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Paul Klebnikov tells the incredible story of Boris Berezovsky, a one-time Russian car dealer who assembled a huge--and illicit--fortune after the collapse of Communism. "This individual had risen out of nowhere to become the richest businessman in Russia and one of the most powerful individuals in the country," writes Klebnikov, a respected reporter for Forbes. "This is a story of corruption so profound that many readers might have trouble believing it." Yet Godfather of the Kremlin is a careful work of journalism in which Klebnikov documents the business dealings of a man who once bragged to the Financial Times that he and six other men controlled half of the Russian economy and rigged Boris Yeltsin's reelection in 1996. Berezovsky survived both an assassination attempt and a murder investigation, and paved the way to power for Vladimir Putin. He and the other crony capitalists of post-Soviet Russia like to rationalize their deeds, writes Klebnikov: "Whenever I asked Russia's business magnates about the orgy of crime produced by the market reforms, they invariably excused it by pointing to the robber barons of American capitalism. Russia's bandit capitalism was no different from American capitalism in the late nineteenth century, they argued." Yet nothing could be further from the truth: Carnegie, Rockefeller, and their peers transformed the United States into an economic superpower. Berezovsky, on the other hand, has "produced no benefit to Russia's consumers, industries, or treasury." It's not that he didn't have an opportunity. To pick one example among many, he took over Aeroflot when it had a monopoly position in a booming market. But the company barely grew, and instead experienced myriad problems. Berezovsky controlled many businesses, but he was a lousy business manager; his only authentic success--as an auto dealer--depended on collusion. His real skill is shady dealmaking, especially with corrupt government officials. That's the way to success in modern Russia, as this well-told but troubling book reveals. --John J. Miller
Book Description
Boris Berezovsky's business career has been meteoric. In just six years he managed to seize control of Russia's largest auto manufacturer, largest TV network, national airline, and one of the world's biggest oil companies. When Moscow's gangster families battled one another in the Great Mob War of 1993-1994, Berezovsky was in the thick of it. He was badly burned by a car bomb; his driver was decapitated. A year later, Berezovsky emerged as the prime suspect in the assassination of the director of the TV network he acquired. Although plagued by scandal, he enjoyed President Yeltsin's support, serving as the personal "financial advisor" to Yeltsin and his family. In 1996, Berezovsky organized the financing of Yeltsin's re-election campaign-a campaign marred by fraud, embezzlement, and attempted murder. Berezovsky became the president's most influential political advisor, playing a key role in forming governments and dismissing prime ministers. Having labored to privatize the economy, Berezovsky privatized the state. Based on hundreds of taped interviews with top businessmen and government officials, as well as on secret police reports, contractual documents, and surveillance tapes, Godfather of the Kremlin is both a gripping story and a unique historical document.
Customer Reviews:
The Deadly Truth........2007-05-23
I personally witnessed the outcomes of the corrupted rule of the culprits portrayed by late Paul Klebnikov.
Many Russians believe that the truths revealed in this book were the cause of author's murder.
Great insight for Americans.......2007-03-01
This book tells a powerful story that most Americans are, sadly, unfamiliar with. Mr. Klebnikov outlines in impressive detail the history of Russia during the very turbulent times of the 1990s. The development of gangster capitalism under the Yeltsin regime in an environment of political corruption was a tragic episode in Russian history and an example of an opportunity squandered. This book outlines the rise of the mafia in Russia in the post-glasnost time period and the links they had to the Chechens and to the political leaders of the time.
While I sometimes became a bit lost in all the details and Russian names with which I was unfamiliar, the story came through well as Mr. Klebnikov built, step-by-step, a solid and well-documented case. This story is an important one for Americans who wish to better understand what happened during this time period and how it affected, and still affects, Russia. From political assassinations to presidential elections - the book tells a compelling and sadly disturbing story.
Since I have several Russian friends, I felt I owed it to myself to become more familiar with recent Russian history. And this book did not let me down. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in understanding Russia better and I suspect it will in time become a classic for the detailed description it provides of this time period in Russian history.
Highly recommended!
Berezovsky & the Litvininenko Killing (Polonium).......2007-02-22
Everybody should read this book - it helps to put the entire Litvinenko killing in perspective ; the dead Russian spy worked for Berezovsky - given Berezovsky long criminal history it would not be surprising at all that he was directly involved in murdering his own employee as part of his long ongoing campaign to overthrow the democratically elected president Putin and thereby illegally regain control of all of Russia's natural resources including in particular Russia's oil and gas wealth.
