G Books

This is an amazing and very moving story as well as sobering, humbling and thought provoking told in a simple but interesting style. It is an excellent account of an American pilot's POW experience in Vietnam and in an interesting part 2 of the book his wife discusses the experience from her perspective.
He describes the conditions and torture he and other prisoners endured. How they communicated and helped each other. A very important theme in the book is Rutledge's renewed faith in God. When I was a kid, I had this story as a comic book and it played a major role in my becoming a Christian and in shaping my respect for those who serve in the military.
I wanted to read this in novel form after finishing John McCain's Faith of My Fathers. The setting of both stories is the same, Hanoi Hilton, and of course there are many similarities in the 2 stories, but each has a unique feel and perspective. Both are excellent and highly recommended.

We all have problems from time to time and get down. I read this book when I was faced with a great tragedy. After reading this man's account of his captivity as an American POW in Vietnam, and the misery, cruelty, and torture that he had the courage to suffer through, I knew that I would be able to survive and get through the problem and the tragedy I was facing. My problems though daunting, were nothing comparted to his. He was a real inspiration and a very brave and heroic man.

When I was only 11, I had the pleasure of meeting Captain Rutledge in August of 1976. He was my Dad's Commanding Officer in the Philippines. We all read his book and sat amazed at the God-granted ability to survive. I borrowed the book from my Dad (25 years later) and just finished reading it again. The faith that he and his wife were able to muster is incredible. Makes the rest of us foolish to take our God, our faith, our families, and our freedoms all for granted.

Captain Rutledge went to his greater reward on June 11, 1984. I will never forget that man. He will always be an example for me.

Read it!

While watching the History Channel on the topic of prisons, Hanoi Hilton came up. A few of the former "guests" were interviewed such as Sen McCain. I had a immediate flashback of Rutledge's book which I read back in the mid-70's. It was one of a few books that was hard to put down.

"Capt. Howard Rutledge,11-27-65" was the POW/MIA name engraved on a bracelet I acquired in 6th or 7th grade (~1972). A grass roots organization distributed bracelets with the name of missing servicemen. The idea was to wear the bracelet until the missing were returned. To my great joy, Capt Rutledge returned and wrote a very inspiring account of the hell he and others lived through and the spriritual toughness and comradeship that got them through it. I immediately read the book when it first came out. As an 8th grader it had a huge impact on me. The book disappeared after being loaned out to friends. I retain the bracelet and an undiminished bank of gratitude to Capt. Rutledge and all other veterans. The depth of faith and cunning of the prisoners and the brutality of their captors is amazing. This is an excellent book about the POW experience and the true meaning of honor and a military Officer.

Great book for anyone who loves cinema, starwars or special effects.
The whole history of George Luca's Industrial Light and Magic.

Thomas Smith was general manager of Industrial Light and Magic a year before he came to write this impressive book. The book is centred around the film special effects creations of ILM between 1975 and 1985. This includes the then "Star Wars" trilogy, two Indiana Jones movies and other lesser known projects. For the Star Wars fan theres plenty to learn about one of your favourite movies. This book is lavishly illustrated with full colour photos including triple page or gatefold images. The focus though is on how the effects are done and who did them at ILM. From the art work in developing concepts of storylines, through modelling, creature creation, the actual filming methods and matte image creation to the finishing touches of animation and optical compositing this book gives a gradual demonstration of the work of a special effects company. For someone with no knowledge what so ever of special effects this is a good introduction and to those involved it must be fascinating as well. As Thomas Smith points out, while film fans still love the movies from this era (1975-85), movie goers constantly seek new visions on screen. The digital era has brought movies like Toy Story etc but these were just figments of imagination at the writing of this book so its worth noting Thomas Smith's far-sightedness in the final chapter on digitized movies. The format of the book is to take each department of the special effects process and show what it does and where its part comes in the crafting of a movie. In each chapter there are short biographies of the leading people in each area of effects, this is a nice touch as it can serve as guide for those interested in getting involved. Its worth noting, many of those profiled have a long interest in their specialty going back to their youth and through the various twists and turns of working in an industry knew of other members of the ILM company before actually joining this now esteemed organisation. Thomas Smith by no means is setting out to sell ILM's considerable expertise though he tells the story of a company making dreams into reality, itself moving from an idea to a serious business proposition. (As a final note another book on movies of this period Paul Sammons "Future Noir: The Making of Blade Runner" contains insightful descriptions about the crafting of a movie not least its special effects.)

