due as much to the author as to the fact that some moments in Bierce's life are so interesting that when you read about the "average" moments in his life, you are left, well , bored. This is a good book for a Bierce fan or someone that would like to learn about an American writer who, deservedly, lived in the shadow of Twain.

A momentum-gaining insight into a man for all eras.......1999-11-21

While early on the book lagged, it built momentum to the point where I had a hard time putting it down. Examining the circumstances that produced this complicated individual proved fascinating and heartbreaking. Outside events and Bierce himself conspired to find misery and disappointment at every turn. The book is sympathetic to Bierce, but not fawning- he's not praised as a great writer, but he is acknowledged to be the best writer among Civil War veterans. His newspaper columns are also praised, and the erosion of his patriotism after what he saw in the war (not just at Shiloh) is something that can be best understood by post Vietnam-era readers. Many of the cited quotes (particularly the bitingly critical ones) contain a sharp wit that can't be missed. I enjoyed the book and it encouraged me to read more about the era. Bierce was in many ways a forerunner of Walter Winchell (read Neal Gabler's great bio) and you can also see traces of modern observational humorists such as George Carlin. Piece of advice, though- don't tell anyone that they remind you of Bierce!

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Ambrose Bierce Alone in Bad Company

Manufacturer: Crown
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000I2X4EY

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Ambrose Bierce: Alone in a Bad Company
Roy, Jr. Morris
Manufacturer: Books on Tape
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette

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ASIN: 5557120009

Book Description

Providing the skills students need to conquer any school writing assignment, Better Writing Right Now is a complete walk-through of each step of the writing process. Including everything from timed essay exams to research papers, this book provides tips and formats students can use for writing resumes, cover letters, general business letters, memos, e-mails, reports for work, and more. These basics writing skills provide the confidence and practical ability necessary to succeed in any situation that requires writing.

The Write Stuff: Learn How to Write Better Right Now With the Approach That Combines Creativity and Computer Logic

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The Write Stuff: Learn How to Write Better Right Now With the Approach That Combines Creativity and Computer Logic
Harley Bjelland
Manufacturer: Career Pr Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0934829861

Book Description

Is your museum a part of a larger organization (e.g., government, university, corporation)? Does the governance structure enable your museum to reach its potential? This Resource Pack addresses the foundations of governance for government museums at all levels; university and college museums; and museums in foundations, associations, and the for-profit sector. Seventy sample foundation documents from a wide variety of museums cover enabling legislation; statements relating to permanence, structure, and advisory groups; delegation of authority, bylaws of separately incorporated supporting organizations, management agreements, and organizational charts. Introductory essays examine the challenges and opportunities of each type of governance and are recommended reading for members of a museum's governing authority.

Customer Reviews:

St. Joseph, My Real Estate Agent: Patron Saint of Home Life and House Selling.......2007-03-23

The book was recommended by a friend not only for the ceremony for the burial of the statue to help sell the house, but gave a wonderful biblical bacground on St. Joseph. Shows how St. Joseph was always faithful in following the word of God and his place in his community particularly the religious community. A great role model for family life.

St. Joseph de-mystified.......2006-06-15

I was very pleased with the content of this book. I was not reading it to learn an "Idiot's Guide" to St. Joseph. I was interested in knowing the background on this practice, and I found this book to be a thoughtful and respectful approach. I would recommend it to anyone interested in the practice and its history.

A Disappointing Introduction to St Joseph.......2004-02-09

How can the author get away with proclaiming St Joseph to be 5 times more popular than Our Lady? (Or as he puts it, he "outsells" her -see p.109) No way!

You know, I was hoping for great things, and was encouraged by the cute hype and slick sales pitch of front and back covers. So I read this book in one sitting this evening. Here I sit, let-down and not a little annoyed.

The author mixes pious enthusiasm and "everyday life in Nazareth ..." with an easy, entertaining style. The book's idea is to be fun, informative and inspirational. But the fun is at the expense of the information, so the inspiration just doesn't happen. It's what the author doesn't say that got on my nerves, even more than the misplaced glibness of his humour.

As you read this book here are 5 points to ponder:
(1) Jesus: Is Jesus presented to me as "God the Son" in the text at all? What of the Blessed Trinity, for that matter? (I got the impression I was being presented with a re-hash of the ages old error that Jesus only gradually learnt of his own Messianic dignity).
(2) Mary: Why is Our Lady's perpetual virginity (& St Joseph's) not mentioned? It appears the author overlooks a significant role of "Her Most Chaste Spouse".
(3) Angels: The angels come in for some seemingly light-hearted flak. But is it light hearted really? Is the role of angels presented fairly, truthfully, and does the author's approach encourage any respect, admiration or understanding of angels? Does he offer even begrudging affection for angels?
(4) The Church: What of the Church, that Christ founded on Peter, and which has St Joseph as her patron? Is her history such that today St Joseph is popular despite her best efforts, as the author suggests? How are her rituals and sacraments presented? (hint: hardly at all, and then very badly!!)
(5) Prayer: If the prayers & blessings section appended after the book appears a bit home-made, that's because it includes poor adaptations of centuries old Catholic prayers and house blessings.