His insight Got him Killed.......2007-01-04
Paul Klebnikov is a modern Russian hero. He was assasinated because he tried to show the world how corrupt Russia had become at the hands of the oligarchs. "The Decline of Russia in the Age of Gangster Capitalism" is well written and organized. It follows not only the "rise" of Berezovsky but also illustrates how the majority of the Duma (Russian Congress) was in fact acting on behalf of the gangsters or were in fact gangsters themselves holding seats in the house.
It is a reavealing look into the saddest chapter of Russian history. A must read for anyone interested in politics or modern history. It is a shame and loss to us all that Paul was killed. Who knows what other truths he could have recovered had he lived. It is also a shame that in our modern age of information, only a few speak the truth - and if they speak to loudly they are silenced, as was Paul. May he rest in peace.
If you enjoyed this book, Paul also did an interview called "Theft of the century: Privatization and the looting of Russia." If you google it, you will find it on the net.
Telling The Truth Will Get You Murdered!.......2006-07-12
I am halfway through this incredible book and it deeply disturbs me that American Paul Klebnikov died because of this book and other articles he wrote while working in Russia for Forbes Magazine. Of late, all one reads is how someone incredibly powerful managed to get off the hook in one way or another. I am just weary of all the lies in the press and the deceitful 'spin' that the US media gives to people they find useful. No, we don't kill our reporters, but we ruin them in other ways. I hope I live long enough to see this change, but I fear it won't happen in my lifetime. I have learned from personal experiences in my life that 99 percent of what I have read and believed to be true was a lie. It starts with Santa Claus and moves on from there. This book has made me want to read more about Russia, the people, and the various governments. How sad I spent half of my life living in fear of the Russians, and they us. I tried to find 'Conversations With A Barbarian', also by Mr. Klebnikov, but it is no longer available. I feel so awful for his family and friends.
Book Description
The stakes -- Las Vegas. The players -- Bonanno vs. Accardo.
William F. Roemer, Jr., is the renowned FBI agent whose relentless crusade against the mob outshone even that of legendary crime buster Eliot Ness. Only Roemer -- the most-decorated hero in the FBI and the most-wanted man on the underworld's hit list -- could tell the electrifying inside story of the no-holds-barred duel that pitted the reigning dons of New York and Chicago against each other for the most precious jewel in the organized crime crown -- Vegas.
Featuring the battling godfathers themselves -- Joe Bonanno and Tony "Joe Batters" Accardo -- plus a rogues gallery of high rollers, professional hitters, capos, underbosses, and soldiers, here are the strategies, the setups, the takedowns, and the double crosses in the real words of the men who cut the deals -- and the throats -- in the biggest, deadliest power play in the history of the mob and the annals of true crime.
""Exciting reading . . . Roemer's experience has left him with some fascinating tales, and this is one of them." -- The Kirkus Reviews
Customer Reviews:
Modest Tale of Fiction.......2007-01-16
This is a book of fiction, a fact unknown by many readers (including myself) at the outset. It's a modest story with a ring of reality, but not in the same class as THE GODFATHER or other top mafia/mob fiction. It's the story of a mob struggle between the Bonanno family and the Chicago outfit to control Las Vegas in the 1980's. Yet the story fails to grab the reader as good fiction should. Perhaps that's because the real story is nicely described in CASINO (by Nicholas Pileggi), which details how Chicago and other Midwest syndicates received millions from casino skims before their scheme was uncovered in the 1980's.
Author William Roemer (1926-1996) was an FBI agent assigned to the Chicago crime syndicate. He writes nicely readable prose, but Roemer does a better job with his non-fictional narratives on the Chicago outfit.
