Hadleys Blog

Digital Photography Masterclass Product: Digital Photography Masterclass Sale-$19.80! List Price: $30.00 Amazon Price: $19.80 Click Here To See Amazon Sale Price Add to cart to see low price@ Availability: In Stock Usually ships in 24 Hours Free Shipping Available

Compare Prices on Digital Photography Masterclass

It’s easy to see why digital photography has overtaken analog in popularity-it’s affordable, convenient, versatile, and, above all, it makes photography more fun than ever before. Tom Ang’s latest book is an in-depth, inspirational, and uniquely practical guide to every aspect of digital photography. There are assignments and analysis spreads, and step-by-step tutorials to help you hone your skills. He teaches you to look at the world with a photographer’s “eye” and shows you how to get great shots every time. In short, this book shows you how to master your camera to ensure the best results in every situation and how to push the computer to keep up with your vision.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7570 in Books
• Published on: 2008-05-19
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 360 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780756636722
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Excellent All Around Book On Photography…
From taking the photo, to the finished processed output, this book covers it all - but not in a way that makes it stretch itself too thin. The clear emphasis is on taking great shots, and the way the book is laid out, he breaks it up into sections, each regarding one aspect of photography, and he talks about ways to use it to get improved photos. Then, for each subject, he breaks down a specific picture, and goes over the use of the subject of that chapter in that photo itself, so you can really see how it is used. That is one of my favorite parts of the book. Another part is where other photogs (I assume they are amateurs, but it doesn’t discuss) are given an assignment, and then Tom critiques the results, this part is also very helpful. In fact, it becomes even MORE helpful if you take on the assignments yourself, with the goal of incorporating the information in that chapter into your photo taking process.

The next large section is on post processing - the emphasis here is how to optimize the photo, although he does briefly go over more creative things, he just does not get in to too much detail on them, things like superimposing one image on top of another for different effects.

In the last section, he has Q&A sessions with some professional photographersof different genres, and discusses how they went pro, what they enjoy, how they do what they do, and discusses some of their photos with them. This section continues with the Assignments, which I really liked.

Overall I really enjoyed the book, the use of photos in this book was different from any other book I have read so far, it was so much more based on analysis of the image, and why he did what with the photo to improve it, as opposed to a photographer who wrote a book mainly to publish his own photos, or talk about how many awards he has won.

Finally, I would consider myself a very advanced amateur photographer, I am quite well versed in f stops and shutter speeds, and I pulled a great deal of information from this book; and at the same time, I would give this book to a beginner photographer without hesitation, as I think it can help a wide range of skill levels. No book can make someone a great photographer, but this book most definitely (if you actually apply its information) make someone a BETTER photographer.

The best all-around photography book. Hands down!
I picked up this book a couple days ago after reading such books as Bryan Peterson’s, Understanding Exposure, and Scott Kelby’s, The Digital Photography Book Vol 1 and 2. Even though I still think Understanding Exposure is the best photography book out there, I believe it caters more to intermediate users like myself. However, Tom Ang has managed to create a wonderful book that caters to photographers of all levels by introducing techniques, terms, and instruction in easy to understand and well written material.

The book throws you right in and after you are done reading the first chapter and get to the first “assignment” you will be craving to take pictures with your digital camera. He does this by showing you various photographs with written accompaniment that explains the design, influence, and technical aspects that went into the photograph. He usually breaks down the photos in 4 pieces by showing a different section of the photo and explaining how that piece relates to the material being covered in the current section. He also shows 9 photographs in a “lightbox” and explains what each photo shows as it pertains to the chapter or section.

Tom Ang gives you an assignment after each chapter which gives you a chance to “do it yourself.” The assignment always has to do with some lesson from the chapter. For example, the first assignment is to go out at night and find an area outside with lots of lights and use slow shutter speeds to create an amazing photograph. He asks you to do this because in the chapter he talked about shutter speeds and how they pertained to sharpness and creativity. He then shows examples his students have taken when completing the assignment he just gave. It’s a super easy way to see if you are on the right track; you feel like he is actually in front of you teaching.

His material is wonderfully written with easy to understand material. He takes the complex jargon out of it and even if you do get confused by a word, there is a great glossary in the back! He points out myths and fallacies that are often misunderstood by even the most experienced photographers. Each page offers something new and makes you want to turn the page.

Out of all the photography books I have read, which is about 10, this is the 2nd best. This is second only to Bryan Peterson’s, Understanding Exposure. If you are a beginner to intermediate photographer, read this first, and then go get Understanding Exposure. This book was great and I was not expecting such a great book when I first picked it up. I will definitely be checking out some of Tom Ang’s other books after reading this one.

