Journals Books

Britt Lamond played in the first episodes of Disney's Zorro. He was Capitan Monastario. The book wonderfully chronicles those first 13 episodes. Mr. Lamond makes a fantastic presentation of what went on behind the scenes. I have always thought the sword fights were the best I'd ever seen and after reading the book I realize why. Guy and Britt were well trained in sword fighting before Zorro ever came along. If you love Guy Williams as Zorro you will love this book. Thank you "Capitan Monastario"!

Britt Lomond has treated us to a rare, behind-the-scenes look at one of the most beloved TV series of all time (and still playing throughout the world today). "Chasing After Zorro" is a first-hand account of his experiences on-and-off the set, as well as the circumstances leading up the series' inception. It is written with the kind of insight, humor and love that only one of the actors who helped kick-off the series could offer. It is an endearing glimpse into a different (and long-gone) time in Hollywood and Disney.

With his long career in front and behind the camera - Mr. Lomond worked in production for years after acting - he presents a well-rounded view of the workings and politics that existed during those first 13 epissodes. He also sheds light on the friendships he had with the other people involved in the series, from Guy, Henry and Gene to the writers and directors, and even to Walt Disney himself. From the very first page with his dedication to his family, you know that you are in for a genuine and touching journey into the heart of those first Zorro episodes.

I highly recommend this one-of-a-kind book for any Zorro fans out there.

For those of us who remember the Zorro television series (the Walt Disney one, which is the only one for true Zorro fans), this book is a treasure. Britt Lomond gives us an interesting and informative tour of the first 13 episodes of the Zorro TV show, the ones in which he played the villian, Capitan Monastario. As many others have noted, he set the standard for villians in the series, and even though the succeeding bad guys (and gals) were exceptionally villianous in their own right, Capitan Monastario, as defined and played by Mr. Lomond, was never equaled and certainly never beaten.

The behind-the-scenes stories Mr. Lomond tells are fascinating, and he has uniformly kind words to say of his co-actors and the production personnel who did such a wonderful job of making the show so successful that it is still popular almost 50 years later.

That success was made possible by the contributions of artists like Mr. Lomond. He details each of the 13 episodes in which he appeared in the 13 chapters of his book, a fine way to present his material. In particular, he often notes the changes he himself made in the script. He would memorize the script, but then, where he thought his character would have said something different or would have said the same thing but in a different way, he would make the changes during the filming. Almost always, his changes were approved by the director. What this illustrates more than anything else is Mr. Lomond's professionalism. What he was doing was his very best to present his character as he thought the character actually was, or would have been had he been a real person. He was not satisfied with merely speaking his lines as written in the script; rather, he brought to the role an experience as an actor that was unique. Mr. Lomond even imagined the life of his character prior to the time depicted in the programs, in order to best know how his character would be motivated in various situations, and thus know how his character would act, react, and speak. By doing so, he depicted the personality of his character consistently in the best way.

Thus, he would study the script in the context of his own idea of what kind of man his character was, and he made changes which did not aggrandize his own role, but made the programs better because of his insistence on his character's acting and speaking the way he should. That kind of professionalism is, I think, rare in any line of work, including acting.

Mr. Lomond has nothing but praise for the others who worked so hard on the series, including unstinting praise for Guy Williams, Henry Calvin, Gene Sheldon, Than Wyenn, Tony Russo, and the other actors. The humorous stories he tells, such as tricks the actors played on one another, are fabulous, and he tells one story of a trip on the ocean in Guy Williams's sailboat that turned into a disaster and could very nearly have killed all on the boat. He has particular praise for Walt Disney himself as well as the directors, the production designer and art decorator, and others who made the programs look so good.

Mr. Lomond is a multi-talented artist, having acted in many stage, movie, and television roles, and also having worked in many different jobs behind the cameras. Look him up on [...] and you will see just how many different jobs he has done. Thus, he knows the filmaker's craft inside and out, and that makes his comments on the actors and production staff on the Zorro TV series that much more meaningful. He knows whereof he speaks, and he has done many of the jobs of the people about whom he writes in this book.

The substance of Mr. Lomond's writing is entertaining and full of information. The only criticism I have of the book is that he was not well served by the editors and proofreaders of his book; there are a great many typographical and other errors, not the fault of the author. The book is nonetheless deserving of 5 stars because of Mr. Lomond's writing.

If you are a Disney Zorro television series fan, this book is a must for you. If you are not, buy it and read it anyway; it will give you insights into the making of television programs that you would never know otherwise; and it will make you a Zorro fan if you are not one already.

What a pleasure it was to read this book. I enjoyed it immensely. Mr. Lomond had the right touch in writing about his experiences on the Zorro set. I especially enjoyed all the behind the camera material. It is very poignant to have read this book, shortly before Mr. Lomand died.

Britt Lomond gives us a lovely glimpse into the world of the Zorro phenomenon as it played out via Disney's magic in the late 1950's and early 60's. He treats us to a behind the scenes look at how the duels between Monastario and Zorro were choreographed... and how he still bears the Mark of Zorro to this very day from the sword tip of Guy Williams. Also revealed, perhaps inadvertently, is the wonderful nature of this man... who with gentlemanly grace accepted the role of Monastario rather than the coveted role of El Zorro... all for the good of the show and not his own ego. A recommended read...

