The Code of Kings: The Language of Seven Sacred Maya Temples and Tombs

Book Description

This unique and extraordinary guide to seven major sites of Maya civilization highlights the pioneering work of two great scholars of ancient America. For readers at every level -- from the casual tourist to the serious student -- The Code of Kings relies on Linda Schele and Peter Mathews's revolutionary work in the decipherment of the hieroglyphs that cover the surfaces of Maya ruins to give us a far clearer picture of Maya culture than we have ever had.

Richly illustrated with line art and the incomparable photography of Justin Kerr and Macduff Everton, The Code of Kings is a landmark contribution to our understanding of the Maya and a phenomenal guided tour of seven of the most awesome and magical spots on Earth.

Customer Reviews:

code of kings travel adjunct, not strictly epigraphy.......2007-06-01

I have only had time to browse through and start this book I recently purchased, but if it will stop the flow of e-mail mails from amazon asking me to review it, I will review it anyway. It is one of Linda Schele's last collaborations and for that reason alone it would be interesting. The only thing I can say so far is that it seems to be an interesting book aimed at the educated amateur. Although the title would lead the unwary to think it was strictly a book on Maya epigraphy and although it does contain a lot of epigrapical and linguistic information, it is really a tour of several Maya sites with in depth explanations, floor plans, and charts, all by leading experts. Though I am not in good enough health to travel, still it looks like a very useful book to any Maya scholar amateur or otherwise. I am over the age of two (katuns)

A field guide to seven great Mayan sites- magnificently done.......2004-06-28

What a magnificent book for any general reader, like me, who loves to read about the cultures of Mesoamerica. The authors take us on a tour of seven of the best known and most visited sites: Tikal, Palenque, Copan, Seibal, Chich'en Itza, Uxmal, and Iximche'. The book opens with a most helpful introduction to the archaeology of Mayan culture and the cultural elements that are common to all the city-states / regions that we call Mayan.

Look at page 21 at the photo from 1891 that shows us what the Temple of the Inscriptions looked like before excavation and restoration. Obviously, all the trees that are cleared in the picture would have hidden them even more, but the photo could not have been taken with them there. As you read through the lessons on Mayan architecture, housing, writing, religion, and warfare, the Maya become life and blood people who existed at a time and place that becomes nearer to us through this great book.

If you are planning to visit one or more of these sites, then this book is a must read as well as a field guide to take with you on the trip. The authors take key features and each site and explain them in detail. What a great experience it would be to stand in front of these monuments, murals, and temples with this most helpful text helping you understand what you are seeing.

The book is richly illustrated with many drawings of important inscriptions, buildings, monuments, and architectural details. There are also many black and white photographs, and a section of wonderful color plates to help us understand the beauty of the natural setting that provides the context for these cultures.

After the visits to the cities there are many helpful features that comprise another hundred pages of the book. First, a concordance of Maya personal names provides the spelling used in this book, alternative and common anglicized versions of that name, and a brief description of who that person was. There is also a key to pronunciation and orthography that I found to be most helpful. It is always intimidating to see words without having any idea how they would be said.

The notes section is full of very helpful information for those readers who want to dig a little deeper as is the list of references (really, a bibliography). The Glossary of Gods and Supernaturals is amazingly interesting and helpful and the index is a handy way to get back to certain topics in each section when you are trying to tie the cultural elements together across time and geography.

As I said at the beginning, this is a fantastic and wonderful achievement that I am very grateful for and it is a final example of why we miss Linda Schele so much. The other authors are also fine and will continue to bring us much, but Prof. Schele had a special eye for the aesthetic achievements of the Maya and the ability to help us see things her way and enriched all of us who are fortunate enough to read her words.