Masterclass is my new favorite photography book!
This is a great photography book, with tons of shooting ideas, and techniques, both capture and processing. Masterclass breaks down what might seem difficult, and makes it pretty easy. I find myself referencing it before some shoots to get ideas, and after to get post processing ideas. There are a lot of books about photography, but none as easy to follow as this one. No matter what your skill level, there is something in the book for you. A definate purchase.

Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl Written by Herself Product: Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl Written by Herself Lowest Price! List Price: —- Amazon Price: Price Too Low To Display! Click Here To See Amazon Sale Price Add to cart to see low price@ Availability: In Stock Usually ships in 24 Hours Free Shipping Available

Compare Prices on Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl Written by Herself

This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1164 in eBooks
• Published on: 2004-02-01
• Released on: 2004-02-01
• Format: Kindle Book

Rare first hand account of a slave girl
Harriet Jacobs book Life of a Slave Girl is a unique piece of slave literature directly from the pen of an articulate slave. One gets a sense of the poignant way she can retell the story of her enslavement from a passage she writes in the preface of her book.

“. . . I do earnestly desire to arouse the women of the North to a
realizing sense of the condition of two millions of women at the South,
still in bondage, suffering what I suffered, and most of them far worse.
I want to add my testimony to that of abler pens to convince the people
of the Free States what Slavery really is. Only by experience can any
one realize how deep, and dark, and foul is that pit of abominations.”

Her story raises emotions of sentiment for a mother struggling to hold her family together, and it shines a light on the cruelties of slavery. The political sentiment at the time among the elites in the northern states was increasingly becoming antislavery. The political aspect of Jacob’s writing is not that of the highly stylized writings of famous abolitionists or of eminent blacks such as Frederick Douglass using reason and religion to condemn slavery. Jacob’s writing is visceral and down to earth. Her powerful argument against slavery pulls at the heartstrings of any sympathetic decent human being. In essence, Jacob’s story is one that resonates with people of all socio-economic backgrounds. It is no mystery why the hearts and minds of people are stirred to action after one reads Jacob’s disturbing accounts of sexual depravity, mental anguish, and the destruction of the family unit, that she endured as a slave. Her first person narrative account is what makes her book such a strong force of political sentiment in the genre of slave narrative. Since there were so few slave narratives in circulation at the time, it was easy for Jacob’s book to engender such strong political sentimentality.

Jacob’s ability to arouse aesthetic sentimentality in her audience was a bit tricky, because of the sexual decisions she had to make in her life. Deciding to have an elicit sexual relationship with an unmarried white neighbor to escape the depraved advances of her owner could be construed as Jacob’s being more interested in autonomy and less interested in chastity. Jacob has made it clear to her audience that it was her station in life that caused her to make what her white readers would consider an unconventional choice. Jacob’s plight as a slave caused her to choose freedom over trying to protect her chastity more strenuously. Since slavery took away almost all of her freedom and individuality, she was willing to trade her chastity for the freedom of choice. Jacob’s virginity was one of the few things she possessed that she was able to withhold from her owner. After going into detail for why she made her choice she still felt it was necessary to apologize to her “Victoria” audience for her decision. This act on her part was truly one of the few choices she had the ability to make while in slavery’s bondage. Thus, once Jacob’s white audience understood the dreadfully marginal position she occupied in society, most of them would feel compassion for her. This would make her audience more inclined to accept the choice she felt was necessary to make for her own well-being. Jacob’s decision over who she would give her sexual being to, was he only way of holding onto some semblance of individuality.

This was required reading for a graduate course in the Humanities. Recommended reading for anyone interested in history, psychology, philosophy, and literature.

Excellent Read
I wish everyone could read this book. Jacobs writes a story about herself as a Black American slave. Her tale brings the light the terror of people who can take power and abuse, as well, as the compassion of a people who take care of each other. In her writings she not only explains her experiences but also weaves her true tale of other experiences of slavery. She explains the differences between a black male slave and a black female slave experience. Both horrid but very different with the same outcome trauma. Anyone interested in understanding slavery should take the time to read her story. Her story is avaliable for free or a few dollars- and believe me it will be worth your time in doing so.

Before I stop writing, her writing is very visual and very well-written. She even explains how she learned to write so well.

Read it!

A must-read slave narrative
I was delighted to find this title here. I first read it as an undergrad and then later as a graduate student interested in slave narratives. Jacobs gives a highly sensitive insight into the inner psyche of the female slave. This work is not only of great importance as a member of the “slave narrative” genre, but also of women’s literature in general. It is wonderful to hear the highly femanized yet powerfully strong female voice of our narrator. Would be fantastic as a summer reading project for precocious teens along with Uncle Tom’s cabin and Frederick Douglass. Plus, it’s just a darned, good read!

