5 comments about Complete Book of Cat Breeding, The.

1. Should be on the reference shelf of every serious cat breeder. It contains some specific information about pregnancy and delivery that I've not seen in other cat books. It's also discusses the breeding program process. A good overview.



2. This book is very informative and helpful. It really gave me alot of ideas about how to breed my cats. Being a new breeder of Ragdolls, it really opened my eyes to what I was doing wrong. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that has never had experience with breeding. The only thing I found to be not included in the book, was the different breeds.



3. This is a concise, illustrated guide to cat breeding, written by an experienced DVM. I got this as a gift for someone interested, and she loved it. I may try cat breeding eventually, and I appreciate all worthy information, especially books, that I encounter.



4. This is a great book for people interested in properly breeding their cats.
   
   As a breeder myself, I've found this book so handy for quick reference topics.
   
   The book was shipped by Glen Books in great time and quality.
   
   A must for the serious breeder.



5. This book was a disappointment. It was much smaller than I was expecting and the content was superficial. The content was mainly commonsense with very little additional useful information. Almost nothing on showing. It was an easy and pleasant read but not the right purchase for someone seriously interested in cat breeding. I felt I had wasted my money.

1 comments about Hello Kitty Hello Love Board Book.

1. My daughter is working on learning to read, and this book has been a great one to help her with that. Plus, she loves Hello Kitty, so it's one of our favorites!

5 comments about Managing People Is Like Herding Cats: Warren Bennis on Leadership.

1. This is the first book that I have read by Bennis, and I didn't find anything earth-shattering in it. The book did have some good chapters, but the majority of it rehashed most of the other books on leadership I have read. I suppose there is nothing all that new under the sun. Although the book isn't very long, some sections of chapters appear to be re-hashes from earlier chapters. It reads as a collection of his essays, with common themes sewn throughout (ex: Managers do things right, Leaders do the right thing). For those that are leaders (or aspiring leaders), the information in Herding Cats will serve to reinforce what you should already know.



2. Apparently another reviewer agrees with Ecclesiastes that there is nothing new under the sun and I agree with both of them. There is nothing new in this book nor does Bennis make that claim. He has observed that this book offers his last and best comments on the subject of leadership. In it, he has assembled his best ideas from a number of previous books he authored or co-authored. Let us all hope that this is not his final contribution to the subject.

   Bennis begins with an especially apt quotation of T.S. Eliot's comments on his cat The Rum Tum Tugger: "For he will do as he will do, and there's no doing anything about it. When you let him in, then he wants out; he's always in the wrong side of the door." As an owner of countless cats myself for more than 20 years, I can personally affirm that Eliot's cat is normal. It really makes no difference what you name a cat nor what you say to it. The best advice I can offer is to remember that a dog's idea of God is a human being but that a cat's idea of God is a cat. For thousands of years, the human race has deified certain rulers (e.g. Caesars), many of whom (like cats) saw themselves as deities. Until recently, many corporate CEOs embraced the "command and control" leadership style. Several of them are on record as viewing themselves as omniscient and omnipotent, victims of what I characterize as "The Ozmanias Syndrome" which is inevitably fatal for them and often for their spheres of influence as well.
   
   Back to Bennis and this book. To those who aspire to lead people, here's his advice: "Be humble. Stop trying to `herd cats' and start building trust and mutual respect. Your `cats' will respond. They will sense your purpose, keep your business purring, and even kill your rats." Bennis' clever use of similes and metaphors aside, I rate this volume so highly for three reasons. First, it offers what is probably the most personal glimpse we are likely to have of Bennis, very much in the same spirit as Stephen King's On Writing. Also, Bennis is deeply concerned about an ever-worsening "leadership crisis" of global proportions. He explains why others should share that concern. Finally, as noted earlier, he assembles in this volume his most important insights and observations on the subject of leadership. For that last reason, I am most grateful (much as I enjoyed the pleasure of his personal company) because those insights and observations suggest HOW to respond to the aforementioned "leadership crisis."

