The Art of Profitability

This book is focused on explaining 23 different models of profitability that different firms have followed. The author uses the realtionship between a wise mentor and an eager mentee to take the reader through the process of understanding the different models. The book is aimed at describing and giving the reader some insight into each model; it is not an in depth analysis of profitability. Given its aim, it is well written.

It is not a step by step process to apply at a business. This is a book to make a manager reflect, not follow. Each chapter is one story that describes a model; the style seems to follow the general outline of Harvard Business School cases, which, given the author's professorship there, is not so surprising.

I highly recommend it to someone looking for an entertaining read that will make one reflect. However, disregard the recommendation that you go through one chapter per week. It is too little, I think I would probably lose the book by the 3rd week. It is, instead, a book to be read in 3 days, and be referred back for ideas.

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The Art and Practice of Leadership Coaching: 50 Top Executive Coaches Reveal Their Secrets

Leadership coaching has become vitally important to today's most successful businesses. The Art and Practice of Leadership Coaching is a landmark resource that presents a variety of perspectives and best practices from today's top executive coaches. It provides valuable guidance on exactly what the best coaches are now doing to get the most out of leaders, for now and into the future. Revealing core philosophies, critical capabilities, and the secrets of coaching success, this one-of-a-kind guide includes essays from fifty top coaches, including Ken Blanchard and Frances Hesselbein. Packed with cutting-edge ideas and proven best practices, this is the definitive source of information for anyone dealing with coaching.

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On My Own: The Art of Being a Woman Alone

On My Own is a revolutionary book. Florence Falk offers deep insight about the social and cultural frames that encourage women to see being alone as a "problem". Beautifully written, it traces, with true sensitivity, the many complex and often conflicting forces that 'contribute' to a woman's 'aloneness'. She boldly encourage us to shatter the paradigm, and reframes solitude as a positive state, a place of power, to be celebrated and explored with enthusiasm.

Around this country, millions of women, single or deeply lonely in their relationships, wrestle with questions about the role and place of partnership in their lives. This remarkable book offers us a way to see our aloneness in a new way....helping us to celebrate our solitude as a state of liberation.

It's hard to imagine a woman whose life would not be touched by reading this book. For many women, Falk's message will come as a key, unlocking a door they may never have known was even there.... and lives will change, forever. For some, perhaps, it will be revolutionary, and the change will come with great force. For others, it may be like a small stone, dropped into water, the rings rippling out gently, wider and wider... but either way, I am convinced, lives will transform. Give this book to a woman you know who is ready for freedom!

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The Art of Asset Allocation : Principles and Investment Strategies for Any Market, Second Edition

The fully revised classic on employing asset allocation techniques to grow real wealth A global leader and preeminent expert in asset allocation, David Darst delivers his masterwork on the topic. In a fully updated and expanded second edition of The Art of Asset Allocation, Morgan Stanley's Chief Investment Strategist covers the historic market events, instruments, asset classes, and economic forces that investors need to be aware of as they create asset-building portfolios. He then explains how to use modern asset allocation concepts and tools to augment returns and control risks in a wide range of financial market environments. This completely revised edition shows how to achieve asset balance with the author's proven methods, decades of expertise, relevant charts, practical tools, and astute analyses. Known as the king of asset allocation, Darst brings his expertise to bear to provide complete asset class descriptions, identifying historical risk, return, and correlation characteristics for all major asset classes. Using actual data, he explains the differences between tactical and strategic asset allocation, outlines clear rebalancing guidelines, and includes an annotated guide to both traditional and Internet-based information sources. Praise for the first edition: You want to be a better investor, a better client, or a better advisor? DEVOUR THIS BOOK NOW! -James J. Cramer David Darst is the expert on Asset Allocation. He has chosen to share his decades of practical experience in The Art of Asset Allocation, to the benefit of professional and individual investors alike. -Seth A. Klarman.

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Arts Marketing Insights: The Dynamics of Building and Retaining Performing Arts Audiences

This book was recommended to me by a colleague. In my profession I work closely with staff at many performing arts organizations who really could benefit from reading this book. The author does not simply pontificate, she provides a really fresh look at the challenges and opportunities for increasing audience size, connecting with patrons, improving financial health, website best practices, marketing campaigns, the list goes on and on. Best of all, Ms. Bernstein backs up her findings and recommendations with research and case studies - introducing the reader to methodology that is sure to win over any board of directors skeptical of change. I give this book 5 stars!

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Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game

The only negative review so far at this site seemed to confuse the author's craftmanship with his subject. This is a well-written, quick read, which, if you are any kind of baseball fan, will cause you to stop repeatedly and think about what you've just read.

