Quicken 3 for Windows: The Visual Learning Guide (Prima Visual Learning Guide)

Book Description

With Quicken 3 for Windows: The Visual Learning Guide, learning experts Grace Joely Beatty and David C. Gardner have created a simplified approach to mastering the fantastically popular home and business finance package from Intuit. In simple, brief lessons, users learn quickly how to print checks, reconcile the checkbook, and set up a personal budget to monitor finances.

Book Description

To some, Jesse James was a Robin Hood, a mythic figure of righteous retribution. To others he was the devil incarnate, a bloodthirsty hooligan, and cold-blooded killer. The disparity between these views is often attributed to an almost invisible link between the marauding Missouri guerrilla bands of the Civil War and the general lawlessness that plagued the Old West.

For more than twenty-five years Ted Yeatman combed through the National Archives, the Library of Congress, and numerous historical societies and private collections—including those of many James family members and Jesse's great grandson—to produce this thorough examination of the careers of Frank and Jesse James. The result is a complete account of the James brothers during the Civil War, their sixteen years of notoriety, and the lives of those who outlived Jesse.

In 1866 the legend of the James brothers began with the first successful peacetime daylight bank robbery. It ended in 1882, when Jesse was killed by Bob and Charlie Ford while the three of them planned the robbery of the Platte City Bank. The fact that former gang members turned on Jesse later led Frank to surrender voluntarily to the governor of Missouri and face a trial. He was never convicted.

Ted Yeatman has created a thoroughly documented narrative that will be satisfying both to readers who know little about the James brothers and those who have read everything in print about them. Also included are dozens of heretofore unpublished illustrations and photographs of the people, places, and artifacts associated with the notorious James bandits.

Customer Reviews:

An fascinating topic made dull.......2006-02-21

That any reviewer can grant this book five stars, as some here have, boggles the mind. I have to seriously ask them what books they read that they consider this one worthy of such a high rating. Yes, the subject of the James boys is inherently fascinating and, yes, Ted Yeatman's research was extensive, which is worth one extra star, but as a writer he failed to present his material in an interesting fashion. First, he is too much in love with facts and uses them whether they are necessary or not. (I do not need to know, as just one example, the name of every insignificant Missouri militia outfit that ever marched in the same county as the James boys unless that name is relevant to them. Footnotes would have been a better location if Yeatman felt compelled to include this arcane data.) Another reason the narrative bogs down is that Yeatman failed to heed his word processor's grammar checker when it pointed out the thousands of passive sentences he wrote. Or perhaps he had that feature turned off. If so, he should flick it back on immediately. Lastly, a good writer spins out a narrative that flows like water. Yeatman's jumbled writing contains too many icebergs the reader must dodge or sink in the process.

I am not yet finished reading it and am not certain that I can continue to the end much as I want to learn about the James boys. What a shame. Bad writing made this book a great waste of the author's extensive knowledge. I fail to understand why Cumberland House published this book without extensive editing or not publish it at all. Obviously, they thought the subject material would carry it.

HISTORY AT IT'S BEST.......2005-09-20

Ralph P. Ganis, a James Gang Historian and Author, July 25, 2000, HISTORY AT IT'S BEST

Here's a toast to Historian Ted Yeatman who has given America the finest history of the James Gang to date. This book is a must for any student or enthusiast of America's outlaw brothers. The book reads well and the facts are presented in an excellent manner. My library on James Gang books includes more than 50 titles and Mr. Yeatman's book would be my #1 choice for accuracy. As a James Gang historian, I strongly recommend Frank and Jesse James: The Story Behind the Legend.

Great book! No glitz and hollywood hype, just historical facts!.......2005-09-20

If you want a glitzy Hollywood-type novel on the James Gang, then rent one of the many historically inaccurate movies available (such as American Outlaws, etc.). This book is not for the James Gang novice. If you want a basic book on the James Gang just to get your feet wet on the subject, then this book is way too advanced for you, so look elsewhere. But if you're interested in the real, in-depth history of the Gang, then this book is a must have! It is not a novel - it is a historical source book. Written by a true historian for people that want the truthful history!

