To set expectations this book is heavily slanted towards winning Government business. It is also applicable to large businesses as well as small ones. That said, the information in this unique book can be effectively used by consultants and companies intent on competing for commercial contracts. I am fortunate because I have experience in Government contracting (on both sides of the fence - writing RFPs and evaluating responses when I was a member of DoD, and responding to RFPs when I was in the DoD contracting industry), and in the commercial world where I have been working as a consultant since 1988. From my vantage point I see the value of this book as advice and guidelines for developing effective proposal strategies regardless of whether you are competing for Government or commercial business.

I have used this book as a ready reference since the first edition was published in 1997. This second edition reflects a major update to the original book in that the proposal management tools in the first edition were woefully out of date and the focus was not on some of the Government opportunities for small business, such as Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR)that require a tailored proposal strategy. The second edition also addresses new Government initiatives for e-business and a plethora of other topics that were not present in the first edition.

If you are competing for Government business this is the most complete, accurate book I know of that covers the RFP-Proposal-Negotiation-Award process. Short of memorizing the FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulations), amassing years of proposal writing experience, and gaining the wisdom of knowing what works and what doesn't you will not find a more concise guide to the process. Also, you will benefit greatly from the wealth of tips and pointers that the author provides from his own extensive experience. If you are in the DoD contracting business, regardless of business size, I cannot overemphasize this book's value when it comes to cutting through the maze and providing a clear roadmap. If you are a proposal or capture manager I strongly recommend that you get a copy for every member of your team.

For the book's readers who are in the commercial sector the approach outlined in this book will add process and structure to your proposal writing efforts. The rigorous requirements imposed by the Government are too often lacking in the commercial process, which results in sloppy proposals that meander around issues and miss important client requirements. Also, because the proposal development process can be as large a task in the commercial sector, managing it can be a nightmare without a well thought out strategy for ensuring that all of the "t"s are crossed and "i"s dotted. The approach in this book practically hands you a ready-made process that you can apply to proposal development. This process will not only improve your ability to respond quickly and accurately to RFPs, but do so in an efficient manner. The result will be a significant competitive advantage.

For both sets of readers I think some of the advice, such as using the proposal as a marketing tool as well as a due-diligence instrument for responding to RFPs is excellent. For example, the author emphasizes backing up responses with examples to demonstrate claims. This is a powerful technique that I have used repeatedly to good advantage. It goes a long way towards assuaging client concerns about capabilities versus empty claims, and will turn a proposal that is merely responsive into one that is compelling.

Other things that make this book extremely valuable include the CD ROM of checklists and templates, and the numerous examples from the author's past proposals.

In my opinion this is the best book available for proposal development, and the only one that fully addresses every aspect of managing the proposal process for Government business. It should be on the shelf of anyone who responds to RFPs, and in the library of every company that does Government or commercial contracting.

This book should be on the shelves of every small business competing for government contracts. Starting from the marketing process and continuing through submission of a Best and Final Offer (BAFO), Frey leads the business developer through every stage of the proposal life cycle. It is an invaluable reference for every proposal manager with its examples of proposal storyboards, resources for marketing information, review team checklists, and other nuggets

Robert Frey has done proposal writers a great service by compiling in one volume the disparate information required to navigate the proposal process. Although the emphasis is on small business, most of the material applies equally well to "big" business and large proposals. He not only covers the usual topics of writing and production, but explains the myriad government regulations (it must have taken courage to attempt this!) and legal and financial issues proposal teams must address. Quibbles include the too-brief discussions of multiple-company proposal teams (becoming more and more common) and the respective roles and responsibilities of the acquisition manager, the proposal manager, and the proposed project manager (although for small companies they are just as likely to be one and the same). In addition to its usefulness as a reference, Frey has infused his book with many practical, real-world suggestions that are certain to improve any proposal. On that basis alone, I cannot recommend this book to any future competitor!

Karen Winnick's Sybil's Night Ride is the children's book every parent should obtain for the soul purpose of giving the best of children's literature and illustration to his or her child or pre-adolescent. Karen Winnick skillfully masters the historical story of Sybil Ludington and transcends it into a captivating 20 or so pages of beautiful words and detailed oil paints, the likes of which I have only seen in such genius as Van Gogh or Monet. This is a must, a bestseller, a joy. Also, look for Mr. Lincoln's Whiskers, the perfect complement.