While devouring this book, I really felt that I was getting close to, quote unquote, "The Answer." That's how powerful it was on both me and, as I see, some of my fellow reviewers. So much of it has to do with making decisions, and making decisions is an integral part of Soren K's definition of truth. But you have to get at it subjectively, not objectively. There's one part where, let's say, you (the reader) are in prison, and you will get your head chopped off by the guillotine tomorrow. You are afraid, naturally. I, as your friend, can talk to you and say (objectively), "Oh, you're worried about the guillotine tomorrow. You see, it's very simple: you just walk out to the scaffold, put your head down on the slab of wood, making sure to put your neck in the appropriate neck hole; they will cut a rope, the blade of the guillotine will come down, your head will be chopped off, and it will all be over in a minute." You, the subjective decision-maker, do not see it in the same way.

Along with Nietzsche's The Gay Science, this book had the most impact on me of any philosophy books I have ever read. For those who find themselves running around in cirles looking for objective proof of this or that, Climacus (Kierkegaard) insists you are just wading out into the sea of life. Take the leap onto 70,000 fathoms of roaring ocean! Live!

After Hegel's reduction of the individual to a cog in the grumbling historical machine, it is refreshing to read of the individual and the individuals concerns. As mentioned, Climacus ridicules objectivity and focuses the reader in on subjective truth, encouraging us to be authentic and take responsiblity for life. Christian or non-Christian alike, this book will challange the reader in many ways. It was a major influence on existentialist and Continental thought for a good reason. Unconditionally recommended.

Be warned! The Princeton edition of this book comes in two volumes. Volume 1 is just the body of text to Kierkegaard's book. There is no historical introduction in the first volume, just Kierkegaard's satirical introduction that was intended for the original book. The historical introduction and scholarly apparatus are in the second volume. If the reader does not wish to inquire beyond Kierkegaard's text, he need not worry, the second volume is for the person who did not find Kierkegaard mind numbing enough and sees need to go behind the text. I am one of those kind of people, but you might not be.

This is Kierkegaard's most important work - the real meat of his writings. It is more difficult then most of his works and should be approached with caution, but it is absolutely essential to achieve a full understanding of Kierkegaard. Keep in mind that _Concluding Unscientific Postscript_ was originally written under the pseudonym of Johannes Climacus, the sceptical and pessimistic alter ego of the real Kierkegaard. Not to spoil the surprise, but in reading this book you should remember that much of what is being said is contradictory to Kierkegaard's real beliefs. In my experience reading this book, I only began to realize this gradually. This is because not EVERYTHING in this book is antithetical or diametrically opposed to Kierkegaard's real views; only portions of it are antithetical. Kierkegaard truly engages and challenges the reader by exposing views that make sense at first, but then after letting Climacus get riled up, his rantings and ravings become increasingly illogical and pessimistic. The challenge consists in discovering where the real Kierkegaard leaves off, and where the pseudonymous Johannes Climacus picks up. The reader must constantly be on alert for antithetical and contradictory statements, and must approach this book with a highly critical mindset. The end result is one of the most fantastically thought-provoking, creative, original, and entertaining books you will ever read. By forcing the reader to take this critical approach, Kierkegaard gives us an opportunity to formulate and fortify our individual beliefs in contradistinction to those of Climacus, forcing us to truly think for ourselves. The reader is bombarded with profound philosophical statements which are oten true and sensible, and can be proven consitsent with Kierkegaard's real beliefs. But sandwiched between these logical statements, Climacus will say something so off the wall that the reader must subject these statements to a critical re-evaluation. This is what makes the _Postscript_ such a profoundly thought-provoking and personally enriching experience.

One more thing to consider before you read this book: As I said, this book was written under the pseudonym Johannes Climacus. To fully understand the inner workings of this character, you must also read _Philosophical Fragments/Johannes Climacus_, which is the precursor to _Concluding Unscientific Postscript_. This first book helps the reader understand the pseudonymous and sometimes antithetical beliefs held by Kierkegaard's neurotic alter-ego. Taken together, the _Johannes Climacus/Philosophical Fragments/ Conlcuding Unscientific Postscript_ series is the be-all end-all philosophical work of the 19th century. It is a monumental achievement of epic proportions and will go down in history as the most important and profound work of literature to come out of Europe during that time period.

