F Books

"The Martial Way and its Virtues - Tao De Gung" by F.J. Chu was an enjoyable read that made me think of my own martial art journey. I agree with William R. Connors' foreword in that rather than a technique book, this book uses martial arts as a core to provide an insight into martial arts as well as a blueprint for a way to begin the journey of achieving mastery of one's body, mind, and spirit. This is an endless journey that those of us who have chosen to follow a warrior's path realize is worth taking. This book offers guidance to anyone who chooses to follow that path, and assisted me with my training, thinking, and teaching.

Chu's goals with this book included wanting to show the relevance of philosophical thinking on "real life" martial arts practice through this text, and I believe he accomplished this. Chu believes that philosophical discourse, like martial arts practice, is a way of life. Therefore, the values he wrights about are incorporated into a martial artist's life through disciplined and regular practice.

The study of martial arts empowers individuals with the capacity to harm or even kill others, Chu states because of this power of life and death, the martial artist has the responsibility to behave with greater calm and judgement than the average person. This book is about personal development; it is about becoming a whole person through martial art study that includes the philosophical practice of warriorship. For those who are following the spherical path of the martial way, this text is enlightening and thought provoking. As Chu points out right at the beginning of this book, the Tao De Gung is a purist's vision of the martial arts. This is the higher calling all of us that follow the Way aspire to. It is this higher ideal that separates warriors from predators.

The longer I practice martial arts and the older I become, the more I realize that my training is but a journey toward self-betterment. Yes, I still train for self-defense, and from past experiences I know I can defend myself. However, my training is much more than that. Following the Way is a part of me now. I continuously strive to better myself and live by warrior ideals passed on throughout the years, and then pass these lessons on to others through my teaching and writing. F.J. Chu's text has helped me grow as a martial artist, warrior, and person. I recommend it to any martial artist, warrior, or person who also wants to grow and further develop themselves.

Reviewed by Alain Burrese, author of Hard-Won Wisdom From the School of Hard Knocks and the dvds: Hapkido Hoshinsul, Streetfighting Essentials, Hapkido Cane, the Lock On Joint Locking Essentials series and articles including a regular column on negotiation for The Montana Lawyer. Alain Also wrote a series of articles called Lessons From The Apprentice.

A very good book

Accessibly written by F. J. Chu (a certified black belt instructor in Kenpo Karate), The Martial Way And Its Virtues: Tao De Gung is an informed and informative treatise on the mentality and physical and moral demands of following the path of life embraced by martial arts. Stressing the importance of a responsible code of conduct and higher ideals intertwined with learning physical and combat-related skills, The Martial Way And Its Virtues is an intriguing work and recommended supplemental reading for all students and practitioners of the martial arts. Also very highly recommended is the YMAA Publications website at www.ymaa.com.

Two recent events have galvanized me towards seeking the deeper aspects of martial arts. First was competing in a local tournament, where things got a bit out of control in the sparring ring. The second was my Shihan's announcement that I'm up for possible promotion to Shodan (1st degree black belt). Both events jolted me out of my comfort zone, and I knew I needed to reassess where I was at as a martial arts practitioner.

I began to study some of my Soke's writings, and also looked for works by other senior martial artists. However, my goal was not to master secret techniques or win tournament sparring in 7 easy steps. Instead, I sought out writers who dealt with the philosophical underpinnings of the martial arts. I wanted to explore the "why" behind the "what." "The Martial Way and its Virtues" grabbed my eye, and it was an excellent beginning to my quest.

For full disclosure, I'm a Christian practicing in a Christian dojo. That means my ultimate master is Jesus Christ, and my beliefs, presuppositions, morals, and so on rest upon the Bible. For those who may fret about that, or think Christianity and martial arts don't mix, be assured that this book does not have a Christian bent. Indeed, Sensei Chu draws from such diverse sources as Confucius, Soren Kierkegaard and Carlos Castaneda to make his points. However, my particular style is Shiho Karano, and a key aspect is that we have an open approach to knowledge and learn from all.

It was with that attitude I read "The Martial Way," and I was not disappointed. Sensei Chu writes using a clear and accessible style. The book is organized into three parts that respectively deal with philosophy, strategy and technique, and spirituality. Smaller sections flesh out each part, and titles such as "Lose Your Ego" and "Practice Real Life" indicate the specific focus. Overall, Sensei Chu wants his book to serve as "a call to practicing martial artists everywhere and to aspirants of the martial Way (page 3)." His guiding philosophy is "Tao De Gung," the pure essence of the martial arts.

Of particular interest to me was Sensei Chu's take on Shodan promotion. He indicates there are two paths a newly minted Shodan can choose. One is the "beginning of the end," usually taken by those whose main purpose was earning the black belt. They have reached their goal, and therefore leave the martial arts and go on to the next thing. But there's a second path as well, called the "end of the beginning." Here, the Shodan realizes he is just starting a lifelong quest towards a deeper life in the martial Way. That person maintains a "beginner's mind", and humbly acknowledges that he will always be a student who learns just as much (or more) by teaching as by doing. That's how I'd like to be.

I think that this beautiful book will become a classic. I just lent out my only copy and wish I hadn't. Mr. Chu's writing is clear and insightful with beautiful calligraphy to accompany each chapter. I've just started taking karate and was aware of some of the philosophical underpinnings to it, but this book really explains the how and why that martial arts is a way of life--the right way to live in this materialistic world. There is also an excellent chapter on the historical development of the martial arts, from the Shaolin Temple to Bruce Lee. Also, Mr. Chu clearly explains how you reconcile the non-violent nature of the Buddhist roots of martials arts with its seemingly violent nature. A very worthwhile read!