   Bennis organizes his material with two Sections (The Leadership Crisis and What Makes a Leader?) and an Epilogue (Reflections on Retirement). Drawing upon personal experiences which extend back to his childhood, Bennis explains why he views self-invention as an exercise of the imagination: "That's basically how we get to know ourselves. People who can't invent and then reinvent themselves must be content with borrowed postures, secondhand ideas, fitting in instead of standing out. Inventing oneself is the opposite of accepting the roles we were brought up to play." This is an affirmation with profound implications. Those who possess sufficient courage, determination, and (yes) endurance to gain self-knowledge will eventually achieve beneficial change. So long as this immensely difficult process continues, periodic reinvention is inevitable.

   Meanwhile, paradoxically, Bennis suggests that there are certain human values which must remain constant throughout that process. They include integrity, dedication, magnanimity, humility, openness, and creativity. Values-driven leaders, while increasing their self-knowledge, must possess non-negotiable standards of moral and intellectual honesty. They must have a passionate belief in something. They must be "noble of mind and heart; generous in forgiving; above revenge and resentment." As Bennis observes, "Magnanimous and humble people are notable for their self-possession. They know who they are, have healthy egos, and take more pride in what they do than in who they are." They must be willing to try what is new and be receptive to new ideas, however bizarre, with "a tolerance for ambiguity and change, and a rejection of any and all preconceived prejudices, biases, and stereotypes." With regard to creativity, Bennis asserts that "we must restore our sense of wonder, break through our own preconceptions and see everything new and fresh -- as we did when we were children." In sum, leaders have both vision and virtue.

   In his Epilogue, during which he reflects on the subject of retirement, Bennis shares two basic ideas. First, that all of his own personal heroes "were always in transition. They were always redesigning, recomposing and reinventing their own lives. Also, "that people who have been successful in their careers and in life are also successful in all transitions." This book is really not about "herding cats"; rather, it is about principled self-governance. It is also about values-driven leadership as (in effect) a "work in progress" throughout transitions in life. Now more than ever before, our world desperately needs leaders whose vision will inspire us and whose virtue will guide us during our own quest for self-knowledge from one transition to the next.




3. I found the book a rehash of 1980's thinking by a university professor. Japan good. US bad. Unions good, Marx good, business people bad - what a waste of money.



4. Initially I was intrigued by the title of this book - what has `cat-herding' to do with managing people? Bennis' statement that `cats can't be herded, but they can be led' makes sense in a quirky way. Much like cats, people are quite resistant to any sort of rules or change that are being forced upon them; they react much better if they are gently led. I think one of the biggest challenges that we all face is leadership - defining leadership, and then defining ourselves within that definition. Managing and leading are not the same thing, and it's the leaders rather than the managers who will be truly successful throughout the next decade, and beyond.
   Bennis states that there is a `leadership crisis' in the United States, and offers four contributing factors. The first is the `growing disparity between the rich and the poor'. I wholeheartedly agree - nothing erodes trust in our leadership than seeing CEOs making millions, while John Q. Public has been downsized out of a job, and no longer has health insurance for his kids.
   The second factor is what Bennis calls the `inverted trust factor'. This has to do with trust in government, and how that trust has eroded. This book was published in 1999; we've all seen the brief surge in trust that followed the September 11th tragedy; however, as Osama bin Laden continues to elude us, I feel that trust in our government is on the downswing again.
   The third factor Bennis calls the `abandoned other half', those who have been laid off and downsized. With a growing population and a shrinking job market, what chance do American workers have of finding a decent job with good wages and benefits?
   The last contributor to the `crisis' is the lack of empowerment felt by American workers. Bennis states "Empowerment and restructuring are on a collision course". As America downsizes, those who do remain employed don't have a warm, fuzzy feeling that they will remain employed for long. Pervasive fear of losing one's job doesn't bode well for creativity or initiative.
   BUT.....Bennis offers hope. He feels that if we can become LEADERS, rather than managers, we have a shot at heading off the crisis that he sees coming. He offers some thoughts on the competencies and traits of leaders, which, on first read, seem like basic common sense. However, many of us may not take the time to stop and think about ways to actually BE a leader, and so instill and inspire leadership in others. In a nutshell, Bennis believes that true leaders have a vision, a set of intentions, which sets the direction and leads to a goal.
   I personally enjoyed this book. While much of it is common sense, it is presented in such a way as to make you think twice, and to make you wonder how it applies to you and your own occupation, be it CEO or first level manager



5. Warren Bennis is very well regarded in the leadership world. I bought the book hoping for some insight and intrigued by the title. I was disappointed.
   