To begin with, the title is a joke. This is the in keeping with the putative author of the piece. Johannes Climacus (who is named for the Seventh Century Hermit and Monk, St. John Climacus) is a humorist. A humorist, as he will point out, is someone on edge of becoming religious, but is not yet religious and, in fact, may never become religious. That being said, back to the title. "Concluding," as is obvious, implies that SK intended this to be his last book (in a separate declaration published with the book he acknowledges all the previous pseudonyms with the proviso that no one should quote him directly unless it is from a book that bears his name as author and claims that he has no privileged access to the pseudonyms than any other reader). However, as the result of a religious conversion after it's publication, it became the middle child of his authorship, recapitulating all that had come before and pointing forward toward new things yet to be imagined. "Unscientific" is a dig at Hegel. If one wishes to over-simplify one may say that SK's position is Either/Or: Either there is a God and the world actually means something, Or there is no God and the world is absurd, meaningless and accidental. Hegel abolished God and attempted to find meaning in historical process. This is the "science" for which SK has such contempt. For this reason, SK refuses to call himself a philosopher, content to call himself a "poet." If a fraud like Hegel is a philosopher, then he wants no part of the designation. "Postscript" is where the joke comes in. This book is a "Postscript to the Philosophical Fragments." The "Philosophical Fragments" is, therefore, a 100 page book with a 600 page postscript attached (that's the joke ha ha) Of all of SK's books this is my favorite. It is his funniest and either you keep your eye carefully peeled or you will miss a joke (the first time you read it you will miss hundreds of them). And in typical SK fashion the more he jokes the more deadly serious he is (by the end he is claiming the book, in its entirety, is a joke). The central distinction is between our ideas about things and the things themselves. If you have any trouble, there is always Merold Westphal's "Becoming a Self," a good commentary. The only problem is that he probably takes SK more seriously than SK would be comfortable with. That's not necessarily a good thing. You lose too many good jokes in the process.

It matters not your station in life. Whether you are a business professional, working journalist, high school or college student or simply a concerned citizen we are all looking for ways to better inform ourselves about the pressing issues of our time. There is so much information available on the internet but I suspect that most of us rely on just a handful of websites to keep us abreast of just what is going on.
This is why I found James F. Broderick and Darren W. Miller's new book "Consider The Source" to be so exciting. What we have here are critical reviews of 100 of the most important and influential news and information sites on the web. In my view there is hardly a person out there who would not benefit from perusing this book.
What Broderick and Miller offer in "Consider The Source" is a treasure trove of useful material about how to best access information on the web. Just to give you an idea, the authors review websites covering news, sports, entertainment, science, medicine and more. They critique each website for design, content and accessabilty and are careful note any bias they might discover. Obviously, many of these sites have a point of view and the authors deem it important that their readers understand this.
Happily, Broderick and Miller do not limit themselves to sites that originate in the United States only. "Consider The Source" offers reviews on news and information sites from Britain, India, France, Australia,Ireland and even Asia and Africa. In addition, you will see reviews of various U.S. government websites such as the Library of Congress, CIA, FBI and NASA. Some absolutely fascinating stuff there! In the list of 100 websites, the reader will find the familiar as well as a number of hidden gems they have probably never even heard of. Of this group I might recommend to you a site called The Onion. Hilarious!
As I read "Consider The Source" I jotted down the sites I would be interested in bookmarking. Not surprisingly, I came up with a list of more than two dozen. The fact is that I had never even heard of many of these sites. Still others were websites I had never even accessed before.
"Consider The Source" is written in clear, concise language that just about everyone can understand. Not a lot of jargon here! Reading this book is absolutely time well spent! I would not be surprised that if the authors chose to issue updated versions of the book from time to time. I highly recommend "Consider The Source" to everyone!

Consider the Source provides clarity among the internet chaos for readers like myself who depend on the Web for news. This book provides a "yellow brick road" leading to an honest evaluation of news and information sites on the web. Miller and Broderick have given readers an invaluable guide to the most accurate internet news sites.

Where can you get the news you need, and how can you keep up with it? A professor of journalism and a working reporter combine forces to produce a critical A-Z guide to the best - and worse - news information sites on the web, offering 100 critical reviews paired with a 5-star rating system. From learning the motives and bias behind different sites to considering alternative sites and news press and how they operate differently from mainstream media, CONSIDER THE SOURCE: A CRITICAL GUIDE TO 100 PROMINENT NEWS AND INFORMATION SITES ON THE WEB is a pick for both college-level collections strong in media studies and general-interest lending libraries alike.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

This is the first book I have ever seen that gives the public direction on which news sites to visit. The Web has created content overload, but who to trust and who to devote limited time too? That is what this book has done. And it is not a boring look at Web sites, but instead brings each site to life and goes in depth on how they operate. I love the ranking system and especially was interested to see that many sites I never considered before were ranked so highly.

I can see why this book is promoted to students, journalists, PR professionals, and news hounds - but I'm none of the above and still found this book a great find! I, like most people, find myself going to the same sites over and over and was looking for something to expand my Internet reading list. There were dozens of sites that I had never heard of and have now been placed on my Favs list. Definitely got my money's worth on this one!

