How things change!, 06 Oct 2008
I was looking forward to reading this book as I have served with a couple of lads from both 2 & 3 Para who fought in the Falklands and have worked with many other Paras in more recent years.
The book started off pretty dull about his life at school but soon got on track once he decided to join the Army, the story of life in the Army, his trip down south and what happened on his return was excellent, but then it went back to being dull again, why he chose to write about his trip to Belize is beyond me and didnt add anything to the book, I nearly stopped reading there, but then it picked up again at the end.
His attitude towards the rest of the Army is now very dated, and although there is still inter Regiment rivalry the whole whole way that we view each other has changed since his day, due to the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanstan where all capbadges are working and fighting together there is a lot more mutual respect and quite rightly too, check out the number of gallantry awards awarded to all Regts and Corps of the British Army.
Mark, like all who have been involved in armed conflict went through a lot both mentally and physically and I salute all who have done so, but as you read the latter part of the book, he is still in the mindset that everyone who isnt airborne is a hat and the Paras hate them, on that issue he is very much a dinosaur and out of touch.

10 out of 10. Read this Book!, 08 Sep 2008
I devoured "Sod that" in just three sittings, and that doesn't often happen to me. During the Falklands battles I was lost in the pages, until my wife told me to turn the bloody light out. I looked across and it was four o'clock in the morning!

I thought it was brilliantly and truthfully written from the heart. Mark has not tried to big himself or his buddies up, he told it like it was in every gory and moving detail, and that's what makes this account so much more readable.

Buy it. Read it, then if you have never served under fire, you may just get a hint of what it's like. You may then begin to understand why so many men struggle when they come back from war.

This doesn't apply just to the lads from 1982. Try to imagine what hundreds or maybe even thousands of very young men are going through when they come back from Afghanistan, or Iraq.

A lot though, like many of Marks friends, don't come back. This will remind you that they are not just numbers you hear on the evening news. They are people, young men with families, wives and children, someone's son. This book should put things in perspective, in order of importance in your life.

Tony

Sod that, real story-real life., 13 Feb 2008
I feel i have to write in a retort to Jayetee's reveiw. The comments about the authour being rude and abusive, although being his/her personnel opinion should not stand.
I have recently laid the book down after what i can describe as one of the most moving accounts that i have ever digested.
Mark Eyles-Thomas served with the Parachute Regiment, calling all other members of the armed forces who did not earn the Maroon beret as HATS, is what is best described as banter, mickey taking and having a massive sense of self pride. What the Paras and other elite units do is not normal, these people are close, because of what they are asked to do; by people sat in their living rooms and cosy offices. Is the reviewer so naive as to think those HATS do not have their own colourful language to describe those who call them HATS?
I can give this informed statement, as i served as a Hat for nearly ten years, i am immensley proud of my military sevice, like Mark i joined the Army as a sixteen year old, and also lost a friend during operations in Bosnia.
People should not be put off from reading this book because of Marks description of non Paras, Mark tells it like it is, sometimes people tell you the truth can hurt, read the book and understand that this is about normal young men asked to do a very abnormal job, its consequences and what makes our British Army the best on the planet.
You will not be disapointed

Excellent, 22 Jan 2008
Excellent read.
Forget the history books,this book brings home the true reality of the Falklands War as experienced by the young soldiers of 3 Para.
It brings home the true horrors and emotions of warfare.
A must read for all.
Thanks Mark for telling your story and helping us remember those who gave thier lives and those who still suffer today.

Sod That For A Game Of Soldiers, 13 Jan 2008
I found this author to be rude and abusive to any other person who was not a Para. Not at all amusing hearing other Military and civilian personel being slagged off.

How things change!, 06 Oct 2008
I was looking forward to reading this book as I have served with a couple of lads from both 2 & 3 Para who fought in the Falklands and have worked with many other Paras in more recent years.
The book started off pretty dull about his life at school but soon got on track once he decided to join the Army, the story of life in the Army, his trip down south and what happened on his return was excellent, but then it went back to being dull again, why he chose to write about his trip to Belize is beyond me and didnt add anything to the book, I nearly stopped reading there, but then it picked up again at the end.
His attitude towards the rest of the Army is now very dated, and although there is still inter Regiment rivalry the whole whole way that we view each other has changed since his day, due to the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanstan where all capbadges are working and fighting together there is a lot more mutual respect and quite rightly too, check out the number of gallantry awards awarded to all Regts and Corps of the British Army.
Mark, like all who have been involved in armed conflict went through a lot both mentally and physically and I salute all who have done so, but as you read the latter part of the book, he is still in the mindset that everyone who isnt airborne is a hat and the Paras hate them, on that issue he is very much a dinosaur and out of touch.

10 out of 10. Read this Book!, 08 Sep 2008
I devoured "Sod that" in just three sittings, and that doesn't often happen to me. During the Falklands battles I was lost in the pages, until my wife told me to turn the bloody light out. I looked across and it was four o'clock in the morning!

I thought it was brilliantly and truthfully written from the heart. Mark has not tried to big himself or his buddies up, he told it like it was in every gory and moving detail, and that's what makes this account so much more readable.

Buy it. Read it, then if you have never served under fire, you may just get a hint of what it's like. You may then begin to understand why so many men struggle when they come back from war.

This doesn't apply just to the lads from 1982. Try to imagine what hundreds or maybe even thousands of very young men are going through when they come back from Afghanistan, or Iraq.

A lot though, like many of Marks friends, don't come back. This will remind you that they are not just numbers you hear on the evening news. They are people, young men with families, wives and children, someone's son. This book should put things in perspective, in order of importance in your life.

Tony

Sod that, real story-real life., 13 Feb 2008
I feel i have to write in a retort to Jayetee's reveiw. The comments about the authour being rude and abusive, although being his/her personnel opinion should not stand.
I have recently laid the book down after what i can describe as one of the most moving accounts that i have ever digested.
Mark Eyles-Thomas served with the Parachute Regiment, calling all other members of the armed forces who did not earn the Maroon beret as HATS, is what is best described as banter, mickey taking and having a massive sense of self pride. What the Paras and other elite units do is not normal, these people are close, because of what they are asked to do; by people sat in their living rooms and cosy offices. Is the reviewer so naive as to think those HATS do not have their own colourful language to describe those who call them HATS?
I can give this informed statement, as i served as a Hat for nearly ten years, i am immensley proud of my military sevice, like Mark i joined the Army as a sixteen year old, and also lost a friend during operations in Bosnia.
People should not be put off from reading this book because of Marks description of non Paras, Mark tells it like it is, sometimes people tell you the truth can hurt, read the book and understand that this is about normal young men asked to do a very abnormal job, its consequences and what makes our British Army the best on the planet.
You will not be disapointed

Excellent, 22 Jan 2008
Excellent read.
Forget the history books,this book brings home the true reality of the Falklands War as experienced by the young soldiers of 3 Para.
It brings home the true horrors and emotions of warfare.
A must read for all.
Thanks Mark for telling your story and helping us remember those who gave thier lives and those who still suffer today.

Sod That For A Game Of Soldiers, 13 Jan 2008
I found this author to be rude and abusive to any other person who was not a Para. Not at all amusing hearing other Military and civilian personel being slagged off.

HUGE book!, 08 Nov 2008
This is an unbelievably huge book which is chock full of content.
I am a Wiccan and bought this book as use as a reference text for my spells and rituals however upon reviewing the book i feel it is best used as a basis for making your own spells as the majority of the spells in the book are, i feel not very useful on their own. 5000 sounds like ALOT of spells, which it is, however there are many, many 'spells' which are one-liners and seem to state a belief as opposed to being a spell i.e. Birth Chamber Protection Spell with Fir Needles: Burn silver fir needles during childbirth to protect mother and child and Boat Protection Spell Rope: Pass the entire boat through a rope circle for safety and protection.

Despite the above i would reccomend it to anybody with an interest in magic and/or history as it is only £13.00 from Amazon and for such a big book it is worth it. It is only meant as a reference text and spans back a few thousand years when folk believed putting an axe under a pregnant woman's bed would ease childbirth - if you remember that whilst reading the book and come with an open mind then you'll be happy.

Foundational, 20 Oct 2008
I bought my copy of this book when it was newly out, and I think it may have been the first or second magic book I ever purchased, though I had read several others and had a working knowledge of the rudiments of magic. Judika has achieved what many others have attempted - that is to describe the witch's craft in an inclusive and unthreatened manner. The reader is not burdened with a heavy-handed treatment of the author's 'way to be a witch'. Her collection of spells is broad and, though critical in the best of ways, is never censorious or biased.

The breadth of the author's research is laid before the reader in a warm and enthusiastic style, with humour and the true ring of experience behind every word. We are not beseeched to buy cupboards full of ridiculous accoutrements before we can work an effective spell. Nor is it necessary to follow someone else's style slavishly to secure success.

