The Literate Executive

Book Description

A refresher course on the art of business writing, which is more essential than ever to effective communication. "The art of executive writing [is] poised for a comeback," predicts The Wall Street Journal. Good writing translates into good business, because it saves time, creates good faith, and prevents expensive misunderstandings. The Literate Executive shows businesspeople how to become better communicators by becoming better writers. It relates the effective use of language to the real world of commerce by reviewing good writing skills--correct usage, grammar, punctuation, and spelling--in a business context. For quick reference, readers will find well-constructed models of the most common business writing forms: memos, e-mails, letters, reports, and resumes. They'll use this friendly book to get started, get their points across, and make their messages more accessible--and ultimately more profitable.

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THE LITERATE EXECUTIVE shows business professionals how to become better communicators by becoming better writers.

What Makes a Globally Literate Leader?: An article from: Chief Executive (U.S.)

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What Makes a Globally Literate Leader?: An article from: Chief Executive (U.S.)
Robert H. Rosen
Manufacturer: Chief Executive Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B0008HBLVM
Release Date: 2005-07-28

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Chief Executive (U.S.), published by Chief Executive Publishing on April 1, 2000. The length of the article is 2487 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: What Makes a Globally Literate Leader?
Author: Robert H. Rosen
Publication: Chief Executive (U.S.) (Magazine/Journal)
Date: April 1, 2000
Publisher: Chief Executive Publishing
Page: 46

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Geeky or not? Let's see how computer-literate Des Moines executives are.(Issues affecting Des Moines' business): An article from: Business Record (Des Moines)

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Geeky or not? Let's see how computer-literate Des Moines executives are.(Issues affecting Des Moines' business): An article from: Business Record (Des Moines)
Joe Gardyasz
Manufacturer: Business Publication Corp.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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The Literate Executive
Laurie E. Rozakis Laurie Rozakis
Manufacturer: Mcgraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OFZQUA

Customer Reviews:

Practical and Helpful.......1999-12-01

This book is straight-forward in its approach and helpful. When I called up the company, I spoke with the owner/author and his additional insight was useful! It's nice to do business with a customer-oriented company.

The "Quickstart" method gets rid of the confusion and outlines the exact steps needed to incorporate. It's pretty easy. I'd recommend this book.

How to Form a Corporation, LLC or Partnership in California.......1999-11-27

I loved this book. It was the easiest to understand of all the books I found.

This book should be disbarred for "mal practice.".......1999-04-30

This is a poorly organized, incomplete book that is written very generally and leaves to the reader much of the research on laws specific to the jurisdiction. I would look for alternatives before following the advice in this book or you could be lead astray.

Content is general and not very California specific........1999-04-21

The book is confusing and not complete. It contains a lot of general information and leaves a lot of researching up to the reader to find out about the specific laws of California. The publisher offers to sell several products - one of which is a corporate seal -- which is not needed in California.

How to Form a Corporation Llc or Partnership in California

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How to Form a Corporation Llc or Partnership in California
W. Dean Brown
Manufacturer: Corporate Pub Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000KYYAP2

Book Description

Public speaking is one of the most intimidating and important aspects of many jobs. As a one-time speechwriter for President Johnson, and in his current position as president of the Motion Picture Association of America, Jack Valenti has written and delivered speeches in all kinds of settings. Originally published in 1982, Speak Up with Confidence is an indispensable resource for anyone who wants to write and deliver a speech that people will listen to and remember.

Customer Reviews:

some good basic rules to learn.......2005-02-14

If you are doing well in one-to-one conversations but stumble whenever you have to talk to an audience, you will find some good advice in this book. For "two dollars a piece", you will learn five basic rules that will help you a long way. Nothing more, nothing less. Well worth the money and the time to read it.

Not much here.......2003-04-02

I found precious little here. You might think that with the glowing reviews from famous people that this would be a useful book, but in fact the reviews aren't wrong - if you're a senator or a TV personality you'll find this book useful.