Programming Pearls 2nd Edition Product: Buy Programming Pearls 2nd Edition At Amazon! List Price: $39.99 Amazon Price: $31.19 Click Here To See Amazon Sale Price Add to cart to see low price@ Availability: In Stock Usually ships in 24 Hours Free Shipping Available

Compare Prices on Programming Pearls 2nd Edition

The first edition of Programming Pearls was one of the most influential books I read early in my career, and many of the insights I first encountered in that book stayed with me long after I read it. Jon has done a wonderful job of updating the material. I am very impressed at how fresh the new examples seem.” -Steve McConnell

When programmers list their favorite books, Jon Bentley’s collection of programming pearls is commonly included among the classics. Just as natural pearls grow from grains of sand that irritate oysters, programming pearls have grown from real problems that have irritated real programmers. With origins beyond solid engineering, in the realm of insight and creativity, Bentley’s pearls offer unique and clever solutions to those nagging problems. Illustrated by programs designed as much for fun as for instruction, the book is filled with lucid and witty descriptions of practical programming techniques and fundamental design principles. It is not at all surprising that Programming Pearls has been so highly valued by programmers at every level of experience.

In this revision, the first in 14 years, Bentley has substantially updated his essays to reflect current programming methods and environments. In addition, there are three new essays on * testing, debugging, and timing * set representations * string problems All the original programs have been rewritten, and an equal amount of new code has been generated. Implementations of all the programs, in C or C++, are now available on the Web.

What remains the same in this new edition is Bentley’s focus on the hard core of programming problems and his delivery of workable solutions to those problems. Whether you are new to Bentley’s classic or are revisiting his work for some fresh insight, the book is sure to make your own list of favorites.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #13178 in Books
• Published on: 1999-10-07
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780201657883
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

The Pearls Still Glitter After a Decade
Without any doubt, my favorite article in _Communications of the ACM_ in the 1980’s was the regular `Programming Pearls’ articles by Jon Bentley. When the first edition of these collected gems was published, I read it with great delight. Now, over a decade later, a second edition has been published, containing the same problems with additional modifications and notations. Given the enormous changes in programming since the mid 80’s, your first reaction might be that this book is dated and therefore irrelevant. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Elegant solutions to complex programming problems are free from the rot of time. Programming is a thought process largely independent of the notation used to write it down. The solutions are sketched and explained rather than coded, and the solutions are complete. There is a certain mystique about taking a complex problem, finding an initial solution and then refining it down until it kicks some big time. There are some major lessons in program refinement explained in these solutions.
Coding a binary search is covered quite extensively, which may seem like a waste of space, as this problem was solved decades ago. However, that solution took decades to get right, and this is one of those “separates the coders from the key bangers” type of problem. Other problems examined include performance tuning, squeezing space and program correctness. While the improvement in the performance of the hardware has been astounding since these solutions were written, that does not make them obsolete. The complexity of the programs that we now build has risen even faster, so performance and space considerations are just as critical.
Some problems were here at the beginning and will still be here at the end. Even though there may be canned code to handle them, these problems are generic enough that the solutions can be applied elsewhere, so we must learn how to solve them. Understanding these problems and their solutions will give you a fundamental skill set that will serve you well for a long time.

A course in how to think like an experienced programmer
The thirteen columns in this book appeared in the Communications of the ACM between 1983 and 1985. There can’t be more than a couple of technical books on computing from that era that are still worth reading. Kernighan & Ritchie’s book, “The C Programming Language”, is one that springs to mind; this book is definitely another, and will probably outlast K&R as it has almost no ties to existing or past hardware or languages.

What Bentley does in each of these columns is take some part of the field of programming–something that every one of us will have run into at some point in our work–and dig underneath it to reveal the part of the problem that is permanent; that doesn’t change from language to language. The first two parts cover problem definition, algorithms, data structures, program verification, and efficiency (performance, code tuning, space tuning); the third part applies the lessons to example pseudocode, looking at sorting, searching, heaps, and an example spellchecker.

Bentley writes clearly and enthusiastically, and the columns are a pleasure to read. But the reason so many people love this book is not for the style, it’s for the substance–you can’t read this book and not come away a better programmer. Inefficiency, clumsiness, inelegance and obscurity will offend you just a little more after you’ve read it.

