Buff and Polish: A Practical Guide to Enhance Your Professional Image and Communication Style

Average customer rating:

Common Sense

Short & Sweet

Don't let your image siderail your career

Great book and very practical

Buff and Polish: A Practical Guide to Enhance Your Professional Image and Communication Style
Kathryn J. Volin
Manufacturer: Pentagon Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0966687868

Customer Reviews:

Common Sense.......2002-01-10

When I purchased this Buff and Polished, I expected to be clued on some insighful recommendations to improve and enhance my professional image. Instead, I got common sense every day knowledge all of which I already possessed. This guide did not enlighten me to the point that I thought it would.

Short & Sweet.......2001-10-02

To the point and informative with good advice that my mother never heard nor should have told me ... i.e. manners and advice that hasn't come from the 19th century.

Don't let your image siderail your career.......1999-12-17

Buff & Polish can be read through, as any book might be, or you can treat it as a workbook, taking the suggestions & ideas chapter by chapter to make your personal image outstanding.

I haven't come across a book yet that covers such a wide range of topics. This is not an etiquette book, though the topic is discussed. It's not a how-to-look-good book, but that's included, too. It's not merely an effective communication book, either.

The book chapters cover topics such as:

=> first impressions => the handshake => gesturing for impact => eye contact => body language signals => the power of your voice => self-promotion => making great presentations

DOES CASUAL DRESS DAY MAKE YOU WANT TO CALL IN SICK?

Volin's section on 'casual dress' is the best I've ever come across. For those who hold outside jobs, casual dress days must be a most confusing situation.

I was never quite sure exactly what 'casual' actually was and ended up wearing clothes that were more formal than they needed to be. I figured it would be better to err on the side of stuffiness.

That was OK around clients, but it made my colleagues uncomfortable. I think they felt I was either showing off to the boss or just standoffish.

Buff & Polish explains many different levels of casual dress based on kind of workplace. It ranges from well-pressed blue jeans all the way up what Volin calls 'executive casual'.

ACCESSORIES -- ARE YOU A WINNER OR LOSER?

Do you ever think about the accessories you wear, own, & carry? In 7 packed pages devoted to the subject, here's what's covered:

=> belts & suspenders => cuff links & shirt sleeve length => wrist watches => jewelry => socks & stockings => shoes => fabrics => eyeglasses => pens & pencils => briefcases

IMAGE IS MORE THAN CLOTHING

Some books I've read talk about 'image' as it pertains to your business card, brochure, stationery, and such. And I've read books that cover how to 'dress for success'. But, image takes in so much more.

In the chapter "The Power of Professional Presence" topics include posture, balance, stance, voice inflection, what to do with your hands, & how to sit.

For example, I asked Volin, "On page 38 of the book, you say not to sit with hands resting quietly in the lap? This has always been a favorite position of mine during interviews. In fact, I was told to sit like that. Why do you not like that position?"

Her answer: "Females have been taught to take up less space than males. When sitting in a chair, I recommend resting your arms on the arms of the chair or at least be more expansive with your use of space so you appear more confident & less demure."

Good answer, isn't it? And one I'd never thought about before. It's true that most men take up a larger physical space, and have deeper, louder voices. So they automatically come across as more forceful & self-assured, even if they aren't.

USE COLOR TO MAKE A STATEMENT

This is the only business book I know about that considers color -- it's effect, the proper use of it in clothing & when putting together a presentation, what it says about your personality, & how it influences our emotions.

Buff and Polish suggests you have a 'color analysis' done so you can find the colors that will make you look your best.

There are many great benefits to having your colors analyzed. Wearing the right colors allows natural beauty to shine through while creating a healthier and younger appearance. Knowing what colors look best on you will virtually eliminate costly color mistakes when shopping for clothing and cosmetics. Finally, knowing that you look good will help you feel better about yourself and help you project a more positive image.

Volin takes the discussion of color further. She also discusses the psychology of color and the best way to use color in a presentation.

A book bursting with useful information.

Great book and very practical.......1999-05-19

This book really lets you see your blind side. I found that I do several "no,no's" with regard to my professional image when dealing with others. This book really laid things out well in making me more aware of the image I present. I have encouraged others in my work group to read this book as well. A subtle reminder for them on what they could do to change their image when dealing with others. People really do form an opinion of you from what they see. This book will undoubtly save me from losing opportunities as I deal with customers.