They are a delight to read. The illustrations charm me and all of the many children in my life (including a set of six-year-old triplets.) I love reading the books aloud and watching the chldren get excited by Ms. Winnick's heroic characters. Sybil's Night Ride is my favorite so far. Sybil is a brave and smart role model and the story is a wonderful adventure. Thank you, Karen Winnick. Keep writing and congratulations on another delicious read for kids (and me... their aunt.) Iris Rainer Dart

Our 2 1/2 year old daughter has lots of books; many of these are for older children, and are placed higher up on the bookshelf, waiting until she is ready for them. This book is the exception. She keeps pulling it down by herself, telling me her version of a story of a girl and her horse, an owl, a dog, her family, all details she gleans from the rich, evocative illustrations. It's already a favorite. Karen Winnick has created a masterpiece; her understated narrative strikes just the right tone without terrifying young readers, while providing rich, historical details of everyday life. The rendering of Sybil, her expressions, her hair, her clothes, all bring her immediately to life. Her tender relationships with her family, horse and community are the focus of the story, against the background of sheer bravery. A wonderful role model for my daughter. The archival map reproduced at the back of the book can actually be read to follow Sybil's route. Thank you Karen Winnick.

If you're faced with an encounter with the IRS, I would highly recommend getting this book for starters. Most tax experts will tend to steer you in one of two directions: knuckle under or fight the IRS up to and including jail time (for you, not the expert.) You need to understand what your options are before you seek outside help because all too often the outside help has an agenda that is not in your best interests.

This book does an outstanding job of laying out realistic stategies and options for helping you with tax issues and for working with, rather than against, the IRS to obtain the best possible outcome. It offers a refreshing change in the tax literature. By offering well-grounded, honest advice in a well-written fashion, this book should be in the hands of anyone seeking to resolve a tax problem without "giving away the farm" to the IRS.

Learn what your options are and how best to work with the IRS and you'll save yourself a lot of grief and a lot of green.

Tax This! An Insider's Guide to Standing Up to the IRS, is just that. It provides the insight of an insider that will help you stand up to the IRS in any situation. Little known facts and difficult to conceive strategies are revealed that will help any target of the IRS deal effectively with them or help prevent you from becoming their target. Author Scott Estill discloses all the rights, which are many, that citizens have when confronted with a problem involving the IRS. He gives an insider's look at the culture, attitudes, and seemingly out of control bureaucracy that prevails inside the IRS and prepares you to deal with the IRS at that level also. His information is backed up by references to the Internal Revenue Code, Congressional Law, and established judicial decisions. Tax This also provides clear examples of completed IRS forms, which are many and varied. Overall, this is an informative, easy read for someone like me with little knowledge of the IRS. It will hold your interest even if the IRS isn't breathing down your neck and may be invaluable if they are.

I found this book to be very helpful for those who are in trouble with the IRS. As a tax professional, I often am contacted by clients who receive IRS notices. Most of these cases are pretty simple matters, and could be resolved without my involvement, if only the client new a little more about the IRS, as wasn't so intimidated by them. This book helps chart a course of action to take when dealing with the Service, and shows the average taxpayer that dealing with the IRS does not have to be the nightmare that most people think it is. I highly recommend this book.

Sach's book has been used here at our local high school for the last several years, when one of the city's juvenile probation officer brought it to identify a piece of school graffiti. Bought several copies for the teacher's lounge / library. A welcomed addition! Great illustrations, author knows his gangs. Excellent chapter written just for schools----includes an assessment tool to evaluate gang infiltration within your own school. Would highly recommend for anyone who comes into contact with gangs.

This heavily illustrated book strips away the secrets that street gangs have enjoyed for so long. I have worked as a field officer for a mid-city probation department for 12 years and I have yet to find as a complete book on gangs and what police, parents, teachers, correctional officers, and probation officers should look for to determine if a young person is involved with gangs. This is a "hands on" book that goes into detail on gang symbols, slang, colors, sports team affiliations, grafitti (and how to read it) etc. This book also illustrates what communities, parents, and schools can do to combat the gang problem. As a probation officer I often refer to the book during the course of my job. I also have bought several other copies to loan out to parents and schools (to loan to parents), and so far, the book has proved to be a big help. It doesn't dwell in gang theory but seems to be written as though Mr. Sachs was in the room with you, having a conversation. I'm surprised a book like this hasn't been written before. Chapter 13 has 16 steps that parents can do on the homefront, and is worth the price of the book alone. Street Gang Awareness should be in every school, police department and library.