A brilliantly written book by an ex-Grumman test pilot who has a natural storyteller's gift for telling a fascinating story in a gripping way.
Corwin "Corky" Meyer became a test pilot for Grumman during WW2, and continued to help develop a wide range of aircraft during a period of rapid technological change.
How he survived an era of testing which included for each fighter a "terminal speed dive" test which inevitably took the powerful piston engined fighters deep into the sound barrier compressibility zone is a story which is well worth the price of the book itself. Add stories such as blowing off the nose cone of a Panther whilst testing the guns, the Panther that lost its entire rear fuselage when testing the arrester hook system - fortunately on dry land - and the saga of the experimental swing-wing XF10F-1 Jaguar (a classic case of a new engine in a new airframe resulting in a series of near-disasters).
I can't recommend this book too highly, and in fact anything written by this amazing survivor of a remarkable period of technological progress in aviation, which cost many lives of heroic test pilots.
I found this book such a stimulating read that I have (so far) bought two, as I think that the first copy, which I have lent out, will be of such interest that I may not get it back!
David Smith

In 1942 with only a few hundred hours of flying in low performance aircraft Corky Meyer had the audacity to apply for a test pilot slot at Grumman. Why Grumman, because everyone else had turned him down.

By way of comparison a test pilot hoping to find employment at Grumman or Lockheed today would probably have three thousand hours of high performance jet time, an undergrad or masters in engineering and would have graduated at or near the top of his class at the AF or Navy test pilot schools. However, Corky's arrival at Grumman was at the build up to WW2.

The book continues with Meyer's fantastic experiences during and after WW2, testing not only the Grumman aircraft but virtually all of the top us fighters plus the Zero and ME 109. During WW2 the high performance fighters began to approach the sonic range where forces took over control of the aircraft. Forces that the engineers were just beginning to understand. Meyer was literally at the cutting edge of technology; but in this case the cutting edge was the executioner's sword in too many cases.

I will not spoil the story with the tale of the engineer's fix for the Bearcat as it entered this range but suffice to say that the words " we have an idea" from engineers are the most feared words to the test pilot. Given the times and the need to advance the technology at a pace we could not imagine today test pilots were pretty much expendable. However, it is to Grumman's credit that they lost very few pilots in this period.

Meyer continues into the beginning of the Cold War and then Korea when the race to develop and deploy new designs was just as frantic as that in WW2. He chronicles the early age of jet fighters and the many trials and challenges.

For those with an appreciation and love of the magnificent fighter aircraft of WW2 or the early jet age this book is required reading. Not to be missed.

I first met Corky a year ago when composing a free lance article for a local New York Times magazine publication. Without a doubt, he is an interesting individual, with unique talents and adventures so vividly expressed throughout this book. He dramatically lays out his life's love of flying and, the reader will capiture the essence of just how his personality and manner of expression undoubtedly guided Grumman throughout its hayday years. Anyone possessing the least interest in aviation and such an important phase of American history, should reward themselves by reading Corky's Flight Journal

My father flew with Corky as a crew chief checking out TBFs for navy acceptance. He said he was a great guy and the book shows how true that is.

This book is a miracle. The miracle is that the author lived to write it.

'Corky' Meyer joined Grumman in the 1940s when that company was demonstrating its ability to design and build Navy fighters such as the Hellcat and Bearcat (and, later, other types of Naval aircraft and civilian flying boats), and went on to undertake flight test of essentially every significant Grumman fighter from the F-6F-3 Hellcat, the F-8F-1 Bearcat, the twin-engined F7F-1 Tigercat, the jet F-9F-2 Panther, the Navy's first swept-wing fighter--the F-9F-8 Cougar, up to the F11-F Tiger (all Grumman's fighters have been named after cats of various types). He became one of the very few, if not the only civilian pilot ever to achieve 'carquals'--carrier qualifications.

Meyer flew dozens of different aircraft from many countries, and his commentaries are illuminating, including his chapter on "the best fighters of WWII," undertaken for FLIGHT JOURNAL. His conclusions, based significantly on analysis of warfighting results, will be the subject of endless hangar flying by readers of the book.

This book charmingly, humbly but with marvelously tongue-in-cheek humor traces the author's adventures and misadventures over a long and brilliant career in flight test. He and a few dozen other civilian and military test pilots enabled the difficult, painful and often fatal transition from the relatively simple propeller-driven fighter aircraft that endured into the 1950s up to the current complex devices. Many did not survive but gave their lives to flight test, bravely, often in the most difficult circumstances imaginable.

In effect, his experience covers the transition from personal observation by the hands and the seat of the pants to the slide rule to the eventual use of sophisticated measuring systems on the aircraft that morphed eventually into computer-aided simulation and telemetry, as speeds went from subsonic to supersonic, and as materials, structures, systems and procedures placed ever-increasing demands on every aspect of aircraft development from initial design through prototyping into flight test and eventual production. Meyer was never afraid to speak his mind to those around him, sometimes insisting on changes that took a lot of time and effort to undertake but were proved right in the end. His conclusions were sometimes intuitive but were often right. When he was wrong, he said so.

This book reminds me of the similarly marvelous SPITFIRE: A Test Pilot's Story, by Jeffrey Quill (see my review), and it belongs on the bookshelf of every pilot interested in understanding whose shoulders we are truly standing on. Meyer and Quill, brothers in the cockpit, write definitively about some of the most interesting flying ever done.

The book is particularly important for pilots who are interested in naval aviation (every naval aviator will enjoy it) because it makes clear that aircraft development for carrier operation is a very difficult art. It requires not only that the basic characteristics and performance meet the specifications for a fighter aircraft but that it must also be able to withstand the rigors of carrier arrivals (22-feet-per-second descent rate at trap), acceptable approach speeds and stability that makes it suitable for average naval aviators (there is probably no such thing, especially in the eyes of naval aviators).