Book Description

This book is the new edition of John Magee's classic General Semantics of Wall Street. An indispensable companion to John Magee's and Robert Edward's classic, Technical Analysis of Stock Trends, Winning the Mental Game on Wall Street covers the mind set, the preconceptions, the false and misleading habits that hinder peak performance. It exhaustively deconstructs the movement of the stock market, shows you how to decipher its behavior, and teaches you its symbolic language or general semantics. Written by John Magee and edited by W.H. Charles Bassetti, this book prepares you for the mental game on Wall Street. The book re-trains your mind to handle the market skillfully. Magee, arguably the wisest investment advisor in history, leads you toward a common sense mentality and method that virtually assures success in the long run. The secret? Right mind, right habits, right techniques. Through careful study and application of the concepts suggested by Magee, an average investor becomes a highly effective trader. Winning the Mental Game on Wall Street prepares your mind to operate effectively in the financial markets.

Customer Reviews:

A Must Read At Any Stage.......2004-10-13

This is one that I wish I had read when I first started trading. It took me over 3 years to even come across this book. I had no idea it existed. I can't be sure if it would have the same effect then as it does now. However, I honestly feel that it is essential no matter what stage you are in. One would probably benefit to read this book every 3 to 6 months. I have a pretty solid suspicion that the material is this book will take on different meanings during different stages of a trader's progression.

If you are open to change in your life, this will be one of the most influential books you will come across. There is many a paradigm shift in the text. It is often difficult for people to accept change since our perceptions are ingrained from such an early age. However, it is possible to change these habits and preconceptions once one "learns how to see". Magee's book will put you on the right path to "seeing" how Wall Street really is.

This isn't a "how to" book on trading. It is meant as a companion piece to Magee's other work, TA of Stock Trends. And when one considers that these books were written a few generations ago, it lays credence to the adage that the more things change the more they stay the same. The same game is played on Wall Street today as it was 100 years ago and will continue 100 years into the future.

When you are ready to learn (and I mean open your eyes to a new way of thinking) this book will be there for you.

Top of the list.......2004-01-10

Of all the books available on the markets, this is the one I'd recommend to a beginner as a starting point. I'm not surprised that an amateur would be disappointed (or even dissapoined) in it since it doesn't provide quick-start recipes for guaranteed success in the financial arena. What it does do is explain what the markets are all about. It dispels the myths that lead to inevitable losses and eventual ruin, preparing one for the reality of the market rather than perpetuating the illusions that enable all those advisory services, newsletters, and gurus to flourish.

You won't learn the "best" MACD settings here. What you will learn is the reality of the markets, a necessary first step toward creating a trading style.

Oddly enough, Amazon has paired the book with The Nature of Risk, above, at least temporarily, which is the second book I'd recommend to anyone interested in learning how to approach the financial markets.

Dissapoined.......2003-10-08

I was really dissapointed with this book. After reading 118 pages out of 300+, and browsing over the rest, I decided not to waste my time with this book anymore. Most of the time, the author doesn't talk about the markets, trading systems, or mental strategies to win in Wall Street. He talks about word definitions, stories when he was a kid (not related to the markets), abstract philosophy, what separate us from the animals (how is this related to the title of the book?), repeats a lot of his stories 2 or 3 times... in summary... a book that has been mis-titled. Don't buy this book without doing research on it first. I spent $50 on it and I am debating if donating it to the library or trashing it.

Book Description

In 1993, a team of scientist descended into the crater of Galeras, a volcano on Colombia, for a day of research.As the group slowly moved across the rocky moonscape, Galeras erupted in a barrage of burning rocks and glowing shrapnel. Nine men died instantly, their bodies torn apart by the blast.

While others watched helplessly, Colombian geologist Marta Calvache raced into the rumbling crater, praying to find survivors. Eight years before, Calvache was one of several scientists who worked to prepare for an eruption at Colombia's Nevado del Ruiz volcano, but the group lacked the resources and muscle to implement a plan of action or sway public opinion. When it erupted suddenly, Navado del Ruiz wiped the city of Armero off the face of the earth and killed more than twenty-three thousand people in one of the worst natural disasters of the twentieth century.