No one would ever have guessed that when Industrial Light & Magic opened its doors in Maren County that day way back in 1975 that they would produce the standard by which other special effects and other effects houses would be judged. ILM has formed the cornerstone of LucasFilm Ltd. a company that has spawned more spin-offs such as THX Sound, Skywalker Sound, all held neatly under the Lucas Digitial banner. Back in the days of Star Wars it was mostly using what was already known, and inventing everything else. ILM has been at the forefront ever since, from the early days of motion control cameras controlled by Apple computers the latest CG marvel like Galaxy Quest, Phantom Menace or Mission to Mars.

The Art of Special Effects deals more with the older films-those before 1986, illustrating a time when computers were not so large a part in the film-making process. It gives the reader a great look at the sheer amount of detail that went into the models, the props, costumes from Star Wars to Explorers, from Raiders of the Lost Ark to the some of the Star Trek films, ILM constantly and consistently proven to innovative. The book as a whole is on a level lower than, say, Cinefex magazine, assuming that the reader doesn't know how blue screening and rotoscoping works or how miniatures are lensed. It is light reading without getting itself bogged down in too much technicality, for those who want that, read Cinefex.

It also strikes me that this book is also best at presenting a dying era. A time when model makers kit bashed hundreds of plastic models just to build a Super Star Destroyer - few companies bother with that any more when everything can be rendered on a Silicon Graphics box and Maya and Soft Image software. Such films as Star Trek: Insurrection used few practical models and a completely CG Enterprise-E. The time of the supremely detailed, hand crafted model or set may be at an end, and I think the industry will be sadder for it. Partially because when I read Cinefex, a lot of what I see is the same-different movie, different space ship, but they're all rendered the same way and most use the same software, with only minor modifications or original code going into it to get a certain look or solve a certain problem.

I suspect the Digital Realm of the movies, while producing better special effects, lacks the mystique of knowing that several people labored for months to build that model. That instead it was modeled by a few people over a period of a week. (Though it should be noted that a lot of films, including the Phantom Menace, used practical models). I suspect their days are number.

Pér tutti quelli che vogliono sapere come fanno i film, per tutti quelli che amano Star Wars con tutti i suoi segreti, direi che questo è il libro che fà propio al caso vostro.Scritto in un inglese molto facile è un libro che può veramente appassionare

Years ago I longed for this book, as it sat on the shelf in the local book store(it was not cheap). I received it with much gratitude on my birthday. Now as a teenager I found a reinterest in this book, and was overjoyed when the next book "into the digital realm" came out. For anyone who is captured by the magic of special effects, this is for you.

If you are the type of person who likes to figure out why and how military intelligence succeeds or fails, you will like P.G Kivett's book, Intelligence Failures and Decent Intervals.
The author takes on the complex task of analyzing how military intelligence works, and why it sometimes fails. This is an interesting exposition of the culture of intelligence and the high-level decision makers who use it. Kivett provides a lot of insight into the sorts of issues that affect intelligence warning. Some of the issues he deals with are ambiguity of information, operational security, disinformation, organizational inertia, and political bias.