Cheap Lurid Fiction.......2006-07-09
I used to wonder how a crack former FBI agent and organized crime specialist like Bill Roemer could write glowing reviews praising the accuracy of Jay Robert Nash's sensationalist works. Then I ran across War of the Godfathers. What a novel idea--to write a novel using real people as characters. If this is any example, however, the late Mr. Roemer displayed little talent in creative fiction and the plot, revolving around a fictional gang war over Las Vegas between the Bonanno Family and the Chicago Outfit, is totally absurd. War of the Godfathers is way over the top and the nearest thing to restraint is Roemer's untypically immodest disguise of himself as a pseudonymous character. It's not especially well written and on top of everything else, the publisher didn't make it abundantly clear that this was a work of fiction. A large number of folks have been taken in by it, with fictional events such as the murder of Moe Dalitz even being reported as fact in several so-called "true crime" books. I don't understand the point of it to this day.
what happened roemer?.......2005-03-29
While the way the book is attempted to be written is clever, as it is almost like a Hollywood script of real events, the book is farfetched and is downright untrue in several instances.One glaring falsehood is that Moe Dalitz was shot down an then was later poisoned in a hospital.Roemer a former FBI agent, should have known better,escpecially considering he wrote briefly about Dalitz real demise in another book.If one takes this book for what it is, a story , it is enjoyable.The one interesting factual aspect about this book is the details given to the famous "STRAWMAN" cases which largely crippled organized crime in the midwest.
I was a great book .......2004-11-17
you people who critzed this book are stupid and it was a great book , i have read severl books written by the auther and they are great get off his back like you could write any better
Re: Joseph from Quebec.......2003-02-12
Have to agree with Lars: Accardo is by far the most powerful mob boss in the history of this country. Where the New York mob was split and disorganized and ran a relatively small part of the country, Accardo and the outfit ran practically every other area, not just Chicago, but LA to Vegas to Kansas City and most points in between. The fact Accardo never spent a night in prison is enough to show you how good he was at what he did. Of course, Bonanno was small potatoes compared to the other NY Godfathers, so we'll never be able to tell who would have won a "real" war.
Book Description
In this captivating and complex portrait of an American sports legend, Russell Sullivan confirms Rocky Marciano's place as a symbol and cultural icon of his era. As much as he embodied the wholesome, rags-to-riches patriotism of a true American hero, he also reflected the racial and ethnic tensions festering behind the country's benevolent facade.
The early 1950s were an outwardly simple and optimistic time. America was basking in postwar prosperity. Living rooms across the country glowed with the novelty of television. People were likely to trust politicians, hate commies, lionize athletes, and turn to sports for good, clean fun. Boxing was second in popularity only to baseball, and Marciano was the heavyweight champion of the world.
Marciano emerged from obscurity in the early 1950s and had snagged the heavyweight crown by 1952. When he quit the ring in 1956 he had never lost a match--a feat still unmatched by any boxer in any heavyweight history. To sportswriters and fans, Marciano's 490 record was enough to warrant the prestige and honor they bestowed on him despite widespread discussion of his flaws as a boxer.
Sullivan contends that Marciano's popularity was compounded by the uneasy racial attitudes of the era. He was a white man in a sport increasingly dominated by black men during a time when most Americans were hesitant to accept integration. He was also a second-generation Italian American and, although portrayed in the media through ethnic stereotypes, he was revered by immigrants and others who embraced the idea of the melting pot. Even more embraced Marciano as the embodiment of the American Dream and way of life that was so cherished in the early 1950s.
Spirited, fast-paced, and rich in detail, Rocky Marciano is the first book to place the boxer in the context of his times. Capturing his athletic accomplishments against the colorful backdrop of the 1950s fight scene, Sullivan examines how Marciano's career reflected the glamour and scandal of boxing as well as tenor of his times.
Customer Reviews:
Good bio of a great Champion.......2007-04-19
This was a good bio of Rocky Marciano. There really never was a more unlikely guy to become one the great heavyweight champions if you think about it. He had very little in the way of amateur fights and really didn't start boxing till he was in his mid 20's. He was very small for a heavyweight, even for that time. Marciano was the only heavyweight champion to never lose a fight and retire undefeated. He was one of a small handful of boxers that transcended the sport and became American icons that were synonymous with the times in which they were champion. Anybody that disparages his ring accomplishments either has an anti-white agenda or knows NOTHING about boxing. He had victories over fighters who are arguably the three most skilled, ringwise and crafty heavyweights to ever get in the ring, Joe Walcott, Ezzard Charles (he beat Walcott and Charles twice) and Archie Moore. I do not consider Marciano to be the greatest heavyweight ever but his ring accomplishments can't be denied.