I think this book does St Joseph few favours.

Book Description

Like poets of legend, Diane Glancy has spent much of her life on the road. For years she supported her family by driving throughout Oklahoma and Arkansas teaching poetry in the schools. Claiming Breath is an account of one of those years, what Glancy calls “a winter count of sorts, a calendar, a diary of personal matters . . . and a final acceptance of the broken past. . . . It’s a year that covers more than a year.”

Customer Reviews:

A collage composed of events of one year.......2003-09-24

Diane Glancy composed a college of snippets, written over the course of a year in her life. She reflects on her marriage, her divorce, her mother's death - and most interesting, she confronts her own conflicts between her Cherokee heritage and her Christian training. Much of her material bubbled to the surface during the long hours on the road driving to schools to teach poetry. Glancy makes us feel we're accompanying her on her journeys, peeking over her shoulder - no, peeking into her mind as she explores memories and their relevance to the present.
Here's a telling line: "Aren't all of us made up of paradox and diversity, anger, hurt, hope, guilt, endurance?"
This is not an easy book. No real plot holds you to the structure. But it's an infinitely thought-provoking book, one to be savored in small doses and pondered upon in leisure.

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How to Avoid the Ten Biggest Home-Buying Traps
A. M. Watkins
Manufacturer: Building Institute
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Buying & Selling Homes | Real Estate | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0911749020

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How to Avoid the Ten Biggest Home Buying Traps
Art Watkins
Manufacturer: Longman Financial Service
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NXVXD2

Book Description

On October 3, 1945, ten-year-old Elvis Presley climbed atop a chair to reach the microphone and performed the song "Old Shep" for a crowd of several hundred at the Tupelo fair, coming in fifth place in the talent contest. Ten years later, the King created his first full-scale riot after an appearance in Jacksonville at a baseball park. Girls poured through an overhead window, catching the police off guard, and stole or shredded almost every stitch of clothing Elvis had on. He scaled the shower area and clung to the pipes overhead while fans clamored to touch and take home a piece of him.

Now Graceland has opened the doors to its extensive archives for the first time ever, allowing previously inaccessible historic documents and memorabilia to be reproduced in facsimile, collectible form. With biographical text by acclaimed Elvis expert Robert Gordon, The Elvis Treasures tells the King's life story through handwritten letters, press releases, movie scripts, photographs and additional artifacts. Where else can you get a ticket to "Frank Sinatra's Welcome Home Party for Elvis Presley," evaluate the King¡¦s hand-drawn football plays, read his first RCA contract, and check out a book that he borrowed from the Humes High School library as an eighth-grader? Published to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the Elvis¡¦ death, this unique interactive book also contains a 60-minute CD of interviews spanning his career, providing a formerly unavailable portrait of the King in his own words.

The Elvis Treasures contains 22 removable documents, including:
-rare promotional photos issued by Sun Records in 1954-55
-a 1958 Christmas card from Elvis and the Colonel (as Santa)
-Elvis's letter to Anita, his Memphis girlfriend, expressing his love and commitment to her while he was stationed in Germany
-an invitation to the premiere for Viva Las Vegas
-telegrams Vernon received upon Elvis' death from Johnny Cash, Isaac Hayes, Governor George Wallace, B. B. King, Little Richard and others

Description of the 60-minute CD of interviews
The first interview, track 1, was conducted in 1955 by Mae Boren Axton, months before the song she gave him, “Heartbreak Hotel,” would become his breakthrough hit. Track 2, recorded roughly a year later, finds Elvis admitting, in an unguarded moment, that his performing style was inspired in part by the gospel quarters he’d always loved; it’s a confession that comes back to haunt him in the following interview, conducted in August 1956 by Paul Wilder of TV Guide (track 3). When Wilder uses the term “holy roller” in asking him about the religious influence on his music, Elvis interrupts him–“I have never used that expression”–with the hair-curling command of a preacher. The TV Guide interview makes for fascinating listening, as Elvis uses charm, biting sarcasm, and the sheer force of his conviction to parry Wilder’s interrogation. Tracks 4 and 5 are far more joyful in spirit, as we hear first Elvis’ parents and then the singer himself tossed about in the maelstrom of his triumphant Tupelo homecoming concert in 1956. (“Baby Play House,” his mother responds unforgettably when asked her favorite Elvis song.)

