Reviews (16)

Extremely boring
I love to read, and tried hard to read this one.It has its interesting points, but the book just seems to ramble.The best word I could think of to describe it is "boring".

Deceptive Title
It is a good book - great, in fact.
A Mexican opinion if you don't mind
First, I've got to say that the "NTC's dictionary of Mexican cultural code words" (1996) offer to be sold with this book is exactly the same! I bouth "There's..." right from this site but it has the ISBN of the dictionary (0-8442-7959-5). It has the same cover as shown here. Go there (just skip the NTC's in the search bar) and you'll even find another same commentary. Now, I'll go to the contents. I left this review in there as well, just slightly different though.
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Subjects:  1. Anthropology - Cultural    2. Archaeology / Anthropology    3. Customs & Traditions    4. Foreign Language Study    5. Glossaries, vocabularies, etc    6. Latin America - Mexico    7. Mexico    8. Multicultural Nonfiction    9. National characteristics, Mexi    10. National characteristics, Mexican    11. Provincialisms    12. Social life and customs    13. Spanish    14. Spanish language    15. Terminology    16. Anthropology    17. Cultural studies    18. Language Arts & Disciplines / General    19. Language readers   

Reviews (5)

Practical for special events
Practical for special events, but does not distingish between event planning like weddings and conventions.Still pretty good.

Packed With Knowledge!
Planning a corporate party or special event? Don't lift a finger until you've read The Business of Event Planning. In this highly practical book, author Judy Allen covers every aspect of the process in exhaustive detail. Allen, an author, writer and experienced event planner, contends that events are more than just feel-good activities. Events, she says, must be staged as strategic tools with return-on-investment potential. If you want to know how, she covers all the basics. Even though the book is geared toward large events, the principles can be applied to functions of any size. Allen includes details of proposal writing, itineraries, contract negotiations, fee setting, high tech applications and security concerns in a post-September-11 world. We recommend this logistical guide to corporate staffers or event planners who want to master the fine details.

Packed with Knowledge!
Planning a corporate party or special event? Don't lift a finger until you've read The Business of Event Planning. In this highly practical book, author Judy Allen covers every aspect of the process in exhaustive detail. Allen, an author, writer and experienced event planner, contends that events are more than just feel-good activities. Events, she says, must be staged as strategic tools with return-on-investment potential. If you want to know how, she covers all the basics. Even though the book is geared toward large events, the principles can be applied to functions of any size. Allen includes details of proposal writing, itineraries, contract negotiations, fee setting, high tech applications and security concerns in a post-September-11 world. We from getAbstract recommend this logistical guide to corporate staffers or event planners who want to master the fine details. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Industries - Hospitality, Travel & Tourism    5. Planning    6. Special events    7. Advertising industry    8. Business & Economics / Hospitality, Travel & Tourism    9. Business communication & presentation    10. Hospitality industry    11. Business Communication - Meetings & Presentations   

Editorial Review

Do Americans argue too much? Deborah Tannen, author of Read more

Reviews (23)