The best work since Settle..........2002-10-09

Ted Yeatman has produced the best work on the James brothers since William Settle's 1966 "Jesse James Was His Name". His well-documented research over two decades has paid off with what I, a long-time researcher into the subject myself, consider a "must-have" volume for any James buff. Many books on this subject have appeared over the years, but Yeatman stands head and shoulders above the rest. Many specifics concerning Frank and Jesse are open to speculation, and Yeatman avoids the pitfall of expressing his opinions as facts--a lesson most writers on this subject have yet to learn.

Wanted, dead or alive: a good storyteller.......2002-03-29

Somehow, author Ted Yeatman has made Jesse and Frank James boring. One has to admire the depth and breadth of his research into the lives of the notorious Missouri outlaws, but what was desperately needed here was a co-author who knew how to tell a good story. One bank or train robbery sounds pretty much like all the others in Yeatman's plodding account, and I could not keep the brothers' numerous gang members straight -- the author does nothing to make them come alive as individuals. The appendices and bibliographical notes are rather awe-inspiring -- Yeatman has done his homework, and then some -- but getting through this book is a hard slog.

Book Description

The compelling, tragic and often bizarre life stories of history's famous and infamous assassins, now collected in one comprehensive, easy-to-use volume.

The names are well-known, but how much do you know about the inner lives of John Hinckley Jr., who shot Ronald Reagan in a misguided attempt to impress actress Jodie Foster, or Mark David Chapman, who, after shooting John Lennon, sat down on the sidewalk to continue reading The Catcher in the Rye? And what about the world's not-so-famous assassins? Find out what happened when Carlito Dimahilig attacked Imelda Marcos with a bolo knife (and how one of her many famous pairs of shoes came into play!), or why Max Hödel could be considered one of the least successful assassins in history.

With breadth of study and a keen eye for detail, George Fetherling has compiled a fascinating and very readable compendium -- the first of its kind -- of more than 200 biographies of assassins from all periods and countries, for the scholar and general reader alike. Fetherling also provides an overview of the history of assassination, outlines the five psychological types of assassins and gives a run-down of the most useful literature in the field.

Ideal for students, historians, history buffs, psychologists and readers interested in biography and true crime, this book is a must have window into the lives of those who have drastically shaped the history of our world.

Customer Reviews:

A must-have for assassin groupies.......2007-07-07

This book is a treasure chest for those of us who are fascinated by those flesh and blood Eumenides who have felt called upon to bring the great ones of the earth to account for their crimes, real or imagined. The author provides an wonderfully encyclopedic account of history's assassins, in all countries and eras. I have only two complaints- 1. he omitted the great Cassius Chaerea, the assassin of the Emperor Caligula, and 2. In his listing for Lee Harvey Oswald, he gives credence to the various conspiracy theories surrounding the Kennedy assassination. Besides that, this is an excellent catalogue of that select group of men and women who barged their way into history with a single bloody act.

A morbid trivia buffs dream!.......2007-05-14

I borrowed this book from a friend. I loved all the little trivia. It helps that the author included assassination attempts (including those who were deluded enough to think a pistol loaded with tobacco would kill Queen Victoria). Including those who may not have done any actual harm but meant to makes the book a little less predictable. It's not all "this one killed that one and here's why." Each summary is about 1-3 pages long. Which is just long enough to give details but not too long to get bored with them.

Things I have learned about assassins.

1. Always succeed. The punishment is much worse if
you don't. In fact, I think the author nicluded a little
too much description on some deaths

2. Never be anyone who is related to an assassin (if
the assassin isn't trying to kill you there is still a
good chance you'll go mad or be punished for his/ her
act.

3. Don't be the guy who catches the successful
assassin. It never ends well.

4. Never piss off a woman (see Henriette Caillaux)

5. Generally avoid being royalty. Your relatives are
all out to get you.

The only criticism I have is that is is missing two major figures. Saddam Hussein and Orlando Bosch.

The Book of Assassins: A Biographical Dictionary from Ancient Times to the Present

Average customer rating:

With more info and illustrations, this could be excellent
An Enjoyable Read

The Book of Assassins: A Biographical Dictionary from Ancient Times to the Present
George Fetherling
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Reference & Collections | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Criminals | Specific Groups | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Criminology | Crime & Criminals | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0471158917

Book Description

ASSASSIN TRIVIA

Julius Caesar's assassination may have been patricide. His last words were not "Et tu Brute," as Shakespeare suggests, but "kai su teknon"-Greek for "You too, my child." These words were particularly appropriate when one considers the rumors that surrounded Brutus's paternity (see BRUTUS).

