Arts Books

I have been practicing the martial arts since the age of 14. This year will mark the 40th year that I've studied one system of combat or another. Additionally, I have been a police officer for 31 years and my profession has occasionally offered me the opportunity to use the thingS that I've learned in the Dojo. I have an entire set of Shawn Kovacich's superb series on Achieving Kicking Excellence (Vol. 1- 10) and can truthfully say that I have seen no more thorough books on the art of kicking in the all my years in the martial arts. The kicks covered (one per volume) include the back kick, the heel kick, the axe kick, the crescent kick, the reverse crescent kick, the front kick, the hook kick, the hatchet kick, the round house kick, and the side kick.
Each volume begins with an overview of the kick and instructions on how to make the best possible use of the kick. Chapter 1 delves into the anatomy of the kick and which muscles are used, and in what manner, to achieve the maximum possible efficiency in kicking.
Chapter 2 outlines a stretching program and offers helpful tips in that area for the student. Chapter 3 deals with the basic principles of kicking movement. These include the striking implement, target areas, stability (a biggie!), balance, alignment, sequence of movement, accuracy. Strength, speed, timing and distance, impact, retraction, and visualization. Each area is explained in detail as it relates to developing your kicking ability.
Chapter 4 deals exhaustively with the primary kick. It follows the kick from initiation through each phase of the kick to impact, recoil, and recovery. He troubleshoots the problems that many martial artists experience with the kick at each phase and offers corrective actions for each problem.
Chapter 5 goes over pretty much every variation of the kick known to man and these are dissected with master Kovacich's usual thoroughness.
Chapter 6 is one of the strongest parts of the book for me. In this chapter, Master Kovacich discusses training and practice methods. He details skill, strength, speed, and power training. Learning how to do the kick is only half the battle. Developing the kick through specific training methods and exercises is the other half and is usually overlooked by other authors.
As if he hadn't already done enough in this area, Master Kovacich outlines further specific trouble areas for the student in chapter 7. Chapter 8 covers kicking applications for tournament and street.. Master Kovacich shows how the kick is set up and how delivery can be affected by your opponent's actions as well as your own.
In chapter 9 you can see why Master Kovacich's kicks are so good and why you should pay attention to his advice. He is in the Guiness Book of World records for throwing more high kicks in an afternoon that I believe I have thrown in my life.
If you desire to become a more powerful, competent kicker, then these books represent an important investment for you . I can tell you that, even after 40 years of fighting experience, there are things in these books that have made me re-think some of my training methods regarding kicking.
Master Kovacich will be coming out with a new series of books dealing with the combat applications of each kick in the near future. As I'm sure these books will cover combat applications with the same thoroughness of this series, I eagerly await their publishing.

I have read both books 4 and 5 in the series and let me say wow!! I am a martial arts instructor of both reality/mma training and traditional martial arts. I got these books to help me with the latter only to find out it helped with the former as well. If you are a MMA/Reality based martial artist do not let this book pass you by. Everytime myself or one of my students pick it up we see some small to large tidbit we didn't see before.
My student J. Oakes went from kicking with decent power on both these kicks from the book series 4 and 5 to being able to knock me across the gym floor. I could get very technical and sciencey about what these books have to offer but instead I will just put it out their....this book will give you better looking, higher, more poweful kicks. What ever your kicking goal is not using this book is to miss out your kicks being all they can be! In thirty years of martial arts training I have not seen a better more effective book series on kicking!
THANK YOU Shawn Kovacich you have enriched myself and my students training. A debt that can't be paid back. But I am sure I am not the only one. If you want better kicks(and what martial artist doesn't) don't pass up this fine series. If you meet a martial artist who has and you haven't you will "kick" youself for it! Though not as good as you could have if you read this series.

Eric Young
MARTIAL ARTS TEACHER
AND STUDENT FOR OVER 30 YEARS.