Arguing for Culture
In this book, Dr. Tannen asserts not that people argue too much but that US culture promotes debates of opposing extreme views - towards winning vs. discovering truth.She focuses on the press, politics, the legal system, gender, science, education, & (as a foil) other cultures.She provides some ideas towards alleviating this rampant problem but not definitive solutions--there probably aren't any.Though she does refer to the Pendulum Principle & shows the present public backlash against dichotomous extremism: p. 89: "The Pew Research Center found that in the majority of those surveyed believed that news reports are inaccurate & unfair, & that the media are too intrusive & actually got in the way of society solving its problems."She provides exhaustive research to support her contentions though no endnote numbers (endnotes do include page number references).There are catchy phrases ("making an argument vs. having an argument") & a "Readers' Companion" with Q&A & Review Questions.She argues that the Argument Culture threatens democracy & promotes dehumanization through divisive conflict.I completely agree with her demonizing of the binary assumption--looking at things as a pair of opposites--which is quite unscientific--virtually nothing is truly binary (computers are artificially binary).The vast majority of things are Normally Distributed (hence the name "Normal"), & the wise of the past referred to the Golden Mean, Middle Path, Middle Way, etc.
A valuable exploration of an under-appreciated problem
After I read this book I wished I could send a copy to every member of Congress. The cultural predilection favoring adversarial argument instead of constructive discourse is a major destructive force in American society.
Gives Voice to the Excluded Middle
After appearing on many radio stations, mostly in the U.S., and being confronted with dozens of argumentative hack DJs who had no interest in dialoguing intelligently, I can fully relate to The Argument Culture.Reading this work will remind anyone just how endangered, if not extinct, constructive dialogue has become.I find this true not only with journalists and other media people, but with those that I know in my personal life.Most have lost the ability to strive for some kind of consensus or reconciliation that broadens perspective-or offers the opportunity to consider other points of view. Instead, gut reaction, the need to win an argument prevails for the most part-to the point where I devote much time/energy avoiding getting into arguments at all considering how futile they are.I find this more disturbing than what is staged on FOX News and CNN.I would have given this book 4 stars but editing is sorely lacking and the author could have tightened up her prose considerably if she wanted to. Also there are a few instances where the author (unconsciously?) contradicts herself by taking polarized stances on more than one topic-while pretending not to. However, she does not totally negate the book's premise and manages to keep the reading lively throughout.
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Subjects:  1. Anthropology - Cultural    2. Customs & Traditions    3. Debates and debating    4. Dialogue analysis    5. General    6. Persuasion (Rhetoric)    7. Psychology    8. Rhetoric    9. Social Science    10. Sociology    11. Social Science / Customs & Traditions   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (10)

Fabulous
I thought this was an absolutely lovely book. No one seriously reads books like this for die hard advice so who cares if its whimsical and light. I loved the book and would reccomend it to anyone who enjoys fashion, style, and living fabulously!!!

A Book Every Woman Should Read
I really enjoyed this book. It contains many quotes from fashion icons as well as helpful hits. You will be able to learn what is appropriate to wear and when it is appropriate to wear it. I read through the whole book and loved every page. Every woman should read this book and they will always be in style.

great way to put your priorities in place
This book is full of many things we instinctively know... but it helps to hear them spelled out in plain English.
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Subjects:  1. Art    2. Beauty & Grooming - Fashion    3. Consumer Health    4. Fashion    5. MANNERS AND CUSTOMS    6. Personal appearance & beauty care    7. Social Science / Customs & Traditions   

Reviews (1)

Spectacular
The information in this book is priceless.It gives a good idea of some of the mishaps that might happen at events and it gives helpful tips on avoiding disasters.Very informative too. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anniversaries and Special Even    2. Anniversaries and Special Events    3. Business & Economics    4. Business / Economics / Finance    5. Business/Economics    6. Customs & Traditions    7. Industries - Hospitality, Travel & Tourism    8. Industries - Park & Recreation Management    9. Management    10. Risk Management    11. Special events    12. Strategic Planning    13. Business & Economics / Hospitality, Travel & Tourism    14. Hospitality industry    15. Occupational / industrial health & safety    16. Project management    17. Risk assessment & analysis for business   

Reviews (3)

Unwittingly perpetuates stereotypes
I read this book because I lived in Spain for a few years as a young adult where I learned to despise gypsies.I grew up in New York and was never mugged or had my pocket picked, yet, in Spain, I was mugged and pick-pocketed -- by gypsies.
looking through a keyhole
This book offers a peek into a culture that interests many people but which is a mystery to most. Fernanda Eberstadt has dispelled some of the stubborn myths, both good and bad, that plague the Gypsies and in some instances replaced them with painful truths that make me wish for the mythical again.
Interesting topic, a bit disjointed
A somewhat random disjointed description of gypsy life in southern France.The author romanticizes the sad squalid existence of a culture in decline. The gypsy neighborhood reminds me of an Indian reservation in the southwest USA. The book is 'OK' but not enthralling. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anthropology - Cultural    2. Archaeology / Anthropology    3. Customs & Traditions    4. Economic conditions    5. Essays & Travelogues    6. Europe - France    7. France    8. History and criticism    9. Manners And Customs    10. Music    11. Perpignan    12. Romanies    13. Social life and customs    14. Travel    15. Travel - Foreign    16. Travel Guides    17. Travel / Europe / France   