It’s hard to pick a favourite piece, but here’s one nice example from the algorithm design column that shows how little the speed of your Pentium matters if you don’t know what you’re doing. Bentley presents a particular problem (the details don’t matter) and multiple different ways to solve it, calculating the relationship between problem size and run time for each algorithm. He gives, among others, a cubic algorithm (run time equal to a constant, C, times the cube of the problem size, N–i.e. t ~ CN^3), and a linear algorithm with constant K (t ~ KN). He then implemented them both: the former in fine-tuned FORTRAN on a Cray-1 supercomputer; the latter in BASIC on a Radio Shack TRS-80. The constant factors were as different as they could be, but with increasing problem size the TRS-80 eventually has to catch up–and it does. He gives a table showing the results: for a problem size of 1000, the Cray takes three seconds to the TRS-80’s 20 seconds; but for a problem size of 1,000,000, the TRS-80 takes five and a half hours, whereas the Cray would take 95 years.

The book is informative, entertaining, and will painlessly make you a better programmer. What more can you ask?

Packed with programming wisdom
It’s great to see they’ve come out with an update to this book. The essays in this book are easy to read and touch on many valuable things, such as tuning and optimization of algorithms, using mini languages to provide robust tools, doing back-of-the-envelope calculations, and much more. I have recommended this book to several beginning programmers that I know as an excellent introduction to thinking effectively about the challenges of software engineering.

Iberia Description:

“Massive, beautiful…Unquestionably some of the best writing on Spain…The best that Mr. Michener has ever done on any subject…Stunning…Memorable.”
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
Here, in the fresh, vivid prose that is James Michener’s trademark, is the real Spain as he experiences it. He not only reveals the celebrated Spain of bullfights and warror kings, painters and processions, cathedrals and olive orchards; he also shares the intimate, often hidden Spain he has come to know, where toiling peasants and their honest food, the salt of the shores and the oranges of the inland fields, the congeniality of living souls and the dark weight of history conspire to create a wild, contradictory, passionately beautiful land, the mystery called Iberia.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #33608 in Books
• Published on: 1969-09
• Released on: 1984-10-12
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• 960 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780449207338
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Customer Reviews:

an impressively deep, honest and affectionate view of Spain
This is not like most Michener books, which are generally fictional; this is his personal travelogue of his impressions of many travels all over Spain. It should be understood that it was published in the late 1960s and that much has since changed in Spain since that time. While ‘Iberia’ is normally taken (in the USA, at least) to incorporate Portugal, Michener is writing almost exclusively about Spain in this book.

Michener clearly loved Spain and knew many Spaniards as friends. He discusses Spain’s history, culture, art, literature, dance, geography, sports, and spirituality. Rather than putting all that into nice neat little buckets, he weaves it all together to paint an entrancing picture of the Spanish soul as he knows it.

Unlike many such authors, Michener uses photos very carefully to illustrate aspects of Spanish culture, from the assuredly adamant eyes of the Guardia Civil to the warm smiles of the poorest people. He also takes a lot of time to explain words that are difficult to translate and what they tell us about Spanish culture.

Recommended with equal enthusiasm whether from the viewpoint of history, religion, culture, or art. Also of special value to those living in Spanish-speaking countries or regions with large Hispanic populations, as Spain’s influence on those cultures, as a mother country, is readily apparent.

Bravo, Sr. Michener. Faltan mucho a Ud.

Michener’s Best
As an avid fan of Michener’s fiction, I decided to pick this book up to see how Michener dealt with nonfiction. I can without hesitation say that Michener is at his best in this genre. “Iberia” is a stunning achievement of meticulous care and fascinating recounting of events.

His account of Spain, though dated now by thirty years, made me feel as if I were there travelling side by side with Michener. It is wonderfully detailed and always engaging. There are long sections that are just descriptions of art and architecture, and being the art philistine that I am, these became a bit tedious. Still, my appreciation of these passages came less from the art described than from the obvious passion with which Michener describes them…

This book is a must-read.

a massive, thousand-page love affair with Spain
For my hundredth review, I wanted to describe a book that meant something very special to my husband and me. Although “Iberia” was originally published in 1968 (and spent the next seven months on the “New York Times” best seller list), we used it eleven years later to plan our first trip to Spain. It had not gone out-of-date. If it had aged at all, it was in Michener’s less-than-balanced account of the Spanish Civil War (of course the same could be said of Hemingway).

“Iberia” is a massive, thousand-page love affair with Spain, part history, part travelogue, and part parador-and-tapa-bar guide. It is not ‘merely’ a tour guide to Spain, any more than Rebecca West’s “Black Lamb and Grey Falcon” is ‘merely’ a tour guide to Yugoslavia. With the possible exception of his Pulitzer Prize winning “Tales of the South Pacific”, I believe this to be Michener’s finest work.