This is the book I reach for whenever I am unsure where to begin, or when there is a detail I wish to check on. Judika's wit and lightness of touch belie the seriousness of her commitment to the subject matter and the lasting value of her book. I would not hesitate to recommend her writing to you.

The Element Encyclopaedia of 5000 Spells, 15 Jul 2008
I bought this book quite a while ago because I was attracted to how many spells there are in it. The author has collected a diverse range of spells from various cultures and traditions. the spells are arranged by topic (each with an introduction) and there are a variety of different spells (though not all of them are practical or advisable).

There are other sections in the book to complement the collection of spells - the author's introduction is an interesting read and there are tables showing things such as colour associations. The book also has instructions for making the various oils mentioned in the spells and a list of possible ingredients including their latin names.

I have to admit I've never used a spell from the book "as is" because of my personal belief in making each one individual to the situation. However I find the book incredibly useful for inspiration and would definitely recommend it if you're curious to find out about different spells.

Value for money, 23 May 2008
Is there anything this book does not cover, it is so big and with such an array of spells. You could cast a spell a day and it would take you years to get through them all. Splendid and worthy of anyone wishing to undertake the arts of this nature.

Excellent, 15 May 2008
Probably the most comprehensive occult book I have ever read. Despite the name of the text, it deals with far more than spells; also having background into the various spirits the spells will deal with and the basics and history of practising magic. Great for the beginner or advanced witch.

How things change!, 06 Oct 2008
I was looking forward to reading this book as I have served with a couple of lads from both 2 & 3 Para who fought in the Falklands and have worked with many other Paras in more recent years.
The book started off pretty dull about his life at school but soon got on track once he decided to join the Army, the story of life in the Army, his trip down south and what happened on his return was excellent, but then it went back to being dull again, why he chose to write about his trip to Belize is beyond me and didnt add anything to the book, I nearly stopped reading there, but then it picked up again at the end.
His attitude towards the rest of the Army is now very dated, and although there is still inter Regiment rivalry the whole whole way that we view each other has changed since his day, due to the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanstan where all capbadges are working and fighting together there is a lot more mutual respect and quite rightly too, check out the number of gallantry awards awarded to all Regts and Corps of the British Army.
Mark, like all who have been involved in armed conflict went through a lot both mentally and physically and I salute all who have done so, but as you read the latter part of the book, he is still in the mindset that everyone who isnt airborne is a hat and the Paras hate them, on that issue he is very much a dinosaur and out of touch.

10 out of 10. Read this Book!, 08 Sep 2008
I devoured "Sod that" in just three sittings, and that doesn't often happen to me. During the Falklands battles I was lost in the pages, until my wife told me to turn the bloody light out. I looked across and it was four o'clock in the morning!

I thought it was brilliantly and truthfully written from the heart. Mark has not tried to big himself or his buddies up, he told it like it was in every gory and moving detail, and that's what makes this account so much more readable.

Buy it. Read it, then if you have never served under fire, you may just get a hint of what it's like. You may then begin to understand why so many men struggle when they come back from war.

This doesn't apply just to the lads from 1982. Try to imagine what hundreds or maybe even thousands of very young men are going through when they come back from Afghanistan, or Iraq.

A lot though, like many of Marks friends, don't come back. This will remind you that they are not just numbers you hear on the evening news. They are people, young men with families, wives and children, someone's son. This book should put things in perspective, in order of importance in your life.

Tony

Sod that, real story-real life., 13 Feb 2008
I feel i have to write in a retort to Jayetee's reveiw. The comments about the authour being rude and abusive, although being his/her personnel opinion should not stand.
I have recently laid the book down after what i can describe as one of the most moving accounts that i have ever digested.
Mark Eyles-Thomas served with the Parachute Regiment, calling all other members of the armed forces who did not earn the Maroon beret as HATS, is what is best described as banter, mickey taking and having a massive sense of self pride. What the Paras and other elite units do is not normal, these people are close, because of what they are asked to do; by people sat in their living rooms and cosy offices. Is the reviewer so naive as to think those HATS do not have their own colourful language to describe those who call them HATS?
I can give this informed statement, as i served as a Hat for nearly ten years, i am immensley proud of my military sevice, like Mark i joined the Army as a sixteen year old, and also lost a friend during operations in Bosnia.
People should not be put off from reading this book because of Marks description of non Paras, Mark tells it like it is, sometimes people tell you the truth can hurt, read the book and understand that this is about normal young men asked to do a very abnormal job, its consequences and what makes our British Army the best on the planet.
You will not be disapointed

Excellent, 22 Jan 2008
Excellent read.
Forget the history books,this book brings home the true reality of the Falklands War as experienced by the young soldiers of 3 Para.
It brings home the true horrors and emotions of warfare.
A must read for all.
Thanks Mark for telling your story and helping us remember those who gave thier lives and those who still suffer today.

Sod That For A Game Of Soldiers, 13 Jan 2008
I found this author to be rude and abusive to any other person who was not a Para. Not at all amusing hearing other Military and civilian personel being slagged off.

HUGE book!, 08 Nov 2008
This is an unbelievably huge book which is chock full of content.
I am a Wiccan and bought this book as use as a reference text for my spells and rituals however upon reviewing the book i feel it is best used as a basis for making your own spells as the majority of the spells in the book are, i feel not very useful on their own. 5000 sounds like ALOT of spells, which it is, however there are many, many 'spells' which are one-liners and seem to state a belief as opposed to being a spell i.e. Birth Chamber Protection Spell with Fir Needles: Burn silver fir needles during childbirth to protect mother and child and Boat Protection Spell Rope: Pass the entire boat through a rope circle for safety and protection.

Despite the above i would reccomend it to anybody with an interest in magic and/or history as it is only £13.00 from Amazon and for such a big book it is worth it. It is only meant as a reference text and spans back a few thousand years when folk believed putting an axe under a pregnant woman's bed would ease childbirth - if you remember that whilst reading the book and come with an open mind then you'll be happy.

Foundational, 20 Oct 2008
I bought my copy of this book when it was newly out, and I think it may have been the first or second magic book I ever purchased, though I had read several others and had a working knowledge of the rudiments of magic. Judika has achieved what many others have attempted - that is to describe the witch's craft in an inclusive and unthreatened manner. The reader is not burdened with a heavy-handed treatment of the author's 'way to be a witch'. Her collection of spells is broad and, though critical in the best of ways, is never censorious or biased.

The breadth of the author's research is laid before the reader in a warm and enthusiastic style, with humour and the true ring of experience behind every word. We are not beseeched to buy cupboards full of ridiculous accoutrements before we can work an effective spell. Nor is it necessary to follow someone else's style slavishly to secure success.

This is the book I reach for whenever I am unsure where to begin, or when there is a detail I wish to check on. Judika's wit and lightness of touch belie the seriousness of her commitment to the subject matter and the lasting value of her book. I would not hesitate to recommend her writing to you.

The Element Encyclopaedia of 5000 Spells, 15 Jul 2008
I bought this book quite a while ago because I was attracted to how many spells there are in it. The author has collected a diverse range of spells from various cultures and traditions. the spells are arranged by topic (each with an introduction) and there are a variety of different spells (though not all of them are practical or advisable).

There are other sections in the book to complement the collection of spells - the author's introduction is an interesting read and there are tables showing things such as colour associations. The book also has instructions for making the various oils mentioned in the spells and a list of possible ingredients including their latin names.

I have to admit I've never used a spell from the book "as is" because of my personal belief in making each one individual to the situation. However I find the book incredibly useful for inspiration and would definitely recommend it if you're curious to find out about different spells.

Value for money, 23 May 2008
Is there anything this book does not cover, it is so big and with such an array of spells. You could cast a spell a day and it would take you years to get through them all. Splendid and worthy of anyone wishing to undertake the arts of this nature.

Excellent, 15 May 2008
Probably the most comprehensive occult book I have ever read. Despite the name of the text, it deals with far more than spells; also having background into the various spirits the spells will deal with and the basics and history of practising magic. Great for the beginner or advanced witch.

An unorthodox approach to running a business, 15 Aug 2008
Ricardo Semler calls himself a maverick, but he's actually a visionary. Semler, now 49, was way ahead of the curve 25 years ago when he radically altered the structure and philosophy of his father's company, Semco. Long before most businesses acknowledged that employees were thinking, feeling human beings and not timecard-punching robots, Semler rebuilt the infrastructure at Semco, eliminating layers of bureaucracy and allowing employees to decide their own fates. They determined their own schedules, pay scales and dress codes. Semler drastically reduced paperwork; he restricted memos, for example, to a single page. He believed that empowered employees, freed of their corporate shackles, would be motivated, creative and productive. You may find some aspects of that approach unrealistic or totally impractical for your organization. You may even think Semler is crazy. At the very least though, getAbstract believes executives should give careful consideration to his approach. His innovations are still relevant, even a quarter of a century later.

