Product Description

Abraham Lincoln's two great legacies to history—his extraordinary power as a writer and his leadership during the Civil War—come together in this close study of the President's use of the telegraph. Invented less than two decades before he entered office, the telegraph came into its own during the Civil War. In a jewel–box of historical writing, Wheeler captures Lincoln as he adapted his folksy rhetorical style to the telegraph, creating an intimate bond with his generals that would ultimately help win the war.

Customer Reviews (17)

Should be required reading for MBA or management students
Although in need of a little editing, this book should be required reading for all MBA or management students. The trials, failures, and successes through various means of communication resonate with current real world idiosyncrasies of disruptive change, people, management techniques, and technology. One willingness to adapt seems to be a lesson here --one that reflects the wisdom of Sun Su.

Unusually Good Look Back on History
T-Mails gives a visceral feel for the application of a breakthrough technology, the Telegraph.On that front, the book more than met my expectations.One of the most interesting aspects to me is how the impact of the telegraph initially was not fully appreciated, and only over the course of the war and Lincoln's presidency did its impact begin to be realized.Interesting parallels with subsequent similar technologies and perhaps some implications for predicting the future impact of these kinds of advances.

What still has me captivated days later is how remarkable the underlying story of the Civil War and Lincoln's challenges leading the country through it are.I think it was a great decision for the book to include enough context about the Civil War to re-tell that story -- this created, at least for me, a gripping backdrop, even though I didn't realize I wanted to hear that tale again when I bought the book.

For full disclosure, I know and like the author and that is why I bought the book.I am writing this review, however, because he did an excellent job on it.

-- David Weiden

The Story of the Little wire and the President who could
This is a fascinating historical tidbit as Tom Wheeler talks about President Abraham Lincoln's use of the latest technology - the telegraph - during the American Civil War. While not an unknown subject to historians, Wheeler retells the story in a readable way and yet also brings out some new historical insights as he recounts how Lincoln's use of the telegraph in new and innovative ways that set out new models of the relationship between a President and his military commanders and foreshadowed our daily use today of the internet and of email. Although written very much as a popular history, the author's work stands equally well as a work of scholarly history supported by extensive endnotes and a good bibliography. The result of his effort is a history of interest to the general reader and yet also useful to the historian.

A Fascinating book
That puts the reader in the thick of the action, agonizing over McClellan's infuriatingly self-aggrandizing and misleading missives to Lincoln, cheering while following Grant and Sherman as they cut a decisive, telling swath through the Confederate army, and looking over Lincoln's shoulder -- as it were -- as he communicated ever more confidently, to his generals in the field.

This is a relatively small book, but one that demonstrates how the telegraph forever changed the way battlefield tactics were devised and implemented in the Lincoln administration, from the start of the Civil War, up to April 14, 1865.

It covers the Civil War in a way unlike anything else I have ever read on the subject, and shows how Lincoln, at first hesitantly and then at last confidently, used the Telegraph to receive and then convey vital information to his generals in the field. The tension builds, especially when the reader understands how close the Confederate army came to the Nation's Capital, and how the telegraph was able to stem this tide.

Of interest also, is the part about how the Associated Press was formed.

My biggest gripe about this book is the deficiency in proofreading. It is hard to get past the part (P32, hardcover) about the New York speech fitting "snuggly"(should be "Snugly") without conjuring up visions of fluffy teddy bears and static-free dryer sheets. Then again, (P 52, HC) the phrase "McClellan had sat" -- could have flowed a little better. "Lincoln had Stonewall Jackson in his sites" -- should have read "sights" (P 56, HC), and last but not least (P 138, HC) the president's "muffled furry" could have been alluding to the snuggly on page 32, but more likely meant "muffled fury". This fascinating book is something that could be read from cover to cover -- and a little extra proofreading would have made a big difference in the way the narrative flowed.