The author uses numerous intelligence case studies to make his case. Among these are the 1968 Tet Offensive, the 1973 Yom Kippur War, failure of General Douglas Mac Arthur to heed warning of Chinese intervention in the Korean War, and the emasculation of U.S. HUMINT capabilities. He provides a lot of material that I haven't seen elsewhere. Rather than telling you what conclusions to draw, he points you in the direction of original sources (many of which are now available on the Internet), and encourages you to do your own analysis. I found the material on North Vietnamese SIGINT operations particularly interesting. It sobering to think about how many Americans may have died in Vietnam as a result of poor communications security exploited by enemy SIGINT operators.

Highly recommended for military intelligence professionals and enthusiasts, and for military history buffs.

If this book had been professionally edited, it would have been a very different work, but then it would not have retained much of its very controversial material. The author pulls no punches.

Before reading P.G Kivett's book, I had some reason to think that I knew a lot about its subjet matter. Instead, I learned a lot from it that was completely new to me.

If you have ever wondered why the US loses military engagements despite overwhelming technical advantages, the answer is here. Don't miss it.

Mr. Kivett has extensive experience as an intelligence analyst, and he's also an old Air Force man. This book provides an important historical perspective on the venerable tug-of-war between decision makers with a political agenda to advance and the people who evaluate the situation. This is a most timely subject vis-a-vis our present involvement in Iraq.

While this book investigates an area that isn't given a lot of press, it will force the reader to think about some matters of real importance and should open doors to further investigation by the reader. The author demonstrates no political bias and does an excellent job of objectively laying out facts/arguments. Although I have had limited intelligence experience, I believe the intelligence layman will find this work quite revealing. A good, well-thought read.

This book provides insightful information and good reading. The facts in the book are extremely well documented to the degree it leaves no question in the reader's mind as the responsbility and knowledge of what are now referred to as "failures." The author's years as a practicing attorney show in the verification process. However, the book does not read as "only the facts ma'am" and continues to keep the reader's attention page after page. I found it hard to put down. Engaging writing; fluent style; simply wonderful.

This book, entitled "An Introduction to SCR Power Controls," does just that. It serves in summarizing the features of SCR power controllers, as well as the associated parts required in their field-mounted enclosures. After reading through this book, you will be ready to explore the specifics in a more technical and precise manner. However, this book will be the anchor that you keep turning back to when clarification is needed over some of the available features for SCR Power Controllers.

With over 30 years in the industry Mr. Sites expertise clearly comes out with the publication of this book. A must buy for anyone who is looking for information on SCR,s,the industry and the many applications. Very well written and helpful in every day application of SCR,s.

TIRED OF SEARCHING THROUGH COMPENDIUMS OF TECHNICAL ARCANUM FOR THE
REAL SCOOP ON THYRISTORS? I KNOW I WAS. FORTUNATELY I FOUND ALOT OF
GREAT AUTHORS ALONG THE WAY, AND ALOT OF GREAT INFORMATION. BUT WHEN IT
CAME TO SCR POWER CONTROLS I HAD A DICKENS OF A TIME FINDING ANYTHING
THAT REALLY HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD.
UNTIL SITES.
THIS BOOK IS AS SOLID AND CONCISE AS ANY TECH MANUAL I'VE EVER READ.
THERE ARE TWO CHAPTERS ON COOLING AND ENCLOSURE SELECTION THAT I'VE
NEVER FOUND ANYWHERE ELSE.(IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS THAT ARE OFTEN
OVERLOOKED IN THE SOMETIME OCCULT WORLD OF ELECTRONICS.) OTHER CHAPTERS
COVER CONTROL METHODS, FEEDBACK, LOAD PROBLEMS, AND MORE.
HEY--- IF I SOUND LIKE THIS GUY'S MOTHER YOU'VE GOTTA FORGIVE ME. I
KEEP THIS THING IN MY TOOLBOX RIGHT BESIDE MY $300 FLUKE. WHEN I
DON'T UNDERSTAND SOMETHING I REFER TO HIM. WHEN I HAVE A DIFFICULT TIME
EXPLAINING SOMETHING TO MY CUSTOMERS I QUOTE HIM.---VERBATIM.
MOST EXCELLENT.-------JOE KRAUSE

I enjoyed reading Mr. Sites latest book "An Introduction to SCR Power Controls". It covers all aspects of SCR Power Controls in a manner that is very detailed yet simple enough for my sales engineers to thoroughly understand. With this book in their briefcase, they have the ability to comprehend and project to their customers, the true value of
SCR Power Control. His book is now mandatory reading for all PRIME INDUSTRIAL sales people.