Every baseball fan has asked themselves over and over, why are marginal players overpaid? Why are millions invested in ONE player to the detriment of the team? Why does ownership seem trapped in some preconceived notion of what a ballplayer should look like? This book seeks to answer those questions and present an alternative view of how to run a winning team. And here, in a nutshell is that answer:

Position players should be signed based on the On Base Percentage. Pitchers should be signed based on Strikeouts, Walks, Home runs allowed and groundballs.

There. That's it. Time to go home and enjoy your vast savings, Mr. Steinbrenner.

Of course it's more complex than that, but perversely, Major League Baseball seems to have based its criteria for quality on a completely subjective and error-prone system: Wins, earned run average, batting average, runs batted in.

The book does a wonderful job of demonstrating how a small germ of an idea took hold, slowly grew, and then became embraced by people with the position to do something about it. It's the Revenge of the Nerds and it's positively engaging.

Billy Beane comes off as some 21st Century tortured prince, except he's not Hamlet trying to avenge his father's death, he's every jerk high school jock you ever met who, as an adult, hates himself. Freud wouldn't even get out of bed for this one.

It's sad because he and his computer geeks could actually save baseball from itself. But there is not one incident of joy reported in this book. It would be nice to read that he turned down the Red Sox job because he wanted to stay close to his daughter, but she is never mentioned as a consideration. It's just a shame that someone whose eyes were opened to the real value of ballplayers doesn't carry the exhileration of someone lost, now found, but rather wields it like some terrible weapon.

And objectivity, statistics and mathematics notwithstanding, the fact is that nine Miggy Tejadas are preferable to nine Scott Heddeburg (sp?).

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Presenting to Win: The Art of Telling Your Story

In Presenting to Win: Persuading Your Audience Every Time, the world's #1 presentation consultant shows how to connect with even the toughest, most high-level audiences--and move them to action. Jerry Weissman shows presenters of all kinds how to dump those PowerPoint templates once and for all--and learn to tell compelling stories that focus on what's in it for their listeners. Drawing on dozens of practical examples and real case studies, Weissman shows presenters how to identify their real goals and messages before they even open PowerPoint; how to stay focused on what their listeners really care about; and how to capture their audiences in the first crucial 90 seconds. From bullets and graphics to the effective, sparing use of special effects, Weissman covers all the practical mechanics of effective presentation--and walks readers through every step of building a Power Presentation, from brainstorming through delivery. Unlike the techniques in other presentation books, this book's easy, step-by-step approach has been proven with billions of dollars on the line, in hundreds of IPO road shows before the world's most jaded investors.

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The Handbook of Art Therapy

Describing training, practice and theory, this is a lively and thorough introduction to the art therapy profession which will be invaluable to people thinking of becoming therapists and to all those who need to know about the profession.

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The Art of Mending: A Novel

I usually don't give half stars, but I feel that it was almost good enough to be a 4, but not quite.

Elizabeth Berg can always be counted on to discuss the deeper issues in life, and describe them in a way, that makes you want to drink in her writing. She touches on alleged abuse, the makeup of families, and even death in this story. Her books are always quick, I can usually finish them off in no more than 3 or 4 sittings.

It starts out with a memory of three siblings: Steve, Laura, and Caroline. The year is 1960, and they are going to the fair. This short chapter was describing how Laura and her sister were not really close, no one is really close to Caroline. She is too hard to understand. She is a "brownnoser," someone who is always giving their mother gifts.

Fast forward forty years. Out of nowhere, Caroline wants to talk to Laura and Steve, about some things that have happened in the past, things that have been bothering her. These are things that their mother may have done. Both Laura and Steve are dumbfounded, because they weren't aware of anything in the past that was less than pleasant.

As the story unfolds, we realize that there may have been abuse that went on with Caroline and their mom. Even though they start remembering things that do not fit perfectly with their sugar-coated memories, Caroline is still Caroline. Who do you believe? The woman who loved and cared for you all of these years, or your dramatic and difficult sister? As the secrets unfold, you realize who is telling the truth, and who wants to hide from the past.

Even though I wasn't that satisfied with the way the book ended, I am always pleased with Berg's style. Though others have described her as "too wordy," I feel that, that is the most beautiful part of her works. The pieces that pull you into the story and these character's lives. I recall one paragraph,
"...Maybe it was the tender irony of the way that we, blind ourselves, offer our arm to others, hoping to ease the crossing. Maybe it was the odd surges of love one can feel for an absolute stranger. Or maybe it was the way we give so little when it's in us always to give so much more. Thomas Merton wrote about feeling a sudden awareness of a profound connection to others, understanding that 'they were mine and I theirs.' I loved reading things like that, things that pointed to our oneness and, by extension, our responsibility to others."

It's the fact that she is my magnifying glass to the beauty in life, the armchair philosopher, full of wisdom, that keeps me coming back.

