4 Points, Mass Market Paperback, 2004In most thrillers, "hardware" consists of big guns, airplanes, military vehicles, and weapons that make things explode. Dan Brown has written a thriller for those of us who like our hardware with disc drives and who rate our heroes by big brainpower rather than big firepower. It's an Internet user's spy novel where the good guys and bad guys struggle over secrets somewhat more intellectual than just where the secret formula is hidden--they have to gain understanding of what the secret formula actually is.<p> In this case, the secret formula is a new means of encryption, capable of changing the balance of international power. Part of the fun is that the book takes the reader along into an understanding of encryption technologies. You'll find yourself better understanding the political battles over such real-life technologies as the Clipper Chip and PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) software even though the book looks at the issues through the eyes of fiction.<p> Although there's enough globehopping in this book for James Bond, the real battleground is cyberspace, because that's where the "bomb" (or rather, the new encryption algorithm) will explode. Yes, there are a few flaws in the plot if you look too closely, but the cleverness and the sheer fun of it all more than make up for them. There are enough twists and turns to keep you guessing and a lot of high, gee-whiz-level information about encryption, code breaking, and the role they play in international politics. Set aside the whole afternoon and evening for it and have finger food on hand for supper--you may want to read this one straight through.
5 Points, Paperback, 1993This text presents strategies for selecting, refining, and researching communication topics, placing special emphasis on using library resources to search for literature. It demystifyies the research process by teaching students library skills, scholarly writing, and acquainting them with the latest research technology tools.
5 Points, Paperback, 1992
6 Points, Hardcover, 1985
12 Points, Paperback, 1991
6 Points, Paperback, 1995<I>The Complete Idiot's Guide to Managing Your Money</I> shows that any numbskull can master personal finance. In this second edition, a father-and-daughter writing team, Robert K. Heady and Christy Heady, give readers the best advice culled from their many years of experience in consumer rights and money management. The Headys believe that money must be managed for the long haul and that there are no quick ways to build wealth. The guide is easy to read, witty, and scornful of the hype dished out by banks and other peddlers of personal finance. It provides a plethora of personal-finance tips for consumers, including how to get the best deal on a mortgage, pay off debt, and bank online. The authors expose financial pitfalls such as bank-sold mutual funds, dealer financing for motor vehicles, extended warranties, and those dreaded bank fees. A full chapter is devoted to the evils of credit cards, which they feel is the biggest ripoff in the financial world. The writers contend that the toughest thing about saving is making the decision to do it. You should get going by putting aside a little amount of money each month through a mutual fund or dividend reinvestment plan. "The whole idea of managing money is to save a dollar here and there and then take that dollar and build it into two," they write. It shouldn't take a rocket scientist to understand that. <i>--Dan Ring</i>
4 Points, Paperback, 1994
9 Points, Paperback, 1989
13 Points, Hardcover, 1998<i>Eat Well Stay Well</i> highlights nutritional "power" foods and turns them into tempting dishes. Find recipes that are a delicious source of fiber and more from legumes, nuts and seeds (Walnut Bread); top sources of B vitamins from grains and pasta (Pasta with Butternut Squash Sauce); packed with iron and protein from lean meats (Quick Beef Burgundy); and rich in calcium and vitamin A from dairy and eggs (Lemon-Lime Cheesecake). The ultimate reference for anyone interested in learning the secrets of eating well and staying well.
10 Points, Paperback, 1993
4 Points, Paperback, 1997
26 Points, Hardcover, 1993
3 Points, Paperback, 1994