   On a positive note, Bennis is very, very quotable. Sound bites are sprinkled throughout, like, "There isn't a company in America that wouldn't benefit from a little less efficiency and a lot more inspiration."
   
   The problem is, the cutsey quotes don't connect. As stand-alone quotes, they suck you in and make it seem interesting. But there's nothing in between. Same with the catchy titles--"Too Many Chiefs," "Shakes and Quakes," and even "Managing People is Like Herding Cats." It got my attention but never delivered.
   
   In addition, the title indicates that the book might give some insight into managing people. Nope. I was actually insulted to be a manager. The entire book couches leaders as the saviors and managers as the uninspired, uncreative simpletons of the business world. "Management is about systems, controls, procedures, policies, structure. Leadership is about trust--about people."
   
   If you want a book with great quotes you can throw around to seem wise and deep, this book can help. If you want inspiration because you fancy yourself a leader and visionary, this might be interesting. If you want a book with actually helps you with your effectiveness as a leader, forget it.

No comments about Big Cats: Hunters of the Night (Animals After Dark) (Animals After Dark) (Animals After Dark).

5 comments about Real Moments: Discover the Secret for True Happiness.

1. Real Moments is a wise, compassionate book of genuine wisdom to take the moment we are in and create what we are here to do, or what we love in order to live a life filled with inner peace and happiness.
   
   There are many wonderful quotes from Barbara DeAngelis spread throughout the book that alone are worth this books price.
   From work, to difficult times, love relationships, creating sacred spaces, acts of kindness, and family this book cover how to use inner reflection and silence to hear your own inner voice, and honor how you feel in the moment.
   
   Highly recommended for anyone who lives life primarily angry, frustrated, stressed out and sick of it all. This wonderful book will help you turn that around.
   Barbara Rose, author of "Stop Being the String Along: A Relationship Guide to Being THE ONE" and 'If God Was Like Man'
   Editor of inspire! magazine



2. Enjoyed the book, really like the author.



3. Barbara DeAngelis does a wonderful job of helping you understand how to make your present life more meaningful and happy by having more "real moments." By opening up about her own life and experiences, she helps you to understand how to be more present, appreciate and pay close attention to what is going on in your life which can cause you to have more moments of deep meaning and joy. I also agreed with her point that how you think and react to a situation you are in instead of changing the actual situation can have a dramatic effect on your life. Well worth the read.



4. This was an OK read...much of what's already out there. Didn't rock my world as I had hoped.



5. I bought this book about ten years ago and i loved it then! I ended up giving it to a co-worker because I thought he needed it and I never got it back.
   
   I love to collect books, so i decided that I needed to order another copy for my library. How could I have waited so long to re-buy this book??? It is the perfect reading material to get you focused on the life around you and what you have created for yourself. It is also an excellent reread over and over. And, if you just need a quick pick-me-up, just look in the book and you will find just what you need for that particular moment.

1 comments about A Handbook for Followers of Jesus.

1. The book covers most questions that any new Christian might have. The book covers vast subjects with clear thought and profound answers to the greatest questions of our time... "How can I bring glory to God through my life?&quot

1 comments about The Nine Lives of Aristotle.

1. We selected this book at the library because my five year old son LOVES cats. Although I'd consider the story lenghty, it completely held the attention of all the children in his Kindergarten class as his teacher read our new copy as the book of the day. Of note, the cat's owner is a witch, however, it is not dominant in the story and it would not make a good Halloween tale. The thrust of the story is more of the process of growing up. A great vocabulary word from this book is woebegone. I would consider this book to be one to sit on the shelf with the classics.

5 comments about Reigning Cats And Dogs: A Rhymes With Orange Tribute to Those Who Shed.