A great achivement in art/history commentary.......2001-11-11

"The Code of Kings" suffers from too much seriousness. The structure of the book relies on interpreting some main architectural achievements of the Mayan kings who commissioned them. That is, for most chapters a brief historical narrative is followed by a detailed description of the monumental group of interest and ends with an interpretation as to its relevance. The interpretations are good, and we can appreciate the great scholarly gifts of Linda Schele (in particular when the authors dispose of the Toltec Maya myths of Chichen Itza). We can even be moved at times such as when the authors talk of the Great Plaza of Waxaklahun-Ubah-K'Awil (this reviewer was happy to have read it a few days before going to Copan). However, this dense package might scare away a more casual reader of the Maya history. It also makes this book pretty useless to take along in your trip to Guatemala and Yucatan, unless you will have plenty of time to sit down under some trees and read while you visit. But if you have plenty of time to prepare for your trip, you definitely need to read it. And of course, it is a must in any serious book collection on the Maya.

The Code of Kings.......2001-08-29

This is not just an archeological study of some of the most important sites of the Maya world, it is an inmersion into Maya philosophy and art. I found it exciting how the book relates stories about the conflicts and conquests between the city states and their kings. Some of the new theories into the Toltec migration to Maya land are also very interesting and refreshing to read. I don't think this is a beginner book, at times it digs deep into Maya symbology and thinking, this could make it hard to follow if you're not familiar with some Maya history. Overall, like all of Schele's work, this is an excellent book.

A very nice and unexpected surprise.......2001-08-07

As soon as I started reading "The Code Of The Kings" I knew that one thing was wrong with the book ...the title!. The title had make believe the book had something to do with glyphs in detail, Maya writing system description, the deciphering of such a system, etc. Instead I faced with ... Linda Schele's "A Forrest Of Kings", Part Two!. I loved "The Code Of The Kings" ... even when it wasn't what I had expected!

The Code of Kings : The Language of Seven Sacred Maya Temples and Tombs

Average customer rating:

The Code of Kings : The Language of Seven Sacred Maya Temples and Tombs
Linda; Mathews, Peter Schele
Manufacturer: Scribner and Welford
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Mayan | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000OM6I6Y

Book Description

Japanese pop culture at its most fun, a first peek into this hot new trend. Cosplay is the diminutive for costume play, where Japanese fans of animation, video games, and manga comics -- especially women-- dress up in the latest outfits of their heroines. Devotees spend countless hours and hard-earned yen transforming themselves into their favorite characters. Cosplay Girls offers 300+ full-color photos of young women who have re-invented themselves as street-fighting tough chicks, emerald-haired princesses, spunky schoolgirls, and faux-fur kittens--as well as a few things you have to see to believe! Includes:

* Cosplayers who explain their obsession in their own words

* helpful Cosplay tips

* historical perspective

* vintage Cosplay photo collection

* 23 outrageous sections of cosplay fantasy

Customer Reviews:

Cosplay Lovers.......2005-04-25

This is a great reference guide for beginner and advanced costume makers. I highly recomend this book.

This book changed my life.......2004-07-27

Ever since I was a little boy, I have dressed up as my favorite anime character. For the last eight years, I have lived my life in costume - Chun Li from Street Fighter. This book helped me realize that not only am I alone, but I could actually be popular. Thank you Jennifer Cahill!

BEST BOOK EVER.......2003-05-15

WHAT A GREAT BOOK AND THE GIRLS ARE HOT TOO. HA HA

Cosplay Girls kicks!.......2003-03-17

Another DH Publishing success! That's if you're into wacky Japanese pop culture! This book is full of cute J-girls dressed in every Anime and Manga character costume you can think of (and a lot you can't). Why do they do it? Well, it's all explained, plus bits and pieces about making costumes, doing your hair, posing, etc. There's also interviews with Cosplayers (who all seem a bit crazed) and the Cameko ... who follow them around with cameras (really are crazed) . It's a colorful, fun book, that you can look thru again and again and always find something strange and new. A great gift for somebody. And Amazon are offering 30%!

Book Description

In the year 2015, humanity faces a terrifying last judgment by a mysterious race of giants, and a handful of teenagers must pilot the colossal superentities known as "evangelions" in the fight for survival. With Volume 3, this controversial science fiction series continues to push the limits of the genre.