But besides his big fights which were talked about in depth among other things it also goes into his life growing up in a poor Italian-American family. The very methodical process in which he was brought up through the ranks of the fight game after he turned pro. The likliehood that the main reason he retired was because he was sick of dealing with his over controlling manager. His penchant for being incredibly cheap and frugal. As well as his tragic death in an airplane crash.
Rocky Marciano is the bomb.......2007-04-03
By:Ryan Lemery
This was a very good book. it was entertaining as well as informational. I especially liked how it talked about racism and the struggles of being a boxer in that era. I liked how Rocky was known as the Great White Hope. But there were a few things that i didn't like. Things such as how a whole chapter would be about one thing that didn't even pertain to Rocky. I also didn't like how Al Weill was taking Rocky's money and using it for his own pleasures.Thank god Rocky found out about it. That was pretty much the only sad part in the book. Besides the part where Rocky died in a plane crash. And on his Birthday! I think that I almost cried. I really liked this book and i think that many people should read it. It would be a good book for people with big dreams, and big hopes.
The Rock of His Times.......2007-02-16
Unfortunately, for this author, Rocky Marciano's life in and out of the ring was very uneventful. The writer touched on subjects that "could have been a dark side" of the Rock, but failed to produce anything jaw dropping. Some of the more interesting parts of the book were descriptions of the corrupt IBC, and short descriptions of former champions like Jack Johnson and Joe Louis.
On the bright side, the writer capitalized on the opportunity to describe the 50's American way of life. Overall though, it did not show me much about the Rock that I didn't already know.
Very good but sometimes contradicting.......2005-05-29
Very good book where the author,Sullivan,goes into complete detail on every aspect of Marciano's life. He even has about 5 pages just based on how he got his name(his real name is Marchegiano). Very very detailed and nice book. Easy read and very good to pick up and bring on the go for a train or plane trip.
The only problem I have is the lack of opinion by the author himself. The majority of the book is explaining how,what,when where,and quotes by everyone that knew Marciano. What it lacks is anything that comes from Sullivans mouth. When he does chime in with an opinion it usually contradicts his previous one or downplays things he said earlier in the book.
One excellent benefit of the book is that you don't only learn about Marciano and his life,you also get chapters on Joe Louis,Sugar Ray Robinson,Roland LaStarza,Jersey Joe Walcott and several other figures of the time.
For any boxing fan,whether new to the sport or one of the golden days,pick this one up and enjoy!
Rocky Marciano - Fifties Man - Simple and Not Simple.......2004-10-23
Rocky Marciano - Fifties Man - Simple and Not Simple
There's a lot that I thought I knew about Rocky Marciano and a lot that I didn't know. His story is an interesting one and this book is well worth reading.
Rocky's career and life makes the most sense when looked at in the context of his time - not just the 1950's and the theme of the `50's - but his time in between 2 of the greatest - he came after Joe Louis and before Muhammad Ali - after the `40's and before the `60's - when you stop and think about it - it really is an amazing time - and an unfortunate time to be the world champ - just ask Larry Holmes.
All this I never fully appreciated or understood.
Rocky Marciano: The Rock of His Times is a great look at the life of Rocky Marciano - I learned a lot about the Rock and developed a greater admiration, respect and understanding of him as both a man and a fighter.
I did get the feeling though that something was held back - certain "warts" were touched on, but not fully explored - and I would have liked that.
Great for the boxing fan, historian and really anyone interested in learning about Rocky Marciano.
Book Description
The art. The craft. The business. Animation Writing and Development takes students and animation professionals alike through the process of creating original characters, developing a television series, feature, or multimedia project, and writing professional premises, outlines and scripts. It covers the process of developing presentation bibles and pitching original projects as well as ideas for episodes of shows already on the air. Animation Writing and Development includes chapters on animation history, on child development (writing for kids), and on storyboarding. It gives advice on marketing and finding work in the industry. It provides exercises for students as well as checklists for professionals polishing their craft. This is a guide to becoming a good writer as well as a successful one.
* Filled with writing exercises that will challenge your writing limits
* Understand inspiration, idea gathering, and story development
* Tips on how to write for kids and why certain stories appeal to different ages
* The how and why of dialogue-what works, and what doesn't
Customer Reviews:
Animation writing and Development From script to development to pitch.......2007-08-23
An excellent book that covers all aspects of writing for animation, and I do mean ALL aspects. Nothing is left out. Jean Ann Wright really knows her stuff. And buying the book from Amazon was easy and painless. That's why I use them and why I will continue to use them.