The rest of us can give it a miss.

Valenti may be a great speaker, but in terms of a book for everyone he offers little. You should remember your speech pretty much word for word. You should think of the cadence of how you'll deliver it. There really isn't much more, apart from long reminiscences about famous speeches and speakers. The book has a strange almost Victorian tone.

To misquote one of the reviews - this is a dispensible resource. Spend your money on one of the books that teaches you a lot.

A rare gem that stands out...........2002-11-04

This outstanding book is a rare gem that stands out amongst so many books on public speaking. Jack Valenti knows his stuff and demonstrates with finesse the skills and techniques required for successful public speaking. Even the experts, like Barbara Walters, are taking tips from this prolific writer and respected public speaker. His stories and eloquent illustrations are vivid and memorable, drawing both from his personal experience and real life examples of top public figures.

Valenti was a speechwriter for US President Johnson and is currently president of the Motion Picture Association of America. What can you say for a book that former US President George H.W. Bush recommends as a must-read for those who take their case to the public. This book is a brilliant achievement indeed. Once you start reading, it is hard to put it down.

Valenti assures us with his words:
"Let us be clear: If you want to be able to rise before an audience, large or small, and speak to them so that they will listen to you, you can do it."

A valuable resource.......2002-07-19

As a former teacher, I think this book is an excellent resource for teaching a skill that is becoming a lost art. Whether your career routinely includes public speaking or not, people in every walk of life could benefit from the ability to organize thoughts and communicate better. And who better to teach confidence? To see him speak is to admire him.

Kind of disappointing.......2002-07-10

I ordered this book after listening to an interview of the author on cable. I guess I had excessive expectations. I've been in need of a pep talk, and have always wanted to improve my ability to persuade others. The idea that this author had coached many persuasive people was a selling point.

But I can't say I found anything for me in here. There's nothing wrong with the technical content - there just wasn't anything new. While helpful, it seems awfully basic - like stressing the importance of preparation, and practice. Whoopie.

And much of the unique content, IMO, is too heavy on the name-dropping. The excerpts from speeches of the-beautiful-people-I-have-helped felt much like padding. Uh-huh, I guess I should be impressed, but shouldn't these passages be more inspiring?

Certainly I'm picky in these days of economic duress - I spend my money much more carefully, since I have a lot less. But I really thought this might be a worthwhile investment, and I rather feel it came up short.

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SPEAK UP WITH CONFIDENCE - HOW TO PREPARE, LEARN, AND DELIVER EFFECTIVE SPEECHES

Manufacturer: William Morrow & Co.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GQS3H0

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Pei Mei's Chinese Cook Book Volume I

Manufacturer: T & S Industrial Co.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000G9A2GW

Product Description

400 pages, color photographs of dishes. Recipes in Chinese and English.

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Pei Mei's Chinese Cook Book Volume 1
Fu Pei-Mei
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000J45ZAM

Pei Mei's Chinese Cook Book (Volume III)

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I have had three Pei Mei Cookbooks for MANY years...
A MUST HAVE
Fu Pei-Mei is THE Chinese Julia Childs !!!
This is the true Betty Crocker of Chinese cook books.

Pei Mei's Chinese Cook Book (Volume III)
Pei Mei Fu
Manufacturer: Cheng & Tsui
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 091705623X

Customer Reviews:

I have had three Pei Mei Cookbooks for MANY years..........2005-08-07

and I have a HUGE collection of Asian cookbooks. These are the BEST of any. Very authentic and delicious recipes, well laid out and easy to follow. My only dissatisfaction was the quality of the paper and binding. Perhaps those produced today are of higher quality.