John M. Zerbo
President
PRIME INDUSTRIAL

If you look through the typical college text on industrial electronics, you will find about two pages of generic descriptions about the SCR. But the diverse applications of the SCR are the mainstay for the precise control of electrical power in most industrial applications. This little gem of a book is the only one I have seen that covers all the basics and much more. While the bare SCR first appears to be a one trick pony, this book describes how the magic in the control circuit can turn it into a multitude of products.
If you market any product related to industrial heating, you will find the extensive list of client industries buying SCR controls a treasure trove of market leads.
If you are still in one of the old-time industries that still spends a small fortune maintaining industrial mechanical contactors, this is the book that can simply explain how you can eliminate that costly maintenance downtime and keep much more profit in your pocket. After the diode, the SCR is one of the most rugged and easy to use semiconductors with massive power handling capability at a low cost.
If you are already using an SCR controller, you probably only know about that one type. As processes change, and the market demands increasing product quality, it can be worth your time to periodically review the variety of available controllers for one that can better meet your needs in changing times. The variety of SCR controllers can be intimidating. This book is the cornucopia of SCR controller knowledge that gives you decision power. This is the book you want in your pocket when the SCR rep visits so that you are an informed consumer that can determine what product can best meet your needs.
If knowledge has value, this book is one of the best bargains you will ever find. If you happen to buy it for a college engineering class, it will be one of your keepers. The author covers a complex subject in a very simple, easy to absorb, writing style that does not bog the reader down.

on telling you that the author was on of the two to three collaborators of Einstein (The others being Valentine Bargmann and Leopold Infeld) on Unified field theories.

It is a beautifully written account of the gravitational theory. The monster mind himself has written the foreword.

Peter was able to give examples which made the complex easier to understand. The edges of the first sections in a copy in the Caltech library were black from use. I was privileged to be a guinea pig for the first edition.

Don't know of a superior first exposure to relativity. It starts with elementary situations and examines the conflicts with pre-relativistic kinematical viewpoints. This motivates the requirements for special relativities' postulates and their immediate consequences.

From here, the more complex issues of special relativity are dealt with in an orderly fashion; e.g. rigid body dynamics, relativistic hydrodynamics and electromagnetic theory from a relatavistic point of view.

General tensor analysis is covered in a separate chapter for pursuing the general relativity chapters of the book. Incidentally, this chapter is among the most clear expositions on tensors out there.

Finally, general relativity is covered in the same stepwise fashion as was done in the special relativity chapters. The natural introduction of more complex ideas which start from basics is perhaps, the single reason why this book is a hard to beat introduction to relativity.

After a thorough digestion of Bergmann, one is ready to spring up to the next level, the masterful Weinberg.

This book describes the foundations of relativity in a clear and concise way. The development of tensor analysis is especially clear. It is great for anyone who has studied calculus, differential equations, and classical physics. I highly recommend it.

This book is one of the first introductions to the theory of relativity that has the endorsement of the discoverer of the theory. Albert Einstein was alive when the book was first published, and writes the foreward to the book. Individuals who want to learn relativity should still take a look at this book, in spite of the somewhat outdated mathematical notation. In more contemporary textbooks and monographs the physical intuition is usually sacrificed and replaced with mathematical formalism. But here the author puts the main emphasis on the physics behind the subject. It is one of the few books still in print that discusses the relativistic mechanics of mass points and continuous matter.