As all other books of the scrupulous "Kick" series, written by Shawn Kovacich, "Crescent kick" and "Reverse Crescent kick" contain all the information you need to perform flawless kicks. The books are very easy to follow, and text together with hundreds of illustrations gives to martial arts practitioners clear and precise instructions. I especially appreciate Trouble Shooting guide, where you can find answers to most stumpers such as "Why do I always seem to be hitting my opponent shoulders every time I kick?" or "Why do I lose my balance every time I kick?"
Highly recommended.

After having concluded Mr. Kovacich's book on the crescent kick I moved on to volume 5 ---- Reverse Crescent Kick. I thought that I knew the correct technique to effectuate a better than adequate reverse crescent kick; however, after reading this book, I can see why Mr. Kovacich recommends the repetition he does in the book. The practice develops technique as it teaches the muscles involved how to perform the kick properly. Increased muscle memory creates a more effective kick. Not only does the form improve, but the strength and usefulness of the kick improves dramatically.

The book uses wonderful imagery. It is simple but accurate, as well as thought provoking, allowing for full comprehension of what Mr. Kovacich is trying to teach about the reverse crescent kick. As with the prior volume, I really enjoyed the abundance of photographs and detailed foot positions that accompany each kick.

I used to use the reverse crescent kick as a valuable kick within my arsenal; however, I really never used many variations of the kick. The book was fantastic in helping to understand the multiple uses of the kick, as well as techniques to help adequately train your body to perform the kicks.

Finally, I thought the Troubleshooting section of the book provided a great tool to use once you believe you have properly developed good technique. Inevitably, as one develops the kick, there will be weaknesses. Mr. Kovacich does a very nice job at attempting to help the student correct those inevitable weaknesses. I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting such a favorite kick of mine and look forward to reading more in the future.

I have now read four of the ten basic Achieving Kicking Excellence books by Shawn Kovacich (1, 2, 4, and now 5). This entry into the series, the Reverse Crescent Kick, is, in my opinion, the most useful thus far. The primary reason for this is the fact that the kick itself is extremely useful and versatile.

As is the norm for this series, Kovacich goes to great lengths to provide every piece of information you could ever want (plus some more on top of that) regarding this kick. From appropriate stretching to the dynamics of the human body when correctly performing the kick, Kovacich covers all the bases in this outstanding book.

The provided variations on the primary kick are all useful and provide a solid jumping off point for the potential student to explore other possibilities and uses for the kick.

The reality is that no book can replace a competent teacher of the martial arts, but this book is probably as close as it gets. Even better, if you are currently studying martial arts in a formal setting, this book will help your progress by leaps and bounds compared to classroom study alone.

This book was simp;e to follow and had some great ideas! I'll make more quilts using this method.

Reversible Quilts by Sharon Pederson is a wonderful addition to my quilting library. I like having the project quilted as I go along. This book has an excellent variety of patterns and each one is explained carefully. I won't hesitate to try any othe quilts pictured in this book. I consider myself an intermediate to advanced quilter. The directions are exemplary.

This technique was new for a group of Costarrican quilters that gather on Saturdays to explore new methods and create the most wonderfull quilts. All of us has it's own style as what technique we like better, but this is new interesting and we are using it for the gift we are preparing to our teacher.

Then again I ordered 5 more books of this kind as a christmas gift to all of my classmates

Having taken a class at a local quilt shop to learn how to make a reversible quilt, this book was a very good reference giving information on all aspects of the quilt making process. The diagrams, pictures, and text assisted in learning how to sew a reversible quilt. This technique is great!

I have never made a quilt before but I used the 2-for-1 design to make 2 twin size quilts for my grandsons. I modified the front side w/ my own design & used the author's design for reverse side. It took me 8+ weeks to complete 2 beautiful quilts that totally impressed everyone. The book is well written w/ clear & easy instructions. I am already planning my 3rd quilt. The only fault I found w/ this book was the number of projects--I would've liked even more inspiration. I also bought this author's followup book -- More Reversible Quilts. I highly recommend these books.