T-Mail--the 1800's EMail
This is excellent. An account of the first use of technology--the telegraph-- by a US President(Lincoln) to direct troops. The author skillfully places events chronologically so that there is an even flow to this book in relation to the Cival War.
The relationship between Lincoln and Grant, which has ben described in other books in done very well here.

I would have liked to have seen some photos of Lincoln and Grant using the Telegraph. Thats my only shortcoming with this book, otherwise its superb. ... Read more

Product Description
Mr. T offers advice and encouragement on dealing with peer pressure and shyness, depression and anger, frustration and embarrassment, being yourself and developing your own style. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

a modern day Horatio Alger
Well, as much as the tube socks helped, I must say I wasn't really at the top of my game.I guess you could say I was like one of those fancy new houses you see - all spiffy on the outside but not much on the inside!Well, things have changed.This book was like a moving van and Mr. T provided the furniture to fill up my house with a can-do spirit!

I knew I needed something to connect with the ladies at an intellectual level, not just a physical level.That's where Mr. T comes in - what can I say, the man is truly a motivator!!!Mr. T details his rise from poverty to overcome all odds and become America's favorite tough guy.

One of my snooty bookish friends said I should read the Autobiography of Malcolm X instead, but I say "no way, Mr. T is the original."Besides, you can tell that this guy is blatantly ripping off Mr. T's style by putting a letter as his last name, I mean give me a break Malcolm, can you try to be a little more original please?

But enough about the imitators, if you want to improve your attitude and be inspired, read this book.If you don't - I PITY THE FOOL!!! (this is a line Mr. T uses alot).

See Ya,

Da Pete-ster ... Read more

Product Description
In November 2007, Gotham Books unleashed The Truth about Chuck Norris upon the world and changed publishing forever. Containing 400 farcical facts about pop culture icon Chuck Norris, the book burned through thirteen printings, roundhouse kicked the New York Times bestseller list, and left readers delighted (and a little bit terrified)....

Now Ian Spector has returned to his voluminous vault to bring readers 200 new Chuck Norris facts alongside 200 facts about his longtime antagonist Mr. T, in a battle that pits foot against fist, beard against mohawk, and Delta Force against A-Team. Included in this fearsome tome are such startling observations as:

• There is nothing to fear but fear itself, and fear itself fears Chuck Norris.
• King Kong once challenged Godzilla to an arm-wrestling match. Mr. T won.
• The reason newborn babies cry is because they know they have just entered a world with Chuck Norris.
• The last man to make eye contact with Mr. T was Stevie Wonder.
• Chuck Norris is a man’s man’s man.
• Mr. T once beat a man to death with his own corpse.

A hilarious tribute to two of the greatest humans who have ever lived, Chuck Norris vs Mr. T is the one book that can finally reveal what happens when an irresistible force meets an immovable object. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

The Hilarity Continues
As with the original book that Ian Spector released to our grabby, grabby hands, Chuck Norris vs. Mr. T is filled with hilarity and wit.Chuck Norris facts simply don't get old, and you'll find yourself wanting to read just...one...more... before you put it down.Can't go wrong!

For The Non-Book Reader
Bought this for someone who refuses to read a Real book.Apparently too much commitment involved.But this was ideal, since he actually read it.Am I creative or what?Oh, and if this is tacky, I don't care: I read it first (before gifting it) and it was amusing, light-hearted reading that occasionally made me laugh out loud.

Takes the Chuck Norris Phenomenon to a new low
I purchased this book for my oldest son, and before wrapping it for him, I read through some of the book. I gave it to him, but could not in good conscience allow him to keep it. Every single page has at least one "fact" that is completely inappropriate, and sacrifices humor for the sake of low-brow, dirty attempts at comedy. Instead of being creative and funny, as many of the Norris/Mr. T facts have been, this book takes every chance to mention masturbation, sex, male genitalia, more sex, and the list goes on. In discussion with my wife, we thought about simply marking out particular portions that the boy shouldn't see, but determined that there was just too much to be expurgated. I realize some people enjoy that type of humor, but there was nothing in the product description at all that stated there was offensive or adult material in this book, and that disappoints me as well. Eight of the worst dollars I've ever spent, and it currently sits in my garbage can.

no way out
It is not you who wants to read the book, it is the book which makes you read it!

