The Smart Way to Buy Information Technology: How to Maximize Value and Avoid Costly Pitfalls

Book Description

Information technology costs are high, but companies have to pay to stay ahead. This one-of-a-kind book helps companies make the most of their IT acquisitions budget by avoiding bad technology investments and harmful vendor relationships. Purchasing decision-makers and business managers will gain the know-how and confidence to purchase and manage technology effectively, by learning how to:

** Beat vendors at their own game. Learn how vendors think, and see through their smoke and mirrors.
** Avoid the pitfalls of technophilia. Separate the high-priced toys from the technology that will provide real results.
** Sign deals the company can live with. Negotiate, monitor, and revamp technology acquisition contracts.
** Administer technology effectively. Understand software licenses and know how and when to use consultants and outsourcing.

Customer Reviews:

Literary IT Purchasing Primer.......2002-02-26

Completed the book in a weekend due to major contract negotiations at work. Found the chapters very "real-world" with appropriate anecdotes & examples to illustrate concepts. The chapter divisions were especially helpful; they allowed the reader to skip around & read the info needed. (I used the guidelines in the software contracts & contract administration chapters heavily. The contract clause samples are very good.)

The use of language was particularly interesting. There were many literary references & the occasional witty turn of phrase. (Was somebody an English major???) The book was an easy read & also quite entertaining. However, the authors' major goal is to help the professional who's actually involved in such efforts--not necessarily to amuse.

At times, the parody poems were a bit much, but almost all of the book was useful in some way or another. Would recommend the book to a procurement analyst or contract administrator that's new to the field and wants a good primer on all things IT.

For the beginner.......2002-01-19

Pretty basic and definitely geared toward the novice IT professional or procurement area.
Having spent over 20 years selling various IT products and services, most of her examples are over-exaggerated or just plain silly.

One of the best books on the subject........2001-12-29

I have been negotiating IT & telecom deals on behalf of large companies for the past 3 years. I am continuously seeking material to expand my knowledge in this arena in order to be on equal footing with vendors. This book is without doubt the best I've come across in my long search. It's clear that the authors have "been there, done that." The review that gave this book a poor rating due to the authors'supposed unethical advice is bogus--I didn't find anything of the sort.

This book levels the sales cycle playing field.......2001-04-10

If you are acquiring products or services from a reseller/integrator then this book give you the knowledge you need to ensure that you're getting what you're paying for. Earlier in my career I was an MIS manager who dealt with resellers and made the switch to working for a number of reseller/integrators as a pre-sales consultant and network engineer. I came away with two fundamental truths: there is a definite ritual that underlies the IT sales cycle, and the difference between a computer sales rep and a used car salesman is the used car salesman knows he's lying. Apparently the authors of this book also see these truths because they arm you, the buyer, with a strategy and an array of tactics with which to cut through the FUD (fear, uncertainty and doubt) and the other ploys that the sales side of this ritual will use.

To be fair to the sales side of the acquisition cycle, they have face a tough set of challenges, among them the fact that many buyers do not understand the dangerous margins that are a reality of the seller's world. Also, IT technology has become a commodity and the resellers who truly do add value are often competing on price alone.

That said, everything in this book rings true for both sides. Resellers are going to employ every weapon at their disposal, and this book lists them all: relationship development, knowing your hot buttons and pushing them in many subtle ways, and always nudging you to the close. Some of these tactics are well-intentioned and may actually take into account your real requirements. However, the book also points out other external forces at play, such as quotas imposed by your sales rep's own company as well as pressures from their vendors. Combined, these too often result in your being skillfully talked into technology that is proposed for reasons other than its fit to your needs or overall value as an investment. In this respect the advice that the authors provide might seem on the surface to be adversarial or worse; however, it is designed to ensure that your acquisition strategy is aligned to your real requirements and not the result of skillful manipulation.

Among the most insightful parts of this book, in my opinion, are chapter 4, which covers negotiations and how to control the negotiations; chapters 8 and 9, which provide sound advice for monitoring and auditing vendor performance; and chapter 10 on contracting. Each of these areas are key in the sales and delivery cycle, and are especially important for services. When I was in that business I thought that it was absolutely amazing how many customers overlooked the vast difference between what our sales reps promised and what was actually delivered from a services perspective. The real value lies in service, and that seems to be the one place where the buyer consistently loses. If you follow the advice provided in these chapters you will learn how to get with you pay for and how to hold your reseller accountable for delivering what was promised.