Features

• Abridged
• Audiobook

Reviews (6)

In search of America
I arrived in new condition.I would purchase from them again.Very good experience

Skipping Across the Country to find History.
Since this is one of those special over-size books, I was expecting just a beautiful keepsake, a coffee table item.Its glossy exterior gives that impression.And yet the in-depth stories are chock full of historical facts and modern happenings as a result of what had happened before.
Worth the time
Peter Jennings narrates this abridged series of interesting vignettes about Americans living in America and by doing so creating and recreating America. He examines the old tensions in our democracy like big or small federal government, corporatism versus individualism, and secularism versus religious fervor. In some cases he elevates historical figures too highly, like Jefferson, despite his seditious writings in the Kentucky Resolutions, and W E B Du Bois, despite his socialist rantings from early in the century. Jennings and Brewster would have done well to feature other more worthy people in their book. I enjoyed the profile of the Club for Growth using populist tactic against unresponsive Republicans, and the profile of CFG's mouldy counterpart on the left. The heart rending story of Gary, Indiana and its misinformed leaders is a cautionary tale to any group in America that expects to dwell for long periods at the federal trough, administrations and sentiments change, don't get too comfortable. I would have liked to have heard how outside threats have molded our country (aside from 9-11), because I feel that it defines a portion of thecore of our country. Start at the XYZ affair up to the communist involvement in the FDR administration and I think you have rounded out a view of America more fully. Perhaps this is in the unabridged version. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Misc. Nonfiction    2. Anthropology - Cultural    3. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    4. Audiobooks    5. Civilization    6. Customs & Traditions    7. General    8. History    9. National characteristics, American    10. Sociology - General    11. United States    12. United States - General    13. American history    14. Cultural studies    15. History / United States / General    16. USA   

Reviews (5)

Open Up Your Eyes and Open Up Your Minds
I first read this ethnography as an undergraduate major in anthropology, and now that I've started to teach college level courses as a graduate student in anthropology, I have assigned it in my classes for the last 2 years.Students are always fascinated with the information found in the book -- (largely because this may be the first time in their entire lives that anyone has given them frank information about birth in the US, let alone in other cultural contexts) -- and fruitful and interesting discussions have taken place in my classes after students have read this ethnography.I would highly recommend it for undergraduate and graduate courses in general anthropology, medical anthropology, ethnography, and a myriad of other anthropology, social science, and medical/biology courses. Birth in 4 cultures
I loved this book. It brought a whole new perspective on giving birth and the beauty of it. I gave birth at a big HMO Hospital and I felt that I was treated as a number basically. This book has taught me a lot and probably I will make different choices for my next baby.

A fascinating and original look at the birth experience.
Jordan examines the birth eventwithin the context of the social norms of that culture. For example, in a culture where no one is "in charge" of the birth, a specialised tool (e.g. forceps) has no place,for that would defeat the equality of all participants. The midwife's roleis to assist the family in fulfilling their decisions. By contrast, in acountry where birth is hospitalised, birth often becomes an"illness" which needs to be "treated" - the motherbecomes the patient, and the doctor takes charge.I preferred this to"Birth traditions and modern pregnancy care" (Priya), whichlisted a variety of customs without examining the sociologicalimplications. "Birth in four cultures" touches upon a variety oflessons that a culture's birth event can teach: the women's role insociety, how the birth experience is defined (natural vs medical), etc.Jordan writes in the first person, and gives many accounts of births sheattended. This is an excellent read for anyone interested in comparing thebirth experience in the USA with other countries, possibly with the aim tochange their opinions of what an "ideal" birth is. As a feminist,I found this empowering: since the birth experience is uniquely female, thesocietal norm will tell us a lot about our place in that culture. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Archaeology / Anthropology    2. Birth customs    3. Childbirth    4. Cross-cultural studies    5. Customs & Traditions    6. Medical Anthropology    7. Obstetrics    8. Social Science / Anthropology / Cultural    9. Social Science / Ethnology    10. Social aspects    11. Sociology    12. Anthropology - Cultural    13. Ethnology   