If you are a manager you MUST read this book, 17 Nov 2004
You've just got to take this seriously. It IS possbile to run a successful, results-oriented establishment AND go a long way to improving your employees' work-life balance and qulaity of life. In fact, as more businesses take on board this philosophy, it will become ESSENTIAL if you want to attract the 'best' employees.

Best management practice now made easy!, 09 Oct 2004
As a management consultant I found this book very useful indeed - much of it is directly applicable to shop-floor and pressure-politics situations - the 20-page cartoon "rulebook" at the end is more than worth the price of the book itself - buy it! And if you have the courage, apply what it says, too: It's been known for some time that organizations are designed according to "command and control" principles that very poorly match how humans are really built to behave. More complex self-ordering behavior is always observed when any lack of hierarchy exists, and the hierarchies that do emerge tend to be more effective than those that were designed by managers with experience in previous eras. Semler just chose to trust it more than, say, Tom Peters. Prof. Nicholson, head of London Business School recently wrote (in the Harvard Business Review) that Semler's model was the only one to really respect "stone age nature" of human behavior (the many insights from evolutionary psychology that tell us that we're far more often feeling our way through decisions than thinking our way through).

Semlers assessment of Human Resource Management (HRM) practice is truly radical but built on a foundation of good management practice and a healthy dose of common sense. HRM managers and departments confuse traditional and successful hierarchies and should be the first thing to be axed if any organisation is serious about survival in the 21st Century.

Excellent book and guide, highly practical and an enjoyable read.

A Business Too Good To Be True?, 16 Mar 2004
It's almost unbelievable - an experiment in culture change that worked wonders. This inspiring tale of Ricardo Semler's successful 'quest' to run his company in the interest of all it's stakeholders is tremendous. It may well be easier to influence the direction of a business when you're the owner (as per Semler), but this great read helped me look at and adapt my own management style in an entirely new way (even within a large organisation). I only put it down in order to start implementing many of the ideas it contains. Well written and thought provoking.

Fantastic, 17 Dec 2002
I love this book. It doesn't read read like a business book at all but is more like a fascinating biography. I would recommend it to anyone not just people with an interest in business. I am slightly embarrassed to admit that I've probably bought around 50 copies of this book (over the years) for friends and colleagues.

Wonderful you must read it.

How things change!, 06 Oct 2008
I was looking forward to reading this book as I have served with a couple of lads from both 2 & 3 Para who fought in the Falklands and have worked with many other Paras in more recent years.
The book started off pretty dull about his life at school but soon got on track once he decided to join the Army, the story of life in the Army, his trip down south and what happened on his return was excellent, but then it went back to being dull again, why he chose to write about his trip to Belize is beyond me and didnt add anything to the book, I nearly stopped reading there, but then it picked up again at the end.
His attitude towards the rest of the Army is now very dated, and although there is still inter Regiment rivalry the whole whole way that we view each other has changed since his day, due to the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanstan where all capbadges are working and fighting together there is a lot more mutual respect and quite rightly too, check out the number of gallantry awards awarded to all Regts and Corps of the British Army.
Mark, like all who have been involved in armed conflict went through a lot both mentally and physically and I salute all who have done so, but as you read the latter part of the book, he is still in the mindset that everyone who isnt airborne is a hat and the Paras hate them, on that issue he is very much a dinosaur and out of touch.

10 out of 10. Read this Book!, 08 Sep 2008
I devoured "Sod that" in just three sittings, and that doesn't often happen to me. During the Falklands battles I was lost in the pages, until my wife told me to turn the bloody light out. I looked across and it was four o'clock in the morning!

I thought it was brilliantly and truthfully written from the heart. Mark has not tried to big himself or his buddies up, he told it like it was in every gory and moving detail, and that's what makes this account so much more readable.

Buy it. Read it, then if you have never served under fire, you may just get a hint of what it's like. You may then begin to understand why so many men struggle when they come back from war.

This doesn't apply just to the lads from 1982. Try to imagine what hundreds or maybe even thousands of very young men are going through when they come back from Afghanistan, or Iraq.

A lot though, like many of Marks friends, don't come back. This will remind you that they are not just numbers you hear on the evening news. They are people, young men with families, wives and children, someone's son. This book should put things in perspective, in order of importance in your life.

Tony

Sod that, real story-real life., 13 Feb 2008
I feel i have to write in a retort to Jayetee's reveiw. The comments about the authour being rude and abusive, although being his/her personnel opinion should not stand.
I have recently laid the book down after what i can describe as one of the most moving accounts that i have ever digested.
Mark Eyles-Thomas served with the Parachute Regiment, calling all other members of the armed forces who did not earn the Maroon beret as HATS, is what is best described as banter, mickey taking and having a massive sense of self pride. What the Paras and other elite units do is not normal, these people are close, because of what they are asked to do; by people sat in their living rooms and cosy offices. Is the reviewer so naive as to think those HATS do not have their own colourful language to describe those who call them HATS?
I can give this informed statement, as i served as a Hat for nearly ten years, i am immensley proud of my military sevice, like Mark i joined the Army as a sixteen year old, and also lost a friend during operations in Bosnia.
People should not be put off from reading this book because of Marks description of non Paras, Mark tells it like it is, sometimes people tell you the truth can hurt, read the book and understand that this is about normal young men asked to do a very abnormal job, its consequences and what makes our British Army the best on the planet.
You will not be disapointed

Excellent, 22 Jan 2008
Excellent read.
Forget the history books,this book brings home the true reality of the Falklands War as experienced by the young soldiers of 3 Para.
It brings home the true horrors and emotions of warfare.
A must read for all.
Thanks Mark for telling your story and helping us remember those who gave thier lives and those who still suffer today.

Sod That For A Game Of Soldiers, 13 Jan 2008
I found this author to be rude and abusive to any other person who was not a Para. Not at all amusing hearing other Military and civilian personel being slagged off.

HUGE book!, 08 Nov 2008
This is an unbelievably huge book which is chock full of content.
I am a Wiccan and bought this book as use as a reference text for my spells and rituals however upon reviewing the book i feel it is best used as a basis for making your own spells as the majority of the spells in the book are, i feel not very useful on their own. 5000 sounds like ALOT of spells, which it is, however there are many, many 'spells' which are one-liners and seem to state a belief as opposed to being a spell i.e. Birth Chamber Protection Spell with Fir Needles: Burn silver fir needles during childbirth to protect mother and child and Boat Protection Spell Rope: Pass the entire boat through a rope circle for safety and protection.

Despite the above i would reccomend it to anybody with an interest in magic and/or history as it is only £13.00 from Amazon and for such a big book it is worth it. It is only meant as a reference text and spans back a few thousand years when folk believed putting an axe under a pregnant woman's bed would ease childbirth - if you remember that whilst reading the book and come with an open mind then you'll be happy.

Foundational, 20 Oct 2008
I bought my copy of this book when it was newly out, and I think it may have been the first or second magic book I ever purchased, though I had read several others and had a working knowledge of the rudiments of magic. Judika has achieved what many others have attempted - that is to describe the witch's craft in an inclusive and unthreatened manner. The reader is not burdened with a heavy-handed treatment of the author's 'way to be a witch'. Her collection of spells is broad and, though critical in the best of ways, is never censorious or biased.

The breadth of the author's research is laid before the reader in a warm and enthusiastic style, with humour and the true ring of experience behind every word. We are not beseeched to buy cupboards full of ridiculous accoutrements before we can work an effective spell. Nor is it necessary to follow someone else's style slavishly to secure success.

This is the book I reach for whenever I am unsure where to begin, or when there is a detail I wish to check on. Judika's wit and lightness of touch belie the seriousness of her commitment to the subject matter and the lasting value of her book. I would not hesitate to recommend her writing to you.

The Element Encyclopaedia of 5000 Spells, 15 Jul 2008
I bought this book quite a while ago because I was attracted to how many spells there are in it. The author has collected a diverse range of spells from various cultures and traditions. the spells are arranged by topic (each with an introduction) and there are a variety of different spells (though not all of them are practical or advisable).

There are other sections in the book to complement the collection of spells - the author's introduction is an interesting read and there are tables showing things such as colour associations. The book also has instructions for making the various oils mentioned in the spells and a list of possible ingredients including their latin names.

I have to admit I've never used a spell from the book "as is" because of my personal belief in making each one individual to the situation. However I find the book incredibly useful for inspiration and would definitely recommend it if you're curious to find out about different spells.

Value for money, 23 May 2008
Is there anything this book does not cover, it is so big and with such an array of spells. You could cast a spell a day and it would take you years to get through them all. Splendid and worthy of anyone wishing to undertake the arts of this nature.

Excellent, 15 May 2008
Probably the most comprehensive occult book I have ever read. Despite the name of the text, it deals with far more than spells; also having background into the various spirits the spells will deal with and the basics and history of practising magic. Great for the beginner or advanced witch.