My opinion (or prejudice) is based on our unforgettable journey through Spain. Michener took us places we never would have found in the standard tourist guides. We pigged out in his tapa bars-”first comes the seafood— the anchovies, eel, squid, octopus, herring, shrimp, salmon, five kinds of sardines, five kinds of fish; next come the boiled eggs, deviled eggs, egg salad, potato omelets cut in strips, vegetables, onions, salads; third are the cold meats in great variety, including meat balls, York ham, Serran ham, tripe, brains, liver in a variety of styles, beef, pork and veal; and finally the hot dishes…”

I booked us into many of the paradors that he recommended. Paradors are combination hotel-museums, which serve some of the best food in Spain—”Where practical, the paradors are housed in ancient buildings, such as old convents, monasteries, castles no longer in use, hospitals dating back to the age of the Catholic Kings, or inns in which Columbus may have slept.”

In Merida, we stayed in a parador that is housed in the 500-year-old Convento de los Frailes de Jesus (Michener’s personal favorite). Then there was the castle-parador, the parador that is built within the Alhambra, and the modern, ski-resort parador on the slopes of Monte Perdido. We stumbled across the last-mentioned resort while lost in the Pyrenees, and had it literally to ourselves (and one other couple), since the season was late spring.

My one regret is that we did not get to attend the ancient horse fair that follows Holy Week in Seville, and is so lovingly described in “Iberia.” This fair dates back “two thousand years to the days when Romans came here to buy horses for their generals…If a man likes horses, this rough-and-ready market with no rules and little order would delight him. It is conducted under a blazing sun and has about it a strange and ancient quality. I have attended at three different times and found it difficult to believe that I was in the twentieth century…”

If you are planning a trip to Spain, book yourself into the paradors well in advance of your trip (at least a year in advance if you plan to visit during or immediately after Holy Week), try to attend Seville’s ancient horse fair, and above all, buy and read Michener’s “Iberia.”

From the Inside Flap
“Massive, beautiful…Unquestionably some of the best writing on Spain…The best that Mr. Michener has ever done on any subject…Stunning…Memorable.”
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
Here, in the fresh, vivid prose that is James Michener’s trademark, is the real Spain as he experiences it. He not only reveals the celebrated Spain of bullfights and warror kings, painters and processions, cathedrals and olive orchards; he also shares the intimate, often hidden Spain he has come to know, where toiling peasants and their honest food, the salt of the shores and the oranges of the inland fields, the congeniality of living souls and the dark weight of history conspire to create a wild, contradictory, passionately beautiful land, the mystery called Iberia.

All You Need to Know About the Music Business: Seventh Edition Description:

Since the advent of file-sharing technology in the late 1990s, the music industry has been challenged to reinvent itself. What has it done? How have the record labels repositioned themselves to cope with these massive changes? How does all this affect creative artists?

No one understands the music industry — from the technology, to the legalities, to the new industry practices — better than veteran music lawyer Donald Passman. In this completely revised and updated seventh edition of All You Need to Know About the Music Business, which the Los Angeles Times called “the industry bible” and which has sold hundreds of thousands of copies over the last eighteen years, Passman offers executives and artists, experts and novices alike the essential information they need not only to survive in these volatile and exciting times, but also to thrive.

Drawing on his unique, up-to-the-minute experience as one of the most trusted advisors in the industry, Passman offers new information on:

- The new 360 model of record deals, wherein record companies share in nonrecord revenue

- The Copyright Royalty Board’s latest decisions regarding online transmissions

- The developing customs on new technologies such as streaming on demand, ringtones, and digital downloads

- Updates on recording and publishing deals, as well as film music

He also gives guidance on fundamental issues, such as how to:

- Select and hire a winning team of advisors — personal and business managers, agents, and attorneys — and structure their commissions, percentages, and fees in a way that will protect you and maximize these relationships

- Master the big picture and the finer points of record deals

- Navigate the ins and outs of songwriting, music publishing, and copyrights

- Maximize concert, touring, and merchandising deals

Everyone in the business — musicians, songwriters, entertainment lawyers, agents, promoters, publishers, managers, record company executives — is scrambling to figure out what’s going to happen in the future, and Passman is in the thick of these changes. Anyone interested in a music career will need this comprehensive and crucial guide to making it in one of the world’s most dynamic industries.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4616 in Books
• Published on: 2009-11-17
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 480 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781439153017
• Condition: USED - VERY GOOD
• Notes:

Customer Reviews:

One of the holy trinity of music business books
Speaking as a music business consultant, if I had to recommend only one music business book for someone who wanted to break into the music industry, this would be it. Donald S. Passman’s All You Need to Know About the Music Business is one of what I refer to as the Holy Trinity of music business books, along with This Business of Music and Mark Halloran’s Musician’s Business and Legal Guide.