A MUST HAVE.......2002-08-11

These are the best for authentic chinese cooking. The three volumes are filled with recipes from different regions, with pictures and very easy to follow instructions. I grew up with a a father who cooked gourmet food every day - needed something to help me "take the flavors" with me when I moved out and this is it! Perfect for the Chinese American wanting to re-create the foods from your parent's house (like me!) I originally borrowed these books, loved them so much and couldn't find them anywhere. Went all the way to Taiwan and scoured the bookstores to find them and never regretted the effort. Highly recommended.

Fu Pei-Mei is THE Chinese Julia Childs !!!.......2002-05-12

Ever since the first television station opened in Taiwan (1958), Ms. Fu Pei-Mei started her cooking show. For most Chinese people, she *IS* the Julia Childs of Chinese cooking!

She is the first person who made recipes available to home chefs, and also demonstrated everything from how to select your vegetables and meat to how to prep fish and seafood, to basics such as how to stir fry, basic knife work (which is one of the most important skills).

She's the first chef to open a cooking school in Taiwan. Without her, there would be no Wei-chuan cooking school. And without her, recipes would only stay within families, or with the restaurant chefs who created them. She demystified Chinese cooking for Chinese moms, many of whom know only a handful of recipes passed down from their mothers.

And most of her students went on to become famous chefs and restauranteurs worldwide.

I have all her original cookbooks that my mother used in the 1960s and now I'm using them. Lifestyle changes and healthier cooking habits may make some of these recipes seem outdated, but if you moderate the amounts of salt and fat, the recipes still work extremely well. Not only that, but there are many dishes that are now lost (due to lack of being made in restaurants), and these are invaluable to any serious foodie collector.

Any of Ms Fu's cookbooks are well worth the investment. These and the Wei-Chuan cookbooks are now all that I use for Chinese cooking.

This is the true Betty Crocker of Chinese cook books........1998-07-28

The recipes contained in the book are true to the regional style. This is a must have for true enthusiast of oriental style cooking. Every recipe that I have followed has been a success with guests.

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Pei Mei's Chinese Cook Book Volume II
Pei Mei
Manufacturer: Chiu-Yu Printing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000AO4O2G

Product Description

Volume 2 of the Pei Mei's Chinese Cook Book Series

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Pei Mei's Chinese Cook Book Volume I
Pei Mei
Manufacturer: Pei Mei's Chinese Cooking Institute
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000AO8TUY

Product Description

In English and Chinese. Volume I of Pei Mei's Chinese Cook Book series.

Fu Peimei Shi Jian Vol.1 (T.V. Program Cook Book Vol.1, in Traditional Chinese)

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Fu Peimei Shi Jian Vol.1 (T.V. Program Cook Book Vol.1, in Traditional Chinese)

Manufacturer: Ju Zi Chu Ban You Xian Gong Si
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

All Chinese Books | Chinese | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
ASIN: 9867997506

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PEI MEI'S CHINESE COOK BOOK Volume I
pei-Mei FU
Manufacturer: T & S Industrial
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000RK2AYM

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PEI MEI'S CHINESE COOK BOOK Volume III
pei-Mei FU
Manufacturer: T & S Industrial
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000RK2B1E

Pei Mei's Chinese Cook Book (Three volumes)

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Pei Mei's Chinese Cook Book (Three volumes)
Fu Pei-Mei
Manufacturer: T&S Industrial Co. Ltd., Taiwan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000RDJHJU

Product Description

These three hard-covered, clear vinyl slip-covered volumes, written in English and Chinese and illustrated with color photos include centuries-old recipes. Vol. I arranges recipes by geographical place of origin, i.e. Eastern China. Vol. II categorizes 110 recipes by ingredients, i.e. pork, sweet desserts. Vol III offers 130 recipes comprising 9 complete formal Chinese banquet dinners from different provinces. Considers etiquette, china ware, ingredients, with photos. Scarce in three volumes.