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The Handbook of Art Therapy

Describing training, practice and theory, this is a lively and thorough introduction to the art therapy profession which will be invaluable to people thinking of becoming therapists and to all those who need to know about the profession.As a recent counseling graduate (PhD), I was always put off by the art therapy books on the market. They were all so poorly written and talked about antiquated theories of counseling and therapy. Now, finally there is a wonderfully readable text and I am glad to have found it as I begin work with clients. This book is for anyone who is interested in using art in their work with adults, children, adolescents, and groups-- there are helpful chapters on trauma, medical issues, autism, ADHD, etc. There are also sections on art therapy assessments that are very well written and concise.

This is the state-of-the-art art therapy book for your counseling, psychology, or art therapy library. Also, if you are a beginner, see Malchiodi's Art Therapy Sourcebook, another readable volume.

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The Art of Mending: A Novel

I usually don't give half stars, but I feel that it was almost good enough to be a 4, but not quite.

Elizabeth Berg can always be counted on to discuss the deeper issues in life, and describe them in a way, that makes you want to drink in her writing. She touches on alleged abuse, the makeup of families, and even death in this story. Her books are always quick, I can usually finish them off in no more than 3 or 4 sittings.

It starts out with a memory of three siblings: Steve, Laura, and Caroline. The year is 1960, and they are going to the fair. This short chapter was describing how Laura and her sister were not really close, no one is really close to Caroline. She is too hard to understand. She is a "brownnoser," someone who is always giving their mother gifts.

Fast forward forty years. Out of nowhere, Caroline wants to talk to Laura and Steve, about some things that have happened in the past, things that have been bothering her. These are things that their mother may have done. Both Laura and Steve are dumbfounded, because they weren't aware of anything in the past that was less than pleasant.

As the story unfolds, we realize that there may have been abuse that went on with Caroline and their mom. Even though they start remembering things that do not fit perfectly with their sugar-coated memories, Caroline is still Caroline. Who do you believe? The woman who loved and cared for you all of these years, or your dramatic and difficult sister? As the secrets unfold, you realize who is telling the truth, and who wants to hide from the past.

Even though I wasn't that satisfied with the way the book ended, I am always pleased with Berg's style. Though others have described her as "too wordy," I feel that, that is the most beautiful part of her works. The pieces that pull you into the story and these character's lives. I recall one paragraph,
"...Maybe it was the tender irony of the way that we, blind ourselves, offer our arm to others, hoping to ease the crossing. Maybe it was the odd surges of love one can feel for an absolute stranger. Or maybe it was the way we give so little when it's in us always to give so much more. Thomas Merton wrote about feeling a sudden awareness of a profound connection to others, understanding that 'they were mine and I theirs.' I loved reading things like that, things that pointed to our oneness and, by extension, our responsibility to others."

It's the fact that she is my magnifying glass to the beauty in life, the armchair philosopher, full of wisdom, that keeps me coming back.

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The Art of Civilized Conversation: A Guide to Expressing Yourself With Style and Grace

You know the person who is shy, talks too much, and always puts her foot in her mouth and winds up offending you? Yeah. That's me. I got this book in the hopes that it would help me to be able to socially chat in group settings.

I enjoyed this book. It has given me some advice and some pointers in how to have conversations with people. Some of the tips are pretty obvious, but still stated in such a way to give me pause. The author has some insightful things to say as well. She gives brief lists of do's and dont's for almost all of the topics in the book. For example how to (and how not to) accept a compliment. One major problem I had is that the author seems to regard conversation as a game. I don't. So in some instances her outlook did not help me.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is a bore, who is shy, or who always seems to be putting thier foot in thier mouth. Honestly I would recommend it to anyone wanting to improve thier conversational skills.

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The Art of War

As others have noted some of the tactical advice is thousands of years out of date, but the vision of strategic issues is still very relevant. This edition is well written and an easy read.

It does not take an interest in the military to make this a great read.
It is also a great read for anyone interested in politics and will help one to understand the antics of folks like James Carville.

Sun Tzu is also the foundation of much of the work of Col John Boyd that has had such a major impact on the current military.

A reader of Sun Tzu might have a very different take on why there has not been a massive terrorist attack on America after 9-11. One of his basic principles is to separate the population from the enemy leadership. Clearly 9-11 connected the leaders with the population. The absence of an attack has allowed the anti-war movement space to become effective.

Knowledge of Sun Tzu is most helpful in understanding a major force on current world leaders from Chinese leadership Muslim fundamentalists.

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Zen and the Art of Making A Living

After an unsuccessful and frustrating career as a cog in the corporate wheel, I took some time off, bought this book, and sat down with a pen. I came away with much more than I expected. The book's exhaustive charts, lists and essays helped me to focus my skills and desires into self-reflection, to figure out who I really was and what I wanted to do. The second half of the book is filled with information on grant-writing, government aids, and other practical tools to help you realize your dreams. If you don't want to support McWorld, let this book lead you down the path to realizing your full potential.