It was a nice surprise to discover Dr. Seuss' "other" art, the art less known by the public. Theodor Seuss Geisel created wonderful paintings and sculptures, of which I was not aware prior to hearing about this book. Of course, his "other" art is just as imaginative and creative as the art seen in his children's books. "The Secret Art of Dr. Seuss" is a beautiful addition to my living room coffee table.

Betsy Hammer

A visually stunning body of work. This book shares rare and unusual images not seen in the series of children's books Dr. Seuss penned. Some of the images are dark and disturbing but then that's what makes it worth seeing. A wonderful and beautifully written forward by Maurice Sendak, another children's author, adds an interesting insight to the quirky and unique personality, of my beloved childhood hero, Theodore Geisel aka Dr. Seuss.

I recommend this book for kids and adults and anyone interested in animation or comic art.

this book is moving. in the way that a rainy day or a kitten effect your mood, this book too, will leave you changed.

i love this book.

This book gives you some of the everyday images from Dr. Seuss' children books and sketches for those characters, but also invites you into a secret world of other at that he created, some reminiscent of his popular books, but some much more abstract and interesting.

This book is a good buy for those who want to see more of who Dr. Seuss really was and what other art he created.

Ted Geisel, more widely known as Dr. Seuss, was a consummate writer and illustrator. His children's books have sold millions of copies; it is a near certainty that few children grow up in the United States without being exposed to Seuss books. This book contains some of Seuss's art that has not had a great deal of exposure. Most are paintings, although there are some works of three-dimensional art.
There are some very subtle messages in these paintings. On page 67 the image has the title "A Man Who Has Made an Unwise Prochess (sic)." A sad-looking man is walking from a distant building along a trail where there are sharp drops on both sides. The image caught and held my eye as I tried to determine what was so familiar about it. Then I realized that the man looked a great deal like Adolph Hitler. The eyes, hair, mustache and shape of the face all match.
Most of the other works contain characters similar to those that have appeared in his books. They are all well done, exuding a brightness and joy so typical of the Dr. Seuss books. Geisel was just as much an artist as he was a writer, perhaps even more so. If you examine this book, you may also reach that conclusion.

A fantastic meditation on the power of storytelling and storycatching. Well written and very poetic. Easy to read and not boring like some books on storytelling. Various personal stories are weaved throughout the text. This is not a how-to book even though Christina provides questions to start you on your journey. Stories touch every aspect of our lives. Read the book and then attend one of her workshops. It will change your life and put you on the road to telling your story.

This profoundly moving book, Storycatcher, by Christina Baldwin has recently been released in paperback. It is a masterful opus about the awakening power of story to shape, and reshape, human experience and destiny. It inspires us as writers and storytellers with creative guidelines and evocative questions. But even more so, Storycatcher is itself a story: one that places language as the sacred foundation of being human and connects us to the joy within ourselves and each other, our past, and our future.

Storycatcher is an exceptional tale that weaves the heart of personal story with the universal, human story. As Baldwin says, "we literally cannot think without words, but it is the feelings words evoke that gives story its power...the voice of story is calling us to remember our true selves."

This book entrances readers with its poignant narratives and dazzles with insight into the unbroken stream of human existence that story--both the written and oral tradition--inspires. Storycatcher helps us make sense of our lives and helps us to make sense of the world and our place in it. This is an outstanding book that will rouse your heart and open your eyes.

Author Christina Baldwin is one of the founders of the personal writing movement that emerged during the 70s. For more than thirty years her life's work has been writing, teaching, and inspiring people to have heartfelt dialogues and authentic conversations. Storycatcher is a fascinating interweaving of narrative worthy of her accumulated wisdom and maturity, and a timely gift that builds bridges of connection to personal and collective meaning.

Review by Julie Clayton

The author has reflected deeply on what it means to be a storyteller in the age of the Internet. This book affirms the relevance of the universal to the personal and expands the idea of global consciousness into new and uncharted regions of human history. Many of the references will resonate especially for baby boomers. As a story writer, it gave me much to think about. . .