Problems are always more interesting to read about than cake walks, and Meyer got his fill. He saved his life, and the lives of countless others, through his ability to analyze, decide and act decisively under severe stress. His description, alone, of his flight-test experience of the variable-sweep XF10-F-1 Jaguar and its appalling difficulties (it was a significant contributor to the F-14 Tomcat, technically) is worth the price of the book, but any page you look he describes, often with profound candor, the lot of the test pilot before (and this is crucial in terms of survival) reliable ejection seats were developed.

So the miracle happened. Corky lived to write this fine book. It lacks only an index.
_________________________________________________________________
Disclaimer: early in the development of the book, Corky asked me to help with the editing. He didn't need my help. He writes as well as he flies.

One of the things people think about, particularly at this time of the year, is what to get friends and family as a gift. Why not get them a good book. I like to think that any book that I�ve reviewed in this column might be a good book for somebody, but they might not be a good book for everyone. This week, however, I�m featuring a book that would be enjoyable by all the people on your gift list.
This week�s book is Country Boy: Adventures of an Untroubled Childhood by Dan Prusi. People have been writing about their childhood for centuries. These books usually fall into two categories, troubled and untroubled childhoods. Lately, troubled childhood seems to be more popular, but that wasn�t always the case. People who read Prusi�s book might be reminded of any number of other novels and autobiographies on the same subject. Many people will recall Mark Twain writing about Tom Sawyer. Tom had many successors.
How should one describe Prusi�s description of his childhood? It seems to me one can safely quote the publisher on this. They say, "Country Boy, Adventures from an Untroubled Childhood is a true story about the wonders of childhood and the love and companionship provided by a large closely knit family. Set in the iron mining area of rural Upper Michigan in the 1950�s and 1960�s, it is the story of a young�s boys adventures, misadventures and the role his family played in shaping his childhood and his entire life. From the boy�s first kiss to the shame of running afoul of the law at age ten, to the inventiveness of children trying to entertain themselves, it is the story that the average reader can both relate to, and delight in."
In this book you get to know not only Dan Prusi, but his family and friends. From his parents and seven sisters to his cousins and other neighborhood chums. Although he only lived in Bellevue, which was a location about half way between Palmer and Negaunee, until he was thirteen years old, the memories has stayed with him since then. They are particularly important because Bellevue location no long exist. It was taken over by the Empire Mine who owned all of the land. The memories, though, remain as strong as ever.
Prusi seems to have had a happy and loving childhood. Not everyone is as fortunate, but we all have pleasant memories of something. I think that reading this book will trigger fond memories in those who read it. For instance, in his Christmas chapter he mentions receiving one year a "book" of lifesaver rolls which he ate rather quickly. He didn�t eat lifesavers for a while after that. I remember those lifesaver books myself. I think I got one for Christmas myself, but hadn�t Thought of it in years. Other people will have other memories, I�m sure.
After he left Bellevue he graduated from Negaunee High School in 1971. According to the publisher, "The father of three grown children, he now resides in Cedar Valley Township near Floodwood, Minnesota with Serilee, his wife of twenty-eight years. An avid outdoorsman and amateur naturalist, he lives on a Seventy-seven acre property that he manages for wildlife."
This is his first published book. He tells me that there may be another one soon. I�m sure, when it comes, it will be interesting. Many people are told by their friends or relatives that they ought to write a book. Even though it sometimes seems that everyone is writing a book most people don�t ever get up the nerve to actually write one. Prusi did, and we all benefit from it. Even those who aren�t familiar about the life style he writes about will know people similar to those described in this book. This people will make happy to have read it, and that is no small accomplishment.
Prusi thoughtfully includes some pictures from his family album so we can see what the people we have been reading about actually look like. I�m sure the people pictured never thought that they would end up as characters in Prusi�s reminiscences. I don�t think, though, that they would mind the kindly way he described them, or the pleasures their lives will give to other people.

Andrew Grgurich � The Mining Journal, Marquette, Michigan

Here is a book that is sure to bring a smile to your face. It may even bring back some of your own childhood memories! The book relates the adventures of a 50's era country boy with his family members and friends. This is a fun read and I highly recommend it!

This was a great book, I could not put it down, I think everyone will enjoy this book. Such a close knit family. I couldn't put it down.

The universal identification of good warm feelings aren't easily reduced to a cold analysis. The kind of feelings this book arouse need to be experienced in the reading and 'relating.' Dan Prusi does a masterful job in describing certain childhood memories which naturally trigger neronal synapses in the limbic system deep in the brain of the reader. The result is feelings of awe, joy, wonderment, curiosity, accomplishment and anticipation. The result is an emotional trip back to those times in one's own childhood when most of the time the world was a wonderful play ground and the only limitation to discovery was lack of imagination or unwillingness to apply imagination. The adult reader will wish to journey back to that untroubled time in his/her life and bring back compareable memories Dan has so warmly described.
The cynics and naysayers today make a powerful argument that innocence is lost and childhood has become hostile. Our children today know more by age 12 than some of us knew by age 24. Dan Prusi presents a book that balances the inference that such a harsh commentary is bad. He hints that today's 12 year olds have the same child like enthusisam for discovery as did his parent's generation as did his generation. And he shares poignant memories so skillfully, the reader can be transported emotionally to the wonderment of childhood.