Cover your eyes, or you could be blinded by awesome
Deciding who is more awesome between Chuck Norris and Mr. T is like taking sides between an orangutan in a robot suit wielding a machete and a T-Rex on a Skidoo with a lance.Either way you choose, the decision is right.That's what this book is about, two unstoppable forces meeting up in a random mish-mash of facts about their lives, their supreme dominance over all others, and the singularity that would occur if they simultaneously wandered into the same building at the same time.Don't believe me?Here are a few of the facts that might convince you of how incredibly lucky you are not to have angered either of these men:

On average, there are over a thousand items in a room - including the room itself - with which that Mr. T can kill you.He's so virile that each tablet of Viagra requires a drop of Mr. T's sweat for functionality purposes.Not only that, but one time he killed a ninja, and during the fight he got two of his fingers cut off.These two fingers are now Gary Coleman and Webster.And despite this problem, he can STILL count to ten left-handed!Amazing.

As for Chuck Norris, he takes showers by riding a Grizzly Bear through automatic car washes, can regularly beat a brick wall in tennis, Two and a Half Men was originally just his biographical story, and every time he tries to donate sperm the receptionist gets pregnant.Which is kind of bad news for her, because Chuck Norris has 189 STDs, six of which are found only in sharks.Don't worry though, he can do the research.While he may not have a computer, he does have a basement full of Asian kids who memorize numbers all day.

At first you'll be amazed and laugh at all they can do.Unfortunately, the 400 facts come almost as fast as a Chuck Norris roundhouse.Luckily, however, the laughs last forever, like the shine on Mr. T's gold. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

It's a good book
I read one review, talking about him being a bouncer, and taking peoples chains as he threw them out. I found that no where in the book. The book told how he grew up, and why he is the way he is. He also talked a lot about Leon Sphinx. He was his body gaurd for a while. All in all it is a good book, if you are interested in the Life of Mr.T up to 1984.

A good read
This book makes for good reading. It takes Mr. Laurence Tero from his days in the Chicago ghetto to bodyguarding the heavyweight CHUMP Leon Spinks and to his rise to fame. Very entertainming and occasionally inspiring. Occasional stories (such as the tale of his brothers tracking down a man who commmitted a crime against their mother) read like streetcorner tall tales. His stories of the chump/champ Leon Spinks (the Mike Tyson of the seventies) are downright hilarious if not flattering at all to Spinks. But his Bill Cosby-type sermon to ghetto youth at the end of this book will make you wanna give an A-MEN and make you wanna put some cash in the collection plate, which makes you feel good about buying this book.

Since Mr. T. has been consistant about practicing the message that he preaches in this book, you feel good about reading it.

An inspiration
I have been a huge Mr. T fan ever since the A Team, and I have continued to follow his career ever since.His book not only is a surprise in terms of its literary merit, but it's an inspiration.Mr. T came from nothing, to turn himself into one of the finest American actors, and a beloved personality.My only lament is that the book is not more widely read, because, as an autobiography, it ranks with THEY CALL ME ASSASSIN by Jack Tatum, ME by Katherine Hepburn, and Kareem Abdul Jabbar's GIANT STEPS.In fact, it's better.Mr. T has a better sense of rhythm to his language; he's more psychologically insightful; and he has a voice as strong as any in modern fiction--like a cross between Bellow's Augie March and Joe Frazier.I have read the book several times, and I recommend it to anyone who likes a true story, well told.

Seminal Work
This book came out when I was 22 years old - inexperienced, confused, frightened by life.I bought this book in the grocery store on a lark.It was the best book that could have possible fallen into my hands.Theauthor is a very strong man who has conquered great adversity in his life. It's not the greatest book ever written, but it's one of my favorites.Itwas written with great conviction and sincerity.