The reader will also get an overview of early approaches to unified field theories. Historians of science will be interested in particular with this discussion. It is amazing how much has changed in this area since this book was published in 1942. The advent of superstring and M-theory has given physicists a view of reality that is set on a mathematical structure that is quite formidable. It now takes years for a student to obtain the necessary mathematical background to reach the frontiers of unified theories. In this book, it only takes the reading of the first two parts to be able to understand the author's overview of unified field theories. Particular attention should be paid to the treatment of the gauge-invariant geometry of Hermann Weyl, because of its relevance to the construction of gauge theories in elementary particle physics. The geometry of Weyl is constructed using a symmetric tensor representing the gravitational field and a pseudovector that represents the vector potential. When a gauge transformation is applied to this vector potential, it changes by a gradient, which, as the author remarks, is the historical reason for calling the addition of a gradient to the electromagnetic vector potential a gauge transformation. In addition, variational principles play a role in this discussion, and these principles have wide applicability to the quantization of gauge theories in modern developments. The role played by adding extra dimensions to formulate a field theory is summarized here by the author in his discussion of five-dimensional field theories and Kaluza-Klein theories. Ten- and eleven-dimensional theories now dominate modern unified theories. It would be very interesting to know what the author and Einstein would have thought about the theories of today, entrenched as they are in the most complex mathematical constructions ever applied to physical theory.

This book is so interesting, from start to finish. I no longer have access to this book- because Grandma burned it years ago! She bought it at a garage sale after only looking at the first couple of pages, but once she realized that there were pictures of exposed phalluses and breasts, it went right into the attic! Of course, we all still found it and marveled over the artistry every chance we got, but she put the ol' kibosh on that as soon as she found out. Some people have no appreciation for art! Truly, this book is wonderful to behold and one of the most imaginitive I have come across, if you can get past the nudity. It's one of those Graeme Baese-like books where you keep turning back to the pictures to see what you missed! I highly recommend this book as a conversation piece for the wide-eyed wonderer in all of you.

My mother gave me this book when I must have been about five or so. I read it for years and never noticed anything strange about it. Because, after all, it is about a boy overcoming his adversity and making friends. But all the other stuff...wow. After I let a friend of mine read it, she brought it back with all the stuff that her mom thought was improper blacked out with ink pen. The book just wasn't the same and I have been wanting another copy for myself for such a long time. Hopefully, if I can get one I will start reading it to my kids someday.

The only time I have ever seen this book was in the early 80's in Santa Clara, California. A person I met owned it and let me read it. I've been looking for it ever since. I thought I would try Amazon on a whim. Was I surprised to find it was even mentioned. I will buy it first opportunity I get.

How did our parents get hold of this book in Christchurch New Zealand! We grew up reading this book and never thought any thing was weird about it, but man it's twisted! And it was cool how it was kind of based on New Zealand too... Is it supposed to be a kid's book? It's pretty adult! We have lost our copy (never loan anything to your children or their friends) and would love to know how much it would cost to replace it. Can anyone help us!

Fi and Nell

A friend recently passed this book around at an adult party, much to everyone's amazement. The pictures must have been drawn by someone on acid. Everyone's favorite picture was the group of "circus freaks," including a pantsless man with three penises. One page showed a cave with a penis as one of the stalactites. A cloud was in the shape of a nude woman, including nipples. A sequence of tiny pictures in a banner showed a person's life from his graphic birth to his death, including his sexual union that produced his own child. This is one weird children's book.

The best review of this book comes from my grandchildren who insist I read this with them every time they overnight with Nana and Boppy and are all freshly tubbied and jammied up. Theyu love this book time and time again. It's humor remains fresh and fun and I hope Big Puddlepot (what kid doesn't love that name!) add to the Jimmy Johnny Brownie saga with more hilarious episodes. Buy it now ... you will be glad you did.