Pei Mei's Chinese Cook Book (Volume II) (Hardcover)

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Pei Mei's Chinese Cook Book (Volume II) (Hardcover)

Manufacturer: Zu Zi
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

All Chinese Books | Chinese | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
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ASIN: 9867997638

Book Description

“ Practical Program Evaluation presents a useful and usable model for deciding which kind of evaluation activities to undertake in different circumstances. Chen identifies different kinds of evaluation activities that are appropriate for different stages of a program. He also shows how information needs, inside and outside the program, as well as a set of possible trade-offs, should affect the choice of evaluation activities. Chen provides a new and important framework for thinking about these fundamental issues. That is no small accomplishment. Like Chen's previous book on theory-driven evaluation, this book should have a major impact on evaluation theory and practice.”
—Melvin Mark, Pennsylvania State University

Practical Program Evaluation: Assessing and Improving Planning, Implementation, and Effectiveness introduces students to the real world of evaluation, focusing on issues that arise in professional practice. Author Huey T. Chen concentrates on the steps vital to program evaluation: systematically identifying stakeholder needs, selecting evaluation options best suited to particular needs and reconciling any necessary tradeoffs, and turning the decisions into action. Using illustrative examples from the field, the book details the methods and procedures involved in analyzing and identifying stakeholder expectations and selecting an evaluation strategy. The principles and strategies presented are reinforced with theoretical justification. This provides students and professional evaluators the knowledge and flexibility to design suitable evaluations and follow them through from start to finish.

Key Features

* Adds perspective to program evaluation theory, furnishing students with the tools needed to conceptualize problems and strategies to tackle them
* Provides a practical evaluation taxonomy as a road map for evaluators to facilitate better communication with stakeholders
* Covers evaluation as full program cycle, including planning, initial implementation, mature implementation, and outcomes
* Illustrates qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research approaches and their impact on program evaluation
* Highlights both the art and science of program evaluation

Practical Program Evaluation is ideally suited as a text for evaluation courses across the social sciences, including departments of education, sociology, political science, health, and many others. Professional evaluators interested in expanding the scope of their work or strengthening their practical skills will also find this an invaluable desk reference.

Practical Program Evaluation : Assessing and Improving Planning, Implementation, and Effectiveness

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Practical Program Evaluation : Assessing and Improving Planning, Implementation, and Effectiveness
Huey Tsyh Chen
Manufacturer: NY
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000MUDQTK

Book Description

For experienced tatters: 25 lovely patterns for doilies, edgings, Christmas tree ornaments, 3-D flowers, and table runners. Add special touches, as well, to handkerchiefs, pillow cases, collars, cuffs, and other accessories. Photo of each completed project.

Customer Reviews:

great ornaments.......2007-01-17

This has some failry simple designs, a few doilys are very modern. I bought it for the egg and Christmas ball ornaments. The Christmas ornaments looked very nice on the tree wwith tatted snowflakes.

Tatting patterns galore!.......2005-07-01

This is a lovely collection of original designs by Janet Carroll. The book contains several very large doilies, a selection of edgings and other smaller items and a large collection of patterns for Christmas ball ornaments covered with lace.

The instructions are written in longhand as are most of the Dover Publications books, and there are no diagrams so some people may find them difficult to follow especially for the larger doilies, which are quite complex.

Although there are patterns here which will suit the near beginner it is really a book written for someone who knows how to tat and has learned the basics. That said, it represents good value for money and will keep you happy for quite some time once it arrives.

Very nice booklet.......2000-06-15

This is a nice tatting booklet - it is one of the dover series books, but this is a newer one, not a republished version of older patterns. I like this book because the designs are fresh and unique, and the instructions are easy to read. There are doilies, edgings, egg covers, and glass ornament covers. There are some doilies that look like crochet, and some that have almost solid centers of chains. I don't like some of them, but I do like others -- the point is that there are several different styles of designs, and you'd probably find more than a few that you would like. I am not a very advanced tatter, i know rings and chains and have been tatting for a year or two, and if I am capable of doing several of these designs, so are many beginners!