Linking the characters and events of these two eruptions to tell a riveting story of scientific tragedy and human heroism, Victoria Bruce weaves together the stories of heroes, victims, and survivors, evoking with great sensitivity what is means to live a hair's-breath away from unthinkable natural clamity. No Apparent Danger shows how clashing cultures and scientific arrogance resulted in tragic and unnecessary loss of life.

Customer Reviews:

Well-written, so one can focus on the controversy!.......2004-06-25

Bruce's book is well-written and describes the geological processes involved in a clear and simple fashion.

At first I wasn't really sure why she had chosen to write about both the Nevado Del Ruiz and Galeras eruptions, but it became clear that she was following the professional development of the Columbian volcanologists and the Columbian governmental response to volcanic disasters. The information provided about the politics and civil unrest concurrent with the volcanic eruptions and the effects on ability of the scientists to recieve funding, equipment and international help is VERY interesting.

It's obvious that the most contraversial part of this account is the role played by Stan Williams as the field trip leader on the fateful excursion into the Galeras caldera. While volcanologists are aware of the potential risks associated with visiting a volcano, I would have wanted to be aware of the occurrence of the tell-tale tornillos. It didn't seem like there was a complete overview of the current state of Galeras prior to the field trips such that each participant could determine their own level of risk-taking. It was also not clear to me that Zapata in fact relayed the information about the tornillo during the morning of the trip to Williams. Did Williams know about the recent tornillo? After all, Zapata was the only one with a radio. As with any tragedy, the events raise more questions than answers.

It seems to me that the tragedy was the result of many different small events that primarily become clear in hinesight. While safety measures used in previous trips likely should have been used during the fated excursion, _none_ of the scientists that went on the trip were completely unaware of the danger involved. Williams is not to _blame_ for the tragedy, but he is certainly _responsible_ for the people on HIS field trip, simply because he was the leader. It can be argued that he should have taken better precautions and that is where Williams's regrets should lie. It's obvious that some of the participants knew Williams's level of concern was not as high as their own and they intelligently chose to wear their own safety gear. (Did the other participants have access to safety gear if they had wanted it?)

Regardless of the controversy surrounding the field trip, Bruce also does a good job of describing (and perhaps becoming somewhat involved in) the politics of science in general. When I started graduate school, I was completely naive about the politics of money, research and publishing - grant writing, intellectual property, etc. Bruce provides a brief but revealing look at how politics also drive science.

Science isn't a clear cut, straightforward pursuit. Bruce certainly portrays this fact quite clearly in her book. I certainly recommend reading this book along with Stan Williams's book as counterpoint.

One-sided and questionable research methods.......2003-09-12

I was on Galeras volcano 10 years ago when it erupted. Like most of the other volcanologists at the Pasto, Colombia meeting to study Galeras I did not go into the crater, but was looking at deposits on the outer flanks when the eruption occurred. Stanley Williams had stressed the danger of going inside, and only those making data collections went with him into the crater.

Victoria Bruce's book is largely an attack on Williams. She is correct in some assertions- Williams is (or was - he is only a shadow of his former self now) a maverick who argued with parts of the volcanological establishment. He also formed many productive working arrangements with scientists from a variety disciplines, especially with students and young volcanologists from Colombia and the other countries he worked in.

I object to Bruce's research methods - she called me twice to ask about the Colombian meeting and the events of the eruption. She never gave any hint that her book would be an attack on Williams and she never asked me critical questions about his leadership. After I read her book I felt that her approach to me as a participant had not been honest.

By necessity Bruce talked to volcanologists only after the eruption, and by that time volcanologists as a profession had realized that their previous somewhat cavelier methods of researching active volcanoes needed to change. But Williams' expedition into Galeras was typical of most of the visits I have made to erupting volcanoes with various trip leaders. Perhaps volcanologists were taking dumb risks, but only a handful of volcanologists had died in eruptions before, and the risks seemed worth taking in light of the heightened learning opportunities.