It's not boring, either. T's adventures are worth reading for their entertainment value alone.Mr.T claims he didn't use a ghost writer, and I believe him (although my dadthinks I'm nuts).Anyone who thinks Mr. T is a joke and simply a popphenomenon should read this book and learn what strength, determination,and a belief in oneself can accomplish. ... Read more

Product Description
Mr. T teaches a girl a lesson about not letting possessions become too important to us. ... Read more

Product Description
How many of us never meet the person with whom we could be happy? How many of us limit our romantic choice to the people who happen to wash up on our shore? In Why Mr Right Can’t Find You, J.M. Kearns, Ph. D., shows that finding true love can be a proactive adventure. In chapters like How Men See Women, The Underrated Chance Encounter, and The Truth About Bars, J.M. Kearns lays bare the surprising vulnerabilities of the single male, and the power they confer on women. Men, he explains, are not shallow, not the enemy, and not aliens from Mars. In fact, the good man who is searching for you is your greatest ally, and Kearns shows you exactly how to take advantage of that fact. In the process he overturns the classic dating myths – that destiny chose the "one and only" man for you, that baggage is bad, that all men prefer the same body type – and solves the fascinating riddle of compatibility, with a hilarious and practical guide to the factors that make two people click, illustrated with real-life vignettes straight from the dating trenches. Finally, in a full online dating section, Kearns (who met his partner online) gives clear, simple advice on sites, photo sets, matchmaking, body issues, and that crucial first meeting.

Review

"If you’ve been on the lookout for ages but still haven’t found The One, this is for you...you’ll be in the arms of your true love in no time!"
—OK! Magazine

"A literary MRI of the male brain."
—Georgie Banks, CBC News Viewpoint.

"Kearns insists it’s really not difficult to direct the right man to you, whether it’s online, someone you already know, or a total stranger. So read this, sit back and wait for the offers to pour in... Kearns says we should break the mentality of ‘acceptable’ places and realize ‘any time is a good time to meet Mr. Right.’ And sadly, men can’t read our minds to establish our interest, so direct him to you."
—Cosmopolitan-UK ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

sound practical dating advice
Easy to read.Well laid out.Mr. Kearns gives sound and practical dating advice.While some aspects are probably more relevant to American readers than they are to non-Americans like myself, most of it is relevant to all of us in the developed world.I liked it.I felt hopeful about finding my Mr. Right while and after reading it.

Insight and advice without male bashing
This is a great book on men and dating.I noticed another reviewer described it as another "men hating" book.Not so. It actually provides some insight, from a man,on how men think about dating and offers some great suggestions for meeting better quality people.The author does suggest going to "quality" bars...Not sleazy meat markets or any place that's unsafe.The point is that if a woman wants to meet a quality man then she needs to take charge of the sitation and put herself out there to be noticed. That means going where men are.Mr. Right is unlikely to come knocking on the front door saying "I hear you're single" nor is he likely to approach a woman who is out with a group of other women. If you want to meet someone, sometimes you have to ignore the old worn-out theory that nice girls don't go out alone.I went out to a nice restraurant/bar by myself and met a really great guy. It works.

Beyond Basic and Not Worth the Money or the Read
After reading this book's description and reviews (both editorial and customer) online at Amazon.com, I thought this book sounded like a great one filled with some great insight. Thus, I ordered the book. Upon reading the book, however, I found it be filled with insight so incredibly basic and overly broad. For example, the author would give advice about something, but then offer no specifics on how to achieve the subject of his advice. Don't waste your money or your time with this book; trust me. I returned it.

Entertaining and so true...
Ok, this is not only a great book for the single woman to read, but I must say, this is the perfect gift for your married and 'involved' friends who want to find you your very own Mr. Right! Just make sure you read it first.They love you so much and they just want you to be happy, just like them. Only problem, IT'S BEEN YEARS SINCE THEY WENT OUT ON THE DATING GAME! JM not only makes his points clear and simple, but the perspective is unlike any self-help book I've ever read.Don't buy just one copy...get one for your friends too!Entertaining and so true!