I think this is one of the best written books on how to buy IT technology and services. Learn from it and you will have the assurance that you will get best value and solutions that meet your real requirements. The book is weak on the financial side of solution selection and measuring benefits, but it is incredibly strong on how to manage vendors and beat them at their own game. I strongly recommend it if you are involved in managing vendors or acquiring product and services from resellers.

Unethical (and Inffective) Advice.......2000-06-22

Although the book contains some useful information, the authors advocated several unethical business practices, including lying, stalling, and micromanagement. Their advice was "cheat them before they cheat you." In 20 years of dealing with IT vendors, I have found that working WITH vendors, in an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect, is a much more effective strategy.

Book Description

Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change presents the most current theoretical frameworks and practical applications in the field of human resource development. Drawing from the authors' pioneering research, this book offers the most comprehensive treatment of HRD theory and practice available, providing educators and practitioners alike with a rigorous approach to analyzing and launching successful HRD programs.

Human Resource Management: A Strategic Introduction (Management, Organizations, and Business Series)

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Human Resource Management: A Strategic Introduction (Management, Organizations, and Business Series)
Christopher Mabey , Graeme Salaman , and John Storey
Manufacturer: Blackwell Publishing Limited
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Human Resources & Personnel Management | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Business & Investing | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0631208232

Book Description

Building on the success of the first edition, Christopher Mabey and Graeme Salaman are joined by John Storey in producing an even more comprehensive and thoroughly revised textbook. Human Resource Management: A Strategic Introduction builds on readers' prior knowledge of managing people in organizations by introducing the possibilities and difficulties of managing human resources and orchestrating change in a more strategic manner.A series of strategic HR prescriptions and ideas is examined and evaluated conceptually, theoretically and practically to assess their value in different organizational contexts:The practice of HRS - the distinctive contribution of HR practices is located and evaluated.The experience of HRS - where possible experiences of HR interventions are documented.The concept of HRS - a range of conceptualized approaches are appraisedThe polemic of HRS - where necessary the roots as well as the current rhetoric of HRS are explored.Human Resource Management: A Strategic Introduction reviews the potential contribution of HRM to the arena of strategic decision-making and draws conclusions concerning the 'status' of HRS and HR theorising in the new millennium.

Applied Strategic Planning, An Introduction

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Applied Strategic Planning, An Introduction
Timothy M. Nolan , Leonard D. Goodstein , and Pfeiffer
Manufacturer: Pfeiffer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Strategy & Competition | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Systems & Planning | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Human Resources & Personnel Management | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

All Amazon Upgrade | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Business & Investing | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0883903180

Book Description

Plan future organizational success!

Keep ASP team members up to speed with this "quick study"
Put all of your ASP Planning team members "in the know" with the Introduction
Keep all of your team members on track with this visual reminder of the process

This comprehensive OD resource is a powerful aid to consultants engaged in implementing strategic planning with organizational-planning teams. The Kit is based on the ASP model that consists of two ongoing phases: Environmental Monitoring and Application Considerations, and nine sequential steps that the planning team follows:

Planning to Plan
Values Scan
Mission Formulation
Strategic Business Modeling
Performance Audit
Gap Analysis
Integrating Action Plans
Contingency Planning
Implementation

"We have been using the [Applied Strategic Planning] process in our agency and it has helped us to focus and provide needed leadership, given the extAnded budge crisis and constant change."
--Ramon J. Rodriguez, deputy executive director, New York State Division of Equalization and Assessment

Components of The ASP Kit:
Applied Strategic Planning: The Consultant's Kit: Includes a 554 page looseleaf binder containing 79 up-to-date strategic-planning activities to guide the planning team through each step of the strategic-planning process. Some activities call for supplemental items; most are complete within themselves. Notes to the Consultant and an Overview of Activities begin each chapter. A color transparency of the ASP model is included. One copy of each of the following components is also included (each item below may also be purchased separately):