This book has been especially useful in our school as a reference guide for teachers and other school personel, when looking at and evaluating student's clothing, jewelry, and any markings written on notebooks. One section that has been very useful is the sports team clothing and which gangs have adopted which team logos. Parents and law enforcement personel I'm sure would benefit from reading this book as well.

Jerry Goldman has brought forth a veritable treasure trove: full-length oral arguments from fifty landmark Supreme Court cases! Words really cannot describe what a remarkable resource SCGH is--the promise of Peter Irons's audio-tape series "May It Please the Court" is here brought to full fruition. Listen to all or only the most salient parts of an argument: nobody acts as a gatekeeper to the material. Hear the verbal inflections of the justices as they ask questions--nuances that do not come across on the written page. A separate image of the particular Court deciding the case is available, along with the opportunity to hear voice samples of each Justice, so to familiarize yourself with who is talking during arguments. A halo effect comes across the members of the majority when the word itself is clicked, and the same thing happens to members of the minority. All this, along with oral announcements of the opinions, biographical data on the justices, and text of the full opinions. That this is contained on one compact disc is mind-boggling; SCGH is essential for those with any interest in Constitutional Law.

Until Jerry Goldman created his innovative Oyez website, the experience of listening to an actual Supreme Court oral argument was available only to the lucky few hundred people who could secure a seat in the Court's formal courtroom (and to those who would travel to Washington, DC and listen to the tapes at the National Archives). Now that experience is available to anyone who has a reasonably good computer with speakers and a CD drive. Drawing on but also adding to material available on the groundbreaking Oyez site, Goldman has created a remarkable resource that makes history come alive. Litigators can listen, and learn from, some of the best appellate advocates in the country. Law students can also gain many lessons here in the craft of argument, as well as insights into some of the Court's most important decisions. This CD should be in the collection of everyone who is interested in the Supreme Court and how it functions. Especially impressive are the "highlights" links that take the listener to key exchanges between the Justices and the lawyers. Often these are points on which the decision turned. A must-have for any serious student of the Court and of appellate advocacy.

Like the OYEZ web site, the CD-ROM is great. I have listened to over 30 hours of oral arguments and have read over 25 opinions, often while I listen to the arguments. It is a great way to learn about American constitutional history, the law, the Supreme Court and the individual justices. You also learn alot about the lawyers who argued the cases, their strengths and weaknesses. This is a must for lawyers, law students, law professors and students of politics, at all levels. As a labor lawyer for 15 years, this is the best continuing education I could imagine. I have purchased several copies for friends and law schools.

Surviving.... that's what this book is about. That's what bein Indian is about! Mr. Two-Rivers has pinned the tail on the donkey with this book. He offers a true, honest and reflective insight into real Indian life. Using his own life stories of survival, he weaves a story of Indian experience like a master. The reader will laugh, cry and steam, and come away with a new perspective and understanding of what it means to grow up Indian in America. Miigwetch (Thank you) to E. Donald Two-Rivers for surviving. And for telling us about his 'Survivors Medicine'....

I knew Harold Ball. I wasn't his friend because, as this book explains, for most of his life he drove people away. I wasn't at the party that changed his life, but I know some who were. In fact, I know everybody in this book. Set in the city, on the rez or on the road, these stories read as real to me as the last time I stepped out the door or walked into a truck stop. Each person has his or her own fully realized voice. But what recommends this book most to me are the narrator's voices.

Many writers talk about cultural conflict, the Relocation Act or going back to the reservation, but few express it in more than one voice. Eddie Two-Rivers has the classic short story writer's gift for implication: "It was mid-afternoon-the time of day for sighing. That second when everything is just right and silence slices through time. A slight wind rustled the leaves of a nearby tree and the moment was lost to the past." (p. 54) He evokes nostalgia: "Timber supported the town and everyone in it. I remember it as a green, blue, and brown place: forest, sky, water, and sawdust everywhere. A great place for a kid." (p 221)

Yet he also has that educated awareness that summarizes whole decades in short, sociological parapgraphs: "Bill and Glenda thought of themselves as second-generation urban Indians. Their parents had moved to Chicago's South Side during the 1950s in accordance with the Relocation Act. They met at Red's, a blues bar on Thirty-fifth and Archer Avenue. It was love at first sight. They dated a couple of weeks then decided to live together. Their families disapproved so they moved to the more liberal North Side. Both had been raised in working-class homes. Both regarded their families as being provincial, not with the times." (p. 144)

But Eddie Two-Rivers also understands deeply the power of writing to heal communities and make each of us whole: "Everybody got something they do to make themselves feel better. Writing is my medicine." (p. 83)

You may see it in other writers; you can hear it here.