I have had this book for awhile now and it has been really fun to read recently with my two small children during our "Three books before bedtime" daily ritual. They are getting to the point where it is difficult for them to go to sleep and Jimmy Jonny has initiated some wonderful conversations about the things we do and what can happen afterwards. A well written, well illustrated delight!

Jimmy Jonny Brownie doesn't like to go to bed. And with the approval of his parents, he stays up all night. What he discovers the next day as a consequence of not going to be the night before instills in him (and young readers everywhere) the parental wisdom of bedtime for even the most energetic of kids. Beautifully enhanced with the lively artwork of Sherwin Schwartzrock, Bing Puddlepot's Jimmy Jonny Brownie Stays Up All Night is a unique, entertaining, and highly recommended picturebook story that has a true moral to the tale.

What a wonderful way to combat those "I don't want to go to bed" noises every parent hears when bedtime nears! This book explores the consequences of not going to bed in a creative and very amusing way that captures the attention of children--and those adults who are young at heart! The story and the illustrations combine to create a bedtime adventure to enjoy with your child.

Who doesn't know a kid who comes alive when the rest of the world is turning out the lights? Little Jimmy Jonny Brownie is darling... and his adventures are not only fun to read, they are fun for kids to learn from. A great book by a terrific writer and terrific illustrator. A+.

I wanted a book to explain the psychological individuation process as it was understood and expressed in alchemy, and I feel I received an excellent introduction in Raff's book, and more. Raff, a Jungian psychologist, orients symbols and allegory written by medieval alchemists to the psycho-spirituality envisioned by Carl Jung and the evolution of the soul in the process of individuation. Raff clearly explains his understanding of the relationship of the ego, the Self and the transcendent aspect, and goes on to describe the evolution of this relationship in the individual psyche through the vehicle of imagination toward the unfolding of deeper consciousness. He conveys the value of Jungian active imagination in plain language and draws direct connections (as Jung did) to the Work of the ancient alchemists.

Jung observed that the alchemists engaged consciously in the process of individuation and this was overtly projected on matter in the outer alchemical process (cooking stuff in flasks and observing the changes) but also directly in the inner life as expressed in the symbols they recorded in their manuscripts. Jung noticed that the ancient alchemists universally saw the process of meditation and imagination (imaginatio) as essential to the alchemical Work (see Psychology and Alchemy (Collected Works of C.G. Jung Vol.12) and other works). Raff builds on Jung's work here with his own concept of the Self in relationship with the ego, and how through imagination more of the Self becomes manifest to consciousness and in a more direct relationship with the ego. He brilliantly illustrates a way of seeing the stages of the evolution of the individual through the alchemical stages of development shown by alchemist Gerald Dorn and in the symbols of the Book of Lambspring. He not only interprets the alchemical symbols in a way a lay person can understand but also brings them to life in the book, taking the reader through the three coniunctio stages of development.

Raff also introduces his own concepts into into the background of Jungian understanding in his parsing of imagination and fantasy, his view of the individuation process in terms of the creation of the manifest self through evolving consciousness and the psychoid world as a realm where the imaginal, spiritual *and* physical exist together. He also indicates that the process of expanding consciousness and finding one's self through imagination is not an easy road (indeed it is dangerous) but one that can allow us to live more authentically and with more freedom, and also potentially unity with the divine.

I personally find Raff's book to be intriguing, enlightening, and transformative. While some of his concepts to have a distinctly personal flavor, i generally find them very useful in providing clarity. He expounds on his view in his terms but i also believe he is truly tapping into universal core processes of the soul. In this way, Raff provides the reader a gate to fundamental transformations of consciousness and living. And how many writers can claim to do that?

On the critical side I found the text repetitive, but as I read I imagined Raff teaching these concepts. As one moves further into teaching about unconscious processes, the concepts become more and more slippery for the student/reader. So I could forgive him the repetition on these grounds. However, the editing missed a number of misspellings and I am less forgiving of that in a published book. I found myself writing in the spelling corrections along with my margin notes.