Reviews (49)

One ticket to Torremolinos please!
I am 21 years old, obviously far removed from the generation of the characters in this book. Even though it reads as dated at times, the themes arestill relevant. The whole time reading it, one should stop to compare the issues of that era, the late 60's early 70's, to issues of today. The war, the situation in Israel, race relations in America. To see what these young people predicted and how they thought things should be and to see now how things are now, is fascinating. To see how things have changed or stayed the same. Despite the far out coincidences which hold the plot together & keep it moving, the act of travel and finding yourself overpowers any convenient plot twists.
worst michener book I ever read
I would give this 2 1/2 stars if it was an option....I'm a big fan of Michener's and although none of his books are perfect, they've always kept me compelled from start to finish.I read Hawaii, Chesapeake, and The Source, and I thoroughly recommend all of them.This one was, sorry to say, a piece of crap.It was okay while I was reading it, but the ending was halfhearted, it was almost like Michener knew this book was subpar and just wanted to finish it.For starters, the premise of this book is ridiculous.The narrator tells a story of six different kids from completely different backgrounds, from all over the world, who all meet in Spain and start travelling together.The lame part is, the narrator is an old man who knew 4 of these kids before they all met each other, and then he just happens to run into them in Spain, and then they all decide to follow this old guy around Europe while he lectures them about the dangers of drug use.....which brings me to another complaint.....the drug scenes are disappointing.It's like Michener never tried any of the drugs he was describing, and frankly, I guess I expected more out of a guy who was obviously so well-travelled and educated, but he didn't seem to know what he was talking about when it came to drugs.
Classic Travel and Dreams
A great book that readily explored the past of places I was traveling to on my first true adventures in Europe.A book about travel on "the common traveled road" yet ventures to farther places that keeps you exited about the unexplored FUTURE.Fun read while on the road. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Customs & Traditions    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - Historical    4. Historical - General    5. Modern fiction    6. Social Science / Customs & Traditions   

Subjects:  1. Anthropology - Cultural    2. Archaeology / Anthropology    3. Chhetris    4. Dwellings    5. General    6. Kholagaun    7. Mandala    8. Nepal    9. Social Science    10. Social life and customs    11. Sociology    12. Anthropology    13. Cultural studies   

Reviews (1)

A comprehensive look at clothing
Roche's book offers a very complete view of clothing, dress, and fashion (the three are not the same for him) during the early modern period in France.Ranging from notarial inventories to linen theft, his empiricalevidence support his main thesis that rapid changes in society ultimatelyculminated in a clothing revolution of sorts in the latter half of theeighteenth century.His in-depth analysis of even the most esotericaspects of clothing and dress in the Ancien Regime prove just how diffusethe effects of those items were on all aspects of society.His argumentsregarding the development of a sexual dimorphism as a result of changes inand perceptions of fashion presents a particularly interesting viewpoint onhow clothes came to "make the man" or women, as the case may bein that argument.Equally interesting are his discussions on linen andcleanliness and the inventories of clothing taken upon a persons death. Importantly, Roche's analysis travels far beyond just a cursory look at thenobility and courtly attire into the world of the bourgeois class andespecially on the lower working classes of France at the time.Where otherauthors fall far short of offering a complete view of attitudes towardfashing, dress, and clothing in the early modern period, Roche ably fillsin the gaps and never shies away from an exhaustive look at the manyaspects of clothing in the Ancien Regime. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Customs & Traditions    2. Dress And Costume    3. Europe - France    4. Fashion    5. General    6. History: World    7. Social Science    8. Sociology    9. Costume    10. Costume - France - History    11. History / Europe / General    12. c 1600 to c 1700    13. c 1700 to c 1800   

Reviews (16)

Crackpot Cookery
Rabid anti-immigrant right winger who lied and claimed this book was nominated for both the Pulitzer Prize AND National Book awrd. Neither was true.