Why Mr. RIght Can't Find You: The Surprising Answers that Will Change Your Life - and His by J.M. Kearns (Wiley)
It's date night (at least that's what Tina Fey and Steve Carrell are hoping for, as their movie of the same name opens soon) so what better time to bring you a book that attacks the many myths surrounding dating and mating; myths that according to author J.M. Kearns, are holding women back from finding the man of their dreams.

You hear it all the time: "All of the good ones are either married or gay," "I could never go to a bar alone!," etc, etc. Well in Kearns view, these are nothing more than excuses as to why singledom in the dating age demographics is at an all-time high. In `Why Mr. Right...', Kearns seeks to dispel the many myths of dating that he feels hold women back from accomplishing their mating goals, by giving a series of practical lessons on how to break through the various barriers holding them back.

Kearns contends that there are many Mr. Rights out there waiting for the woman of their dreams, but that women are not applying themselves when it comes to finding them (similar to the conclusions drawn by Lori Gottleib in her latest book, "Marry Him.") Though a series of discussions that range from friendly advice to gentle admonishment, Kearns explodes the myths that women carry around in their heads about why it's impossible to find a decent man. He tackles issues like the world of bars and online as well as teaching women how to recognize the elusive 'sighting' and how to remain approachable instead of oblivious to oft-times subtle signals.

The final third of the book is dedicated to the world of online dating, where Kearns allows that the medium has evolved to the point where it is far from viewed as strange or deviant but is now a regular part of the singles scene and, in his view, the perfect place to get a made-to-order match that might otherwise take years in the physical world - if you know best how to use the platform. But despite his lead up, Kearns mostly elucidates the features of such sites without revealing much in the way of next-level strategies. There are ultimately better books devoted to this specific endeavor.

Kearns goes far beyond the title - the mid section of the book is all about compatibility issues - but in the final analysis, "Why Mr. Right" is a worthy read for anyone who feel stuck in a dating rut. As for Fey and Carrell, I guess we'll find out how well they do shortly. ... Read more

Product Description
Mr. T, the ultimate entertainment icon, is back! You'll know him from your TV and movie screens, including The A-Team; Rocky III; WrestleMania; the Mister T cartoon show; I Pity the Fool; and an upcoming Sony Pictures animated CGI movie. And not forgetting his multitude of guest appearances ranging from The Simpsons to music videos alongside Busta Rhymes and P. Diddy. You may remember Darth Vader finally being unmasked on the cover of MAD Magazine to reveal Mr. T! Or more recently, Mr. T coming fourth in the BBC-led global poll on Who is the Greatest American?, muscling in front of the likes of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Limited to a total number of only 4,000 copies, this Limited Advance Edition has been released by publisher Mohawk Media to celebrate the major worldwide launch of the Mr. T graphic novel in summer 2008. By author Christopher Bunting and illustrator J.L. Czerniawski. Executive Editor Mr. T also contributes world-exclusive interviews. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Please Retire T
I loved Mr. T as a kid, and felt really bad when he had that awful reality show I Pity the Fool. So bad that I watched all 6 episodes.

Now, probably 20 years too late, Sir T now has a comic book based on himself. It's the usual garbage of teaching kids to say no to drugs, stay in school, listen to your mamma, but T comes across as a brown-skinned Incredible Hulk. There's a page where it looks as though there trying so hard to reinact the crucifixion of Jesus the way T is positioned. T has aged reasonably well (52), considering he beat cancer. But this whole persona of "Big, tough, Mohawk, angry, black guy" is long, long, loooooong past its prime. Yet its overkill in the comic.

The storyline is typical T, and the artwork is nowhere near the caliber comic fans are used to seeing. No one ever says a bad word, and no one dies. Sucka's just get "knocked out."