Customer Reviews:

Nudity in this issue!.......2001-10-15

This is one of the manga series of evangelion. I jsut bought the first 4 graphic novels. While reading this one, I was plesantly suprised to see that it showed many pictures of REI naked (at least topless). Wow was i shocked, but damn she has a nice body! I know many of you are horny, so this issue you may want to get.

Awesome!.......2001-04-22

This is one of the best manga I've ever read. It has excellent plot and character devlopement, and sucks you in completely. This particular volume is my personal favorite, because it's mostly about Rei Ayanami, my favorite character. She has got to be one of the best characters I've ever had the pleasure of reading about. Neon Genesis Evangelion is one of the best manga out there.

Guy.......2001-03-19

RoBo AnDy has absolutely no idea what he is talking about (see his review above) when it comes to the idea that the plot is "generic." Maybe he should judge it after he's read the whole series, as I am sure his mind will be blown.

Evangelion number 3!!.......2001-01-30

This the third book of Neon Genesis Evangelion!! Its very good and I strongly recomend it. If you havent read any Evangelion books then buy book number 1 and before you buy this one-otherwise this won't make any sense. The art in this book is execellent as well!! Again, I strongly recoment this book!

We learn a bit about the First Child... Rei........2000-12-28

The Third volume of Neon Genesis Evangelion, is so far my favorite... This volume mainly focuses on Rei, also known as the first child who is very mysteriouse, especially to Shinji. The Begining to the book takes place after Shinji defeated the second angel. He is watching his father and notices that his fathers hands were covered with burns. He asks Ritsuko about it, and Ritsuko tells him that the burns were caused before Shinji and Misato were there. Something had gone wrong with unit 00 and Shinji's father saved Rei by forcing open the super heated hatch with his bare hands. Shinji then begins to wonder, what is so special about Rei? Rei, who's expression never changes and is almost always stiff with everybody. This is where we get to find out more about Rei then what's behind her face that always shows a seriouse mask. Also in this book is one of my all time fav quotes.... *warning* slight spolier ahead!* This is the Quote: "We may not have anything besides the EVA program now... but, well... As long as we stay alive... someday, we'll be glad we survived. It might be far in the future... but, until then... let's live on. Even on a black and empty street... if we go together... we might one day find something... like the moon the floats in the darkness."

Neon Genesis Evangelion: Special Collector's Edition, Vol. 3

Average customer rating:

What's the big deal?
A gift from God to mankind
quiet relationships
Good book

Neon Genesis Evangelion: Special Collector's Edition, Vol. 3

Manufacturer: VIZ Media LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Science Fiction | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Manga | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Fantasy | Manga | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Science Fiction | Manga | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books

Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1569314004

Book Description

This best-selling Manga version of Japan's most controversial anime series is now available for the first time in a special collector's edition that preserves the original right-to-left orientation of the artwork.

Customer Reviews:

What's the big deal?.......2004-07-31

There is very little changed from the TV series in this manga. As far as right to left, who cares. The artwork is hard to figure out in many of the mecha scenes. Stick with the DVDs.

A gift from God to mankind.......2003-12-19

This is the greatest literary work existing. When I read it the first time I was overjoyed by the mere existence of something as wonderful as this book. The plot is wonderful, so are the characters (you'll love Asuka, Shinji, and all the others!). There is only one good reason for not buying this book, and that is not having read the earlier volumes. Buy them, and the buy this. I can promise you you'll be glad you did. Noone could dislike this book.

quiet relationships.......2002-05-15

Vol. 3 is one of my fav simply because of how the story is and what ahppenes. Here ur left to wonder of many but still feel satisfied. The conversations are informative and as always the art is perfect. there is also some comody and some quite controvesial scenes u might wanna check out. :D

Good book.......2002-05-01

Evangelion Vol. 1, by Yoshiyuki is the first book in the series. This book is based on a popular Japanese cartoon, Evangelion. This book covers the first episode and parts of the second.
This book takes place in Japan in the year 2015, 15 years after the first ?Angel? self-destructs taking Antarctica and half the human race with it. The enemies are known as ?Angels?. In this, another Angel attacks, and the only people who can stop them are a couple of 14 year-olds in their gigantic robots called Evangelions.
I enjoyed reading it because it is in manga (comic book) form. I first read it when my friend loaned it to me, but shortly after, I bought the book. I highly recommend this book to anyone because I thought it was great. The author did an awesome job writing this book. I can?t wait till the rest of the series comes out.