Add a medieval flair to your modern party
I acquired this book many years ago in the 1970's. I am not sure what may or may not have changed between that edition and the edition (2003) currently being sold. However, the book does provide a wealth of pictures of pre-modern dining and does discuss the traditions and etiquet which might accompany a pre-modern feast. If you are planning one of the popular "12th Night" feasts sometimes found on college and university campuses, you may do well with this book. The recepies are generally popular and do work.
Medieval - It's Not
Although this book claims to be a historical reference about 1500c cookery it is not an accurate reference.The recipies are not historically accurate, and the book does not provide the original recipes. [bad], "exploitive", "fantasy" are words that my wife (a food historian) uses to describe this book.Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery, European    2. Cooking    3. Customs & Traditions    4. Essays    5. Europe    6. Food habits    7. History    8. History - General History    9. Medieval    10. Medieval, 500-1500    11. Methods - Cookery for One    12. Social history    13. To 1500   

Reviews (1)

Real people, real celebrations
I got this book because of the enthusiastic review in Robert Fulghum's "From Beginning to End" and it richly deserves his praise.Susan Lieberman felt the need to give her family a richer emotional life, andfound that the conventional holidays and customs didn't satisfy in thecontext of modern American culture.Read more

Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Customs & Traditions    3. Family    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Family festivals    6. Folklore    7. Holidays    8. Religion    9. Sociology - Marriage & Family    10. United States   

Reviews (5)

Honest look inside
We drove into Lancaster Cnty. yesterday to "see the Amish."I picked this book up (for a bit more than it is offered here at Amazon) and breezed right through.It is interesting - to say the least - and quite provocative.It debunks many of the idealized stereotypes I had of the Amish and portrays them as 'normal' people who have deliberately (and sometimes not deliberately) chosen a very separate Christian walk.Very inspiring, too.Highly recommend this for anyone interested in the Amish & Mennonites as well as all born-again believers in Christ.

The Amish in Their Own Words........
Beautifully gathered stories of home life and community in the Amish settlements. Enjoyed them alland the reflections they gave. Like a quilt of people put together I enjoyed this very much.

The best of Family Life
Incredible! Brad Igou presents the best of 25 years of Family Lifemagazine and in doing so gives the rest of us an insight into the thinking,daily joys and trails of the Amish people. Yes, let them speak forthemselves. They do it so well! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amish    2. Christianity - Amish    3. Customs & Traditions    4. Mennonite Church    5. Protestantism    6. Religion - Denominations - Religions    7. Social Science    8. Social life and customs    9. Sociology    10. Continental European Reformed Churches   

Reviews (6)

Sources of Chines Tradition, Vol 2
This book is excellent for anyone wanting to read primary source information.It is a great help for any college student or proffessor interested in the Chinese Culture.I highly recommend this to any one who is interested in Chinese history.

Excellent resource!
This book gets the majority of its bulk from direct translations of actual Chinese texts, and as such it is an indespensible tool for any student interested in Chinese religions and philosohpies. There is very little input on the part of the editors and I, personally, was very thankful this. It can be dreadfully difficult trying to find sources that aren't mired in thousands of pages of theory and speculation, and sometimes a person just needs the root text! An awesome book.

Ancient Chinese History: Vol. 1
This book is a collection of readings dealing with ancient Chinese history, especially focusing on philosophy and religion.The readings are organized into chapters related to various stages in Chinese history.Early chapters cover antiquity, Confucius, Mo Tzu, and Taoism.Then comes Confucian tradition, the Legalists, the Imperial Order, the Universal Order, and the Economic Order.This is followed by the Great Han Historians, Neo-Taoism, and Buddhism.This volume is rounded out with the Confucian revival and neo-Confucianism.Each chapter begins with a short introduction essay that introduces the context and events of the time and goes to a selection of original texts on the topic at hand. At the beginning of the book is a chronological table of Chinese history from 2852 BC to 1849 AD that highlights various events in Chinese political philosophy.Read more