An unorthodox approach to running a business, 15 Aug 2008
Ricardo Semler calls himself a maverick, but he's actually a visionary. Semler, now 49, was way ahead of the curve 25 years ago when he radically altered the structure and philosophy of his father's company, Semco. Long before most businesses acknowledged that employees were thinking, feeling human beings and not timecard-punching robots, Semler rebuilt the infrastructure at Semco, eliminating layers of bureaucracy and allowing employees to decide their own fates. They determined their own schedules, pay scales and dress codes. Semler drastically reduced paperwork; he restricted memos, for example, to a single page. He believed that empowered employees, freed of their corporate shackles, would be motivated, creative and productive. You may find some aspects of that approach unrealistic or totally impractical for your organization. You may even think Semler is crazy. At the very least though, getAbstract believes executives should give careful consideration to his approach. His innovations are still relevant, even a quarter of a century later.

If you are a manager you MUST read this book, 17 Nov 2004
You've just got to take this seriously. It IS possbile to run a successful, results-oriented establishment AND go a long way to improving your employees' work-life balance and qulaity of life. In fact, as more businesses take on board this philosophy, it will become ESSENTIAL if you want to attract the 'best' employees.

Best management practice now made easy!, 09 Oct 2004
As a management consultant I found this book very useful indeed - much of it is directly applicable to shop-floor and pressure-politics situations - the 20-page cartoon "rulebook" at the end is more than worth the price of the book itself - buy it! And if you have the courage, apply what it says, too: It's been known for some time that organizations are designed according to "command and control" principles that very poorly match how humans are really built to behave. More complex self-ordering behavior is always observed when any lack of hierarchy exists, and the hierarchies that do emerge tend to be more effective than those that were designed by managers with experience in previous eras. Semler just chose to trust it more than, say, Tom Peters. Prof. Nicholson, head of London Business School recently wrote (in the Harvard Business Review) that Semler's model was the only one to really respect "stone age nature" of human behavior (the many insights from evolutionary psychology that tell us that we're far more often feeling our way through decisions than thinking our way through).

Semlers assessment of Human Resource Management (HRM) practice is truly radical but built on a foundation of good management practice and a healthy dose of common sense. HRM managers and departments confuse traditional and successful hierarchies and should be the first thing to be axed if any organisation is serious about survival in the 21st Century.

Excellent book and guide, highly practical and an enjoyable read.

A Business Too Good To Be True?, 16 Mar 2004
It's almost unbelievable - an experiment in culture change that worked wonders. This inspiring tale of Ricardo Semler's successful 'quest' to run his company in the interest of all it's stakeholders is tremendous. It may well be easier to influence the direction of a business when you're the owner (as per Semler), but this great read helped me look at and adapt my own management style in an entirely new way (even within a large organisation). I only put it down in order to start implementing many of the ideas it contains. Well written and thought provoking.

Fantastic, 17 Dec 2002
I love this book. It doesn't read read like a business book at all but is more like a fascinating biography. I would recommend it to anyone not just people with an interest in business. I am slightly embarrassed to admit that I've probably bought around 50 copies of this book (over the years) for friends and colleagues.

Wonderful you must read it.

Everyone should read this book, 02 Apr 2008
This is the most thought provoking book I have read in a while. All forward-thinking people would enjoy it enormously, although it is not for the faint-hearted! It is full of profound scientific, spiritual and philosophical beliefs from a wide range of experts in their fields. I think the beauty of this book is that the reader can choose their own interpretation at the end, having read the range of different opinions offered. Most people will want to effect positive changes in their lives after reading this book and take action to make a difference to this planet's future fate.

The end of the world or a new begining?, 21 Dec 2007
The year 2012 is on the horizon; the Mayan calendar foretold this date as the end of times. Some say it is not the end of times but the birth of a new age. This book brings together different views and insights from leading experts on what might happen on this date. Interesting compilation of theories and ideas that is not just for the new age mind. I also recommend "TOURIST IN THE YUCATAN."

How things change!, 06 Oct 2008
I was looking forward to reading this book as I have served with a couple of lads from both 2 & 3 Para who fought in the Falklands and have worked with many other Paras in more recent years.
The book started off pretty dull about his life at school but soon got on track once he decided to join the Army, the story of life in the Army, his trip down south and what happened on his return was excellent, but then it went back to being dull again, why he chose to write about his trip to Belize is beyond me and didnt add anything to the book, I nearly stopped reading there, but then it picked up again at the end.
His attitude towards the rest of the Army is now very dated, and although there is still inter Regiment rivalry the whole whole way that we view each other has changed since his day, due to the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanstan where all capbadges are working and fighting together there is a lot more mutual respect and quite rightly too, check out the number of gallantry awards awarded to all Regts and Corps of the British Army.
Mark, like all who have been involved in armed conflict went through a lot both mentally and physically and I salute all who have done so, but as you read the latter part of the book, he is still in the mindset that everyone who isnt airborne is a hat and the Paras hate them, on that issue he is very much a dinosaur and out of touch.

10 out of 10. Read this Book!, 08 Sep 2008
I devoured "Sod that" in just three sittings, and that doesn't often happen to me. During the Falklands battles I was lost in the pages, until my wife told me to turn the bloody light out. I looked across and it was four o'clock in the morning!

I thought it was brilliantly and truthfully written from the heart. Mark has not tried to big himself or his buddies up, he told it like it was in every gory and moving detail, and that's what makes this account so much more readable.

Buy it. Read it, then if you have never served under fire, you may just get a hint of what it's like. You may then begin to understand why so many men struggle when they come back from war.

This doesn't apply just to the lads from 1982. Try to imagine what hundreds or maybe even thousands of very young men are going through when they come back from Afghanistan, or Iraq.

A lot though, like many of Marks friends, don't come back. This will remind you that they are not just numbers you hear on the evening news. They are people, young men with families, wives and children, someone's son. This book should put things in perspective, in order of importance in your life.

Tony

Sod that, real story-real life., 13 Feb 2008
I feel i have to write in a retort to Jayetee's reveiw. The comments about the authour being rude and abusive, although being his/her personnel opinion should not stand.
I have recently laid the book down after what i can describe as one of the most moving accounts that i have ever digested.
Mark Eyles-Thomas served with the Parachute Regiment, calling all other members of the armed forces who did not earn the Maroon beret as HATS, is what is best described as banter, mickey taking and having a massive sense of self pride. What the Paras and other elite units do is not normal, these people are close, because of what they are asked to do; by people sat in their living rooms and cosy offices. Is the reviewer so naive as to think those HATS do not have their own colourful language to describe those who call them HATS?
I can give this informed statement, as i served as a Hat for nearly ten years, i am immensley proud of my military sevice, like Mark i joined the Army as a sixteen year old, and also lost a friend during operations in Bosnia.
People should not be put off from reading this book because of Marks description of non Paras, Mark tells it like it is, sometimes people tell you the truth can hurt, read the book and understand that this is about normal young men asked to do a very abnormal job, its consequences and what makes our British Army the best on the planet.
You will not be disapointed

Excellent, 22 Jan 2008
Excellent read.
Forget the history books,this book brings home the true reality of the Falklands War as experienced by the young soldiers of 3 Para.
It brings home the true horrors and emotions of warfare.
A must read for all.
Thanks Mark for telling your story and helping us remember those who gave thier lives and those who still suffer today.

Sod That For A Game Of Soldiers, 13 Jan 2008
I found this author to be rude and abusive to any other person who was not a Para. Not at all amusing hearing other Military and civilian personel being slagged off.

HUGE book!, 08 Nov 2008
This is an unbelievably huge book which is chock full of content.
I am a Wiccan and bought this book as use as a reference text for my spells and rituals however upon reviewing the book i feel it is best used as a basis for making your own spells as the majority of the spells in the book are, i feel not very useful on their own. 5000 sounds like ALOT of spells, which it is, however there are many, many 'spells' which are one-liners and seem to state a belief as opposed to being a spell i.e. Birth Chamber Protection Spell with Fir Needles: Burn silver fir needles during childbirth to protect mother and child and Boat Protection Spell Rope: Pass the entire boat through a rope circle for safety and protection.

Despite the above i would reccomend it to anybody with an interest in magic and/or history as it is only £13.00 from Amazon and for such a big book it is worth it. It is only meant as a reference text and spans back a few thousand years when folk believed putting an axe under a pregnant woman's bed would ease childbirth - if you remember that whilst reading the book and come with an open mind then you'll be happy.

Foundational, 20 Oct 2008
I bought my copy of this book when it was newly out, and I think it may have been the first or second magic book I ever purchased, though I had read several others and had a working knowledge of the rudiments of magic. Judika has achieved what many others have attempted - that is to describe the witch's craft in an inclusive and unthreatened manner. The reader is not burdened with a heavy-handed treatment of the author's 'way to be a witch'. Her collection of spells is broad and, though critical in the best of ways, is never censorious or biased.