Off the subject, but there is a nice picture and bio of the author in the back. It always make me like a book more when I know a little more about who created it.

a good deal.......2000-05-30

This is a dense book of patterns and information, not reccomended for beginners.

Miss Arnold's book of crocheting, knitting, tatting and drawn work. No. 4: Containing fifty new elegant designs of lace, with full instructions for making

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Miss Arnold's book of crocheting, knitting, tatting and drawn work. No. 4: Containing fifty new elegant designs of lace, with full instructions for making
Eleanor Arnold
Manufacturer: Glasgo Lace Thread Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0008B3TYA

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Well Worth Every Penny

A Well-written Panegyric

Great Introduction to Burke

Edmund Burke: A Genius Reconsidered
Russell Kirk
Manufacturer: Intercollegiate Studies Institute
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Political | Leaders & Notable People | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
History & Theory | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
General | England | Europe | History | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Best of Burke: Selected Writings and Speeches of Edmund Burke (Conservative Leadership Series)

The Conservative Mind: From Burke to Eliot

The Portable Edmund Burke (The Viking Portable Library)

The Great Melody: A Thematic Biography of Edmund Burke

The Politics of Prudence

ASIN: 188292617X

Customer Reviews:

Well Worth Every Penny.......2005-07-28

In this easy to read volume Russell Kirk provides a succinct biography of "the first conservative of our time of troubles." Burke's political philosophy is clearly explained and Kirk introduces the reader to Edmund Burke the man.

The book basically deals with the four major issues of Burke's life: his resistance to Jacobinism, England's relationship with the American Colonies, the prosecution of Warren Hastings, and the stifling of George III's domestic authority. Kirk provides wonderful quotes throughout the book and thorough, balanced analysis.

Those looking for a critical assessment of Burke will not find it here, as Kirk, the great conservative thinker of our time, was a proponent of Burke and felt that his voice was still applicable in today's political climate. However, this does not compromise the integrity of this volume.

This book is a must read for anyone interested in political theory, politics, and/or history.

A Well-written Panegyric.......2004-05-17

Edmund Burke deserves better than this biography. The author Russell Kirk is full of admiration for Burke, but his unqualified praise of his subject is more deserving of a 19th century hagiography than it is a modern work. At no point in the book that I can remember does Kirk ever put anything but the most positive spin on the 18th century statesman/philosopher's actions. Burke is undoubtedly everything Kirk claims -- a great man, a genius, and his influence in both England and the United States largely underestimated - but even the greatest and wisest of men have blind spots and moments of weakness. Was Burke perhaps overzealous in his sixteen-year pursuit of Warren Hastings? Did Burke hide his Irish Catholic roots out of fear for what they could do to his ambitions if brought out in the open? Was his political philosophy less than consistent? Not according to Kirk.

Edmund Burke: A Genius Reconsidered" does have its good points. It's well-written -- far more accessible than the Conor Cruise O'Brien biography "The Great Melody". (To be fair to O'Brien, his biography is not a straightforward work, but presents Burke's life thematically.) Kirk's book also makes some valid points about Burke's legacy, convincing the reader that Burke's philosophy is underappreciated by modern audiences. But a more balanced approach to Burke's life - without all the Great Man gloss -- would have made this point just as effectively.

Great Introduction to Burke.......2001-09-11

Kirk's introduction to the life and politics of Burke is essential to understanding Edmund Burke in his time and ours. More of a Political biography than a general biography, it is still a book whose prose is very readable and understandable. A biography of a great man by a great man.