Too much information.......2006-09-22
The book covers tons and tons of topics, which is good for a person with no background in animation writing. But the topics written about, from dialogue to outlining, come with no context, no examples to back up what the author is talking about. Wright writes "Keep your characters consistent. They must be true to their core traits and to what has made them who they are." An example from a current or classic cartoon is direly needed. This happens throughout the book. Under the subheading Conflict Can Reveal Information in the dialogue chapter, she writes "conflict in dialogue...is a good way to get information out and keep it interesting." How? Once again this book screams for examples.
The book trys to explain every thing and any thing about animation. A daunting task. But in the process, every thing seems trite. The chapter on writing features, aka movies, is skimmed, and after reading it, will not make your more apt at writing animation films. Scriptwriting for film is different, in many aspects, from tv animation, and in this book it's made to sound that it's the same.
Overall the book is informative, but for someone who grew up with Scooby Doo, He-Man, Thundercats and saw every Disney film and could write endless thesis on Scooby Doo's tremendous appetite, this book lacks substance.
Typical "Mainstream" book........2006-08-08
This book is abit of a bore and turnoff with all it tips and trixs to create scripts that will please the "buyer". It is colored with a tone of a moral panic that is typical for experts that clame to know what people want and don't want. I think it is safe to say that if the creators of "South Park" or "The Simpson" would have read this book and followed it, thoose series would have never been made - maybe not even Bambi with its horrid shooting of bambis mother?
It also deals with animation at its simplest blocks, it tries to show the steps to a finished product - poorly. It does contain a good hint here and there but as a hole it is a complete waist of time, and a poor candidate for a book to understand the teqnical aspects of animation. If you have some basic knowleadge of character, animation and storyboarding and want to learn how to write for animation, buy books about writing instead.
>RS
Animation Writing and Development : From Script Development .......2005-03-10
Jean Ann Wright's "Animation Writing and Development : From Script Development to Pitch", is a comprehensive and well written book, on the subject.
I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in writing for animation.
Wow!.......2005-03-07
Every industry has its own special requirements. This book "Animation Writing and Development" by Jean Ann Wright should be titled "A Manual for the Working World of Animation". There are not many books that give all the working aspects of a creative vocation. Wow! What to do, how to do it, and still nurture creative desires! Being a college art instructor, all my classes will know about the existence of this fine work. B. McInerney
Average customer rating:
- Storytelling for one media, multiple media, or transmedia
- Superb and Practical Writing Primer
- Learn from the woman who taught me...
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Writing for Animation, Comics, and Games
Christy Marx
Manufacturer: Focal Press
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ASIN: 0240805828 |
Book Description
Writing for Animation, Comics, and Games explains the practical aspects of creating scripts for animation, comics, graphic novels, and computer games. It details how you can create scripts that are in the right industry format, and follow the expected rules for you to put your best foot forward to help you break-in to the trade. This book explains approaches to writing for exterior storytelling (animation, games); interior/exterior storytelling (comics and graphic novels), as well as considerations for non-linear computer games in the shortest, pithiest, and most economical way. The author offers insider's advice on how you can present work as professional, how to meet deadlines, how visual writing differs from prose, and the art of collaboration.
* Career rules of-the-road for comics, computer games, and animation...from an insider's perspective
* Written for beginners and professionals alike
* Authored by a distinguished writer, whose credits include X-Men Evolution, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Lord of the Rings
Customer Reviews:
Storytelling for one media, multiple media, or transmedia.......2007-03-21
Transmedia storytelling is one of the big new buzzworthy concepts right now, as evidenced by the multiple-media narrative campaigns of HEROES, BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, FIREFLY/SERENITY, TRANSFORMERS, THE MATRIX, and so on. Although she doesn't explicitly use the term 'transmedia', Christy Marx has written a sort of proto-primer for writers looking to tell stories across multiple media. Being able to understand the basics of writing for each media type goes a long way towards understanding how to tell a story using each of those multiple forms. That the book is both very well-written and an entertaining read are added bonuses. Highly recommended!