The breadth of the author's research is laid before the reader in a warm and enthusiastic style, with humour and the true ring of experience behind every word. We are not beseeched to buy cupboards full of ridiculous accoutrements before we can work an effective spell. Nor is it necessary to follow someone else's style slavishly to secure success.

This is the book I reach for whenever I am unsure where to begin, or when there is a detail I wish to check on. Judika's wit and lightness of touch belie the seriousness of her commitment to the subject matter and the lasting value of her book. I would not hesitate to recommend her writing to you.

The Element Encyclopaedia of 5000 Spells, 15 Jul 2008
I bought this book quite a while ago because I was attracted to how many spells there are in it. The author has collected a diverse range of spells from various cultures and traditions. the spells are arranged by topic (each with an introduction) and there are a variety of different spells (though not all of them are practical or advisable).

There are other sections in the book to complement the collection of spells - the author's introduction is an interesting read and there are tables showing things such as colour associations. The book also has instructions for making the various oils mentioned in the spells and a list of possible ingredients including their latin names.

I have to admit I've never used a spell from the book "as is" because of my personal belief in making each one individual to the situation. However I find the book incredibly useful for inspiration and would definitely recommend it if you're curious to find out about different spells.

Value for money, 23 May 2008
Is there anything this book does not cover, it is so big and with such an array of spells. You could cast a spell a day and it would take you years to get through them all. Splendid and worthy of anyone wishing to undertake the arts of this nature.

Excellent, 15 May 2008
Probably the most comprehensive occult book I have ever read. Despite the name of the text, it deals with far more than spells; also having background into the various spirits the spells will deal with and the basics and history of practising magic. Great for the beginner or advanced witch.

An unorthodox approach to running a business, 15 Aug 2008
Ricardo Semler calls himself a maverick, but he's actually a visionary. Semler, now 49, was way ahead of the curve 25 years ago when he radically altered the structure and philosophy of his father's company, Semco. Long before most businesses acknowledged that employees were thinking, feeling human beings and not timecard-punching robots, Semler rebuilt the infrastructure at Semco, eliminating layers of bureaucracy and allowing employees to decide their own fates. They determined their own schedules, pay scales and dress codes. Semler drastically reduced paperwork; he restricted memos, for example, to a single page. He believed that empowered employees, freed of their corporate shackles, would be motivated, creative and productive. You may find some aspects of that approach unrealistic or totally impractical for your organization. You may even think Semler is crazy. At the very least though, getAbstract believes executives should give careful consideration to his approach. His innovations are still relevant, even a quarter of a century later.

If you are a manager you MUST read this book, 17 Nov 2004
You've just got to take this seriously. It IS possbile to run a successful, results-oriented establishment AND go a long way to improving your employees' work-life balance and qulaity of life. In fact, as more businesses take on board this philosophy, it will become ESSENTIAL if you want to attract the 'best' employees.

Best management practice now made easy!, 09 Oct 2004
As a management consultant I found this book very useful indeed - much of it is directly applicable to shop-floor and pressure-politics situations - the 20-page cartoon "rulebook" at the end is more than worth the price of the book itself - buy it! And if you have the courage, apply what it says, too: It's been known for some time that organizations are designed according to "command and control" principles that very poorly match how humans are really built to behave. More complex self-ordering behavior is always observed when any lack of hierarchy exists, and the hierarchies that do emerge tend to be more effective than those that were designed by managers with experience in previous eras. Semler just chose to trust it more than, say, Tom Peters. Prof. Nicholson, head of London Business School recently wrote (in the Harvard Business Review) that Semler's model was the only one to really respect "stone age nature" of human behavior (the many insights from evolutionary psychology that tell us that we're far more often feeling our way through decisions than thinking our way through).

Semlers assessment of Human Resource Management (HRM) practice is truly radical but built on a foundation of good management practice and a healthy dose of common sense. HRM managers and departments confuse traditional and successful hierarchies and should be the first thing to be axed if any organisation is serious about survival in the 21st Century.

Excellent book and guide, highly practical and an enjoyable read.

A Business Too Good To Be True?, 16 Mar 2004
It's almost unbelievable - an experiment in culture change that worked wonders. This inspiring tale of Ricardo Semler's successful 'quest' to run his company in the interest of all it's stakeholders is tremendous. It may well be easier to influence the direction of a business when you're the owner (as per Semler), but this great read helped me look at and adapt my own management style in an entirely new way (even within a large organisation). I only put it down in order to start implementing many of the ideas it contains. Well written and thought provoking.

Fantastic, 17 Dec 2002
I love this book. It doesn't read read like a business book at all but is more like a fascinating biography. I would recommend it to anyone not just people with an interest in business. I am slightly embarrassed to admit that I've probably bought around 50 copies of this book (over the years) for friends and colleagues.

Wonderful you must read it.

Everyone should read this book, 02 Apr 2008
This is the most thought provoking book I have read in a while. All forward-thinking people would enjoy it enormously, although it is not for the faint-hearted! It is full of profound scientific, spiritual and philosophical beliefs from a wide range of experts in their fields. I think the beauty of this book is that the reader can choose their own interpretation at the end, having read the range of different opinions offered. Most people will want to effect positive changes in their lives after reading this book and take action to make a difference to this planet's future fate.

The end of the world or a new begining?, 21 Dec 2007
The year 2012 is on the horizon; the Mayan calendar foretold this date as the end of times. Some say it is not the end of times but the birth of a new age. This book brings together different views and insights from leading experts on what might happen on this date. Interesting compilation of theories and ideas that is not just for the new age mind. I also recommend "TOURIST IN THE YUCATAN."

An intriguing history lesson, 18 Jun 2008
Running somewhat contrary to modern beliefs about how pirates behaved during their spare time, this book reveals some remarkable truths about an exceedingly Bohemian era. In fairness, the author does go a little 'overboard' with the seamen jokes, but who could really blame him for wanting to squeeze out every last drop? Anyhow, don't be misled by Burg's penchant for bawdy innuendo, for behind all the predictable gags about 'emptying the cannons' or 'entering the poop deck' etc. one finds an extremely engaging history of a rather ill-understood era. Judging from the first-hand sources presented within, you can forget what you saw in Pirates of the Caribbean! I doubt whether Johnny Depp would be quite so popular among teenage girls, had the makers demonstrated what a real-life pirate might have got up to beneath the deck- especially if the film had recreated the tale of some three-way action between one galleon's first-mate and cabin boy, as well as their peg-legged eunuch of a captain (who apparently triumphed over adversity, by uncovering new possibilities where others would merely spy limitations).

Anyway, I learned an enormous amount from this book, not least the etymological origins of the term 'buttpirate'. Incidentally, I understand that Burg is soon to publish a volume about the equally freewheeling behaviour that was rife among workers from the packing departments of Victorian factories (particularly within those that specialised in the production of sugar and butter based confectionary).

Sodomy for me, 16 Sep 2003
This is a great book about pirates and how they enjoyed sleeping naked in threes and buggering each other. I vastly enjoyed reading in detail about their sexual antics and I must confess that I fantasised several times about having a little pirate of my own. I strongly recommend you read this book.

Worth a second look (Or double take), 30 Mar 1999
Yes, most folks give a double take when they see the title to this volume. But really, it is quite informative about the life of a rover, and as the title suggests, it pulls no punches. A bit dry and overwordy at times, but definately worth a read.

Missing the point, 08 Jan 1999
I don't see how overexposing a subject like sodomy between pirates has much to do with their time. Sure, that was a part of their lives, but did it really have any part in establishing the new world? The book spends too much time on discussing how the bigger, stronger pirates dominated the smalller, weakers ones until the would let them perform sodomy? Big deal!! We all knew that pirates sleep 3 to a rack!!

BRAVO!!, 28 Dec 1998
This book is very indepth in explain how pirates would survive on long journies abroad by sleeping nude three to a bunk like spoons. With the weather conditions, that was their only means of survival. It makes one understand that sodomy was part of their lives, as they usually had several male lovers aboard the vessel. The chapter on hot racking was especially revealing, considering 90% of all pirates engaged in that. This is a very good book about pirates and their lifestyles and I would recommend it to anyone.

How things change!, 06 Oct 2008
I was looking forward to reading this book as I have served with a couple of lads from both 2 & 3 Para who fought in the Falklands and have worked with many other Paras in more recent years.
The book started off pretty dull about his life at school but soon got on track once he decided to join the Army, the story of life in the Army, his trip down south and what happened on his return was excellent, but then it went back to being dull again, why he chose to write about his trip to Belize is beyond me and didnt add anything to the book, I nearly stopped reading there, but then it picked up again at the end.
His attitude towards the rest of the Army is now very dated, and although there is still inter Regiment rivalry the whole whole way that we view each other has changed since his day, due to the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanstan where all capbadges are working and fighting together there is a lot more mutual respect and quite rightly too, check out the number of gallantry awards awarded to all Regts and Corps of the British Army.
Mark, like all who have been involved in armed conflict went through a lot both mentally and physically and I salute all who have done so, but as you read the latter part of the book, he is still in the mindset that everyone who isnt airborne is a hat and the Paras hate them, on that issue he is very much a dinosaur and out of touch.