As an author, teacher, and concerned world citizen, I am awed by the depth and compassion woven into this highly-readable anecdotal book. Don't let the stories fool you, though. This book will enhance your interactions with others. If we practiced Storycatching, Christina-style, there would be so much more joy and justice in our world.

"We are the story-making creatures," says Christina Baldwin, and she goes on to inspire readers to locate, articulate, and celebrate their story-making process. Storycatcher is deeply informed by her rich experience as a writer and a teacher of writing. She weaves personal story into collective story seamlessly and beautifully--pointing the way for writers of all stripes. Whether your interest is essay, memoir, novel, genealogy, short story or poetry, there are prompts a plenty. Above all, this book is a companion--the best kind--wise, kind, honest and fun. What a gift to all readers and writers!

This is one of the best self-defense books around! This is an idea book, meaning it's light on technique and heavy on real life practical information. While technique is important, 95% of self-defense is about awareness, attitude, etc., and that is where this book surpasses most others. My favorite section is on how to deal with the aftermath of violence, especially on how to deal with the police. These types of lessons are overlooked in many martial arts programs. I highly recommend this book!

Rarely do I come across a "martial arts" book that genuinely delves into the reality of armed assaults or real world violence. The majority are fraught with pretend, imagining, exaggerations and nonsensical rhetoric.

Mr. Lawrence A. Kane has provided the human race--not just martial artists--with a well researched manual of documented pragmatism that encompasses the realm of armed assault.

Directed to the layman, "Surviving Armed Assault" strives toward and nicely achieves, a grand measure of clarity in describing the precursors, the actualities, and serious ramifications of violenve, and in particular, that of armed violence.

We won't find a photo-rich environment of fancy disarms and unique control measures of someone unarmed taking on an armed, alleged felon. What you will read are documented facts and figures about what happens when humans decide to use weapons against people or just choose to behave in atrociously violent fashions--both against those prepared for such eventualities, and those who are not unprepared. We will also learn about important attributes and concepts for dealing with real world violence, armed or unarmed.

Void of rhetoric and fabrications, Kane keeps us on the straight and narrow, allowing us to peep through the portal of a serious and dangerous topic, providing the kind of realsm that teaches humans best.

If anyone has a need or a curosity for learning about human on human violence, especially violence involving weapons of various sorts, this book is a good one for developing a base of understanding upon which you might construct a wise structure of operations.

Thank you, Mr. Kane for your efforts and time to create a nicely written masterpiece.

"The Griz"

Surviving Armed Assaults is complete from start to finish. I can't think of anything that Mr. Kane has left out of this insightful book. This book covers the variety of weapons that one can expect to encounter on the street, how to avoid physical confrontations, the importance of awareness, and how to be prepared to meet a violent predator if one finds himself in that situation.

The technical information provided on the multitude of available weapons is very helpful and enlightening, as is the numerous photographs found throughout the book which demonstrate Mr. Kane's points and helps visual learners grasp the points which he is trying to get across. This book is well written and would be a great addition to any martial arts library.

I highly recommend this book to any martial artist, law enforcement officer, or just the average man on the street who wants to keep himself or his family safe. Predators do not think like the ordinary, every day man. This book gives the reader a good idea of what to expect should you ever be unfortunate enough to cross paths with one of these criminals. I can't recommend this book enough. Buy it and be safe!

Any time you deal with interpersonal violence, there is a high likelihood of someone attempting to apply something beyond their own hands and feet to make the other person have a bad day. Lawrence Kane addresses that problem in this exhaustive volume.

Kane cites research showing that 70% of the male population carries a knife. In seven years there were over 1.7 million attacks in the U.S. utilizing blunt, bladed, and projectile weapons. 25% of violent crime is committed by someone bearing a weapon. You have a one-in-four chance of getting shot, beaten, or cut and stabbed every time you cross paths with a violent criminal.

Even with this in mind, most martial arts programs do not adequately take weapon defense into consideration. Obviously, this book and others like it are needed.