Superb and Practical Writing Primer.......2007-03-05
This is the best compilation of *practical* information for the business of writing that I've seen yet. It is very well organized and just about every piece of knowledge in there is indispensable. It helped connect a lot of dots for me that I had gleaned elsewhere but sometimes without the proper context. Most books touch on one or two things really well, but Ms. Marx's book is the best overall "primer" out there.
Although I already have a number of writing credits, I'm still really just starting out and I found the book very helpful. The information helped validate some of the things I'm doing and also give a little more direction for the future.
If you're interested in writing for any of the three fields, the book is worth buying. If you are interested in more than one, then you can't pass it up under any circumstances. Highly recommended.
Learn from the woman who taught me..........2007-02-08
More than a few years ago, I had the extremely good fortune to be mentored in the art of animation writing by Christy Marx, who told it like it was about the biz and taught me all about the basics in great detail. Now a professional myself with credits as an animation production coordinator and writer, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book. Not only does it cover all the ground she taught me about animation writing with the same depth and care, it takes on comics and videogames, two mediums which have become more and more intertwined with animation over the last two decades -- something which is taken into account throughout the book. Whether you're trying to figure out if any or all of this areas are for you, or just looking for a better understanding of the business, this is an excellent primer.
Book Description
Tercetti from Il secondo libro della canzonette a tre voci con l'aggionta di dodeci tercetta a note. (Venice, 1592)
Customer Reviews:
Fight the Leeches on Their Own Turf!.......2004-01-08
Perhaps one of the most interesting setting books for Werewolf: the Apocalypse, this book ventures into Egypt, the ancient homeland of the Silent Striders. After a wonderful piece of fiction telling the tale of Nepthys, kin to the Silent Striders who fell into vampirism and the punishment she recieved, this book starts out with a nice introduction to the themes and mood of the setting, complete with a lexicon of Garou specific words for Egypt, the Middle East and Africa. The next chapter covers the history of Egypt from the Garou's point of view (with input on the Mokole and Bastet), starting from Set and Osiris' war in ancient Egypt to the coming of Islam to the British, French and Turksih occupations to the modern era. Theres even a nice little timeline of Egypt's history with dates, and a chronology of rulers (the various Egyptian Dynasties, the Roman and Byzantine Empires, Arab Caliphates, etc).
In the subsequent chapter we get a look at major elements in Egypt's culture, politics, geography and environment including a look at Islam, political parties, indigenous wildlife, minorities like the Copts, ancient ruins, cities like Cairo and Alexandria and places such as Lake Nasser or the Sinai. More importantly, there is an examination of the supernatural side of Egypt, including a look at the Tuat, Egypt's unique cultural spin on the Umbra, which includes four Umbral Towers (one for each element and direction, spiritually marking the boundaries of Egypt's borders) and the Twelve Hours of the Night (twelve Umbral Domains from Egypt's mythology). There is also a look at major Garou and Wyrm Caerns in Egypt. The next chaper goes onto to cover major NPCs for each Tribe, including Cairene Glass Walkers and Bone Gnawers, the Silver Fangs of House Wise Heart, Bedouin Uktena, Red Talons in the Western Desert, Sufic Stargazers, British Fianna and, of course, the Silent Striders.
The fourth chapter looks at major storyteller devices in Egypt, such as Jackal Fever, the Eaters of the Dead, the Egyptian Umbra, Sutekh's Curse and a secret Rite developed by the Children of Gaia that allows the Silent Striders to briefly return to Egypt. Theres also an examination of the Ahadi, an alliance of African Fera which includes Egypt in it's territory, and a look at the native Shifters of Egypt (Mokole, Bastet, etc), as well as some information for games set in ancient Egypt. Following this is a chapter on various antagonists in Egypt, such as the vampiric Followers of Set, Endron Oil (a subsidiary of Pentex), the Black Spiral Dancers, the Ratkin of Suez and even a few horrors unique to Egypt. This book does a wonderful job covering Egypt (and the Middle East in general), especially with the metaplot of the Striders trying to retake their homeland from the Leeches. Not only that, but your players can get in on everything from Jackal Fever and the fall of House Wise Heart to the sealing of the Ahadi. A great resource, and it fits in well with other Mummy and "Year of the Scarab" products in representing Egypt and the Middle East.