10 out of 10. Read this Book!, 08 Sep 2008
I devoured "Sod that" in just three sittings, and that doesn't often happen to me. During the Falklands battles I was lost in the pages, until my wife told me to turn the bloody light out. I looked across and it was four o'clock in the morning!

I thought it was brilliantly and truthfully written from the heart. Mark has not tried to big himself or his buddies up, he told it like it was in every gory and moving detail, and that's what makes this account so much more readable.

Buy it. Read it, then if you have never served under fire, you may just get a hint of what it's like. You may then begin to understand why so many men struggle when they come back from war.

This doesn't apply just to the lads from 1982. Try to imagine what hundreds or maybe even thousands of very young men are going through when they come back from Afghanistan, or Iraq.

A lot though, like many of Marks friends, don't come back. This will remind you that they are not just numbers you hear on the evening news. They are people, young men with families, wives and children, someone's son. This book should put things in perspective, in order of importance in your life.

Tony

Sod that, real story-real life., 13 Feb 2008
I feel i have to write in a retort to Jayetee's reveiw. The comments about the authour being rude and abusive, although being his/her personnel opinion should not stand.
I have recently laid the book down after what i can describe as one of the most moving accounts that i have ever digested.
Mark Eyles-Thomas served with the Parachute Regiment, calling all other members of the armed forces who did not earn the Maroon beret as HATS, is what is best described as banter, mickey taking and having a massive sense of self pride. What the Paras and other elite units do is not normal, these people are close, because of what they are asked to do; by people sat in their living rooms and cosy offices. Is the reviewer so naive as to think those HATS do not have their own colourful language to describe those who call them HATS?
I can give this informed statement, as i served as a Hat for nearly ten years, i am immensley proud of my military sevice, like Mark i joined the Army as a sixteen year old, and also lost a friend during operations in Bosnia.
People should not be put off from reading this book because of Marks description of non Paras, Mark tells it like it is, sometimes people tell you the truth can hurt, read the book and understand that this is about normal young men asked to do a very abnormal job, its consequences and what makes our British Army the best on the planet.
You will not be disapointed

Excellent, 22 Jan 2008
Excellent read.
Forget the history books,this book brings home the true reality of the Falklands War as experienced by the young soldiers of 3 Para.
It brings home the true horrors and emotions of warfare.
A must read for all.
Thanks Mark for telling your story and helping us remember those who gave thier lives and those who still suffer today.

Sod That For A Game Of Soldiers, 13 Jan 2008
I found this author to be rude and abusive to any other person who was not a Para. Not at all amusing hearing other Military and civilian personel being slagged off.

HUGE book!, 08 Nov 2008
This is an unbelievably huge book which is chock full of content.
I am a Wiccan and bought this book as use as a reference text for my spells and rituals however upon reviewing the book i feel it is best used as a basis for making your own spells as the majority of the spells in the book are, i feel not very useful on their own. 5000 sounds like ALOT of spells, which it is, however there are many, many 'spells' which are one-liners and seem to state a belief as opposed to being a spell i.e. Birth Chamber Protection Spell with Fir Needles: Burn silver fir needles during childbirth to protect mother and child and Boat Protection Spell Rope: Pass the entire boat through a rope circle for safety and protection.

Despite the above i would reccomend it to anybody with an interest in magic and/or history as it is only £13.00 from Amazon and for such a big book it is worth it. It is only meant as a reference text and spans back a few thousand years when folk believed putting an axe under a pregnant woman's bed would ease childbirth - if you remember that whilst reading the book and come with an open mind then you'll be happy.

Foundational, 20 Oct 2008
I bought my copy of this book when it was newly out, and I think it may have been the first or second magic book I ever purchased, though I had read several others and had a working knowledge of the rudiments of magic. Judika has achieved what many others have attempted - that is to describe the witch's craft in an inclusive and unthreatened manner. The reader is not burdened with a heavy-handed treatment of the author's 'way to be a witch'. Her collection of spells is broad and, though critical in the best of ways, is never censorious or biased.

The breadth of the author's research is laid before the reader in a warm and enthusiastic style, with humour and the true ring of experience behind every word. We are not beseeched to buy cupboards full of ridiculous accoutrements before we can work an effective spell. Nor is it necessary to follow someone else's style slavishly to secure success.

This is the book I reach for whenever I am unsure where to begin, or when there is a detail I wish to check on. Judika's wit and lightness of touch belie the seriousness of her commitment to the subject matter and the lasting value of her book. I would not hesitate to recommend her writing to you.

The Element Encyclopaedia of 5000 Spells, 15 Jul 2008
I bought this book quite a while ago because I was attracted to how many spells there are in it. The author has collected a diverse range of spells from various cultures and traditions. the spells are arranged by topic (each with an introduction) and there are a variety of different spells (though not all of them are practical or advisable).

There are other sections in the book to complement the collection of spells - the author's introduction is an interesting read and there are tables showing things such as colour associations. The book also has instructions for making the various oils mentioned in the spells and a list of possible ingredients including their latin names.

I have to admit I've never used a spell from the book "as is" because of my personal belief in making each one individual to the situation. However I find the book incredibly useful for inspiration and would definitely recommend it if you're curious to find out about different spells.

Value for money, 23 May 2008
Is there anything this book does not cover, it is so big and with such an array of spells. You could cast a spell a day and it would take you years to get through them all. Splendid and worthy of anyone wishing to undertake the arts of this nature.

Excellent, 15 May 2008
Probably the most comprehensive occult book I have ever read. Despite the name of the text, it deals with far more than spells; also having background into the various spirits the spells will deal with and the basics and history of practising magic. Great for the beginner or advanced witch.

An unorthodox approach to running a business, 15 Aug 2008
Ricardo Semler calls himself a maverick, but he's actually a visionary. Semler, now 49, was way ahead of the curve 25 years ago when he radically altered the structure and philosophy of his father's company, Semco. Long before most businesses acknowledged that employees were thinking, feeling human beings and not timecard-punching robots, Semler rebuilt the infrastructure at Semco, eliminating layers of bureaucracy and allowing employees to decide their own fates. They determined their own schedules, pay scales and dress codes. Semler drastically reduced paperwork; he restricted memos, for example, to a single page. He believed that empowered employees, freed of their corporate shackles, would be motivated, creative and productive. You may find some aspects of that approach unrealistic or totally impractical for your organization. You may even think Semler is crazy. At the very least though, getAbstract believes executives should give careful consideration to his approach. His innovations are still relevant, even a quarter of a century later.

If you are a manager you MUST read this book, 17 Nov 2004
You've just got to take this seriously. It IS possbile to run a successful, results-oriented establishment AND go a long way to improving your employees' work-life balance and qulaity of life. In fact, as more businesses take on board this philosophy, it will become ESSENTIAL if you want to attract the 'best' employees.

Best management practice now made easy!, 09 Oct 2004
As a management consultant I found this book very useful indeed - much of it is directly applicable to shop-floor and pressure-politics situations - the 20-page cartoon "rulebook" at the end is more than worth the price of the book itself - buy it! And if you have the courage, apply what it says, too: It's been known for some time that organizations are designed according to "command and control" principles that very poorly match how humans are really built to behave. More complex self-ordering behavior is always observed when any lack of hierarchy exists, and the hierarchies that do emerge tend to be more effective than those that were designed by managers with experience in previous eras. Semler just chose to trust it more than, say, Tom Peters. Prof. Nicholson, head of London Business School recently wrote (in the Harvard Business Review) that Semler's model was the only one to really respect "stone age nature" of human behavior (the many insights from evolutionary psychology that tell us that we're far more often feeling our way through decisions than thinking our way through).

Semlers assessment of Human Resource Management (HRM) practice is truly radical but built on a foundation of good management practice and a healthy dose of common sense. HRM managers and departments confuse traditional and successful hierarchies and should be the first thing to be axed if any organisation is serious about survival in the 21st Century.

Excellent book and guide, highly practical and an enjoyable read.

A Business Too Good To Be True?, 16 Mar 2004
It's almost unbelievable - an experiment in culture change that worked wonders. This inspiring tale of Ricardo Semler's successful 'quest' to run his company in the interest of all it's stakeholders is tremendous. It may well be easier to influence the direction of a business when you're the owner (as per Semler), but this great read helped me look at and adapt my own management style in an entirely new way (even within a large organisation). I only put it down in order to start implementing many of the ideas it contains. Well written and thought provoking.

Fantastic, 17 Dec 2002
I love this book. It doesn't read read like a business book at all but is more like a fascinating biography. I would recommend it to anyone not just people with an interest in business. I am slightly embarrassed to admit that I've probably bought around 50 copies of this book (over the years) for friends and colleagues.