Subjects:  1. Anthropology - Cultural    2. Asia - China    3. China    4. Civilization    5. Customs & Traditions    6. History - General History    7. Social Science    8. Sociology    9. Sources    10. Asian / Middle Eastern history    11. Cultural studies    12. History / Asia    13. Oriental religions    14. Social history   

Reviews (3)

A woman-centered celebration
Blessingways: A Guide to Mother-Centered Baby Showers is a resource especially for planning and hosting Blessingway baby showers that foster a bond of community, support and connectedness for the mother-to-be. The distinguishing feature of a Blessingway baby shower is that it is a woman-centered celebration, that especially focuses upon the strength, beauty, and metamorphosis of the female powers of the expectant mother, rather than the more typical baby-centered parties used to accumulate goods for the newborn. Blessingways outlines how to plan and host a mother-centered bonding, rituals such as music, evocations, grooming actions including hairbrushing, headwreaths, and belly art, sharing circles, reaching out across long distance, and much more. Notes on Blessingway variations in response to adoption or grieving the loss of a baby are also included. Black-and-white illustrations and simple music for the songs that can be sung round out this uplifting, meaningful guide to helping new mothers across a difficult yet fantastic journey.

Book For Those Who Appreciate the Beauty of Pregnancy
Here is a wonderful tool for planning a really personalized baby shower!This book is great for those wanting to plan a different kind of baby-shower for the pregnant woman in your life.It has so many wonderful ideas and suggestions to make any baby related event meaningful and fun for all involved.It is easy to follow, engaging and fun to look at, and filled with suggestions you can draw from.I have even modified ideas from this book to create an event around other life changes such as for a friend who was moving away and a graduation of a daughter.It really has a lot to offer.
"Blessingways" builds sisterhood and honors motherhood
Not only does Maser inspire us to create beautiful, personalized ceremony for our pregnant friends and family, she writes about the process with wisdom and simplicity. I bought "Blessingways" to give as a gift, but found myself reading it diligently. I am not pregnant, nor do I have close friends or family who are expecting; and yet I was engaged entirely by the history, stories and creative suggestions included in this wonderful book. Every woman should own a copy of "Blessingways", and every woman should consider offering the incredible gift of a blessingway to her loved ones. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Health & Fitness    2. Health/Fitness    3. Parenting - Motherhood    4. Pregnancy & Childbirth    5. Social Science / Customs & Traditions    6. Customs & Traditions    7. Rites and ceremonies    8. Social Science    9. Rituals   

Reviews (1)

Las Crucen's Heartfelt Memoir Finds Comfort in the Culture
In the very first sentence of her new memoir, "A Taco Testimony: Meditations on Family, Food and Culture" (Rio Nuevo, paperback $16.95), Denise Chávez warns readers:
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Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Customs & Traditions    3. Ethnic Studies - Hispanic American Studies    4. Ethnic identity    5. Food    6. General    7. Hispanic American Sociology    8. Las Cruces    9. Literature - Classics / Criticism    10. Mexican Americans    11. New Mexico    12. Social Science    13. Social life and customs    14. Sociology    15. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Editorial Review

If you're planning a wedding, accept it now--there's a ton of details mucking up the happy path to the altar. There is so much on your mind that it's easy to freeze up and forget everything, or go crazy and paper the house with cryptic post-it notes. "After all," say authors Marcy Blum and Laura Fisher Kaiser, "a wedding is a complex affair to orchestrate, and keeping track of all those details, phone calls, expenses, and decisions is a job and a half." Organization is key.Read more

Reviews (16)

Almost requires the other book
I thought Wedding Kit For Dummies would be Weddings for Dummies plus the CD, it's not.It actually references stuff that's in the other book as if I'm going to buy both.
HONOST
The book I purchased was no in the condition which it stated and this seller was very honest about it. The seller gave me the option to have a full refund since the book did not come with the CD. I'd buy from this person again.

BUYER BEWARE
The CD doesn't include the software that it says it does.You have to hunt in the book to find the information that the software included is TRIAL versions only (you can get full versions for a "nomi