Applied Strategic Planning: A Comprehensive Guide: (ISBN: 070240205/hardcover/380 pages/$49.95)Provides an in-depth outline of the strategic-planning process.
Applied Strategic Planning: An Introduction: (ISBN: 0883903180/72 pages/$20.00) Provides a basic understanding of the ASP process to members of the planning team and other key members who need to understand the process.
Applied Strategic Planning: An Overview: (ISBN: 0883903199/paperback/6 pages/$6.00) A brief synopsis of the process, what needs to happen during each phase, and how to implement the plan.
Applied Strategic Planning Model Handout & Poster: (Handout/ISBN: 0883904489/8-1/2"X11"/6.00 & Poster/ISBN: 0883903377/27" X 34"/25.00) Full-color model in handout and poster formats.
Diagnosing Organizational Culture Instrument: (ISBN: 0883903164/paper/32 pages/$12.00) This instrument helps identify and evaluate significant cultural patterns within the organization.
Diagnosing Organizational Culture Trainer's Package: (ISBN: 0883905329/$28.00) Includes a training manual (paper/57 pages)and one copy of the Diagnosing Organizational Culture Instrument. C&RT (Creativity and Risk Taking Instrument): (ISBN: 0883900254/paper/24 pages/$12.50) This instrument assesses individuals' creativity and risk-taking orientations.

With The ASP Kit, you'll be able to:

Lead an organization through the ASP process -- from planning through implementation
Guide a planning team through each phase of this powerful design
Introduce a strategic-planning approach that gives optimum clarity and results
Assist the team in identifying significant patterns within the organization
Support the organization's development of a strategic plan that will ensure future success

TIMING: Approximately 3 days per component (12 days per year) AUDIENCE: Managers and top executives (active participants in the ASP process)

Book Description

The sixth edition of this best-selling resource continues to teach nursing, health professions, medical and social science readers the importance of cultural competence and cultural awareness in the health care industry. The new edition will include revised organization to create a better flow of content, new content on gererational differences, updated chapter on health care delivery system, updated illustrations and tables and MediaLink icons. For undergraduate and graduate courses in patient care and basic health related profession programs, as well as medical, social work, and other health disciplines.

Customer Reviews:

Great Informational Book.......2007-02-24

The chapters are long and detailed and filled with statistics and charts that physically show the information being presented. Overall it is a well put together book that remains uniform throughout.

It is always good to read the text before..........2005-11-27

The book is based on some solid quantitative studies and it is important that we read the text first before inclining to accept any particular views invoked by reviews. I suggest that you read the text first and then make your mind based on your reading.

Not a good resource for this important area of inquiry.......2005-05-10

This review updated by author on March 21, 2006:

I recently (Spring 2005) used this text in an undergraduate health professions course titled "Diversity in Health and Illness". The author addresses a broad scope of cultures, issues and responses to cultural needs in health care. Although the book contains much that is useful, my students found it to be, on balance, confusing and disorganized.

I believe much of this response can be attributed to poor editing. We identified numerous spelling and grammar errors throughout. Poorly edited content is also evident in several chapters. Example: "...this chapter has introduced the dominant culture's perception of health and illness through countless lenses" (pp. 67). Similarly, "...countless letters are displayed attesting to the healing powers of this statue" (pp. 106). Isn't there a more accurate word to use in place of `countless'? More importantly, ethnic and race labels are not used consistently. "Hispanic" and "Latino" are used as though they are strictly interchangeable; ditto for "Black" and "African American." Term consistency would enhance clarity.

My concerns with the text are more fundamental and numerous but I will limit myself to a few examples:

USE OF SOURCE DATA AND REFERENCE MATERIALS
Although the text is heavily laden with descriptive statistics, comparative data is often not included, thus limiting interpretations. For example, the discussion of rising expenditures for unconventional therapies in the U.S. (pp. 96) includes expenditure estimates for 1990 and 1997. Without companion statistics for conventional therapy expenditures, readers are unable to asses the magnitude of the trend. Similarly, the description of the African American population as young (54.4% are under 18 - pp. 233) is not very enlightening in the absence of corresponding percentages for the white population and the overall American population. Figure 10-3 adds little additional information.

References for culture group descriptions are often either very old (1950's - 1970's), not the definitive works, or are not sufficiently academic (encyclopedias and web pages), and should be replaced with citations for newer research reported in more rigorous formats. Several important sections contain insufficient or no reference citations. The "Health/HEALTH Care Choices" section (pp. 85) contains numerous historical claims but only a single reference to the American Heritage Dictionary.