Average customer rating:

A laugh for women of a certain age!

Growing Your Own Turtleneck...and Other Benefits of Aging
Martha Bolton
Manufacturer: Bethany House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Religion | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
General | Aging | Personal Health | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
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It's Always Darkest Before the Fridge Door Opens: Finding Joy in the Cold Places of Life

Im Not Suffering from Insanity...: Im Enjoying Every Minute of It!

ASIN: 0764200038
Release Date: 2005-08-01

Book Description

Whether Martha Bolton is contemplating whether or not there will be carbs in heaven or why she's growing her own turtle neck, she'll leave readers laughing out loud as they recognize the truth in her hilarious take on aging. Her fans crave each chapter just as they crave one more piece of chocolate. This veteran comedy writer adds occasional touching and poignant stories that remind readers what life is all about.

Customer Reviews:

A laugh for women of a certain age!.......2005-08-04

When I picked up Bolton's Growing Your Own Turtleneck...and other benefits of aging, I expected what I know. What I mean is the chapters in most humor books published by Christian houses begin or end with scripture, and the story is told and ends with what I call a wraparound-a way to bring it back in some way to faith.

Bolton's book did none of these. The chapters have quotes by famous people and the stories are just that: humorous stories that could have been published by any secular publisher. Now that's not a bad thing; it's just something I noticed. What I missed is the "moral to the story."

That said, I enjoyed the way Bolton thinks about everyday things that we all experience. And I embrace that someone will write a humor book about me-a woman of a certain age.

A few of my favorite chapters: Life in Reality (forget surviving the Australian outback, let's put a trailer in the desert, without air-conditioning and fill it with ten menopausal women!), Mind Games (physical exercise-nothing else needs to be said), and That Settles It (diets-now nothing else really needs saying here either).

The final chapters are really thought provoking and worth the read. I loved On Purpose (you have to read it, I'm not telling) and Without You (think Clarence from It's A Wonderful Life and then read the chapter, ponder and live it).

Bolton give us things to think and laugh about, and who doesn't need that!

Book Description

Readers of Mike Uva's GRIP BOOK who are interested in more detailed information on the work of the grip department will welcome his new rigging manual, clearly detailing all the ways to mount cameras and lights both on a set as well as on location.

The book covers the latest truss systems, rigging equipment and portable stages, as well as lifts, boom arms and camera mounts for every type of moving vehicle. The book is not limited to equipment specifications, however; Uva offers tips and tricks throughout in order to make the process of setting up and shooting safer and more efficient. Grips often need to invent makeshift solutions in a short time, and Uva shares many such devices developed over his years in the film and TV industry. This book will help grips and key grips move on to the bigger feature projects and commercials that require this equipment. It will also be useful for directors of photography and producers in pre-planning the required equipment for specific shots.

Offers detailed information on the use and operation of the latest rigging equipment
Includes some hard-to-find information on camera mounts for difficult situations such as aircraft, boats, cars, trains, and even people
Time-tested tips and tricks for smooth and safe set-up and operation

Customer Reviews:

Too Little for Too Much.......2006-06-09

I totaly concur with the other review. Not enough real GRIP info. I've been a grip for over 10 years and actually thought I'd get something usefull, but actually this book is just the last few chapters of the Grip Book, drawn out, for 50 bucks. I mean, yea there's an illustration of mounting on a DC3 Plane, but its crappy and nonspecific. I mean there's almost more AC and Electric info than Grip. Underwater Exposure Housings? Ummm not Grip Dept. I'm just getting more into rigging and wanted to see more real world stuff, not even a mention of speedrail/nurail in the Index or Glossary, and barely a page in between brings it up and we know how important it is in rigging and on the spot ingenuity.
The most important part of this book is "The Big Break", how to act on set for noobs, pretty much.