Must have for the Silent Strider fan!.......2001-11-27
Since I started playing Werewolf: the Apocalypse, one of my favorite tribes has always been the Silent Striders. They are so enygmatic, so tragic. Now, there comes a time for this tribe to get payback! The coming of the Red Star has given hope to the Striders to gain back their ancient homeland. And they have allies in this war!
From the moment you take this book in your hands, it's amazing. It has one of the best cover arts in any Werewolf product I have ever seen (except, perhaps Werewolf: the Dark Ages). The book details the role of the denizens of the World of Darkness in Egypt, from the point of view of the Garou; it tells us more about the Curse that was laid upon the tribe; their connection to the origin of the Setite vampires; a very special kind of Bane that haunts the Egyptian deserts and their relationship towards other supernaturals (other Fera ans the Mummies, for instance).
If you are a fan of this tribe, or if you want to take your Werewolf chronicles into the lands of sand, buy this book!
Book Description
This resource offers tools designed for the special needs of small business owners—from startup to shutdown, from business planning to marketing, and from business financing to personal wealth—that are drawn from CCH’s online services of software tools and expert advice. Included are suggestions for marketing wisely and cheaply; tips for managing cash flow, including credit and collections; and techniques for creating a business plan that serves as an organizational blueprint and earns financial backing. Effective approaches to managing human resources are also examined, including payroll, benefits, and hiring and firing. This latest edition features updated laws and documentation on their impact on small business owners.
Customer Reviews:
A Complete Course in Small Business.......2005-07-15
Starting, Running & Growing a Small Business is something that you probably shouldn't do. 85% (or something like that) of small businesses fail within the first five years. On the other hand, if you're like me, you really have no choice, this is just something you have to do. I started my first one while in college. I had no idea of the problems that I would face, and sure enough it failed within a few months.
My second business lasted a little longer, my third for about ten years. Then it got cought in a classic inventory squeeze and boom it was gone too. When your business fails, you have to go to work for someone else. Hopefully you have learned something from the failure, and the next one works better. My current little business has paid me a living for some years, shows no signs of failing and is a hell of a lot more fun than having a boss.
Why do I say all this, it's because if I had known what was printed in this book when I was first getting started I could have done a lot of things differently, a lot of things better, and understood a lot more about what I was doing in general.
This book is basically a full course in running a small business. It's better than what you'd get in college (I know I have an MBA.) because colleges teach you how to be mid-level management in large companies and in a small business all the rules are really different.
This is a wonderful book. Open it to just about any page and you'll find something that will help you. Note especially the opening paragraph, with everything you have here, you'll still need some good old-fashioned luck. But the rest of the book will teach you that you often make your own luck.
Average customer rating:
- Great Resource for Small Businesses
|
Start, Run & Grow a Successful Small Business
Susan M. Jacksack
Manufacturer: CCH Incorporated
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Management
| Management & Leadership
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Small Business & Entrepreneurship
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0808004131 |
Customer Reviews:
Great Resource for Small Businesses.......2000-06-20
I was originally only looking for a publication that would give me tips on creating an effective business plan - then I came across this book! This is a GREAT resource for not only beginning a business, but is an excellent reference to use during the course of your business - whether to improve revenue, create better bookkeeping methods, evaluate/re-evaluate your market, etc. I would recommend this book to anyone who would like some good, sound advice on starting and running their small business. There are also great checklists, worksheets and other useful tools to use.
Book Description
This resource offers tools designed for the special needs of small business ownersfrom startup to shutdown, from business planning to marketing, from business financing to personal wealththat are drawn from CCH's online services of software tools and expert advice. Covered in detail are suggestions for marketing wisely and cheaply; tips for managing cash flow, including credit and collections; and techniques for creating a business plan that serves as an organizational blueprint and earns financial backing. Effective approaches to managing human resources are also examined, including payroll, benefits, and hiring and firing. This replaces 0808004131.
Product Description
Fiducial's Start Run & Grow A Successful Small Business is a unique how-to book for the small business owner and would-be entrepreneur. It includes detailed information on the tough issues that so many of you face when you are just embarking on your dream to be your own boss. With a special emphasis on problem solving, START RUN & GROW is full of cost-cutting tips, step-by-step checklists, real life case studies, a model business plan, and other business documents to assist you in starting and operating your business.
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