OUT OF DATE THEORIES
Some of the sociological and anthropological concepts presented do not represent current theoretical stances. I was especially interested in exploring citations for the "Cycle of Poverty" discussion in Chapter 2, as this blame-the-victim concept has fallen out of favor in sociological circles because it ignores structural realities that are beyond the control of individuals. This conflation of structural problems with cultural phenomena inadvertently creates a situation where the subtle racist beliefs we all learn through our socialization is reinforced in the classroom. Sadly, the only citation provided in this section, (Spector 1979, pp. 148-152), refers to an earlier edition of this book. Original references should be provided.

The Chapter 3 discussion of the sick role is limited to functionalist models presented by Talcott Parsons (1966) and Edward Suchman (1965). As our society ages we are experiencing increasing levels of chronic illness and more patients cannot expect to fully recover. More recent examinations of the illness experience would be appropriate.

CULTURAL MISUNDERSTANDINGS
The discussion of historical background for Native American cultures (pp. 186-188) is particularly dismal. While somewhat correct in broad outlines, the text reads like a less-than-distinguished freshman research paper, and includes various repeats. The discussion of traditional health beliefs and practices is limited to those of the Navajo and Hopi - important southwestern groups - but not representative of all Native Americans. Sources cited are limited to a few 1960's and 1970's references. Strains of the Noble Savage are also evident, particularly with reference to the discussion of "True Indian love" and domestic violence (pp. 200).

The role of voodoo in African American traditions is somewhat overstated (Chapter 10), and is presented as an explanation for present-day underutilization of the allopathic system (pp. 239). At the same time, more realistic explanations are omitted. Chief among those are the disproportionate poverty experienced by the community as well as recent and historical sources of distrust between the African Americans and the largely white medical establishment (e.g., antebellum forced medical experimentation, Tuskegee Experiment, Holmesburg Prison Experiments).

INTERPRETATIONS
My graduate degree is in anthropology, and although I expected some level of disconnect between my training and the nursing orientation of Spector, I found myself admonishing my students several times over to ignore specific passages and sections in this text as irrelevant or just plain wrong.

For example, in the section titled "Cultural Phenomena Affecting Health", in Chapter 1, subheadings include "Biological Variations" and "Social Organization". Confusion between biology and culture appears in other places as well, and was especially troublesome for my students with their limited previous exposure to the concept of culture.

The "Social Organization" subheading precedes a disjointed (but brief) discussion of childhood socialization, family organization, and barriers to health care access. Perhaps the first two could be combined in a section "Socialization". Regarding the barriers to health care access (e.g., unemployment, poverty and lack of health insurance), these could be better characterized as economic barriers rather than social barriers. Diminished economic resources are correlated to large extent with particular demographic groups, but one should avoid essentializing the availability of resources as a series of ethnic or cultural traits. Conceptualizing these issues as cultural phenomena obscures the contributions of racism, xenophobia, and unequal distribution of wealth to the problems of unequal access. Spector draws these categories from a previously published article, and the uncritical use of other people's published materials is apparent throughout the book.

Spector's background is nursing, and on balance, I am not sure that this provides one with the appropriate skills necessary to summarize the fundamentals of culture and cultural diversity. Theorising culture and society is (and should remain) the domain of anthropologists and sociologists (and perhaps psychologists). Like nursing and most other applied and academic fields of inquiry, understanding culture requires a great deal of specialized education.

On my initial reading I suspected a functionalist interpretation of the intersection between health care and culture, but on further examination this book is more like an online encyclopedia where everything (including the kitchen sink) is thrown in. What is missing is a critical evaluation of the usefulness and theoretical implications of others' data and interpretations. The result is conflicting content and a great deal of confusion.

A final example: Spector rejects the WHO health definition but does not suggest a better alternative. Instead she seems to think that health is indefinable: "I would define health as an undefined term" (pp. 50). I agree that students should maintain an open mind, but perhaps a series of limited definitions addressing a variety of situations would be more useful in the classroom. Social science practitioners and researchers struggle with variability in human behavior as a matter of course, but that struggle is mitigated through a realization that definitions are often necessary heuristic devices rather than complete summaries. Put simply, if we can't know a thing, aren't we just wasting our time?

I have reviewed a number of alternate texts over the past year and have found the problems discussed here to be present in several other texts. Perhaps the academic pursuit of cultural care is still in its nascent stage.

In any case, I have found "Culture in Rehabilitation: from Competency to Proficiency" edited by Royeen and Crabtree (Pearson 2006) to be a much better text for my class. The authors represent a variety of health professions and the text was reviewed by a similarly diverse panel of ten. Most of the contributions present robust bibliographies, rely on up-to-date social science research, and avoid the culture-as-checklist approach. I will review the text in detail sometime in May 2006.