Perhaps the most unusual weapon ever used in an assassination attempt was the "infernal machine." The device was composed of twenty-five rifles that could be fired simultaneously by a single trigger. Ironically, the would-be assassin's intended victim walked away unhurt, while most of those crowded around him did not (see FIESCHI).

When a hunchbacked dwarf fired a shot at Queen Victoria, London police arrested every hunchbacked dwarf in the capital until they found the right one (see BEAN).

Rigoberto López not only shot and killed Nicaraguan dictator Anastasio Somoza but also anonymously won a newspaper contest for the best poem eulogizing the dead leader (see LÓPEZ).

President Andrew Jackson survived two attempted assassinations on the same day. When his hapless attacker's pistol misfired, he drew a second pistol-which also misfired. Jackson beat the man with his cane until help arrived (see LAWRENCE).

Customer Reviews:

With more info and illustrations, this could be excellent.......2004-01-27

A reference guide to assassins is an excellent idea, but this work does not live up to what can be a very intriguing book. It is printed on cheap production paper with no illustrations. Most of the entries are one page. A plus is that there are many obscure figures included that most readers have never heard of, but there is scant info on them whereas Lee Harvey Oswald, about whom most people already know plenty, has 9 pages. One other plus is that each entry includes a list of further references so, if readers are intrigued by a specific assassin's tale, they have at least one source to go to for more info. There is also an index on the victims in the back. Shop around for the best deal on this book and it will probably be worth it for anyone interested in assassins.

An Enjoyable Read.......2002-02-08

Not many books in a dictionary format are enjoyable to read. For me, this book was one of those few, wonderful exceptions. The information is concise, and most entries list references and other source material for those who are interested to persue. I have to rate it lower than I would like (3 instead of 4) just due to the numerous typos that exist throughout. Hopefully these will be cleaned up in another revision, as nonfiction works are hurt more by these grammatical errors than fiction items.

Book Description

For those looking to raise a family in a storybook American town, or a change of pace from hectic city life, this book is the answer.

Customer Reviews:

A Poor Offering.......2007-08-10

This is not a very good book. 50% of the book is devoted to Mr. Crampton's less than interesting observations of life in a small town. His advice is mostly extremely basic common sense stuff that any normal person should already know. He offers very few interesting insights.

The other half of the book is his list of the 120 best small towns in America. This part of the book is even more weak. It's obvious Mr. Crampton did a lot of internet travel to gather his data as the descriptions are clearly culled from the towns' chamber of commerce websites. He offers zero insight or information gained from him (or someone else) actually visiting / living in the towns and conveying what the towns are actually like.

His ruse is painfully evident as the "more info" listing for each town is merely a link to their respective chamber of commerce website! What "more info" could there be given that the author merely copied the site? Even his internet research was exceptionally lazy.

The book should be titled "A Compilation of America's Best Small Towns' Chamber of Commerce Website Info plus Non-insightful Musings of the Armchair Travelling Author."

And how do the towns qualify as being best? By Mr. Crampton's estimation they must have a highschool, and a hospital, and at least a few other businesses that aren't Walmart. Could the bar be set any lower? With that criteria one could throw 120 darts blindfolded at a map and do just as well as this book.

The book could be fodder for a Garrison Keilor Ketchup skit, "you know June, why don't we retire to the country, find a town with a highschool and live out our days..... Dear, have you been getting enough Ketchup lately..."

A very weak text that I'll be returning to Amazon post haste!

Make that 3 1/2 stars.......2005-03-28

Actually, I would have given "Making Your Move" 4 stars had I found the descriptions of the individual towns more interesting. But, what I did find was a witty style of writing, some laugh-out-loud moments, and some very down-to-earth advice on the pearls and perils of small-town life. One might apply Norm's smart and insightful guidelines to just about any sparsely populated area in the quest for new habitation. So even though his selections failed to fire me up, they did make me realize that I may not be cut out for small-town living after all. And that, in itself, is worth far more than the price of a book. Thanks, Norm, and make that four stars.