Passman is well respected within the industry, with musicians and music industry executives alike. He explains complex concepts and legal terms well and is adept at breaking down the complexities while maintaining terminology music industry professionals need to know.

While This Business of Music remains the comprehensive music industry Bible, its legalese can intimidate those new music business concepts or those who are unfamiliar with contract language. Therefore, Passman’s All You Need to Know About the Music Business serves as a great starting point to the concepts and terminology of the music industry. I especially recommend it as a prerequisite to This Business of Music.

Take this book with you everywhere! it should be your go to guide!
As a student taking a music business bachelors program, I can tell you that this book is like a road map for making your way through the music industry without getting caught in the spiders web of lies, deceit, and backhanded or cut-throat deals.

Whether your a musician trying to get a Good record deal or someone who wants to make a career in the music field, Donald Passman’s book reveals secrets and truths that could cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to find out from industry professionals. The most astonishing thing is that and It really is easy to read and understand (not like a text book, but like a novel you can’t stop reading). I’m telling you the truth when I say that this book is worth its weight in gold! If you really want to get into the music business, then you shouldn’t hesitate in dropping 25 bucks to get “All You Need to Know About The Music Business!”

The Real Deal
An incredible thorough explanation of all sides of the music business. You will find some info incredibly fascinating, other pages you won’t want to look at, but the author does a tremendous job of allowing the reader to move from section to section without losing continuity or flow.

A great pickup if you are interested in learning more about the music industry as a potential career path. I interviewed with a finance guy at Warner Music Group, and he said this was “The Bible” of the music industry; I see his point now.

About the Author
Donald Passman is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Texas and a Cum Laude graduate of Harvard Law School. He is a prominent entertainment lawyer with the firm Gang, Tyre, Ramer & Brown, and his clients include such major entertainers as Tina Turner, Janet Jackson, Quincy Jones, Don Henley, Tom Waits, and Randy Newman. In addition, he represents many music publishers, producers, record companies, songwriters, industry executives, and film companies. He is frequently listed as one of the fifty most influential people in the entertainment industry, and is commonly credited with having won Janet Jackson her $40 million megadeal with Virgin Records. He has taught and lectured extensively, and has been teaching a course on the music industry at the University of Southern California Law School’s Advanced Professional Program since 1978. He lives in Los Angeles, California, with his wife and family.

Become a Better You: 7 Keys to Improving Your Life Every Day Description:

In an abridgment of his second #1 New York Times bestseller, Joel Osteen will inspire and motivate you to live with more joy, hope, and peace. Using his signature easy-to understand style, he reveals seven simple, profound principals that when taken to heart, will help you become all that God has created you to be. His first book, Your Best Life Now, was a runaway bestseller and is available worldwide in 24 languages.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #12419 in Books
• Published on: 2010-04-27
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 128 pages

Customer Reviews:

Great Book–Interesting, Practical, Biblical
I was so impressed with this book because of the many practical and Biblical suggestions contained in it. I highly recommend this to anyone! I found myself taking notes as I read to make a list of specific things I want to do right away to become a “better me.” I have been a born-again Christian for 47 years of my 54 and still feel like I learned much from reading this book.

I was also relieved to find it wasn’t at all boring. A few chapters in the beginning went slow for me because they didn’t really apply to my life, but others may find them to be very useful and helpful. I truly enjoyed reading this book in less than a week. I can honestly say there was nothing in it that I disagreed with.

I haven’t read many self-help books, but this one is GREAT! I was very encouraged by some of the things he mentioned such as:

1) Keep stretching because my best days are yet to come. Your best days are not behind you, they’re in front of you. (I am 54 so this is very encouraging to me)

2) Develop a Habit of Happiness. Choose to put a positive spin on things and be happy-even in bad circumstances.

3) Remember who you are and act accordingly–child of God Almighty, redeemed, talented, creative, have potential to fulfill your destiny.

4) Find work you are passionate about.

5) Relationships are more important than accomplishments. Build others up–compliment someone each day. Be the head cheerleader and encourager for your spouse.

6) Leave places better off than they were before I came by.

7) Celebrate other people’s victories.

Keep a running record of the good things God has done for you.

9) Keep a tender conscience by listening to and obeying the small voice that nudges you to do or not to do something so you can keep hearing God’s voice.

10) Plan on a long and healthy life!

11) Keep a song of praise in your heart all through the day.

12) Smile on purpose.

13) Believe expecting–put actions with your faith.

Although I knew some of these things and even used to do them at one time, it was good to be reminded of them. My husband was right when he said Joel uses good illustrations. I’m pretty sure he had a real-life illustration for every main point in this book.

I also liked at the very end, Joel gives concise and clear instructions how the reader can begin a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. I was glad to see he included this.