Ed Two-River's book Survivor's Medicine is an important contribution to the literary world both for Indians and non-Indians. The stories unfold to present a fresh perspective on the human condition in general, and the reality of American Indians specifically. As an educator, the collection of stories explores a spectrum of issues and themes that makes it a dynamic book for teaching in the classroom. Each story broadens the reader's perspective about the reality of American Indians' experience today and challenges the reader to consider and question his or her own perceptions. It grapples with history, politics, and culture in a way that is accessible and poignant to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Survivor's Medicine can be used with students of all academic abilities. The story "Slow Walker: Hero of the Mud Flats Battle" which tells the story of childhood lessons and lifelong memories fought out in the bush in Canada, can be read to a third grade classroom or in a college literature class. I highly recommend this book for educators at all levels and encourage Native educators across the country to use this book with their students. Mr. Two-Rivers is a wonderful and rare role model for young Indians today. I anxiously await his next book.

Sweet Clara is taken from her momma and sent to work as a field hand for Home Plantation. The work is hard and Clara dreams of going back to her momma. Lucky for Clara, Aunt Rachel teaches her how to sew, which means being a seamstress at the Big House. There she hears for the first time other slaves talking about the Underground Railroad that can carry them to freedom. But without a map of where to go, runaways fall prey to "paterollers." Then Clara gets the idea that a quilt could serve as a map to freedom once it is completed. Gathering information about the Railroad as she collects scraps of fabric to make her quilt, Clara dreams of the day it will be finished and she can travel the road to freedom with her loved ones.

Deborah Hopkinson's story assumes young readers already know about what slavery meant in the United States in the years before the Civil War. The focus on "Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt" is on the inventiveness and courage of a young girl in helping her people wind their way to freedom. What I like best about James Ransome's paintings are the evocative looks he always captures on Sweet Clara's face, which help tell the story as much as Hopkinson's words. This is an excellent book for young students to learn more about the Underground Railroad and the quest for freedom.

Sweet Clara's aunt teachers her how to sew and she makes a quilt. She and young Jack leave because they were slaves, but you are going to have to find out if they make it to freedom or not. I liked this book. It was very interesting and I learned about history. I think you will like it too.

I have read and reread Hidden in Plain View and Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt and I have learned more than I ever knew about the slaves and the underground railroad. It is a shame that such great and informative books are not better known. I am 65 years old; I read a lot and I am a quilter.

This anthology offers a wide survey of Thomas Paine's writings, including the complete series of articles on "The Crisis" and the whole of "Rights of Man" and "Age of Reason." Through these writings, one gains a self-portrait of Paine in all his strengths and weaknesses. Some of his deficiencies stand out markedly in "Age of Reason," where his attempts to discredit what he calls "the stupid texts of the bible" actually highlight his own misunderstanding and the gaps in his education (which was largely self-achieved). His natural wit comes to the fore in his superb Revolutionary War propaganda pieces ridiculing the British generals who were then besieging the colonists. And his extreme bravery and committment to principle appears in his speech, when serving as a delegate to the French Assembly just as the Reign of Terror was beginning, pleading for the life of Louis XVI . Eric Foner has chosen the pieces well and supplies excellent notes, and the volume is up to the usual high typographical and binding standards of the Library of America. Highly recommended

This volume is of great value to anyone who's interested in the foundations of this country. Paine was far ahead of his time in so many areas, for example in his vocal criticism of slavery. This country owes a debt to him in the profound impact he had on those who wrote the constitution and declaration of independence. The closing work of this volume, The Age of Reason, was, for its time, a very courageous indictment of the bible. It was written toward the end of Paine's life. There have been many men of courage and conviction, but Paine also had a profound honesty and the gift of a great intellect which allowed to express his ideas clearly.
The binding, cover, and paper of this volume are of the highest quality. The volume is smaller than the typical bestseller hardback, both in length, width, and thickness. But its slenderness is due to high quality of the very thin paper--the book has over 900 pages. I liked its small size because it makes it comfortable to read.

At the height of The Age of Reason, The United States of America was created by men such as Thomas Paine and many others who held Man above all other philosophies long enough to get the idea "Individual Rights" down on paper in the form of The Constitution of the United States of America. Paine's contribution to this end is well known. Paine noted in this book that "we have it in our power to make the world over again", and they did. Man has a right to his own life, and there is no law above this. No one has a right to another man's life, not God, not the Race, not the dictatorship, not the proletariat, not The Great Society nor the New Deal. Thanks to Thomas Paine and men like him we have it in writing "We own our own life and we are free to dispose of it in our own way". Let's work together as free men and women to keep our freedom and to spread it around the world to our oppressed brothers and sisters. To the Glory of Man!!