Anybody who's ever been a kid can find something to smile about in this lively memoir. The author's stories about growing up in a small town, surrounded by a loving family make for a lighthearted, thoughtful read. Prusi's vivid descriptions and fondly-recalled anecdotes give the reader a real sense of a time (the 1950s) and place (the Upper Peninsula of Michigan) that can feel pretty far removed from our hectic lives, and provide a reminder of the simple pleasures of childhood. Country Boy will help you see the world through a child's eyes again.

This manual and audio CD set are great for yoga beginners like me. Dana walks you through each pose, and you can customize your workout to meet your personal needs and goals. I never felt overwhelmed or confused, it is very relaxing and inspiring. Even advanced users can benefit from this series.

Dana created a wonderful book that enables me to practice at home, in the order I am comfortable with and that best suits my needs! I am still learning, but this book allows me to move at my own pace. The photos are a tremendous help to be sure I am posturing myself correctly.
Great work, Dana!
ACat

I recently purchased the book and the audi discs and I love them. I am not yet at a point where I am willing to go to a Yoga class and this book is giving me the courage do so now that I am familar with the positions.

The book is customized to specific body areas which encourages me to work on my problem areas. The book also offers modifications if you are having difficulty getting into the positions as pictured. It's also a great book to bring along when traveling.

I highly recommend Dana Edison's Yoga. Although I can't get into the positions completely.. YET.. my flexibility improved after a week using the modified positions.

I can finally practice my yoga when its convienent for me! At home, or even in the gym, this book and CD makes practicing alone so much easier! The picturs and easy to read instructions coundn't be better. I also LOVE how the book is broken down into different body parts. So, just as I would train different body parts in the gym with weights on different days, I can incorporate different poses and stretches for the body part I'm training on that particular day.
The core exercises are great! I do them daily, and they hit the core in a way no ab machine in the gym could come close to!

The book title says it all: her method of yoga is not "one size fits all." It very customizable for anybody interested in the practice. It's also very clear and straight-forward, perfect for beginners and advanced users while being very comprehensive. Plus, Dana is incredibly hot. :-)

An essential book for the medievalist or art historian. Explains techniques and methods that have been lost to modern people over time.

Georg Pawer was an extremely well educated German in the Humanist tradition of the late fifteenth and early sixteenth century. It was natural that he turned his Greco-German name into Greco-Latin, labeling himself Georgius Agricola. Both versions mean Farmer (Georgios) Farmer (Pawer = Bauer / Agricola). He was a physician by profession. Neither side of his background would seem to suit him to write one of the great books on mining and the refining of ores, but as an official town physician, responsible for treating miners at no additional charge, he seems to have won their trust. The result was a manual, aimed not at people who would have to dig up ores, but at potential investors, and officials and lawyers, who would have to deal with financing, administration and litigation. He set out the basic customs and practices of mining, described the remarkably elaborate machines needed to keep mines dry and ventilated, and processing and refining, with their devices and chemicals. Naturally, he wrote it in the language of real scholarship, Latin, not sixteenth-century German.

Since surviving classical Latin is not abundantly supplied with appropriate technical terms, and those which exist are not always clear, the resulting text was soon found to present formidable difficulties, despite important aids from accompanying illustrations. There were early attempts at translating it into German, and even a rendering into Chinese (an early attempt to emulate the mysterious Occidentals and their terror-weapons), but when this translation appeared in 1912, German scholars were humiliated to find that they had been outclassed by a couple of mere "Englanders". They were probably even less happy to find that the translators were Americans.

Actually, Lou Henry Hoover, a good classicist, made a perfect team with her husband, the mining engineer Herbert Hoover, who was shortly to become much better known for humanitarian relief work, and an unhappy experience as President of the United States. The engineering half of the partnership knew what the problems were, and the sort of thing that Agricola must have been trying to say, and the classicist could tell whether the vocabulary and grammar could carry that meaning. The result was a book which was not only beautiful, with its reproductions of the original illustrations, but a genuine contribution to the history of technology.

The Dover reprinting of 1950 was one of the first, if not the first, of that publisher's adventures in bringing important works back into print, in attractive editions, at reasonable prices. It remains a gem, whether regarded from points of view of the history of technology, of art, or of Renaissance Humanism. The only thing missing is Agricola's companion treatise on other hazards of mining, like kobolds and other malicious spirits (yes, I am serious; he had lots of testimony from honest miners, after all).