Kane addresses awareness, avoidance, de-escalation, legal matters, and the aftermath of violence. The meat of the matter is covered in over a hundred pages dealing with improvised weapons, firearms, knives, clubs, and all manner of weapons you are unlikely to come up against on the street; but as the author shows, stranger things have happened. It is always best to be prepared.

The book is wrapped up in the end by an incident that actually happened, as Kane analyzes what each person did right, and what they did wrong.

In 32 years I haven't read anything this comprehensive. Skip the others. Read Surviving Armed Assaults.

Surviving Armed Assaults is so well written that it is excellent reading for anyone who is concerned about personal safety in today's turbulent world. Frank, no-nonsense information with much emphasis on preventing assaults in the first place makes this book exceptional. Although this book assumes the reader is already practicing one of the martial arts, it also offers an incentive to anyone who might be considering this option.

Time Travel for Fun and Profit

A Review of "The Technicolor Time Machine"

by Harry Harrison

Publication History

Analog Science Fiction and Fact magazine - "The Time-Machined Saga" March 1967.
ISBN-10: 020286703X

The Technicolor Time Machine, 1967, Publisher: Doubleday.

Technicolor Time Machine, 1968, Publisher: Berkley Medallion.

The Technicolor Time Machine, 1976, 1980 and 1981, Publisher: Tor Books.
ISBN 0-86007-887-6 and 0-523-48506-9

The Technicolor Time Machine, 1985 and 1991, Publisher: Tor Books.
ISBN 0-812-53970-2 and 0-812-51607-9

This book is a science fiction comedy about a motley group of movie makers who travel to the eleventh century to film a Viking adventure.

For such a short book there are an amazing number of surprises, plot twists and turnabouts.

This is a fun book to read. "The Technicolor Time Machine" is funny book as well as a stimulating adventure story.

See Also:

Analog Science Fiction and Fact, March 1967 (Volume LXXIX, No. 1)

The Technicolor Time Machine

I enjoyed this book; I wholeheartedly recommend it to others.

Time Travel for Fun and Profit

A Review of "The Technicolor Time Machine"

by Harry Harrison

Publication History

Analog Science Fiction and Fact magazine - "The Time-Machined Saga" March 1967.
ISBN-10: 020286703X

The Technicolor Time Machine, 1967, Publisher: Doubleday.

Technicolor Time Machine, 1968, Publisher: Berkley Medallion.

The Technicolor Time Machine, 1976, 1980 and 1981, Publisher: Tor Books.
ISBN 0-86007-887-6 and 0-523-48506-9

The Technicolor Time Machine, 1985 and 1991, Publisher: Tor Books.
ISBN 0-812-53970-2 and 0-812-51607-9

This book is a science fiction comedy about a motley group of movie makers who travel to the eleventh century to film a Viking adventure.

For such a short book there are an amazing number of surprises, plot twists and turnabouts.

This is a fun book to read. "The Technicolor Time Machine" is funny book as well as a stimulating adventure story.

See Also:

Analog Science Fiction and Fact, March 1967 (Volume LXXIX, No. 1)

The Technicolor Time Machine

I enjoyed this book; I wholeheartedly recommend it to others.

Time Travel for Fun and Profit

A Review of "The Technicolor Time Machine"

by Harry Harrison

Publication History

Analog Science Fiction and Fact magazine - "The Time-Machined Saga" March 1967.
ISBN-10: 020286703X

The Technicolor Time Machine, 1967, Publisher: Doubleday.

Technicolor Time Machine, 1968, Publisher: Berkley Medallion.

The Technicolor Time Machine, 1976, 1980 and 1981, Publisher: Tor Books.
ISBN 0-86007-887-6 and 0-523-48506-9

The Technicolor Time Machine, 1985 and 1991, Publisher: Tor Books.
ISBN 0-812-53970-2 and 0-812-51607-9

This book is a science fiction comedy about a motley group of movie makers who travel to the eleventh century to film a Viking adventure.

For such a short book there are an amazing number of surprises, plot twists and turnabouts.