Book Description

In spite of new, technologically advanced means of communication, the demand for face-to-face interaction among scientists is as great as ever. In this concise, yet thorough work, the author offers invaluable guidance for organizers of all sizes of scientific meetings. With good humor and attention to detail, the author covers all critical issues that a meeting organizer must address, including program development, site and participant selection, and budget management. Throughout, author Epple, a veteran of hundreds of meetings, draws attention to many seemingly small, but crucial aspects of meeting planning ranging from name tags to fund raising. This resource will prove to be an indispensable tool for meeting organizers.

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ORGANIZING SCIENTIFIC MEETINGS.
Epple. August:
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000LY2EWW

Book Description

This introductory textbook covers all the major spectroscopic techniques that cover the derivation of structural information from spectroscopic data. It incorporates over 200 carefully selected problems that are graded to develop and consolidate the students understanding of organic spectroscopy and to develop an understanding of how structures are derived.

This, the third edition has been thoroughly revised and updated and reflects the many developments in this area. It includes over 50 new problems and presents challenging examples that have been carefully selected to include all-important structural features and to emphasise connectivity arguments.

More emphasis on techniques is included in the problems and the advanced NMR topics section is expanded in the areas of decoupling and applications of the nuclear overhauser effect (nOe).

Brief and easy-to-read text providing sufficient detail of theory to be able to solve problems without going to excessive depth.
Large, graded selection of problems—from the very easy to challenging.
Provides hands-on training for the non-expert

Customer Reviews:

A good practical book:.......2002-05-20

This book is an excellent practical approach to common problems of solving structures. I think it's really good.

It's a good supplement.......2000-04-09

I had to buy this book for a Spectroscopy class, and I came to Amazon looking to see if there is an answer book too (which i don't think exists). Don't let the book discription fool you... The questions are "graded" meaning they progressively get more difficult. The questions are NOT answered, which would have been very helpful. If you are looking for a VERY BASIC explination to spectral chemistry, and a bunch of problems, get this book. If you want to really know what spectral chem is all about try "Spectrometric Identification of Organic Compounds".

Modern NMR Spectroscopy: A Workbook of Chemical Problems

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Modern NMR Spectroscopy: A Workbook of Chemical Problems
Jeremy K. M. Sanders , Edwin C. Constable , Brian K. Hunter , and Clive M. Pearce
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Analytic | Chemistry | Science | Subjects | Books

General & Reference | Chemistry | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Statics | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
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Modern NMR Spectroscopy: A Guide for Chemists

ASIN: 0198558120

Book Description

Nuclear magnetic resonance techniques have advanced dramatically in recent years, and are now more powerful and more versatile than ever before. To exploit these techniques efficiently, the chemist must have both an understanding of their theoretical basis and the ability to interpret the spectra accurately. The new edition of this established workbook develops the latter skill to an advanced level by a combination of worked examples and set problems that cover one- and two-dimensional NMR techniques applied to organic and inorganic systems. Most of the problems are genuine research examples, and this new edition contains eight pages of problems drawn from very recent research work. This second edition is fully compatible with the second edition of Modern NMR Spectroscopy: a guide for chemists, and the two books are thoroughly cross referenced throughout.

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Exercises in organic spectroscopy
Robert H Shapiro
Manufacturer: Holt, Rinehart and Winston
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Exercises In Organic Spectroscopy, 2nd edition;

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Exercises In Organic Spectroscopy, 2nd edition;
Robert H., Shapiro
Manufacturer: Holt, Rinehart and Winston
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OEEJIG

Problems in spectroscopy;: Organic structure determination by NMR, IR, UV, and mass spectra

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Problems in spectroscopy;: Organic structure determination by NMR, IR, UV, and mass spectra
Barry M Trost
Manufacturer: W.A. Benjamin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Book Description

The last decade has seen an explosive burst of new information about human origins and our evolutionary status with respect to other species. We have long been considered unique as upright, bipedal creatures endowed with language, the ability to use tools, to think and introspect. We now know that other creatures may be more or less capable of similar behavior, and that these human capacities in many cases have long evolutionary trajectories. Our information about such matters comes from a diverse variety of disciplines, including experimental and neuropsychology, primatology, ethology, archaeology, paleontology, comparative linguistics and molecular biology. It is the interdisciplinary nature of the newly-emerging information which bears upon one of the profoundest scientific human questions - our origin and place in the animal kingdom, whether unique or otherwise - which makes the general topic so fascinating to layperson, student and expert alike.