–Karen Arlettaz Zemek, author of “My Funny Dad, Harry”

Fulfill Your Destiny
“You have something to offer that nobody else has.” ~ Joel Osteen

Joel Osteen presents a message of hope. Through his experience as a pastor he has encountered problems people have struggled with since the beginning of time. No matter what situation you find yourself in, Joel Osteen has a spiritual solution. He draws on biblical references and his own inner wisdom and life experiences.

One of the major points in “Becoming a Better You,” is the issue of how to change defeating messages into life-changing affirmations. Instead of focusing on weaknesses and faults, you learn to speak to yourself in more positive ways.

“Becoming a better you is all in how you choose to view life.” ~ Joel Osteen

The section on overcoming hereditary problems with a positive mindset is enlightening and very helpful. Some very convincing stories show how humans have the ability to overcome illness just by thinking differently about the problem.

Joel Osteen encourages you to stop dwelling on negative thoughts so you can reach your full potential. In order to fulfill your destiny you have to leave your past mistakes behind you as you reach into the future by following spiritual wisdom.

Some of the areas covered in this book include: divorce, parenting, marriage, addictions, relationships, illness, lifestyle choices, goals, happiness, habits, handling criticism, peace, dreams, kindness, success, God’s love, blessings, career choices, health, aging, forgiveness of sin, compassion, challenges, miracles and self-improvement through a deeper relationship with God. Each section ends with “Action Points.”

“Today I will reach for something beyond where I am presently. I will actively pursue new goals, keeping them out in front of me, and expecting to meet them.” ~ pg. 376, Action Point 3

The most powerful idea in this book is about how you can change your life through remembering that you are a child of Almighty God. With God’s help you can overcome your problems and live the life you have imagined.

~The Rebecca Review

Advanced Lessons about Sancification for Christian Believers
One of the great pleasures of this book for me was to re-read many of my favorite sermons by Pastor Joel Osteen. No matter how many times I’ve listened to a sermon that’s included here, the Holy Spirit helped me to draw new meaning from reading it in Become a Better You.

Another great benefit was to see the structure that Pastor Osteen used to organize these sermons relative to one another. Just by seeing that structure and thinking about it after finishing the book, I better understood the process of sanctification (the way that Christian believers go about becoming more like Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit).

People who don’t know Jesus as their Lord and Savior often think that Christianity is simply about accepting or rejecting Jesus. That’s the first step, the step of salvation from our sins. But our relationship with Jesus builds from there through sanctification.

Those who aren’t Christians often don’t know what large impacts becoming saved and sanctified have. This book is eloquent testimony of how much Christianity does for you here on Earth, long before you die.

Through the many stories (many of them based on his own experiences and those of his family) in the sermons, Pastor Osteen does a marvelous job of showing that transforming experience and potential for even more improvements.

The 31 sermons are organized around seven steps which I have paraphrased as follows:

1. Seek continual improvement and larger challenges.
2. Use your faith to have a positive view of yourself.
3. Improve your relationships with others.
4. Eliminate bad habits and form better ones.
5. Accept your situation.
6. Listen more carefully to and act on God’s directions.
7. Embrace life with Godly passion.

Each step concludes with a few action points that allow you to refocus and redirect your life. These are good habits.

The book concludes with a call to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

Some would argue that this book is only for Christians. But if you are not a Christian and wonder what the Christian life is like, I think you’ll find this book to be interesting and valuable as well.

I was struck that some people think this is a self-help book that should be filled with novel ideas. Pastor Joel Osteen is drawing on the timeless words of the Bible. I’m glad he didn’t vary from what God has directed for us.

May God bless you!

Amazon.com Review
Book Description
Joel Osteen reaches one of the largest audiences in the U.S. and across the globe–more than 42,000 people attend his church every week, and millions more tune in by television to hear his words of inspiration and wisdom. His first book, Your Best Life Now, has sold over 4 million copies and is available worldwide in 17 languages. His message of hope is helping people find a closer connection with God by learning to apply the principles of Scripture to their everyday lives.

In this new book, Become a Better You, Joel Osteen offers seven simple yet profound action steps that will help readers discover the better things they were born for… their individual purpose and destiny. As charming and passionate on the page as he is in person, Osteen incorporates key biblical principles, devotions, and personal testimonies that will uplift and enlighten readers. He speaks directly to the hearts and concerns of people from every walk of life. People love Joel Osteen–they love to be in his presence, to hear him speak, and to read what he’s written–they just can’t get enough of him.

Become a Better You will encourage and inspire readers to reach their full, unique and God given potential.