Part of the story.......2003-03-12

This book is a good place to start if you're thinking of moving to a town of 15,000 or less. It will point you to many interesting communities. However, having used his previous book to guide my last move, and as a resident of one of the towns highlighted in this book (Grinnell), I can honestly say that data only carries you so far. Crampton could provide readers with a great benefit by lengthening the amount of description and flavor for each town. In particular, one key element missing is the 'dynamic' of a town: is it progressive? conservative? excited about education? quick to vote down taxes and bonds? These elements form the 'culture' of a small town, and believe me, the culture of a small town will be *very* important to you!

A good guide to start.......2003-01-08

As a resident of one of the 120 "best small towns" recommended by Norman Crampton, I was delighted to see Silver City on the list.

While Crampton's book is a good place to start your search for small town living, it is important to realize that each small town offers a unique personality. Some generalizations simply do not apply to Silver City. For example, it is not necessary to join a church (or country club) in order to fit in here. Even a small community like ours has diverse sub-populations: recent retirees, most of whom have some affinity for the arts; old-timers, most of whom are the conservative church-goers Crampton describes; and Hispanic families, many of whom have worked in the mines.

These groups rarely interact, although we usually get along very peacefully. We also have a number of folks who teach at the university -- and we rarely see them around town.

To learn about Silver city, you won't get much information from the Chamber of Commerce or the editor of the newspaper. You'd do better to spend some time hanging out at the AIR cafe, talking to whoever comes in. The morning and afternoon groups are quite different and everyone is friendly.

The author gives some nuts and bolts about each small town. Unfortunately, with the exception of weather, much of this information will change by the time the book is printed. And your decision may well be made by factors that can't be added up.

The best part of the book is the section on economics of small town living. Here, he's right on. You have to budget for travel to a large city now and then. Air travel will be more costly and you need time to drive to a large airport. His view of housing prices seems optimistic. If you move to a desirable city (such as Silver City) expect to pay more for a house than he allows.
And if you move to retire, your economic picture will be quite different. Many newcomers to Silver City are beginning a second career as an artist or writer. Moving without a job is scary -- and I do not recommend it unless you fit the profile I describe in my own book, Making the Big Move.

Book Description

The deeply moving true story of beloved Cherokee inspirational writer. This new book by Council Oak's best-selling author consists of touching vignettes based on her own childhood, family and experiences. Hifler's vision comes from her Cherokee roots and the wisdom handed down from her Cherokee elders, as well as what she has learned through a lifetime living close to the land, trusting her own spirit and the wisdom which Spirit speaks to her through nature.

For the first time, Hifler writes in detail about her own childhood. The power of the land in which she and her family lived comes alive in these vivid and poignant reminisces.

Customer Reviews:

When the Nightbird Sings.......2007-01-10

What an enjoyable book. When visiting Okla. I used to hear the night bird calling in the middle of the night and was so touched by this. When I saw this book, I knew I had to have it. The little stories are so wonderful, spiritual and educational. I read one story a day as a daily lesson and then I think about it throughout the day and realize there is so much more out there for us to learn and understand. Thank you for the book to the author, Joyce Sequichie Hifler. I have other books by her and enjoy every one of them and have bought for family members for the spiritual content and peacefulness. Loralee Minyard

Took me back to my childhood........2003-09-19

Its a great back. I give it five stars. When I started reading it,I instantly fell in love with it. It made me cry and it made me laugh. It took me back into time when I grew up. I could not put it down. Its a great book.

The Song of the Night Bird will Lead You Back Home.......2001-02-10

That old saying "big things come in small packages" is perfectly proven in Joyce Sequichie Hifler's "When the Night Bird Sings" -- and don't for an instant underestimate the strength of this book by its diminutive size.

Sequichie Hifler is certainly a modern day mystic for our times. In this small collection of vignettes reflecting on her Cherokee childhood in Oklahoma, her homespun wisdom brings us closer to the true meaning of God than any would-be Deepak Chopra or Marianne Williamson.

With all due respect to those noted authors, it's the simplicity of Sequichie Hifler's writing and the warm introduction to her life through storytelling that unlocks the door and allows us to return to that wonderful place of knowing and understanding.

Throughout the book there is the haunting voice of the Great Spirit that almost demands the reader to run outside and kiss the ground, embrace the trees, touch the flowers and look into the warm eyes of all the little creatures about. We should thank them all for having patience with us while we struggle to remember and return to that which is real and important and necessary in our lives.