Architectsof Freedom Series: Edmund Burke A Genius Reconsidered

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Architectsof Freedom Series: Edmund Burke A Genius Reconsidered

Manufacturer: Arlington House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000HMSINW

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Edmund Burke A Genius Reconsidered
Russell Kirk
Manufacturer: Arlington House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000GSBMUI

Edmund Burke a Genius Reconsidered Architects of Freedom Series

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Edmund Burke a Genius Reconsidered Architects of Freedom Series
Russell Kirk
Manufacturer: Arlington House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000L2RRMQ

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Edmund Burke. A Genius Reconsidered
Russell Kirk
Manufacturer: Arlington House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NUNO96

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Edmund Burke: A Genius Reconsidered
Russell Kirk
Manufacturer: ARLINGTON HOUSE
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OJUQZ6

Edmund Burke: A Genius Reconsidered (Revised editon)

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Edmund Burke: A Genius Reconsidered (Revised editon)
Russell Kirk
Manufacturer: Sherwood Sugden & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000LT2BSE

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Preachy and Pretentious

A Bit Self-Serving, Not A Bad Read

A great ride

Breaking Barriers

Rambling, passionate

The Immortal Class: Bike Messengers and the Cult of Human Power
Travis Culley
Manufacturer: Random House Trade Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Authors | Arts & Literature | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
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Pedal Pedal

Red Light Go

Messengers Style

The Art of Urban Cycling: Lessons from the Street

Quicksilver

ASIN: 0375760245
Release Date: 2002-08-13

Book Description

Travis Hugh Culley went to Chicago to make his name in its thriving theater scene, yet found in his day job a sense of community and fulfillment—and a brotherhood of like-minded individualists—that he encountered nowhere else.

In The Immortal Class, Culley takes us inside the heart and soul of an American urban icon: the bicycle messenger. In describing his own history and those of his peers, he evokes a classic American maverick, deeply woven into the fabric of society—from the pits of squalor to the highest reaches of power and privilege—yet always resolutely, exuberantly outside.

Culley’s voice is at once earthy and soaringly poetic—a Gen-X Tom Joad at hyperspeed. The Immortal Class is a unique personal and political narrative of a cyclist’s life on the street.

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Travis Hugh Culley went to Chicago to make his name in its burgeoning theater scene, yet found in his day job a sense of community and fulfillment -- and a brotherhood of like-minded individualists -- that he encountered nowhere else. He was an invisible man in society yet at the same time its -- most intimate observer. In the almost slavish servitude of the job, he found freedom. In The Immortal Class, Culley takes us inside the heart and soul of an American urban icon: the bicycle messenger. In describing his own history and that of his peers, he evokes a classic American maverick, deeply woven into the fabric of society -- from the pits of squalor to the highest reaches of power and privilege -- yet always resolutely, exuberantly outside. Culley's voice is at once earthy and soaringly poetic -- a Gen-X Tom Joad at hyperspeed. The Immortal Class is a unique personal and political narrative of a cyclist's life on the street.

Customer Reviews:

Preachy and Pretentious.......2007-05-06

I've read numerous biographies, most of which are veteran recollections of WWII or Vietnam. Harrowing stuff, but each one is similar: The authors state the story 'as is' without self grandizing themselves. Travis, on the other hand, thinks he's God's gift to the world, that messengers are some kind of elite angelic class put on the planet to battle against the rest of us. God, he goes on and on thumping his chest at every opportunity. I was really looking forward to a straight on biography about a bike messenger. THAT would be interesting. I certainly didn't expect to read about a guy who puts himself and bike couriers above the rest of us.

Allow me to quote a small paragraph. This is when he puts his goggles on.
"The force field comes on the moment I set a pair of clear protective glasses across my eyes. I can't work without them. They are all the protection I get from the social clatter, the dire poverty, and the proudly overbearing ignorance that these streets can offer. They are not just for dust and wind. They protect me from a well-deserverd cynicism about the human race in an arena where all divisions between us as people are revealed in horrific nudity. I see the stress and hardship hidden beneath our paper-thin presentations of kindness. I see the diseases of our everyday lives bury themselves beneath a thin veneer of language, and I have got to just live with it, openly, brotherly, constantly; everything - constantly."