This is a fun book to read. "The Technicolor Time Machine" is funny book as well as a stimulating adventure story.

See Also:

Analog Science Fiction and Fact, March 1967 (Volume LXXIX, No. 1)

The Technicolor Time Machine

The Technicolor Time Machine (A TOR Book)

The Technicolor Time Machine; Vikings vs. Hollywood and the Blood is Real

I enjoyed this book; I wholeheartedly recommend it to others.

Time Travel for Fun and Profit

A Review of "The Technicolor Time Machine"

by Harry Harrison

Publication History

Analog Science Fiction and Fact magazine - "The Time-Machined Saga" March 1967.
ISBN-10: 020286703X

The Technicolor Time Machine, 1967, Publisher: Doubleday.

Technicolor Time Machine, 1968, Publisher: Berkley Medallion.

The Technicolor Time Machine, 1976, 1980 and 1981, Publisher: Tor Books.
ISBN 0-86007-887-6 and 0-523-48506-9

The Technicolor Time Machine, 1985 and 1991, Publisher: Tor Books.
ISBN 0-812-53970-2 and 0-812-51607-9

This book is a science fiction comedy about a motley group of movie makers who travel to the eleventh century to film a Viking adventure.

For such a short book there are an amazing number of surprises, plot twists and turnabouts.

This is a fun book to read. "The Technicolor Time Machine" is funny book as well as a stimulating adventure story.

See Also:

Analog Science Fiction and Fact, March 1967 (Volume LXXIX, No. 1)

The Technicolor Time Machine

The Technicolor Time Machine (A TOR Book)

The Technicolor Time Machine; Vikings vs. Hollywood and the Blood is Real

I enjoyed this book; I wholeheartedly recommend it to others.

A Review of "The Technicolor Time Machine"

by Harry Harrison

Publication History

Analog Science Fiction and Fact magazine - "The Time-Machined Saga" March 1967.
ISBN-10: 020286703X

The Technicolor Time Machine, 1967, Publisher: Doubleday.

Technicolor Time Machine, 1968, Publisher: Berkley Medallion.

The Technicolor Time Machine, 1976, 1980 and 1981, Publisher: Tor Books.
ISBN 0-86007-887-6 and 0-523-48506-9

The Technicolor Time Machine, 1985 and 1991, Publisher: Tor Books.
ISBN 0-812-53970-2 and 0-812-51607-9

This book is a science fiction comedy about a motley group of movie makers who travel to the eleventh century to film a Viking adventure.

For such a short book there are an amazing number of surprises, plot twists and turnabouts.

This is a fun book to read. "The Technicolor Time Machine" is funny book as well as a stimulating adventure story.

See Also:

Analog Science Fiction and Fact magazine - "The Time-Machined Saga" March 1967.
ISBN-10: 020286703X

The Technicolor Time Machine, 1967, Publisher: Doubleday.

Technicolor Time Machine, 1968, Publisher: Berkley Medallion.

The Technicolor Time Machine, 1976, 1980 and 1981, Publisher: Tor Books.
ISBN 0-86007-887-6 and 0-523-48506-9

The Technicolor Time Machine, 1985 and 1991, Publisher: Tor Books.
ISBN 0-812-53970-2 and 0-812-51607-9

For such a short book there are an amazing number of surprises, plot twists and turnabouts.

This is a fun book to read. "The Technicolor Time Machine" is funny book as well as a stimulating adventure story.

See Also:

Analog Science Fiction and Fact, March 1967 (Volume LXXIX, No. 1)

The Technicolor Time Machine

The Technicolor Time Machine (A TOR Book)

The Technicolor Time Machine; Vikings vs. Hollywood and the Blood is Real

I enjoyed this book; I wholeheartedly recommend it to others.