The book attempts to integrate across a wide range of disciplines an evolutionary view of human psychology, with particular reference to language, praxis and aesthetics. A chapter on evolution from the appearance of life to the earliest mammals is follows by one which examines the appearance of primates, hominids and the advent of bipedalism. There follows a more detailed account of the various species of Homo, the morphology and origin of modern H. sapiens sapiens as seen from the archaeological/palaeontological and molecular-biological perspectives. The origins of art and an aesthetic sense in the Acheulian and Mousterian through to the Upper Paleolithic are seen in the context of the psychology of art. Two chapters on language address its nature and realization centrally and peripherally, the prehistory and neuropsychology of speech, and evidence for speech and/or language in our hominid ancestors. A chapter on tool use and praxis and its possible relation to language. Encephalization and the growth of the brain, phylogenetically and ontogenetically, and its relationship to intellectual capacity leads on finally to a consideration of intelligence, social intelligence, consciousness and self awareness. A final chapter reviews the issues covered. The book, of around 70.000 words of text, includes over 500 references over half of which date from 1994 or later.

Customer Reviews:

Superb brief summary of human evolution.......1999-10-05

In just under 200 pages, JL Bradshaw, an Australian neuroscientist, presents a clearly written view of the evolution of the human mind. No pop sociobiology material here; the book fairly summarizes a large amount of research on topics ranging from the hominid fossil record to the evolution of language, tool use and social intelligence. If you want to get a quick handle on these issues, this book is highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

Not bad, but....

Another Masterpiece

Serge is my hero

Crazy is as crazy does...

Serge goes Hollywood

The Big Bamboo: A Novel
Tim Dorsey
Manufacturer: William Morrow
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
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Hurricane Punch: A Novel

Torpedo Juice : A Novel

The Stingray Shuffle

Triggerfish Twist

Orange Crush

ASIN: 0060585625
Release Date: 2006-03-28

Book Description

Serge A. Storms returns!

The world's most lovable serial killer is back, bringing together an Oscar-worthy cast of Sunshine State nut jobs with his insatiable passion for All Things Florida.

During this latest cavalcade of nonstop felonies—from Tampa to Fort Lauderdale to Orlando—Serge finds time to resurrect his obsession with movies, particularly those showcasing his beloved home state. And he wants answers! Why aren't more films shot here? How come the ones that are stink so bad? And what's up with filming "Florida" scenes in California? Then there's the cryptic message from his grandfather, Sergio, telling him to go to Los Angeles to uncover a mysterious secret from the distant past.

It's too much of a coincidence. It's fate.

Naturally, Serge, accompanied by his substance-sustained sidekick, Coleman, must immediately hop a transcontinental flight to straighten out Hollywood once and for all. But, of course, being Serge, his mission is sidetracked by perpetual detours to irresistible celluloid landmarks . . . and intrigue.

Meanwhile, in Burbank, production of what may become the most expensive flop in Tinseltown history is interrupted by the brazen abduction of the female lead.

Meanwhile, a couple of midwestern dreamers head west for their shot at fame—and find it at the center of a celebrity murder investigation.

And even more meanwhile, infamous studio heads Ian and Mel Glick continue to produce juggernaut high-grossing dreck, casting-couch perversion, and cocaine hijinks.

But there's more. Much more.

How is the Japanese mafia involved? The Alabama mafia? Is the castrating cult throwing a membership party? Will Coleman survive his binge at the Belushi hotel? Who can defuse the nuclear bomb? It all comes crashing together in a breathtaking climactic sequence that prompts an enthusiastic Serge to proclaim: "Two thumbs way, way up!"

So come on in and grab a seat. The show's about to start. . . .

Download Description

Serge A. Storms returns!

The world's most lovable serial killer is back, bringing together an Oscar-worthy cast of Sunshine State nut jobs with his insatiable passion for All Things Florida.

During this latest cavalcade of nonstop felonies -- from Tampa to Fort Lauderdale to Orlando -- Serge finds time to resurrect his obsession with movies, particularly those showcasing his beloved home state. And he wants answers! Why aren't more films shot here? How come the ones that are stink so bad? And what's up with filming ""Florida"" scenes in California? Then there's the cryptic message from his grandfather, Sergio, telling him to go to Los Angeles to uncover a mysterious secret from the distant past.

