Review of 101 Careers in Mathematics - Second Edition (Paperback)

This is one of the few books that should be on the library shelves at all levels of education, from the middle school up through the bachelor's degree. A collection of short essays written by people who work in many different areas, it is a demonstration of the enormous number of ways math is used in the modern world. By reading this book, anyone contemplating a career in mathematics or one that uses mathematics can understand the value of taking mathematics courses.
The people interviewed includes math teachers at all levels, actuaries working for the insurance industry,people who work with computers, others who work in industry and some in the public sector. None of the jobs is the same as any of the others, even if their job descriptions are the same. From these essays, it is clear that no two math jobs are the same. The joy and excitement that these people have about their work also comes through very strongly, demonstrating that mathematics knowledge is a path to exciting and interesting work. Given the unsettled nature of employment at this time, it is comforting to anyone contemplating a career path when they hear that mathematics is a skill that is very transferable and one that employers desire.
There are so many myths that permeate the collective psyche of society. One of the most pervasive (and incorrect) is that there is no use for math outside of the classroom. That is wrong, and this book contains 101 existence proofs of the contrary.

Published in the recreational mathematics newsletter, reprinted with permission.

Product Description
This second edition of the immensely popular, "101 Careers in Mathematics," contains updates on the career paths of individuals profiled in the

first edition, along with many new profiles. No career counselor should be without this valuable resource.

The authors of the essays in the this volume describe a wide variety of careers for which a background in the mathematical sciences is useful. Each of the jobs presented show real people in real jobs. Their individual histories demonstrate how the study of mathematics helped them land good paying jobs in predictable places like IBM, AT&T, and American Airlines, and in surprising places like FedEx Corporation, L.L. Bean, and Perdue Farms, Inc. You will also learn about job opportunities in the Federal Government, as well as exciting careers in the arts, sculpture, music and television. There are really no limits to what you can do if you are well prepared in mathematics.

The degrees earned by the authors profiled here, range from bachelors to masters to Ph.D. in approximately equal numbers. Most of the writers use the mathematical sciences on a daily basis in their work; others rely on the general problem-solving skills acquired in mathematics as they deal with complex issues.

Students should not overlook the articles in the Appendix that are reprinted from the MAA's student magazine, "Math Horizons." These articles provide valuable advice on looking for a job and on the expectations of industry.

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Review of MATLAB Primer, Sixth Edition (Paperback)

Excellent text.Contains nice, brief summaries of matlab functionality, with references on where to go to get more verbose explanations.This book is about the size of a postcard.When I need to locate or discover a new function that I'm sure matlab has somewhere,this Primer is usually more effective than the matlab on-line help.Also good for an overview of functionality, an area where Matlab's on-line help is particularly weak.Assumes no knowledge of matlab.

Product Description
The new edition of this bestselling primer features the latest release of the powerhouse mathematics software package MATLAB, version 6.1. MATLAB recently incorporatedan extensive graphical user interface (GUI), and now, more than ever, it offers an intuitive language for expressing problems and solutions both mathematically and graphically.This edition of the Primer offers a complete overview of the new GUI along with a host of other refinements. More emphasis on matrix operations and a new section on the find function that helps you avoid using cumbersome DO loops and makes your code faster and easier to read Full descriptions of all examples, which are now linked to lead you through each chapter, showing how to input and use each example in actual problems A new chapter on programming that clearly shows how to call a C routine from MATLAB New discussions on sparse matrix ordering and visualizations thatshow how to take advantage of sparsity and solve problems that may otherwise be intractableWhy spend endless hours struggling through thick manuals when the MATLAB Primer, Sixth Edition can get you going in a fraction of the time?It provides streamlined but thorough coverage, convenient size, and an economical price that make it not only an outstanding introduction for new users, but a handy reference for those already using MATLAB to solve real problems.

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Review of Power SAS: A Survival Guide (Hardcover)

This is without a doubt the lousiest, laziest, most poorly-written book I have ever tried to use on SAS. It only left me more confused.

The approach is a "survey" approach, ie, presented as a summary of the possible commands you can use, without an explanation of syntax, structure or programming ideas. This is clearly meant for computer programmers looking to pick up a little bit of info on SAS. Serious analysts will find nothing but chapter after chapter of mutant schlock-dribble.

Product Description
<p><i>Power SAS: A Survival Guide</i> is designed to provide the millions of SAS users with the largest and most comprehensive collection of SAS tips and techniques ever offered. Kirk Lafler is an Internet and software consultant with 25 years of experience providing clients around the world with innovative technical solutions and training. Kirk's tips will help you leverage features of SAS that even the most experienced SAS users may not know. </p><p>Whether you read it cover to cover, browse through it in your free time, or use it as a reference by looking up pertinent tips, this book is an invaluable self-help resource for working smarter, and for troubleshooting and resolving SAS problems and errors. The book's organization makes it easy for SAS users of all experience levels&emdash;programmers, statisticians, database programmers and administrators, technical managers, technical support staff, and students&emdash;to find what they need. The nine chapters cover SAS basics, data access, data step programming, data manipulation, data management, data presentation, efficiency and performance, configuration and support, and SAS 9.</p>

About the Author
Kirk Paul Lafler has worked as a software consultant for the last 25 years. As founder of Software Intelligence Corporation in 1983, Kirk provides IT services provider to Fortune 1000 companies and government installations by designing and developing application software solutions, and providing comprehensive training and custom-programming services. Since 1983, Kirk has provided consulting services and training to Fortune 1000 companies and government installations, lending his expertise in application design and development, training, and custom programming services. Kirk has written four books and more than one hundred articles on technology and software. He's also a frequent speaker at SAS and Oracle user group conferences and events. Kirk graduated from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, with a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in management science systems analysis. He can be reached at <a href = "mailto:KirkLafler@cs.com">KirkLafler@cs.

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