Of course, nothing human is perfect, and there are some hints of why such a practical man as Herbert Hoover, with a real concern for human suffering, proved so doctrinaire in the face of the Depression. At one point, the Hoovers scold the Romans for concentrating on German metal resources, instead of trying to build up the only true source of wealth, Agriculture. A lovely sentiment, very eighteenth-century Physiocratic, but it did not seem to occur to them that any agricultural surplus would have had to be shipped down the Rhine, into the North Sea, and around Europe, to be of any immediate benefit to Rome. If it stayed in Germany, it would just feed more nasty, Roman-hating Germans -- so much better to concentrate on something more compact and worth carrying across the Alps, or at least useful for arming the Legions. (Of course, there are also the problems of whether Italian agricultural techniques were of any value in the Rhine valley, and why the Germans had not learned appropriate methods from the neighboring Gauls -- but that leads in other directions.)

This book is a great read. The sections are well defined to cover each topic, including measurements where applicable and even the definition of tracts and management of said lands. He has written other books too. I hope they reprint the translations soon.

This early work describes the thinking of early technologists and shows the development of materials technology and related engineering knowledge of the late 15th century. Of particular interest is the detailed research done by Herbert Hoover, former President and mining engieer. His research is detailed in extensive foot notes. The illustrations are exact copies of the originals. Some of the early chapters are the most intersting reading because of the insights gained into archaic thinking that extrapolates to modern times.

This book is not a simple read for those looking for the basics, it a detailed review of the process of mining in the 16th Century throughout Germany with the inclusion of some surrounding regions. All aspects of the search for and creation of metals are covered from how to determine where a vein of materials is most likely to be found thru the methods of ore refinement and ingot production. The footnotes are incredibly helpful and sometimes (necessarily) take up more space than the text they refer to. This is not a basic overview, it is a manual designed to educate in specifics.

As a reference this text is wonderful. The woodcuts alone provide a review of the methods and technology used that is more detailed than any other source I have found - although I am admittedly a novice in this particular field of study in Early Modern German History. As an amateur historian I would say that this manuscript is not a `friendly' read for a general audience, however as a reference for those deeply interested in the subject of mining or Early Modern German metal working it is invaluable. Great companion for Pyrotechnica.

This is a book that comes straight from the heart. It is about a mother's heroic struggle over many years to help her developmentally-challenged son, whose immune system has apparently been severely damaged by a chemical intended for termites. This voyage through many years of treatment, through false starts, frustrating encounters with ignorant school teachers and officials, is also a spiritual journey that leads to encounters with forces of evil that seem otherworldly. All of this leads to shocking ending that no reader could expect. Highly recommended.

This book tells about how one mother never gave up trying to find help for her son. Her story is an inspiration to others who have to struggle for appropriate medical care, effective educational methods, and physical endurance to carry on over the years and never give up. After the first page, a reader cannot put it down. The story keeps unfolding, even when you think there can't be more. The Bryce family worked together to gain spiritual strength, and now Sarah shares their story with her readers.

Sarah Bryce eloquently illustrates the challenges of having a son with special needs. The reader is transported into the world of the 1960's & 1970's, when little was known in the medical and educational communities about children with undiagnosable conditions. In a time where warehousing handicapped children was encouraged, Bill & Sarah Bryce bravely navigated the turbulent waters of ignorance, nonchalance & anger. Instead of giving up hope, they sought help in both conventional and unconventional arenas and were successful. This book is a lesson in tenacity, courage and love.

This is a very fascinating book, brings out the loving relationship of Bill and Sarah Bryce with their highly gifted son Malcom who suffered from a severe nervous disorder.
The book tells of their acquaintance with a physical therapist through whose help and encouragement they were able to help their son deal with the problems he faced.
Thru this book and our friendship with the Bryces, I was put in touch with the therapist, Ed Snapp. By treatment in his clinic I have benefited greatly in my battle with a periferal nerve disease.
Martin Schmidt 1343 31 Rd, Minden, NE 68959

I read Sarah Bryce's "Do Butterflies Have Spare Parts" and cried and laughed and got mad with the medical community and ached as the parents and family struggled through this painful ordeal. Sarah Bryde has opened up an avenue for us who have "different" children and with education and books like this maybe we can bring more understanding and healing to multitudes that need it.
The book was the most loving and sincere and showed the love of a family, striving to stay intact under difficult circumstances. I highly recommend the book to any one who wants to understand human differences.

I got this book a couple years ago and love it. It's great to take to places where you'll have to wait a while because you don't need to read it from beginning to end- you can open it to anyplace and flip around. I loved how the Wade brothers assumed the identies of all sorts of people, from mental patients to animal jewelry designers. It just shows how versatile they are. Their letters are always formal, though hilarious (such as asking Listerine for recipies and trying to find a house shaped like a W that can withstand atomic bombs). An excellent book for long- or short-term reading.

This is easily in the top three funniest books I've ever read(and I've read alot.) The imagination behind the Wade brother'sletters themselves is incredible. And clearly their targets just don't get it. Please, Wade brothers, do this again!

A very good follow up to MY BUSH PIG'S NAME IS BORIS, Humorist James "Woody" Wade is joined by his brother, Stu "Pointster" Wade in this effort. It's great to see that the business world can poke fun at itself by doing nothing more than business as usual. Can be easily read in one sitting if you don't mind cleaning up after yourself from time to time

The authors do a masterful job of exposing the humorless self-importance of the subjects of their correspondence. The discerning reader will detect a strain of melancholy and futility running throughout the mirthless, dehumanized responses to the authors' inquiries. Bravo, Brothers Wade!