This is an extremely worthwhile read! It could utterly change your life, if you open yourself to it. I recommend it highly.

If you are looking for a book that shows a step by step process for identifying and partnering with the emergence of the Self, this is it. Never condescending, always challenging, Raff uses well known alchemical prints to show the path to individuation which is really the art of identifying the guidance of the self and allowing the ego to partner with it, without impeding it. Bravo Jeffrey Raff for having such faith in your readers as to allow them to know what the Alchemists have always known: That everything that you need for your transformation in the eternal realm of this life is within you, simply waiting to be utilized and understood. Understanding this book, could change your life.

This analysand (4 years in Jungian analysis) finally found a post-Jungian book that breaks new ground. Students of alchemy, in any tradition, will find a treasure of meaning in these pages-- especially if you are interested in how alchemy and psychology relate to one another! Raff wells articulates the "transcendent function" in very understandable terms (even for a student not well acquainted with Jung's writings). He then postulates a concept of what he terms the "psychoid." And, that is exactly where the reader will find the pay dirt. I was especially thrilled to find a very concrete discussion of the individuation process using the 17th c. alchemical engravings by the German philosopher Lambsprinck. Raff precisely articulates & operationalizes--in psychological terms-- many of the symbols therein. Since I have been studying that particular set of alchemical symbols for ten years, I was thunderstruck with his discussion. I keep his work by my bed with a copy of my now worn out GOLDEN GAME by Stanislas Kolossowski de Rola. I could not put the book down because this author is a true Kabbalist, as well as a Jungian scholar/healer. Thank you Dr. Raff! What a treasure here!

In this book Jeffrey Raff combines years of research into Jung, mysticism and alchemy with extensive practical experience teaching people effective ways to utilize the information in their lives. I think this book will become a classic of spiritual psychology and practical mysticism. Jeffrey Raff uncovers the wisdom that has been hidden within the Western spiritual tradition, dresses it in clear, readable language, updates it with the central terms of Jungian depth psychology, and grounds it in years of personal and professional experience. The result is the birth of a Way to wholeness and enlightment equivalent to Eastern meditation practices - yet fitting for the Western psyche. The Way is active and creative, providing tools for self knowledge, individuation, and human self expression while simultaneously reaching to the deepest spiritual realities. I'd recommend it to anyone interested in Jewish, Christian, or Islamic mysticism. By explaining the methodology of Jungian depth psychology and ancient alchemical processes in clear and understandable writing Jeffrey Raff creates a Western Way.

Ignore the complexity of the title. This book is the newest and best handbook on finding your myth. If you are serious about living by guidance from an Intelligence equal to "God", read this book. You need little knowledge of Jung , as Raffe does a great job making him easy to understand. But the power in this book is his focus on the THREE REAL STEPS you must experience as the world of the sub-conscious guides you. Raffe proves this process from the history of Alchemical (read source of all modern chemistry) "scientists". Mystics from world religions are quoted in their experience of the Divine as an Alcemical process. Raffe shows you how you can emulate their process of letting the Ego find it's correct place in your life. My journey goes back 45 years, and this book puts it all together for those of us who seek enlightenment where our heritage is Ocidental. Synchronicity is my myth, and Raffe accurately brings Synchronicity into focus as a major source of finding the sub-conscious guides waiting to help you find your bliss. If you want to know the riddle of what is the "Last Desire" before enlightenment, read the book. The changes associated with the real "straight and narrow" path of one's myth Raffe proves are time tested and proven logically, through the evolution of Alchemy as both real science and the analogy of our soul development. Alchemy and Synchronicity are magic, and both are paradoxical. Raffe shows us how not to fear the often sudden and frightening changes that emerge in a life tuned to expect and accept paradoxical events. And it's done in a non-demoninational process that can produce wholeness and bliss while living in a world of chaos. Raffe is a genuine man, and this book is not the source of an empty fad. This is the real thing, as good as any book from all of the post Jungian writers.