---- man, i gotta get myself a pair of those glasses.... the book is filled with monologues like this. I'm sure most people won't want to read it - they bought this book to read about the life of bike messengers, not to attend Travis' self-grandizing church sermons.

A Bit Self-Serving, Not A Bad Read.......2007-01-02

I must admit that I bought this book and was thoroughly enchanted by it. I believed that I was buying a book written by a verteran bike messenger off the streets of Chicago. It wasn't until after I did some research that I discovered Mr Culley had taken other people's stories and inserted himself into the role of the protagonist. This was a bit of a letdown. I was further disappointed to discover that Mr Culley had been on-the-job for less than a year before he decided to write this book, or, at least, assemble it.

The book does tend to wander a bit, Travis seems to enjoy going on and on about things, then go off in the middle to talk about something else, and then return to the original story. Irritating, but not too bad that you want to throw the book away.

I found it rather interesting as how easily this book reminded me of the movie "Quicksilver". A newcomer to the bike messenger life quickly becomes the best there is - a "rock star" as Travis describes himself, at one point - and quickly overshadows those who had been on the streets for years.

With all of his statements about bicycle advocacy, and his place in the spotlight after the release of this book, you would think that a sincere person would continue to use his newfound fame to continue to work for those aspirations he mentioned in the book. Not so with Travis Culley. He wrote his book, made his money and enjoyed the fame. Nothing else after that for either bike messengers or the cycling community that I am aware of at this time.

A great ride.......2006-05-07

Some seem to feel that Hugh Travis Cully is nothing more than a dilettante and a poseur who appropriated as his own a culture that he merely dabbled in. Yet it's hard to imagine that his voice, an articulate sort of strangled scream, is made up of whole cloth. This is the story of a young man, channeling his energy and yearning into a challenge immediately at hand. He is, in a modest, urban, latter-day way, our Odysseus polytropos and his experience is a remarkable one, enhanced in his telling of the tale. He has given a voice to a culture that is, on its own, voiceless, insular and hostile to outsiders. Sour grapes can't quiet it. This is a book about bike messengers for the rest of us. Read it.

Breaking Barriers.......2006-01-29

A truly thought provoking read full of insights into the bike messenger culture. It's very accessible to both bicyclists and non-bicyclists. Based on the other reviews it's clear that all of this prose has to be taken with a grain of salt as he's not basing all these stories on his own experience and is a bit preachy. Personally, I enjoyed the romanticized view of bicycle culture that he holds. The almost child-like fascination is something that people can lose over time when biking for transportation or work.

Rambling, passionate.......2005-07-08

Liked:

- Author's passion
- Interesting characters, anecdotes
- Insider's look at messenger lifestyle

Disliked:

- Preachy passages that seemed to go on forever, making the same point over and over (luckily, these were easy to spot so they were easy to skip over)
- Unfocused writing, especially in the preachy sections
- Tried to cram two books into one: "why bikes are good and drivers suck/bike activism" and "all about bike messengers"

The Immortal Class Bike Messengers and the Cult of Human Power

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The Immortal Class Bike Messengers and the Cult of Human Power
Culley Travis Hugh
Manufacturer: Villard Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000UIC77Q

IMMORTAL CLASS, THE, Bike Messengers and the Cult of Human Power

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IMMORTAL CLASS, THE, Bike Messengers and the Cult of Human Power
Travis Hugh Culley
Manufacturer: Villard Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000VBBNPY

Book Description

This guide explains how to use the MDX language in relation to SAS OLAP. MDX is part of the foundation of the SAS 9.1.3 OLAP Server architecture, and it provides functionality for creating and querying multidimensional structures called cubes. The MDX guide discusses basic MDX concepts, MDX queries and syntax, MDX DDL syntax, SAS functions relevant to MDX, MDX usage examples, and MDX functionality supported by SAS. This documentation is intended for users who build SAS OLAP cubes and related MDX queries.

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