Poor followup to his grip book.......2004-03-20

I bought his grip book first and was very impressed by its catalogue of grip equipment. It not only explained the purpose of each piece but gave an insiders view on its application as well as a host of other tips. This book is allmost the complete opposite. For the price, I received what amounts to a reprint of some general information from the grip book, plus some reproduced catalog information from the various manufacturers of camera mounts, cranes, trusses, etc. What I expected to find: how to rig a camera to a vehicle, how to rig equipment to structures, scaffolding, etc., how to build rigs or to adapt commercially available equipment. A skinny little book, hardly worth the money.

Amazon.com

In The Complete Idiot's Guide to MP3 Music on the Internet, you get the full scoop on MP3 tunes. Covered topics include MP3 player software, portable MP3 hardware, ripping CD tracks, digitizing tapes and records, and publishing your music online. There's also some information on copyright as it applies to MP3 files and a guide to Internet sites that publish MP3--material that's useful for musicians as well as listeners.

The book begins by showing you why MP3 is one of the best digital music formats. For one thing, most MP3 encoded music is legally free of charge. And because it's completely digital, an MP3 file loaded into a handheld player won't skip while you exercise the way CDs can. On the software side, the book focuses on playing MP3s with Winamp. It also covers Virtuosa Gold and MusicMatch Jukebox for ripping, i.e., encoding music files into the MP3 format.

The book devotes more space to the Diamond Rio PMP300 than any other piece of MP3 hardware, but it does an evenhanded job of exploring the other MP3 players available. Perhaps more importantly, the book explains little hardware hacks, such as using a cassette-deck adapter to connect your MP3 device to your car stereo (though it might also have included information on connecting a PC's sound card to a home stereo). About a third of this book is a directory of musicians who have given permission for their MP3 music to appear on the book's companion CD-ROM. --David Wall

Book Description

You've recently found the Stratocaster you had for your garage band in high school. Uncle Jed's banjo and strumming talent have been passed down to you. Puberty has ended, and your once-shrill voice has turned into an angelic, swooning lullaby-maker that you want the world to hear. Or maybe you've just been unsuccessful at getting your tape heard by recording executives who can't even tap along with chopsticks. Get even. Get heard. Get electronic. Get The Complete Idiot's Guide to MP3: Music on the Internet. This light-hearted guide not only shows you the best way to listen to countless artists and their tunes on the Internet, but also reveals the best ways to get your own opus on the market.

Customer Reviews:

MP3.......2007-07-06

As an "oldtimer" just now realizing that I might want to use this technology, this book is helping me bridge the gap. The chapters I have read thus far have explained what MP3 is and the jargon used with it.

Good "nuts and bolts" look at MP3's.......2001-12-21

This book offers a kind of "bare bones" look at the MP3 phenomenon, starting off with chapters on what exactly MP3's are, and "A Compressed History" of MP3's. There are also chapters on finding and downloading MP3's, the software you can find to play them, chapters on making your own MP3's (hence the terms "ripping," digitizing, and "sound squishing"). There's good advice if you are a musician on marking MP3's, "marketing" them and where to post them to publicize your work.

Also too, there's a long section on MP3's and the law, what's legal and what isn't about them. The author makes a good case for why "pirating" MP3's are not a good idea, but points out the music industry isn't making any attempt to hold down prices for music to the consumers, hence the popularity in downloading MP3's off the 'Net. There's also a glossary of terms in the back of the book, a reference card in the book's front listing MP3 reference sites, MP3 software sites, and sources for MP3 recordings.

This book although now a bit dated offers a good introductory look at MP3's.

Worth the 20 bucks, for sure. But don't stop here!.......2001-11-30

[...] This book is written by TWO authors: Rod Underhill of MP3.com, and Nat Gertler (who has written many other Complete Idiot's Guide and computer books). They each have their own slant. The book is DEFINITELY a big plug for MP3.com as an internet entity on the world wide web for online music (...). ... There is a lot of information in the book about MP3s in general as well as MP3.com - the company - in particular. So, in this case, it's a cool plug. There is also a good deal of REPETITION in the book. For instance, what it says in the "ROD SPEAKS" box on page 160 about LYCOS falling into Copyright Trouble is almost EXACTLY stated in slightly different wording on page 172 in the "JAM ON THIS" box where the heading is called: "Lycos Moves into Tricky Waters."