1. This is a MUST HAVE for anyone who loves cats and dogs! Hillary Price is unsurpassed in her depictions of the thoughts and actions of our four-legged friends. Her ability to express her witty observations can lift even the most dour of spirits. I received this book as a birthday present and have read it daily since. If you enjoy laughing aloud and the love of a sweet pet, this book is for you.



2. I can't wait to share this book, a gift, with my friends, but I'm afraid I might never get it back. My strategy is to get another copy to circulate ...



3. Just kidding. Cats are fine. I had a cat once. He was great. (Thought he was a dog, you know.) Anyway, this little book is full of witty -- and true! -- observations about our most common animal companions. Price's humor is so accurate, it's scary. She really captures the personalities of cats and dogs. Buy this book and learn what guide dogs do on their down time and what greeting cards would be like if cats wrote them. This book also makes a great gift for fellow dog (and cat) lovers.



4. After reading the one I bought for a friend, I bought four more! Three for friends who allow their homes to be ruled by monarchs with 4 legs, and one for my dog!



5. Hillary Price has really brought out the most delightful things about our feline and canine friends! This book has some of the very best strips of this very witty and talented cartoonist. If you own this book and Hillary Price's other book, "Pithy, Seedy, Pulpy" you will have two of the best cheerer-upper books imaginable. I hope Hillary Price writes another book like these soon!

5 comments about Pet First Aid: Cats and Dogs.

1. Would you know what to do if your cat or dog had an emergency? I worked on the book so I'm biased, but... "Pet First Aid" may help save your pet's life! From the American Red Cross, the nation's largest humanitarian organization, and The Humane Society of the United States, the nation's largest animal protection organization. All proceeds support the efforts of both non-profit organizations. Makes a great gift for everyone you know that owns a cat or dog.



2. I couldn't agree more with the previous comment. I would only add that Dr. Bobbie Mammato, the author, conveys her wealth of experience in emergency veterinary care and public health, and makes this an extremely readable and useful text. In fact, why isn't Dr. Mammato credited as the author on your Web site



3. This book is so helpful. I think every dog and cat owner should have one. It is so easy to use and can save yourself a lot of money in Vet visits if you're like me and worry about every little thing that might be wrong with your 'baby." I like the glossary and illustrations. I'm getting one as a Christmas gift for all the dog owners in my family. You can't beat it for $8.



4. This book is a great help to me when my pets have any bumps or scratches. It is a wonderful source of first aid information that any pet lover should have.



5. The second worst thing that can happen to your pet is for him to get sick or hurt; the truly worst thing is for you as the pet owner to be totally unprepared when accident or misfortune strikes. This book covers all the basics of first aid care for dogs and cats, from cuts and bee stings to convulsions, choking, and traumatic, life-threatening injuries. Steps to take in any given situation are laid out one at a time, and a number of very helpful illustrations make all of the information as direct and understandable as it can be. The book is arranged alphabetically by first aid topic, so you can always find the information you need quickly and easily. You really don't even have to read the book. Just having it close at hand when something happens to your pet can make a real difference; it can even help save your loyal companion's life. I would recommend reading the book, though, or at least glancing through it. You can learn important warning signs to watch for in your pet's behavior and help catch a problem in its early stages. In cases of real emergency, knowing what not to do can be just as important as knowing what you should do. You would do well to follow the precautionary suggestions the book describes--putting together a pet first aid kit, for example. By no means can or should this book take the place of professional veterinary care, a point which the text emphasizes, but it can help keep your pet healthy and happy.

1 comments about Toddler Menus: A Mix-and-Match Guide to Healthy Eating.

1. I love this cookbook! I have one of Annabel Karmel's books, First Meals, but found this one had a TON more recipes, and my son actually likes them. Annabel's book had a lot of fish recipes, and we don't eat much fish at our house.
   
   The recipes in this book are simple, fast and nutritious. There is information on proper amounts to feed toddlers, nutrition and tips.
   
   A bargain for the number of recipes that you receive. Are even appropriate for the whole family and not just the youngsters:)