While Rydall's book is aimed at those seeking artistic success in Hollywood, it applies to creators of any kind - writers, artists, inventors, woodworkers, etc. - who desire to break through personal and corporate barriers and get their work noticed and sold. The author advises that you "gotta know the territory" as Professor Hill from The Music Man would have said. He lays out Tinsel town's mindset in down-to-earth way, puncturing the myths about how to secure success in Hollywood with solid advice and a series of practical, soul-probing, self-reinforcing exercises.
Here's No Business Like Soul Business is the best book I've seen on how not just to keep yourself together, but to grow and get your creations realized in Hollywood or anywhere. While I wish I'd had this book when I started out, one of its strongest attributes is that it works for those who just got off the bus at Hollywood and Vine and those who've ridden the line for a long time.

Yes, the book itself is GREAT. It was delivered quickly and in excellent condition. I was very, very impressed! I got it for less than half price.
If you're wondering if you should order from this book-seller, Go for it! I seriously doubt you'd be disappointed. The next book I want I will definitely check to see if they have it here first.

Derek Rydall talks about the ideas in his book on my spiritual entertainment talk show in a way that shows he's living the message in every fiber of his being. Reading his book renews my passion and confidence for my personal dream and vision of shining as a real light. He reminds me of my divinity and power in this magical play of life. He explains "oneness" like I've never grasped it before. He reveals the most important "it's who you know" metaphysical truth in Hollywood. He reminds me of my higher purpose and now I have a much deeper meaning to my work in television, and I'm able to articulate it to others so I can touch and awaken all those who cross my path on this beautiful journey. He enables us all to be true healers through the entertainment medium as we perform the real work of remembering and awakening wholeness in every heart on the planet. -- Tamara Henry, MA, Producer/Host, IN with Tamara Henry, Santa Monica News Anchor

This book is not just for screen writers who want to go beyond simple entertainment to meaningful film, but for all writers who want to make a difference. The time for enlightened entertainment is now! This book is not only a stepping stone and good resource, it's invaluable. Read, learn, and profit.

In his second book, Derek Rydall attempts to provide an antidote for the cynicism, greed and rampant sociopathic tendencies which plague the entertainment industry. To counter these, he exhorts people to become `enlightened entertainers', who see the entertainment industry as a force for Good and who live their lives accordingly. A tall order, perhaps, but in the book he provides all the necessary information in order to set out on this journey of the soul.
Rydall starts off with the basics: identifying what enlightened entertainment is, and why audiences need it. He also provides the basic tools needed for the journey: types of meditation and soul-searching exercises. Next up is the big picture, a look at the realities of show business and the spiritual world, and how these contrast and (possibly) interact. Changing the business is something which can only happen one person at a time, so the rest of the book is devoted to developing the character of the reader. First on the purely personal level, then specifically as an artist, and finally as an entertainment professional. The final section of the book helps the reader create a career plan.
This book is definitely very New Age in style. If you're not into spirituality, the book won't do much for you - although many of the exercises are introspective ways of getting to know yourself better, and these will be beneficial for anyone. If you are spiritually enclined, Rydall's book will undoubtedly be inspirational and provide you with great insights.

Awesome guide, everything a original transformers fan could hope for. Great detailed colour photos of every toy. Compehensive descritipn on each toy including all accessories. Essential for collectors to know what they are paying for.

The Transformers Identification and Price Guide by Mark Bellomo is the greatest for the Transformers, More then Meets the Eye show every action figure created from Gen 1 and more. I have not seen a more detailed Transformers toy book with strenght, weakness, and more in one complete book. I recommend this book if you are Transformers More then Meets the Eye fan.

This is the best Action Figure guide I have ever seen. It is very informative and very accurate, the author even adds his personal take on most of the figures. And talk about bringing back old memories. I actually bought this book for nostalgic purposes and was very pleased. It was nice seeing all the old Transformers from the 80's in one piece. Makes me wish I knew what happened to all my old ones, man I'd be rich if I would have taken better care of them. Hope Mark Bellomo does a guide book for the rest of the Transformers. If you are looking for the ultimate 80's Transformers Action Figure guide, this is it!