... The authors also have included a humorous and healthy dose of democratic debate between each other as is evident on page 170 in the "NAT SPEAKS" box called: "THE ACT STINKS" where Nat Gertler CORRECTLY, I believe, clarifies the corporate unfairness of the 1992 AUDIO HOME RECORDING ACT of favoring big corporate interests over the consumer. Nat says: "My beloved co-author Rod, who wrote most of this chapter, isn't nasty enough towards the Audio Home Recording Act. This new tax (signed into law by Mr. "No New Taxes" himself, George Bush) has ugly causes and ugly effects: ... New taxes, weaker copyright, crippled and expensive technology, all in the name of funding international multimedia conglomerates. This act is a loser all around." ... BRAHVO, Nat! ... Spoken like a true Sociologist! ... YOWZA! - The Aeolian Kid

Good book for begginers...........2000-04-11

This book, I would recommend to a musician or just someone wanting to know about mp3's. The book has enough information, while the reader not needing to be a super - geek.

The book covers most issues on mp3's, like, legal info, hardware, software (as the book comes with a CD, with all the major mp3 software), how to get you music online, were to get music, why to bother with mp3s, and a good history of mp3's.

The book also devotes 60+ pages giving musician's opinions, and how mp3's got the musicians success and with their music, on the CD.

I found this book to be very helpful, but not for any professional recording use.

Some good info for musicians but a little hard to read.......1999-12-18

This book has lots of good information for musicians and novice users. Unfortunately, the "Idiots" format makes the book hard to read.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to MP3 UK (The Complete Idiot's Guide)

Average customer rating:

The Complete Idiot's Guide to MP3 UK (The Complete Idiot's Guide)
Roger Brown
Manufacturer: Prentice-Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Software | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0130879215

Average customer rating:
Brainiac's Secret Agent Activity Boook: Fun Activities for Spies of All Ages (Activity Journal Series)
Sarah Jane Prian
Manufacturer: Peter Pauper Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound

General | Activity Books | Sports & Activities | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0880884460

Book Description

You've already lost your job. You may still be drawing a paycheck, but the job you were hired to do no longer exists. Your company has changed, the technology has changed, the economy has changed, and the ways you can add value have changed. Have you adapted to these changes? Or are you at risk?

Architect your career

Economic downturn. Job cuts. Outsourcing. The ever-changing tech landscape. The threats abound. Chad Fowler is here to offer 52 ways to keep your job, despite the vagaries of the market.

It's all about making the right choices. Choosing which technologies to focus on and which business domains to master have at least as much impact on your success as your technical knowledge--don't let those choices be accidental. Chad shows you all aspects of the decision-making process so you can ensure that you're investing your time and energy in the right areas.
It's all about skills. You'll develop a structured plan for keeping your skills up-to-date so that you can compete with both the growing stable of developers in so-called low-cost countries as well as your higher-priced local peers. You'll learn how to shift your skillset up the value chain, from an offshore-ready commodity to one in high demand.
It's all about marketing. As with any product or service, if nobody knows what you're selling, nobody will buy. Chad shows you how to create a plan for marketing yourself both inside your company and to the industry in general.

Like it or not, the IT career landscape has changed. This handbook will teach you what you need to do to avoid being left behind.

About the author Chad Fowler has been a software developer and manager for some of the world's largest corporations. He recently lived and worked in India, setting up and leading an offshore software development center for a large multinational company.

Customer Reviews:

Funny name, Serious Book .......2007-09-17

"Pragmatic Bookshelf" has a solid reputation for publishing great books and this book is no exception. This one ranks right up there with books like "The Pragmatic Programmer" and "Code Complete". With small bite sized chapters with specific and pointed advice, you won't go wrong buying this book.