For those with a good sense of humor ... this is a must read !! I knew the book just a little before Mr. James Wade came to my school. Then he was my professor in a great management course. You can't imagine how fun and professional this great person is. The book gives perfectly the image of how "Woody" is creative ! Do not miss this hilarious peace of work !!

"The Early Journals of Will Barnett" is the second of nine novels I have read from the prolific pen of Ronald L. Donaghe (the first being "Common Son") and it is truly interesting to compare the two.

There are a number of years separating these two works, and it shows in the way that the author has developed both the story and characters with even more intensity and credibility. The later work is also a more complex story with plot twists that are more in-depth and sophisticated.

"The Early Journals of Will Barnett" is a three-novel series under one cover, so I will review each one in the order that they are presented. However, over all, it is a compelling story about a naïve teenager growing up in a remote part of New Mexico, and the sometimes painful evolution he undergoes from the time he first discovers his burgeoning physical attraction to his "pretty" Uncle Sean, until his eventual maturity--both sexually and as a man.

Therefore, the reader is drawn into the story at a very early stage--appropriately told in Will's `transcribed' words, and is then swept along as Will moves from one stage of his development to another.

These developments the author unfolds with insight and understanding, as well as some unexpected twists along the way.

"Uncle Sean"

This is the first of Will Barnett's journals, and the author has cleverly opened it with a credible (...or perhaps true) account of how he found these `scribblings' in a derelict barn. Donaghe then takes on the voice of a unsophisticated, fourteen-year-old farm boy, to relate his awe and wonderment regarding his somewhat older uncle, Sean--recently returned from active duty in Vietnam.

Thereafter, Will's fascination deepens as he tries to fathom this exceptionally handsome, but otherwise complex and troubled man, and his confused feelings toward him. In this regard, the author has awakened within all of us that wonderment over an older boy next door, or down the street, or perhaps a relative when we were Will's age--I know it resonated with me.

"Lance" (The second in the series)

At the opening of this particular novel, the author conjures up a meeting with the real(?) Will Barnett--now in his early forties. This meeting auspiciously provides the material for this and the concluding novel as well.

Now, somewhat aware of his sexuality, Will encounters a boy his own age with a deeply troubled background. Lance is an abused youth with an abusive stepfather and condescending mother. Therefore, Will and Lance form a bond against the abuses of the world, and this bond gradually deepens into an abiding love

This is a recurring theme in the four Ronald L. Donaghe novels I have read to date, and I commend him for that. An author's job is not just to tell a story. It sometimes involves holding up a mirror to society with a carefully crafted message attached. In this regard Ronald L. Donaghe has done both. He has not only vividly described the shortcomings readily apparent in our society, i.e., bigotry, intolerance, religious fundamentalism, bullying, child abuse, etc., but he has also dramatized the harm these intolerances cause to innocent youths already struggling to understand their own complex sexuality.

"All over him"

At the opening of this novel, Will and Lance have temporarily separated in order to attend different universities--Lance in San Francisco, and Will in Austin, Texas, to live with his Uncle Sean as well. It is a poignant separation, but they both vow to remain faithful for the two years that it will take Lance to graduate. Of course, the question is: Will they be able to honour their vows in spite of overwhelming temptation?

For obvious reasons I'm not going to answer that question, except to say that this is the final stage in Will's evolution from boy to man.

Once again the author has captured the experience of every farm boy who migrates from farm to city, and the cultural shock that sometimes accompanies such a move. He certain captured it for me--Review by Gerry Burnie, author of Two Irish Lads.

A very touching book with positive characters that make this a beautiful read.I didnt want the story to end and hope Mr. Donaghe continues the story of Will and Lance.This my first book of this author and will definitely be reading more from him.

I have only come across Ron Donaghe's work after reading those of Mark Roeder and Mark Kendrick, and having read his name mentioned by those authors in their acknowledgments.

Although having read the works of those other authors first, and loving the stories they tell, I must say that Ron Donaghe is the father of all gay storytellers, and he is the master of his craft!

The Will Barnett series was something I picked up after having read Donaghe's Common Threads in the Life Series and thoroughly enjoying them all. I enjoyed the characters in the Will Barnett stories just as much if not more than the Reece clan in Donaghe's other series. Just as in his Threads series, Donaghe takes the reader right into the heart of New Mexico and the American Southwest and, from there, right into the hearts and lives of the characters he creates. The people and places on those pages magically come to life as Donaghe masterfully weaves his tales.

The Early Journals of Will Barnett is a must-read for anyone who is looking to get lost in a good story!

I really enjoyed this book because its a 3 in one. All of the stories fallow Will in his own writing about growing up and falling in love. Great books I would recomend to any one who is interested in this style of book.

I'm not sure what to say, this book more than deserves a five star rating. Will, Lance and Uncle Sean will captivate you. This book became my obsession; I could not put it down. It is a great, happy story with tender,loving, and hot sex.