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The Arts and the Creation of Mind

Mr. Eisner explain the applications of the skills fostered by the fine arts educational experience. Giving especific examples, the author illuminates the dark side of the fine arts usefullness. On chapter four (soul of the book) deals with what can be expected from the fine arts experience and the real application of the acquired skills. More important, Eisner highlight the fact that the student has a self motivated and intrinsic satisfaction experience when learning thru the arts, something quite difficult to achieve with academics matters.

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The Art of Putting: The Revolutionary Feel-Based System for Improving Your Score

"A breakthrough approach to putting from the PGA Tour's premier short-game guru PGA stars such as Jay Haas, Craig Stadler, Peter Jacobsen, and Darren Clarke have all sought advice from fellow pro Stan Utley about their putting, and have gone on to such immediate success on the green that Utley has become the most in-demand teacher in the game. Now, in The Art of Putting he outlines his unique approach to putting for golfers of all skill levels. In a welcome change from mechanistic and overly-complex putting "systems," Utley breaks down the putting stroke to a simple, natural motion, revealing a straightforward method for learning this sure, repeatable stroke. As he guides you through the fundamentals of the proper grip, posture, alignment, and swing, Utley will overhaul and improve your stroke by putting feel back into your game. This definitive book also provides: * A complete primer on club design, with tips for finding the putter most in tune with the nuances of your swing * A guide to the sensory aspects of a good putt, from grip pressure to impact response to the way a putt should sound * Simple steps for reading greens accurately, every time * Drills to commit your putting stroke to muscle memory and overcome the tics that can knock your putts off line * Cures for the mental hurdles you'll face on the short grass"

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The Art of Aging: A Doctor's Prescription for Well-Being

This book is according to Sherwin Nuland written primarily for those in their fifties and sixties. Nuland hopes to instruct them on how to wisely age. Physical exercise, maintaining a network of close personal relationships, and being 'creative' ( In the broadest sense of the term) is at the heart of his prescription. Nuland is upbeat about the prospect that we can by focusing on what we are really good at, what gives us real pleasure improve the quality of our lives in Old Age. Nuland gives examples of people who do function remarkably well in advanced old age, such as the legendary surgeon Michael deBakey who was still operating at the age of ninety- seven.
Some of the reviewers of the book I have seen including the outstanding Joseph Epstein have said that Nuland at points is platitudinous, and preachy. They say he at certain points ceases being the sharp, perceptive first - rate observer he was in his earlier award- winning book, "The Way We Die"
But in my understanding Nuland is balanced, humane and realistic throughout this work. For instance, in one interesting section he counters the proposal of a scientist working to eliminate death. Nuland makes a strong argument that the death of the individual serves the well- being of the species, and its survival.
It seems to me to anyone interested in growing old in the best way possible would do well to read this book..

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São Paulo Museum of Art

São Paulo Museum of Art is an important fine-art museum located at Paulista Avenue in São Paulo, Brazil. This time it's dressed to Christmas =)

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Art of Power

Power is one of the central issues in our lives. From work to personal relationships, the struggle for power plays a pivotal role and more often than not prevents us from attaining freedom and happiness. The bottom-line mentality in our culture seeps unnoticed into every other part of our lives. Thich Nhat Hanh illustrates how our current understanding of power leads us on a never ending search for external markers like job title or salary. This me-first approach to life may have originated in the business world, but the stress, fear, and anxiety it causes are being felt by all of us everyday. Turning the conventional understanding on its head, Thich Nhat Hanh teaches us that true power comes from within and that what we seek we already have. With colorful anecdotes, precise language, and concrete practices, this book will have an important and lasting legacy on how we understand our culture and choose to live our lives.

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Zaha Hadid’s Abu Dhabi Performing Arts Centre

Journal3: Zaha Hadid’s office have sent to dezeen two more images of her Abu Dhabi Performing Arts Centre, plus a statement describing the project.

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ASU Art Museum

ASU Art Museum, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona.

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Art Glass

Closeup of another art glass vase, this one by Lundberg Studios.

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Palace of Fine Arts at Night 01

The Palace of Fine Arts is beautiful during the day but even more beautiful at dusk. My first nightshot attempts of the palace were done well into the night so the sky was all black, which I didn't like. This time around. I made sure I was there as sun set. My only gripe was that I wish the fountain was lighted also. Also, the ripples from the fountain and the breeze didn't allow for crispier reflections off the water of the lagoon.

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Art from thailand

Very expensive art, designed with fear face of monster who signal that Thailand as stange person and has highest art when they inspirated their guardian for their life

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Altered Art Frame

Fashion , altered art frame , dome glass cover. Chocolate brown french wire ribbon. Seven inches across.

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Look At this artistic building

Tall and artistic building.the name of this building is art deco located in Glasgow,

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