Then we jump ahead to Elvis’ Army years and a montage of clips reflecting his life in the service, America’s reaction, and his return home (track 6). Elvis speaks earnestly about working the same details as the other soldiers, but by the end of the selection seems quite happy about returning to his “normal” life. Track 7 finds him back at work, in a brief interview on the set of Blue Hawaii. But what follows, an excerpt from a long conversation with Lloyd Shearer of Parade magazine (track 8), is perhaps the most introspective interview Elvis ever gave. (Elvis’ half of this conversation was released on the RCA boxed set Elvis Aron Presley as “An Elvis Moonsong;” fans may enjoy hearing this excerpt in full, with Shearer’s quiet questions intact.) And the final two recordings, tracks 9 and 10, find Elvis at new conferences before his landmark shows at the Houston Astrodome (1970) and Madison Square Garden (1972)–disarming the press with clever quips, and expressing his love of good old rock ‘n’ roll–that undying love of music that had always been with him.

Customer Reviews:

Pricey but collectable.......2005-07-28

Takes you on a journey with copies of artifacts such as letters, programs, cards etc. Beautifully presented with a CD of interviews.

The King's treasures.......2003-07-05

Mr Gordon does a decent job of telling Elvis' life story, although it's a story that is well known by now. The real treasures here are the rare documents and memorabilia from the Graceland archives. There are a lot of things that will be of interest to the Elvis fan. Oh, and there is also an audio CD featuring interviews with Elvis. The interviews are worth listening to once, but I don't think many people would want to listen to them multiple times.

The Elvis Treasures.......2003-02-18

Someone had purchased this book for me. I was so impressed with its contents/documents/photos and information that I ordered the same book for a person I know who is an Elvis impersonator. He was over-joyed to receive it and claimed he had never come across such a great book! It is a book to treasure.

Great Choice for Elvis fans.......2002-12-05

When I purchased this book, I really couldn't put it down. It has some amazing stories and literature in it. It also contains letters that he wrote, letters that were sent to him, tickets, etc. This is a perfect gift for the Elvis fans!

Admitted Elvis Junkie.......2002-10-03

This book I received as a gift. A most welcome one at that. The text is highlights of his life. For us knowledgeable about Elvis there is nothing new here. The neat thing here is all of the removable memorabilia. So let me talk about that. Some interesting notes he wrote on the back of a press release for his upcoming 1970 season in Vegas; black tights, fix bracelets, record player for dressing room, scarves blue, etc. guitar reef (anybody know what that is?) for dressing room and new flowers for piano, gator aid for stage, a list of songs for his show; The Fair Is Moving On, The Grass Won't Pay No Mind, Without Love, This Is The Story, Only The Strong Survive. He goes back and forth from printing to cursive writing. He did not have very neat handwriting. And how about seeing the script for the karate documentary Elvis wanted to make in the late 70's - that's here too. It looks to be written in/by different hands.

Then there is the 10-track interview CD. The interviews range in date from 1955 to 1972. Included here is probably the longest Elvis interview I ever heard. The date for the interview is Sept. 1962 with Lloyd Shearer for Parade Magazine. He talks about sports; football is his favorite sport, karate, and boxing. Books he's read, mostly educational, some philosophy and a little poetry. His friends, his father, the death of his mother, his cars, possible future marriage, his loneliness, his own mortality, how he feels about himself, his temper. His image and how it has changed and his desire to improve all aspects of his career. It's not all serious. He and Shearer joke and people can be heard laughing in the backround. Another noteworthy interview is the 1956 Paul Wilder Tv Guide interview. Wilder reads to Elvis selections from Herb Rowe's drag-'em-through-the-mud-review of Elvis' music, his performances, his fans and his religion. You can also hear Gladys and Vernon interviewed in 1956. Glady's favorite songs are: Baby, Let's Play House and Don't Be Cruel. Vernon likes too many to name but he comes up with Hound Dog.

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Treasures of History II: Chaves Country Vignettes
Elvis E. Fleming , and Ernestine Chesser Williams
Manufacturer: Chaves County Historical Soc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | United States | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0961531037

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Treasures of History IV: Historical Events of Chaves County, New Mexico
Elvis E. Fleming
Manufacturer: iUniverse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | United States | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
Southwest | State & Local | United States | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0595751415

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Treasures of History Three: Southeast New Mexico People, Places, & Events
Ernestine C. Williams , Williams , and Elvis E. Fleming
Manufacturer: Historical Society for Southeast New Mexico
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Mountain | West | Regions | United States | Travel | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0961531061

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Treasures of History Two: Chaves County Vignettes

Manufacturer: Chaves County Historical Soc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | United States | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
New Mexico | State & Local | United States | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0961531045

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The Elvis Treasures
Gordon Robert
Manufacturer: Villard Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000UDUXDG

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