In the era of globalization -- specifically with regard to software development, the book offers a complete list of techniques and approaches to not just survive but excel in the programming world. Having lived in India for a short while, he has some really astute observations about India including some great tips related to recruiting good programmers. There are a couple of chapters available for free off the publishers website. Read them and also take a look at the table of contents. Just the table of contents is probably worth the price of the book.

It is unfortunate that the title "My job went to India ..." was chosen. Apparently, the author's propensity for cuteness overcame his wisdom. Looking at the cover makes it seem like some kind of a trashy joke book and it's possible that a lot of folks might have given it the go-by judging the book by its cover. The publishers might be doing the general public a great service by releasing a new edition with some updates and renaming it while not wearing their funny hats -- maybe something like "The Relevant Programmer".

Unimpressive, general career advice. .......2007-07-22

This book has a bunch of generic advice along the lines of keep up with things and don't put all your eggs in one basket. Not exactly a revelation here.
If you read the relevant blogs, web sites and talk to people in the industry you don't need this book.

teriffic book for *any* employee - wish I'd had it when starting out.......2007-07-03

I love this book. It's full of great ideas on how to be a creative employee who significantly contributes to her organization. I really wish I'd had it 20 years ago when starting out. Note: The title is misleading; it's not about outsourcing so much as making yourself highly valuable. Highly recommended.

More at: A few highlights from "My job went to India"
http://ideamatt.blogspot.com/2007/02/few-highlights-from-my-job-went-to.html

Helpful and very timely book.......2007-05-13

I am glad to run into this book. I like its comprehensible and friendly tone. It is like a wand. I believe it helped me greatly to reconsider many things I have been thinking about and reevaluate my priorities. I would frankly recommend the book to read thru and get back to its chapters on regular basis.

A call to arms.......2007-04-19

I think this book, is a brief and good overview. It should be required reading for anyone considering a job which involves a chair let alone a job in the software or engineering professions.

Basically for most situations and for my money the book could have been titled "If you sit in a chair for a living, read this book!" The hard reality is that unless you are just "paid to be smart" (as the author notes), your job is already gone.

While specifically concerned with the fairly competitive software engineer field, I think looking past the technical points makes this book invaluable for any professional and is a good primer for those concerned about the overall outsourcing trends and their effect. Reading nearly as a call to arms for the office workers of first world marketplaces, the general task of how workers can keep themselves current and relevant to the jobs available in today's international workplace.

Some of the most relevant points in my opinion

1. "Love it or Leave it" - A tragic observation that far far too many people don't love the field of software engineering/programming and if you are just clocking in and just collecting a paycheck, get a job somewhere else, save yourself the pain , do it now.

2. Love of Learning - if you don't or aren't comfortable retooling your skillset every couple of years until your old and gray and beyond, find another gig.

3. "Be A Generalist" - The best "Tip" or subject covered was something that is tragically not obvious to many programmers and other professionals, within the fields I've worked. The tip notes that as an individual worker, realizing that professional diversity in your skillset is vitally important to competetiveness, not in regard to not just outsourcing but to long term job survival in any marketplace.

I've been involved in programming, systems administration or database design or any number of other "titles" for the last 25 years and I was happy to discover that I already do many BUT NOT ALL of these tips.

Personally, I could not have continued for more the a few years had I not been willing and ready to learn entirely new things every few years and I think the author gives enough tips that its possible for many a seasoned worker to leave their "comfort zone".

Doing this for as long as I have, I can say from experience, that many of the author's suggestions are spot-on.

On the negative side, since each chapter is small (2-3 pages) it is unfortunately not as deep into particular areas as one might like.
I would have been interested if the author reviewed some of the advantages US workers have in more depth and highlighted some of the overall concerns regarding oursourcing in more detail.

From a more general perspective, I found this quick read wonderfully dovetailed and makes a fresh and good companion to the excellent and deep Rise and Fall of the Great Powers (by Paul Kennedy)

Overall, A huge thank you Chad!

My Job Went to India: 52 Ways to Save Your Job (Pragmatic Programmers)

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My Job Went to India: 52 Ways to Save Your Job (Pragmatic Programmers)
Chad Fowler
Manufacturer: Pragmatic Bookshelf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000QY9UX8

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