My concern with Bruce's book is that her criticism of Williams is too harsh; he was blamed for the sins of the profession, and perhaps volcanologists he had disagreed with in the past could see only his weaknesses and not also his strengths. In some ways this was tearing down a scrappy, non-conformist who was a sometimes too successful competitor for grants and scientific acclaim.

Galeras was ten years ago; Bruce's book, and Williams' are a few years old. Everyone moves on, but I'd like the reader of these reviews to consider that Williams might not have been the self-centered egotist depicted in Bruce's book, but a flawed human unfairly treated in a book about a tragedy that surprised all of us on the volcano.

Chuck Wood

The volcano eruptions at Nevado del Ruiz and Galeras........2002-08-02

There are two stories in this book. The first is about the eruption of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano that resulted in the deaths of 23,000 people. The second is the death of six scientists and three Columbians in the Galeras eruption. The scientists killed were led by Stan Williams, who also substained very serious injuries. The three Columbians were local hikers in the area.
If the focus was on numbers, Bruce should have concentrated her studies on the Nevado del Ruiz eruption that killed so many Columbians because of the mud slides. This was not done, but the focus was on diminishing the egotistical Stan Williams who led six of his companions to death. Both stories are worth a book of their own.

Great investigative reporting.......2002-07-16

Victoria Bruce is a fearless academic detective. She also happens to be a pretty good writer. "The True Story of Volcanic Disaster at Galeras and Nevado Del Ruiz" is a gripping tale of human error and vanity. Bruce reports how Colombians relied heavily on American and European volcanologists for guidance and funding.

The book is two parts. The destruction of Armero and its 23,000 residents by Nevado del Ruiz is one of the world's worst disasters. However, the tale of what took place at Galeras is far more interesting. It uncovers fraud. It shows that Stanley Williams promoted his career at the expense of others and proves that his scientific arrogance led to the unnecessary loss of life at Galeras.

In addition, Victoria Bruce masterfully conquers two major obstacles in this book. First, she explains the complexities of geology in a simplistic fashion and secondly she properly describes the violence inside Colombia with intellectual honesty.

WHEN SCIENTISTS GO TOO FAR.......2002-03-07

I was impressed by the overall tenor of the book, but found it murky in terms of continuity at times. The last few chapers clear up much of the confusion. The book is to be lauded for its capable detective work and straightforward nature of revealing what is not only a human tragedy, but a scientific scandal.
Dr. Williams has been a master of self-aggrandizement ever since the Galeras incident. He seems oblivious to the role of his own neglect in causing the tragedy. I have observed this on several television interviews involving him.
This carefully-researched book brings this unfortunate series of attributes forth without malice or rancor being shown: a prodigious task in light of the plain facts.
As with other human endeavors, science is prone to human frailties such as pride, unduly tenacious stubbornness, and simple inattention. This book is valuable in presenting a prototypical instance of that deficiency. One can only hope that, with the passage of time, the unfortunate Professor Williams will reflect more on what was truly an avoidable mishap, and strive less to attempt to vindicate the unvindicatable

Book Description

Hundreds of well-illustrated articles explore the most important fields of science.

Based on content from the McGraw-Hill Concise Encyclopedia of Science & Technology, Fifth Edition, the most widely used and respected science reference of its kind in print, the new Concise Encyclopedia Series delivers:

* Detailed, well-illustrated explanations, not just definitions
* Hundreds of concise yet authoritative articles in each volume
* An easy-to-understand presentation, accessible and intersting to non-specialists
* A portable, convenient format
* Bibliographies, appendices, and other information to supplement the articles

Customer Reviews:

Was very disappointed and will return for refund.......2005-12-26

I bought this book for a friend to read to their grandchildren and also bought one for myself so imagine my surprise when I opened the box and it barely fit in the palm of my hand. I feel that this book is a consumer rip off and that amazon should offer free return shipping. I know I should have checked the reviews before I purchased, but have never had a problem like this with anything I have ordered before. I hope no one else has this problem and feel that it should be taken off the site because this is a joke to expect people to read this to children. Not a picture at all. Holidays are a rush for us all and to have to check all the details before purchasing. Sigh!!! Not a good experience.

BEWARE! It's TINY!.......2005-12-22

This book is great if you are giving it to a Barbie, but for humans it's wayyyy toooooo small. Why would anyone pay that much for a miniature book? I was shocked when I opened the box and this teeny tiny book was inside. I got robbed!