This has some dazzling reviews of untaped concerts from SRV and DT. Also it has lots of information on Stevie Ray's life with other bands, Jimmie Vaughan, girlfriends, parents etc. Keri Leigh was a friend of SRV's and his chosen biographer. Hower this book does have big problems. The quality of the literal material like the binding of the book has almost completely fallen apart since December of 2000. I only read it once! Also, there is no direct interviews of any of the 4 members that past through Dt. Not Tommy, Chris, Jackie Newhouse or Reese. And no interviews from Keri of Jimmie Vaughan either. Only quotes from other publications, no real stories. That seemed alot less personal and to add to it, Keri Leigh his ''friend'' really didn't have any anecdotes of her own of Stevie Ray to tell. I loved the book in general though, and actually shed tears a few times, however was surprised in many of the things I just mentioned. Also, there were a massive amount of typos through here that just don't show up in professional books usually. There were great sections on the Vaughan brother rivalry and Srv and Bonnie Rait and Buddy Guy though. There were definetely some mysterious happenings with Stevie and the last few months of his life. Many horrifying coincidences. There was plenty talk of Stevie's amps and strings and so forth that should be interesting to any electric guitar player. That was a redeeming quality not to be overlooked. There were some odd choices in pictures here, but 80 percent of them were worthy of making into posters, that's how good they are. Another good reason to get the book. You get a real sense of Stevie's feelings of inadequacy and vulnerability, as Keri quotes him talking about his idols and his manner towards them. I really did expect far more rhetoric about Albert King who really did have more respect than King Fans might be able to imagine. Albert didn't give much credit to more than a few bluesman, [particularly guitarists] but as he said on the In Session album and Tv show- something like this anyway- '' Lots a guitar players out here. They play loud and they play fast-don't concentrate on no soul... But you Got 'em both....You pretty good.'' And so on. But only a few lines of Albert show up here. That was surprising. All in all, if you're a fan you shouldn't be dissappointed with what is there, and should get lots of enjoyment out of it too. However if you only want one book about Stevie, remember that this one does have some faults though lots of good reading. Also There is quite a large portion of the pages devoted to keeping you up with the Jimmie Vaughan, The Thunderbirds, and many Austin players to grow up with SRV and their intertwining timelines.

Ever since I was a kid, I loved Stevie Ray's music, but never knew much about him or his dedication to the music he loved and shared so emotionally with anyone who would listen. "Soul to Soul" is the story of his short life by someone who cared about him and felt the need to tell others who loved him all about him. I was riveted from the first page to the last, and found myself turning back and forth to reread some detail or laugh again at something Stevie Ray did or said. The only problem with this book is that, tragically, the hero dies. But then again, You know that going in. If you think you're over it, that you've shed your last tear for him, think again and read this book. I love you Stevie, wherever you are, Thank you so much.

This book is an excellant read for anyone who is remotely interested in Stevie Ray. Unlike 'Caught in the Crossfire', this book told the story of Stevie Ray's love for music and later on, for life. There are lots of great photos and bits and pieces including set lists, lyrics on napkins, etc. Well done Keri for telling the story how it should be told. All Stevie is now is a memory, but a memory that will live forever in our hearts and soul. SOUL TO SOUL! Go get it!

Ok, I am in 11th grade, and I read this book in like 4th grade. I still have nighmares and flashbacks about it. It really scared me. I will not even touch the book if I ever see it. If you do buy this book for your child, I highly suggest that your child is not a fragile on or one who is even a little scared of "creatures" of the night. Ok, that's it.

We read this in kindergarden, and some of our friends are still having nightmares about it. We loved this book because it is sooo scary! Even in seventh grade SOME of us are still shrieking at the word TAILYPO. This IS a really good book, but beware of its impact on young people, especially those with, uh, overactive imaginations. The perfect book for reading around a campfire in the middle of the woods with lots of noises and glowing eyes all around...

I read this book back in elementary school, and I''ve always remembered it. I didn't know whether it was in print any longer and am happy to see it is, because I search for every time I'm around the childrens book in a bookstore. I highly recomend this:) Just looking at the cover again makes me laugh....it's freaky, cute and morbid at the same time:)