Wonderful you must read it.

Everyone should read this book, 02 Apr 2008
This is the most thought provoking book I have read in a while. All forward-thinking people would enjoy it enormously, although it is not for the faint-hearted! It is full of profound scientific, spiritual and philosophical beliefs from a wide range of experts in their fields. I think the beauty of this book is that the reader can choose their own interpretation at the end, having read the range of different opinions offered. Most people will want to effect positive changes in their lives after reading this book and take action to make a difference to this planet's future fate.

The end of the world or a new begining?, 21 Dec 2007
The year 2012 is on the horizon; the Mayan calendar foretold this date as the end of times. Some say it is not the end of times but the birth of a new age. This book brings together different views and insights from leading experts on what might happen on this date. Interesting compilation of theories and ideas that is not just for the new age mind. I also recommend "TOURIST IN THE YUCATAN."

An intriguing history lesson, 18 Jun 2008
Running somewhat contrary to modern beliefs about how pirates behaved during their spare time, this book reveals some remarkable truths about an exceedingly Bohemian era. In fairness, the author does go a little 'overboard' with the seamen jokes, but who could really blame him for wanting to squeeze out every last drop? Anyhow, don't be misled by Burg's penchant for bawdy innuendo, for behind all the predictable gags about 'emptying the cannons' or 'entering the poop deck' etc. one finds an extremely engaging history of a rather ill-understood era. Judging from the first-hand sources presented within, you can forget what you saw in Pirates of the Caribbean! I doubt whether Johnny Depp would be quite so popular among teenage girls, had the makers demonstrated what a real-life pirate might have got up to beneath the deck- especially if the film had recreated the tale of some three-way action between one galleon's first-mate and cabin boy, as well as their peg-legged eunuch of a captain (who apparently triumphed over adversity, by uncovering new possibilities where others would merely spy limitations).

Anyway, I learned an enormous amount from this book, not least the etymological origins of the term 'buttpirate'. Incidentally, I understand that Burg is soon to publish a volume about the equally freewheeling behaviour that was rife among workers from the packing departments of Victorian factories (particularly within those that specialised in the production of sugar and butter based confectionary).

Sodomy for me, 16 Sep 2003
This is a great book about pirates and how they enjoyed sleeping naked in threes and buggering each other. I vastly enjoyed reading in detail about their sexual antics and I must confess that I fantasised several times about having a little pirate of my own. I strongly recommend you read this book.

Worth a second look (Or double take), 30 Mar 1999
Yes, most folks give a double take when they see the title to this volume. But really, it is quite informative about the life of a rover, and as the title suggests, it pulls no punches. A bit dry and overwordy at times, but definately worth a read.

Missing the point, 08 Jan 1999
I don't see how overexposing a subject like sodomy between pirates has much to do with their time. Sure, that was a part of their lives, but did it really have any part in establishing the new world? The book spends too much time on discussing how the bigger, stronger pirates dominated the smalller, weakers ones until the would let them perform sodomy? Big deal!! We all knew that pirates sleep 3 to a rack!!

BRAVO!!, 28 Dec 1998
This book is very indepth in explain how pirates would survive on long journies abroad by sleeping nude three to a bunk like spoons. With the weather conditions, that was their only means of survival. It makes one understand that sodomy was part of their lives, as they usually had several male lovers aboard the vessel. The chapter on hot racking was especially revealing, considering 90% of all pirates engaged in that. This is a very good book about pirates and their lifestyles and I would recommend it to anyone.

Worth reading, 22 Nov 2007
One of the most logical and interesting books in the recent time! It has no scent of New Age channeling which is always so identical that it lost both its impact and meaning. And things are so logically explained that one may wonder how did it not occured to us earlier this way of rewriting history. I recommend this book to everyone who wants information and genuine thinking.

Great book - a must read!, 12 Sep 2007
Well written and researched and a classic of its genre. Not too sure about the dates as I tend to favour 2012 and Calleman brings it forward to 2011 - but whatever the detail the broad strategy is the same - we live in 'end' times and it's an honour to be here at this 'time'. Read it, grasp it and hopefully apply it.

How things change!, 06 Oct 2008
I was looking forward to reading this book as I have served with a couple of lads from both 2 & 3 Para who fought in the Falklands and have worked with many other Paras in more recent years.
The book started off pretty dull about his life at school but soon got on track once he decided to join the Army, the story of life in the Army, his trip down south and what happened on his return was excellent, but then it went back to being dull again, why he chose to write about his trip to Belize is beyond me and didnt add anything to the book, I nearly stopped reading there, but then it picked up again at the end.
His attitude towards the rest of the Army is now very dated, and although there is still inter Regiment rivalry the whole whole way that we view each other has changed since his day, due to the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanstan where all capbadges are working and fighting together there is a lot more mutual respect and quite rightly too, check out the number of gallantry awards awarded to all Regts and Corps of the British Army.
Mark, like all who have been involved in armed conflict went through a lot both mentally and physically and I salute all who have done so, but as you read the latter part of the book, he is still in the mindset that everyone who isnt airborne is a hat and the Paras hate them, on that issue he is very much a dinosaur and out of touch.

10 out of 10. Read this Book!, 08 Sep 2008
I devoured "Sod that" in just three sittings, and that doesn't often happen to me. During the Falklands battles I was lost in the pages, until my wife told me to turn the bloody light out. I looked across and it was four o'clock in the morning!

I thought it was brilliantly and truthfully written from the heart. Mark has not tried to big himself or his buddies up, he told it like it was in every gory and moving detail, and that's what makes this account so much more readable.

Buy it. Read it, then if you have never served under fire, you may just get a hint of what it's like. You may then begin to understand why so many men struggle when they come back from war.

This doesn't apply just to the lads from 1982. Try to imagine what hundreds or maybe even thousands of very young men are going through when they come back from Afghanistan, or Iraq.

A lot though, like many of Marks friends, don't come back. This will remind you that they are not just numbers you hear on the evening news. They are people, young men with families, wives and children, someone's son. This book should put things in perspective, in order of importance in your life.

Tony

Sod that, real story-real life., 13 Feb 2008
I feel i have to write in a retort to Jayetee's reveiw. The comments about the authour being rude and abusive, although being his/her personnel opinion should not stand.
I have recently laid the book down after what i can describe as one of the most moving accounts that i have ever digested.
Mark Eyles-Thomas served with the Parachute Regiment, calling all other members of the armed forces who did not earn the Maroon beret as HATS, is what is best described as banter, mickey taking and having a massive sense of self pride. What the Paras and other elite units do is not normal, these people are close, because of what they are asked to do; by people sat in their living rooms and cosy offices. Is the reviewer so naive as to think those HATS do not have their own colourful language to describe those who call them HATS?
I can give this informed statement, as i served as a Hat for nearly ten years, i am immensley proud of my military sevice, like Mark i joined the Army as a sixteen year old, and also lost a friend during operations in Bosnia.
People should not be put off from reading this book because of Marks description of non Paras, Mark tells it like it is, sometimes people tell you the truth can hurt, read the book and understand that this is about normal young men asked to do a very abnormal job, its consequences and what makes our British Army the best on the planet.
You will not be disapointed

Excellent, 22 Jan 2008
Excellent read.
Forget the history books,this book brings home the true reality of the Falklands War as experienced by the young soldiers of 3 Para.
It brings home the true horrors and emotions of warfare.
A must read for all.
Thanks Mark for telling your story and helping us remember those who gave thier lives and those who still suffer today.

Sod That For A Game Of Soldiers, 13 Jan 2008
I found this author to be rude and abusive to any other person who was not a Para. Not at all amusing hearing other Military and civilian personel being slagged off.

HUGE book!, 08 Nov 2008
This is an unbelievably huge book which is chock full of content.
I am a Wiccan and bought this book as use as a reference text for my spells and rituals however upon reviewing the book i feel it is best used as a basis for making your own spells as the majority of the spells in the book are, i feel not very useful on their own. 5000 sounds like ALOT of spells, which it is, however there are many, many 'spells' which are one-liners and seem to state a belief as opposed to being a spell i.e. Birth Chamber Protection Spell with Fir Needles: Burn silver fir needles during childbirth to protect mother and child and Boat Protection Spell Rope: Pass the entire boat through a rope circle for safety and protection.

Despite the above i would reccomend it to anybody with an interest in magic and/or history as it is only £13.00 from Amazon and for such a big book it is worth it. It is only meant as a reference text and spans back a few thousand years when folk believed putting an axe under a pregnant woman's bed would ease childbirth - if you remember that whilst reading the book and come with an open mind then you'll be happy.