WARNING!!!!!! THIS BOOK IS ONLY 2 1/2 x 3 INCH BOOK!.......2005-12-18

When I paid $4.95 for a Hardcover book I expected a full size children's book, not a 2 1/2 X 3 minature book. Nowhere in the description does it state the size of this HARDCOVER BOOK. ****TIP READ REVIEWS BEFORE PURCHASING**** MY MISTAKE!

Feeling ripped off.......2005-12-16

Payed a good amount for this book only to receive a tiny little 3 inch mini book that only the "mouse" could read. I would think that this would be included in the description and wonder how many others have been tricked. This was supposed to be a book for the family to read to the kids on Christmas eve. Guess that won't be happening. Maybe I can stick it on top of a gift instead of a bow. What a shame, the seller should be ashamed of himself!!!!!

BUYER BEWARE!!!!.......2005-12-15

This is a "miniture" book. A real disappointment if you are thinking it to be a normal size children's book. Amazon should have had a size disclaimer on this one and I should have read the reviews. I'm glad I only bought one copy. I had almost purchased several as gifts! Instead this is going in my stocking and I will now always inquire on size!!!!

The Night Before Christmas (A Running Press Miniature Edition)

Average customer rating:

A Classic!
The holiday spirit.
Night Before Christmas
Wonderful Version!
Such a Beautiful Story for any age

The Night Before Christmas (A Running Press Miniature Edition)
Clement Clarke Moore
Manufacturer: Running Pr Book Pub (J)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Anthologies | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0894717545

Amazon.com

Clement C. Moore's beloved poem about Santa's arrival on Christmas Eve has been illustrated by hundreds of artists since its first publication in 1823. Two collectors of antique children's books have selected a variety of these charming pictures from Arthur Rackham, Jessie Willcox Smith, Thomas Nast, and other renowned children's illustrators of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Most of the images are from versions of the poem; a few are from antique postcards or magazines. Source notes for all the illustrations are included. Santa is dressed differently by each artist, but he is always "chubby and plump--a right jolly old elf" who brings joy to all good little girls and boys. This attractive edition of The Night Before Christmas will be enjoyed most by collectors of children's books or lovers of things Victorian. Youngsters who are already familiar with the poem will delight in comparing the different old-fashioned Santas and the children of long ago "nestled all snug in their beds." A charming holiday gift to leave under the tree on Christmas Eve for anyone who believes in the magic of Santa Claus. (Ages 5 to adult) --Marcie Bovetz

Book Description

the classic story of St. Nicholas is presented with charming full-color illustrations

Customer Reviews:

A Classic! .......2007-08-31

The best illustrations for this classic poem I've ever seen! Wonderful large format - perfect for reading aloud.

The holiday spirit........2007-01-10

This book is exactly what I was looking for. The quality of pictures is both nostalgic and whimsical. The well known story is in print even grandma can read! The holiday spirit is alive and well in this book.

Night Before Christmas.......2006-12-04

This is a great book. I have read the one in the Random House Pictureback series. The illustrations in the book are what really stand out. They are colorful and detailed and go great with the writing. They are some of the best illustrations I have seen in a book. This is a great book to read to younger or childern. The story is great but the illustrations are what really makes it a great childrens book.

Wonderful Version!.......2006-09-08

Some of the reviewers seem confused about which version this is. I am referring to the Random House Pictureback version that is illustrated by Douglas Gorsline (ISBN 0-394-83019-9). The version I am referring to is not abridged or censored. It even includes the line about the pipe and smoke.

The illustrations are stunningly detailed and authentic. They remind me quite a bit of the beautiful illustrations in another children's classic "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs". Make sure to look for the cat in all the pictures that take place in or around the house! You will never tire of reading this one to your little one! I will warn you, however, that this book might wear out quickly because you will read it so often!

Such a Beautiful Story for any age.......2005-12-22

This is such a beautiful book so elegant in the illustrations & the story or poem is timeless and will never ever get old. No matter how old we get. A must buy for everyones library. We bring it out each year, it just isn't Christmas without reading the Night before Christmas....(& Charlie Brown Christmas)

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