Own it for a goof to show off to your friends (if you have any), or get it as a gag-gift for someone you don't particularly care for...a brother-in-law perhaps.

Seriously, since this is a "Limited Advanced Edition" and it's still for sale since February of '08, do you think they're going to sell out any time soon? I bet I'm the only one (besides T's own family) who has a copy.
Save your money and get The A-Team instead. ... Read more

Product Description
This timely look at the state of Christian higher education in America contains descriptive, historical narratives that explore how fourteen Christian colleges and universities are successfully integrating faith and learning on their campuses despite the challenges posed by the increasingly pluralistic nature of modern culture. Written by respected representatives from seven major faith traditions - Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Reformed, Mennonite, Evangelical, Wesleyan/Holiness, and Baptist/Restorationist - these narratives are also preceded by introductory essays that define the worldview and theological heritage of each given tradition and ask what that tradition can contribute to the task of higher education. ... Read more

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ISBN: 978-0956018908 ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (2)

The Goat Bridge
Photography, foreign conflict and the power of human relationships wrapped together in a compelling story of a journalist struggling with loss in wartime Bosnia.This novel will make you think, appreciate and question before turning each page.The nature of perspective, the desire to persevere, the relationship that works...another example of McNally's genius.

A Gorgeous Novel
It has been a long time since I have read a novel that has such power, depth, and insight.Knowing very little about the events in the Balkans, and having lost a son myself, I picked this book up not sure what to expect.I was not let down.

Unlike other reviewers, I don't feel compelled to explain the story line or plot. You can read that for yourself.But I do feel compelled to recommend this book to anyone seeking a well-written, thought-provoking book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent art, delightful story!
This is a fine vintage children's story.Marie Hall Ets was a wonderful, imaginative illustrator as well as a fine writer.This story of a dog, a cat, a mouse, and how they saved their home - and their shoemaker - from his bossy sister is a delight for both children and their parents (and grandparents!).I wish it would be re-printed; but in lieu of that, I recommend that you grab it whenever you run across it second-hand! ... Read more

Product Description
A lonely girl who misses her absent father feels better after Mr. T. reminds her that God cares for her. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A touching tale of God, and the power of belief
True, in reviewing this book after it is out of print places me a little behind in the times (although I'm the first to admit that) - but the themes presented in this charming story are truly timeless. The pain of loss andchildhood in general are portrayed by the author with an intrinsicunderstanding of the human condition - using consice language that conyeysit's point while remaining easy for even the most simple-minded of us tocomprehend. The painstakingly detailed pen and ink (with a wonderfullysuble coloring scheme) illustrations pefectly complement the story's gentlelesson. Speaking of gentle, that brings me to the appearance of famedtelevision celebrity "Mr. T" to the story. In a refreshing changeof pace from his rough-and tumble roles from stage and screen, he appearsto give guidance and lend his strength to those who truly need it most. Ahighly recommended read for hungry minds of all ages! ... Read more

Product Description
Mr. T cheers up a frustrated boy tired of receiving second hand clothes from his older brother. ... Read more

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A boy who lies about many things is asked to prove he knows Mr. T personally. ... Read more

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A talk with Mr. T makes Marcy realize the importance of always trying to do her best. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

I pity da fool!
In the words of the great man himself, "There's no way I'm gettin' on that airplane, and I don't wanna drink my milk!"

I think there's something in that for all of us.

an excellent biography of this great actor
As a Scottish mother-of-four, I have found no better role model for my children than Mr T.This book was enjoyed by all my children, although I do wish they'd skipped over or at least tone down some of the stuff from the early A-team days; I had to explain to my eight-year-old what 'freebasing' meant, which was definitely an uncomfortable experience for all concerned! Aside from that, it's great to see that Mr T still has a career, with the many new movies he's working on that are mentioned in this book. ... Read more

Product Description
Containing Three Facsimile Reproductions. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more