Sequichie Hifler writes, "the soul of the Cherokee is forever immutable in its love for a kindred spirit. And yet that love of brother is never so strong as the love for things of nature. So closely woven are these allies of spirit, we can sense that all things are brothers, all people are one with nature. All nature keeps a constant pace; it never forgets and never loses the love of life for which it was made."

Her poignant memories delivered me back in time to my own Oklahoma childhood and to the remarkable, almost daily, celebration of the mystery and magic in nature. She provides a gentle reminder that we are connected, all creatures great and small, and that by gracefully honoring nature we come face to face with the reflection of the God that exists inside each one of us.

Sequichie Hifler might have been deeply and wonderfully exposed to the innate wisdom of her Cherokee elders but she grew up in a time and place where the Christian doctrine was exceptionally unforgiving - unfortunately quite common and typical even in the Oklahoma of my youth. But we survived and transcended it by overcoming our fear of church and heeded that inner call which allowed us to make our own church in the bosom of nature and there find God and become one with the Great Spirit. With remarkable insight she reminds us that "the true church is within each one of us, and it is a personal responsibility to worship there often."

Through the words and memories of Sequichie Hifler we are introduced to some incredibly delightful characters, wise beyond their time, that help pave the path to our journey back home. We marvel at her simple but exceptionally wise mother and applaud when her equally sage-like grandmother encourages Sequichie Hifler to love herself first and unconditionally and watch, as the rest of the world would certainly follow. These are simple words to live by and truly insightful writing that can help you change your life in an instant.

I think, perhaps for me, as one who endeavors to reflect on the simplicity of life through the written word, the following passage moved me more than anything else in the book; and promises to challenge me forever to the way I see things. She writes, "Everything is full of life for such a short time. The image must be as important in my notebook when I read it again as it was when it happened. It must be able to live again on the page in another season. My winter notebook goes with me into spring, and my spring notes are soon filled out with the summer pictures. I record and record, because each image must have time to work through my own fingers and my own consciousness to live on paper. The word is only part of the Spirit, but it feeds the one who cannot stop to see, to experience the purples of the land. I cannot assume readers will know what I have seen, how a flower blooms, how a bird flies, or what fragrance is. To trigger someone else's imagination to see for themselves is to come full circle to awaken my own. No one should miss the purples that accent nature. We who record the whisper of the land must live in it, breathe it and bring it forward. Wonders await us all. But our spirits must be kindled to see and to feel. Then, when we are weary, when all the color has drained from our spirits, we can tap into the life of the land again and find a healing peace."

This is the little book that could and it speaks volumes to anyone who dares to allow Sequichie Hifler's memories to ignite their own and transcend ordinary life. As grandmother Sequichie says, "when you think you have learned all the lessons in life little one - look again." If you look for life's lessons in this book you will be rewarded beyond belief.

Same Homeland, Same Heartbeat.......2000-11-05

I know the land she writes about - every tree and creek in Cherokee country - for it is the place of my birth, too, and her lovely memories are as true as my own heartbeat. I even knew her beloved Papa. I write about this same land in my own book of memoirs "Sometimes A Wheel Falls Off" (Hawk Publishing Company.) Joyce Hifler wrote a blurb for my book, saying it is "deep and dear and so touching that I want more of it." We have the same homeland and the same abiding reverence for ordinary, holy place. She leads the way in telling this story.

A beautiful, absorbing collection of meditations/essays........2000-09-08

When The Night Bird Sings is a beautiful collection of meditations or essays by the author of A Cherokee Feast of Days. How easily and how gently these pages read, like clear water flowing in a stream. As they are absorbed page by page, sequentially or haphazardly, the reader experiences a feeling of renewal. An example of her inspiration is found in Living by Personal Measures: "Plan for good...Rise up and make your own decisions. Open your mind and spirit to new understanding and new ability to overcome any problem - especially inertia. What appears to be impossible may be the wall you can only see from your present stance. If you are willing to give thanks for something you want before you see it, you will not be disappointed. Be constant and faithful to your goals, show gratitude - and one day you will look back and wonder why you ever doubted (p.81)." All of this book of days is to be treasured. It is a gift to the heart. Highest recommendations for inspirational reading.

Nancy Lorraine, Reviewer

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