My kids and I loved this book! The text is clever and fun, and I love the way the mother integrates helping chores with her daughter's imaginative play. The illustrations are bright and fun, with plenty of clever twists to make rereading enjoyable. A great read!

I love reading this to my kids! (What parent wouldn't?) But the thing is, my kids love it, too. Definitely a great repeat-reader.

This book is simply delightful. Well-written, creative, imaginative, educational and a story line that "warms the cockles of the heart". My three year old loves to read and re-read and now asks me, with a glint in her eye, if she is just what I need. Not only is the book fun to read but it has opened up a whole new dimension in creative play and interaction. It is a "must have" book for anyone's book shelf.

Darling book that teaches the days of the week and turns chores into exciting adventures. I read it to my 5 year old niece and she loved it! Imaginative, creative and all around fun to read, very enjoyable book for children as well as the adults who read it to them!

Pleasing to the eyes and ears, this picture book is great for group storytimes as well as for reading to kids at home. The story is inventive and charming, and the parent-child relationship depicted is tender without being sappy. The text rolls easily off the tongue. Plus, the paper-cutout artwork is fantastic. A stand-out!

Kids Say the Darndest Things!, by Art Linkletter, is a collection of highlights from his talk show House Party. It was originally published in 1957. It is illustrated by Charles Schultz (of Peanuts fame), and originally featured an introduction by Walt Disney (later releases have an introduction by Bill Cosby, who hosted a second incarnation of Kids the Darndest Things! and did a poor job).

In a popular segment on Linkletter's program House Party, he would interview small children, who often gave hilarious responses to (mostly) innocent questions. In this book, Linkletter presents some of his favorite moments from the show, and talks about some of the program's background, including how the children were selected.

Although it loses something in its transfer to print, nearly everything in this book ranges from the amusing to the hilarious. Only the last chapter, a collection of stories that didn't happen on the show (and mostly aren't true), disappoints. These are stories marketed as real things children did but actually written by adults trying (and failing) to be clever. On the whole, they come off as annoying. Stories like these still make the rounds on email, and they still aren't funny or credible.

On the whole, Kids Say the Darndest Things! is a funny, funny book.

I can't see how you can dislike this book, it's the cutest! I love reading books with honest responses from kids. It's such a great perspective, one I highly think adults should adopt. This should be a treasure on every parent's and teacher's bookshelf. Great anecdotes. My favorite was the one about the girl who threw a cupcake in another person's face, because it wasn't forbidden by the Bible xD

This book was marked as new but when I recieved it, there was dirt all over the back cover and some of the pages were bent up. For the price I suppose I couldn't expect anything else, it was only 50 cents. This will be a mother's day gift for 1 of my grandma's who recently lost her copy and absolutely loves the author and used to watch his tv show. I know she will love it regardless of cleanliness.

This book was the first laugh out loud book I ever read. I was 12 years old and found the book on my grandparents coffee table. I have read it at least every couple years since then. Art Linkletter did a very good job capturing what is in the minds of children. The things they say are by turns hilarious and thought provoking. Children perceive the world with new and unjaded eyes and the way they process information is very unique!

My copy or rather my grandparents copy is very tattered and falling apart. I was so excited to be able to purchase a new copy. My children are grown now and I have shared this book with them. My husband and I just laugh over the anecdotes in this book. We quote them to each other quite often. We just reread the book out loud to each other and often we would have tears rolling down our faces from laughing so hard. It also would remind us of some of the funny things our own kids would say when they were growing up. Overall I would say this is just a fun book that will brighten your day. It is admittedly silly, but couldn't we all use a little laughter in our day?

This is the first book by Art Linkletter that I've ever read. It won't be the last. The "Kids" are the stars, of course. The stories are charming and such a pleasure to read. I didn't want to put the book down.