It's too much of a coincidence.
It's fate.

Meanwhile, in Burbank, production of what may become the most expensive flop in Tinseltown history is interrupted by the brazen abduction of the female lead.

Meanwhile, a couple of midwestern dreamers head west for their shot at fame -- and find it at the center of a celebrity murder investigation.

And even more meanwhile, infamous studio heads Ian and Mel Glick continue to produce juggernaut high-grossing dreck, casting-couch perversion, and cocaine hijinks.

But there's more. Much more.

So come on in and grab a seat. The show's about to start. . . .

Customer Reviews:

Not bad, but...........2007-09-12

Not as good as his previous books. Hopefully he's not slipping into the mediocrity that Hiassen has fallen into with some of his recent books.

Another Masterpiece.......2007-07-31

We just can't get enough of Mr. Dorsey and Serge. They are both just plain sick, which we find rather enjoyable. Most people compare him to other famous Florida authors but I find him much more enjoyable. The pace is absolutely frenetic, like Serge. Been too busy to read lately but I finished off both Big Bamboo and Hurricane Punch over the weekend.

Serge is my hero.......2007-05-27

Tim Dorsey has created the perfect character for the crazy times we live in. Serge and his various innebriated sidekicks are the perfect foil for people who are self absorbed, egomaniacal, power trippers, and wannabe manipulators. I love the people that Serge takes issue with. They represent the exact people in real life that you love to hate. When you read these books of Dorsey's,you can't help but like this crazy "serial killer". I thought the metaphor in the climactic scene in the aquarium soundstage was spot on. Like flushing a toilet. That was cool. I also thought all the "Tattletale" excerpts were hilarious. The sad part about them is how close they are to the actual trash people pay money for and read and take as gospel. Mr. Dorsey does such a good job of showing our culture's downward spiral but making it so funny that it isn't so sad.

Crazy is as crazy does..........2007-04-26

Poor, poor Serge. What's a psychopathic serial killer to do? His marriage plans have hit the skids and he needs a new perspective on life--and a new mission wouldn't hurt. So, if your love life stinks, you might as well take on Hollywood where you can mingle with the stars while you spread the 'sunshine' of murder, mayhem and a little something to keep you 'high' on life.

Serge is determined to revive Florida's presence in the movie industry. He and his ever- 'high' companion, Coleman, travel west in his attempt to promote his beloved Florida. The over-the-top adventure includes a young starlet who is kidnapped, cops who don't have a clue, gangsters who do have a clue, and a couple of movie producers who have their own agenda and includes a different look at the 'casting couch.'

Hollywood is going to need a shrink after Serge blows out of town. But even then, it will never be the same. He's put his mark on Hollywood.

Tim Dorsey has become my new favorite writer. His fast-paced, over-the-top novels are just what the doctor ordered for a raucous vacation from reality. His humor is spot on, and his imagination is beyond zany. I keep asking myself, "what is this man smoking? And should I be partaking?" I mean, when you begin to root for and love a psychopathic serial killer, there might be some of your own issues that need attending to.

Armchair Interviews says: Run, don't walk to your nearest book store and pick up ALL of Time Dorsey's novels. You might be able to toss your meds.

Serge goes Hollywood.......2007-04-25

Tim Dorsey returns with Floridaphile-spree-killing Serge A. Storms and his always drunk and buzzed sidekick Coleman. Following a scam set forth by his grandfather Sergio, Serge takes off on a frantic run into movieland. In the mix are piles of wanna-be-screenwriters, a massively over budgeted and delayed "epic" movie, coked-out studio heads, kidnapped model-turned actress, hitmen, and Dallas who is always searching for the next big party spot. It's crazy and fast paced with a change of scenery.

I enjoy all the Serge books of Dorsey but thought several of them fell short of the regular output of this author. I found myself reading a hundred pages at a time on this one and not even realizing it. As the series progresses, Serge's frenetic and imaginative killing is dropping into low single digits per book and that may be a plus for the series. Afterall, is it really right for us to enjoy a book about a psychotic serial killer and a pot junky as the main characters?

Overall, I liked the story/scam and even the trip to Hollywood for Serge & Coleman and I read it much faster than I expected to. It's a welcome addition to the series and I can't wait for more.

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