Foundational, 20 Oct 2008
I bought my copy of this book when it was newly out, and I think it may have been the first or second magic book I ever purchased, though I had read several others and had a working knowledge of the rudiments of magic. Judika has achieved what many others have attempted - that is to describe the witch's craft in an inclusive and unthreatened manner. The reader is not burdened with a heavy-handed treatment of the author's 'way to be a witch'. Her collection of spells is broad and, though critical in the best of ways, is never censorious or biased.

The breadth of the author's research is laid before the reader in a warm and enthusiastic style, with humour and the true ring of experience behind every word. We are not beseeched to buy cupboards full of ridiculous accoutrements before we can work an effective spell. Nor is it necessary to follow someone else's style slavishly to secure success.

This is the book I reach for whenever I am unsure where to begin, or when there is a detail I wish to check on. Judika's wit and lightness of touch belie the seriousness of her commitment to the subject matter and the lasting value of her book. I would not hesitate to recommend her writing to you.

The Element Encyclopaedia of 5000 Spells, 15 Jul 2008
I bought this book quite a while ago because I was attracted to how many spells there are in it. The author has collected a diverse range of spells from various cultures and traditions. the spells are arranged by topic (each with an introduction) and there are a variety of different spells (though not all of them are practical or advisable).

There are other sections in the book to complement the collection of spells - the author's introduction is an interesting read and there are tables showing things such as colour associations. The book also has instructions for making the various oils mentioned in the spells and a list of possible ingredients including their latin names.

I have to admit I've never used a spell from the book "as is" because of my personal belief in making each one individual to the situation. However I find the book incredibly useful for inspiration and would definitely recommend it if you're curious to find out about different spells.

Value for money, 23 May 2008
Is there anything this book does not cover, it is so big and with such an array of spells. You could cast a spell a day and it would take you years to get through them all. Splendid and worthy of anyone wishing to undertake the arts of this nature.

Excellent, 15 May 2008
Probably the most comprehensive occult book I have ever read. Despite the name of the text, it deals with far more than spells; also having background into the various spirits the spells will deal with and the basics and history of practising magic. Great for the beginner or advanced witch.

An unorthodox approach to running a business, 15 Aug 2008
Ricardo Semler calls himself a maverick, but he's actually a visionary. Semler, now 49, was way ahead of the curve 25 years ago when he radically altered the structure and philosophy of his father's company, Semco. Long before most businesses acknowledged that employees were thinking, feeling human beings and not timecard-punching robots, Semler rebuilt the infrastructure at Semco, eliminating layers of bureaucracy and allowing employees to decide their own fates. They determined their own schedules, pay scales and dress codes. Semler drastically reduced paperwork; he restricted memos, for example, to a single page. He believed that empowered employees, freed of their corporate shackles, would be motivated, creative and productive. You may find some aspects of that approach unrealistic or totally impractical for your organization. You may even think Semler is crazy. At the very least though, getAbstract believes executives should give careful consideration to his approach. His innovations are still relevant, even a quarter of a century later.

If you are a manager you MUST read this book, 17 Nov 2004
You've just got to take this seriously. It IS possbile to run a successful, results-oriented establishment AND go a long way to improving your employees' work-life balance and qulaity of life. In fact, as more businesses take on board this philosophy, it will become ESSENTIAL if you want to attract the 'best' employees.

Best management practice now made easy!, 09 Oct 2004
As a management consultant I found this book very useful indeed - much of it is directly applicable to shop-floor and pressure-politics situations - the 20-page cartoon "rulebook" at the end is more than worth the price of the book itself - buy it! And if you have the courage, apply what it says, too: It's been known for some time that organizations are designed according to "command and control" principles that very poorly match how humans are really built to behave. More complex self-ordering behavior is always observed when any lack of hierarchy exists, and the hierarchies that do emerge tend to be more effective than those that were designed by managers with experience in previous eras. Semler just chose to trust it more than, say, Tom Peters. Prof. Nicholson, head of London Business School recently wrote (in the Harvard Business Review) that Semler's model was the only one to really respect "stone age nature" of human behavior (the many insights from evolutionary psychology that tell us that we're far more often feeling our way through decisions than thinking our way through).

Semlers assessment of Human Resource Management (HRM) practice is truly radical but built on a foundation of good management practice and a healthy dose of common sense. HRM managers and departments confuse traditional and successful hierarchies and should be the first thing to be axed if any organisation is serious about survival in the 21st Century.

Excellent book and guide, highly practical and an enjoyable read.

A Business Too Good To Be True?, 16 Mar 2004
It's almost unbelievable - an experiment in culture change that worked wonders. This inspiring tale of Ricardo Semler's successful 'quest' to run his company in the interest of all it's stakeholders is tremendous. It may well be easier to influence the direction of a business when you're the owner (as per Semler), but this great read helped me look at and adapt my own management style in an entirely new way (even within a large organisation). I only put it down in order to start implementing many of the ideas it contains. Well written and thought provoking.

Fantastic, 17 Dec 2002
I love this book. It doesn't read read like a business book at all but is more like a fascinating biography. I would recommend it to anyone not just people with an interest in business. I am slightly embarrassed to admit that I've probably bought around 50 copies of this book (over the years) for friends and colleagues.

Wonderful you must read it.

Everyone should read this book, 02 Apr 2008
This is the most thought provoking book I have read in a while. All forward-thinking people would enjoy it enormously, although it is not for the faint-hearted! It is full of profound scientific, spiritual and philosophical beliefs from a wide range of experts in their fields. I think the beauty of this book is that the reader can choose their own interpretation at the end, having read the range of different opinions offered. Most people will want to effect positive changes in their lives after reading this book and take action to make a difference to this planet's future fate.

The end of the world or a new begining?, 21 Dec 2007
The year 2012 is on the horizon; the Mayan calendar foretold this date as the end of times. Some say it is not the end of times but the birth of a new age. This book brings together different views and insights from leading experts on what might happen on this date. Interesting compilation of theories and ideas that is not just for the new age mind. I also recommend "TOURIST IN THE YUCATAN."

An intriguing history lesson, 18 Jun 2008
Running somewhat contrary to modern beliefs about how pirates behaved during their spare time, this book reveals some remarkable truths about an exceedingly Bohemian era. In fairness, the author does go a little 'overboard' with the seamen jokes, but who could really blame him for wanting to squeeze out every last drop? Anyhow, don't be misled by Burg's penchant for bawdy innuendo, for behind all the predictable gags about 'emptying the cannons' or 'entering the poop deck' etc. one finds an extremely engaging history of a rather ill-understood era. Judging from the first-hand sources presented within, you can forget what you saw in Pirates of the Caribbean! I doubt whether Johnny Depp would be quite so popular among teenage girls, had the makers demonstrated what a real-life pirate might have got up to beneath the deck- especially if the film had recreated the tale of some three-way action between one galleon's first-mate and cabin boy, as well as their peg-legged eunuch of a captain (who apparently triumphed over adversity, by uncovering new possibilities where others would merely spy limitations).

Anyway, I learned an enormous amount from this book, not least the etymological origins of the term 'buttpirate'. Incidentally, I understand that Burg is soon to publish a volume about the equally freewheeling behaviour that was rife among workers from the packing departments of Victorian factories (particularly within those that specialised in the production of sugar and butter based confectionary).

Sodomy for me, 16 Sep 2003
This is a great book about pirates and how they enjoyed sleeping naked in threes and buggering each other. I vastly enjoyed reading in detail about their sexual antics and I must confess that I fantasised several times about having a little pirate of my own. I strongly recommend you read this book.

Worth a second look (Or double take), 30 Mar 1999
Yes, most folks give a double take when they see the title to this volume. But really, it is quite informative about the life of a rover, and as the title suggests, it pulls no punches. A bit dry and overwordy at times, but definately worth a read.

Missing the point, 08 Jan 1999
I don't see how overexposing a subject like sodomy between pirates has much to do with their time. Sure, that was a part of their lives, but did it really have any part in establishing the new world? The book spends too much time on discussing how the bigger, stronger pirates dominated the smalller, weakers ones until the would let them perform sodomy? Big deal!! We all knew that pirates sleep 3 to a rack!!

BRAVO!!, 28 Dec 1998
This book is very indepth in explain how pirates would survive on long journies abroad by sleeping nude three to a bunk like spoons. With the weather conditions, that was their only means of survival. It makes one understand that sodomy was part of their lives, as they usually had several male lovers aboard the vessel. The chapter on hot racking was especially revealing, considering 90% of all pirates engaged in that. This is a very good book about pirates and their lifestyles and I would recommend it to anyone.

Worth reading, 22 Nov 2007
One of the most logical and interesting books in the recent time! It has no scent of New Age channeling which is always so identical that it lost both its impact and meaning. And things are so logically explained that one may wonder how did it not occured to us earlier this way of rewriting history. I recommend this book to everyone who wants information and genuine thinking.

Great book - a must read!, 12 Sep 2007
Well written and researched and a classic of its genre. Not too sure about the dates as I tend to favour 2012 and Calleman brings it f