---

A Word from Joel Osteen

Dear Amazon Customer,

I am very excited to be working with Amazon.com as an online bookseller and partner for the publication of my new book, Become a Better You. As a leader in e-commerce, Amazon.com is an informative and innovative online resource. Get ready to embark on a remarkable journey. One that will help you break free from the past and realize your full potential as a spouse, parent, or friend. Whether you realize it or not, miracles are happening all around you. I’m confident that reading this book will lead you to accept the gift of who you were meant to be and live a life filled with more hope, joy, and victory.

Believing for God’s Best,

Joel Osteen

---

An Interview with Joel Osteen

Q: Do you have a hero?

A: Of course, my greatest hero is Jesus Christ. He should be everyone’s greatest hero. However, among men, I have two real heroes. My father, John Osteen, was not only the best father anyone could ever have, but was my best friend as well. He was a man of great integrity, and he taught me how important it was to incorporate Jesus Christ into every part of my life. Another of my heroes is Billy Graham who throughout the years has remained true to that which God called him to do and has done so with the utmost dedication, humility, and integrity.

Q: In today’s conflicted world, how do you encourage people to maintain their faith?

A: As believers we should be assured that Jesus said He would never leave us nor forsake us. We should adopt a mindset that God wants to be involved in our everyday lives, through good times and difficult times. We should communicate with God throughout our day (to pray without ceasing), not just when we are in crisis. He cares about our lives even in the small things. There is no part of our lives that are insignificant to Him.

Q: What did working behind the scenes at Lakewood during your father’s ministry inform how you preach today?

A: Really it all started for me when I was born. Our family never missed church; Sunday morning, Sunday night and Wednesday night, week in and week out. However, for 17 years I did produce and edit my father’s sermons for television. I often joke that I attended one year of college and 17 years of seminary. For those 17 years, I would have to study my father’s weekly sermons and then cut them down to a 28-minute TV program while maintaining the message. I guess I’ve listened to at least 1,500 of my father’s messages.

Q: Your ministry reaches millions each week through television and the Internet. How has technology changed how people worship today?

A: Through telecommunications technology, especially the web, more Christian programming is available than ever before. Not only do people have more choices in Christian programming, but they can get as much as they want whenever they want it. I think that our use of technology results in people spending more of their time thinking about the things of God. However, I don’t see technology replacing worship in the traditional sense–that is worshipping with other believers in a church. Everyone should belong to a good Bible-based church.

Q: In our busy lives, what is your advice for how we can slow things down and find peaceful moments?

A: Personally, I take time each morning to spend with God. I have a quiet place in my home or I find a quiet place if I am traveling where I pray and seek guidance from God. I think that is the best way for anyone to start their day; it really sets the tone for each day.

Q: As a father, what advice would you share with parents struggling with our fast-paced culture?

A: Victoria and I decided a long time ago that our family takes priority over most everything else. I tell people all the time that their families should be their first mission field. Today, it takes a great deal of our time and energy to make a living. We need to make sure our families don’t get the short end of the stick and we need to make time for them. And, I am talking about “quality time”; no cell phones, no business calls, no outside distractions, just family.

---

More to Explore

Your Best Life Now

Become a Better You [Abridged Audio CD]

Scriptures and Meditations for Your Best Life Now

---

From Publishers Weekly
Megachurch pastor and bestselling author Osteen follows up Your Best Life Now with this disappointingly unoriginal Christian self-help book. The seven subtitular steps to improvement include instructions to develop good habits, better relationships and an inner life. Osteen balances mind-over-matter pep talks with claims that God wants to bless faithful people with successes. The future is always promising, because God never performs His greatest feats in your yesterdays. At the same time, in order to receive God’s blessing, one must back up prayers with action, obey, maintain a positive attitude toward life and do the right thing with the right motives. Some of Osteen’s advice is sound; for example, he suggests that if you are forgiving and kind to colleagues and friends, they’ll cut you slack when you have crabby days. Other suggestions—like writing down a big goal and posting it on your mirror or desk—are unremarkable. Laced throughout are anodyne first-person vignettes; Osteen struggled with frustration when his favorite restaurant announced a 45-minute wait. The hurried Osteen went to a nearby burger joint, only to have a brief encounter that changed another customer’s life. Voilà—God turned Osteen’s disappointment into blessing! Though this book is destined for strong sales, it offers nothing innovative. (Oct. 15)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

About the Author

Joel Osteen and his wife Victoria are pastors of America’s largest church, Lakewood Church in Houston, TX. Tens of millions of people in more than a hundred nations worldwide are inspired by his weekly television broadcasts, his New York Times bestselling books, his sold-out international speaking tours, and his weekly top-ten podcasts.

Posted in Books | No Comments »