I had heard good things about this author, and this guide, from reviews at other Transformer sites, so I bought it (it was also being sold for half price at amazon.com when I bought it). It was well worth every penny! It is very thorough and gives great details on each type of Transformer and each of the "lines of Transformers" that were made up to 1990. Each Transformer is also given approximate prices for what they are worth as well. Granted, the prices will change over time, but this guide will still be a worthy identification reference for a very long time.
I would have given it a 5, but there were quite a few grammatical errors in the book, but it won't affect your ability to understand the information.
My favorite part of the book is that the author appears to have had fun writing it, but takes it seriously enough to make it a very thorough reference guide. A must have for any Transformer fan, from beginner to expert!

This is a great book about the 80's transformers toy line. It has plenty of info on many transformers like their favorite motto to stats. If you are fan and/or collector this book is a must!!!

This book will teach you the basics for a firm foundation in ju-jitsu. Very easy to follow, and great pics for every move.

If you are looking for nice MMA action from a long time winner of UFC, this book is it. Royce does a great job.

This book shows in detail many fighting techniques. It goes to the point. No fancy wording. Illustrated with plenty of nice color photos.

I recently got into BJJ and MMA and found this book to be very helpful. Every move has a series of pictures associated with it, which helps for those who don't know all of the terminology yet. I use it as a reference book now, since it is near impossible to memorize every move without having done them. Pick a move, read it in detail, look at the pictures, go to class, try to set up your position and apply the move. Highly recommended for beginner to intermediate BJJ players.

This book is a great training book for up and coming student who want to train in this art. Great step by step drill!!!!

Absolutely amazing, excellent for anyone who enjoyed watching the west wing, great to read, surprized it was so big when it arrived, but I'm not complaining there's just more to have in there then. I do love the fact that there are quotes from the actors, about the show and there other cast mates. This is an excellent buy! Worth every penny!

The item showed up just as described and within a reasonable time. I was notified that it had shipped. Excellent transaction. Excellent item. I would order from this seller again.

Being a newly minted "Wingnut", I recently went out and purchased the first 3 seasons of The West Wing of DVD and then set about finding a good companion guide to go along with them. After sifting through the good, the bad, and the ugly, I settled on this excellent 342 page tome. While only covering the first 2 seasons, this 9" X 11" book is chock full of beautiful color pictures and enough extras to rival the DVDs themselves. Accept no substitutes and add this one to your TV library. I can only hope that a volume II (covering seasons 3 & 4) will be published when season 4 is shortly released on DVD. Plenty of time for us all to brush up on our Latin (post hoc, ergo propter hoc). R.I.P. John Spencer.

I thumbed through this book in a bookstore and by the time I got home, I realized I had to own it and I was online ordering my own copy. This book is more than just a rehash of the first two seasons. We are treated to a real behind-the-scenes tour of what goes into filming the show. Talk about your West Wing trivia!

The asides from the actors on the characters they play are filled with gems of inside information. For instance, what do Brad Whitford and Janel Moloney think the roles of Josh and Donna are all about; how does Martin Sheen get the cast to treat him like the President and why is this adulation so important; and why is Allison Janney everyone's favorite? We are treated to a tour of the West Wing to fully understand the layout of the staff's offices and the dynamics of the characters in relationship to each other. Then, the decorations in the offices are explained, and nothing is so minor to be included by chance.

Sorkin claims he doesn't have a political agenda. He asks his staff to write a pro-con memo on each episode, and he is most comfortable when two people disagree. If the points are good, he incorporates them into the show's dialogue. You have to be a West Wing fan, and a pretty serious one at that, to fully appreciate this Official Companion, which brings to light the fine points of all that went into creating the first two seasons of this amazingly written and performed show.

I have seen the "West Wing" books that feature scripts from selected episodes. But this book includes every episode from the first two seasons, told in story form. Plus chapters on each of the actors and their characters, the background on the making of the show -- if you're a fan, this is a "must have". I just hope that there will be, at some point, additional volumes to cover the third, fourth and fifth seasons -- and so on.