I have reviewed "Gun Proof Your Children," the other half "Massad Ayoob's Handgun Primer," is also brief and to the point. Ayoob, one of the country's leading authorities on the use of firearms, gives a brief description of home defense types of handguns: the revolver and the semi-automatic. Though this book is dated, the principals still apply, and the new gun owner (or someone considering owning one) would be well advised to read it for the basics of owning, using and carrying a handgun, and using it for self-defense.

This book covers the information you need to work on in order to teach your children about firearms. It just doesn't cover it in much detail.

It's well written and very informative. I totally recommend it. I'm just waiting for the author to do an expanded version.

I am a Mass. State Firearms/NRA Instructor and can not speak highly enough of Massad's books, videos, or classes. This a short but straight to point, no nonsense book, regarding firearms and children. Parents need to realize that the subject of firearms should not be a "mystery" and this book does a good job of placing firearms education in the same range as drugs, sex/abstinence education, or any other important topic that you need to discuss with your child.

This book is the best guide yet, and provides a way for parents to use and expand upon Eddie Eagle training. The attitudes and behaviors taught and stressed in this book are far more effective than any trigger lock at preventing accidents and adolescent criminal behavior.

This book should be read by everyone, whether you own a firearm or not, regardless of whether or not you believe in the right to keep and bear arms.

Yep.
This guy has kids and guns, he's a highly respected police officer and martial artist, legal witness countless times, and a very enjoyable writer.
The point is that you can't kidproof your guns, because kids are kids.
You CAN gunproof your kids, by helping them to cope with the reality of guns in our world.

This is an important read for owners and non-owners alike!
(Sooner or later your child will come in contact with a gun. What will they do/say?)

This product is perfect for the field. It has a focused assessment for the major organs and the illness that go with. I got it superfast just in time for clinicals. Thank you so much.

I had been using "RNotes," which is by the same company, for some time. It had served as an excelent office companion and has been an invaluable tool for reminders, and as an overview and checklist.

It was a very easy descision to pick up "MedSurg Notes," having already built confidence in this publisher, and I am very glad that I did. As much as RNotes has helped me in the office, MedSurg Notes has helped me on the floor. The 8 tabbed and color coded sections make finding essential information an easy task, especially useful for situations in which a quick overview/ memory jogger is needed.

It has "Anatomy Physiology snapshots" throughout which have been wonderfully useful to me, and the "be prepared to" section at the end of each condition help keep you one step ahead of the game in situations demanding rapid descisions. I skimmed it cover to cover to give an overview of what exactly was contained inside and where to find it, and i find myself using it to brush up now and then during down time.

I can say it deffinately has helped in many situations already. MedSurg Notes is packed with things we all learn but don't use on a daily basis. Being able to rapidly review has kept me confident in my performance. It is also great as a teaching tool and overview for aids and techs, and very informative on what to look for to keep the charge nurse updated, especially since it is so easy to sometime overlook or dismiss the small stuff such as subtle reactions to meds, S/S of dehydration, delayed trauma, etc.

Overall, this book is well written, a time saver, a memory jogger, and a wonderful companion when dealing with pt. or res. care.

All the books that I have recieved from Amazon have been in excellent shape and I also recieved them in the amount of time I needed them.

the MedSurg Notes pocket guide is a great small BUT compact reference....you have everything in the palm of your hand that covers the following:

1) basics (legal issues, cpr (adult & child),choking, emergency care positions, manual defibrillation, AEDs, Artificial airways, etc)

2) Cardio area covers many conditions a few are arterial hematoma, bradycardia, dehydration, Fever with SIRS/Sepsis, Hemorrhage, hypokalemia, etc

3)Resp area (a few are aspiration, Dyspnea/SOB, Hypoventilation, etc)

4) Neuro area ( Change in Mental Status/Delirium, Dizziness, Head Trauma, ICP, etc)

5) GI/GU Metab (Diarrhea, Feeding tube, Upper GI bleeding, etc)

6) MSKEL/INTEG (Pathological fracture, patient fall, spinal cord trauma, etc)

7) Medications (the ones commonly used in MedSurg units)

8)Tools area that has many tools we use to assess the client with such as braden scale risk assessment, wound assessment guide, Glasgow Coma scale etc


Overall great product for a nursing student or RN...and worth the money!

I have 4 different versions of these pocket guides & i am impressed with this product. I am a nursing student & have found it very useful especially in the clinical setting. I highly recommend this product

Richard Bates has drafted one of the most captivating WWII stories I have ever set my hands upon. As is so often the case, real life proves to be more interesting than fiction. With his honest, no gloss style, Mr. Bates had me up till the wee hours of the morning finishing his book, I could not put it down. A must have!

Mr. Bates has truly captured an exceptional experience. And he tells it in a vivid and insightful manner. While this takes the reader back many decades, the author's adventures and lessons could not be more current -- and important given today's world situation.

Having read many historical works, both military and otherwise, I have read none finer than Mr. Bates' piece concerning his service during the Second World War. By employing both vivid descriptions and subtle imagery, Mr. Bates successfully engrosses the reader in the events that transpired around him sixty years ago. Mr. Bates also holds something that many historical authors lack: ACTUAL WRITING SKILLS! His writing style is every bit as polished as his content is absorbing.

While those interested in WWII should definitely give this a look, this is a book that anyone would enjoy having. Not merely a memoir, Mr. Bates shows us the end results of the most dramatic changes a young man could undergo. This is a thoroughly impressive achievement, and offers readers a step back in time to a point that's best not forgotten.

Its always interesting to hear about the war from the soldier's point of view. And the saga of the Marauders in Burma is one of the most harrowing of the war. Fascinating all the way through.

This book is the story of an eighteen year-old who entered service in 1943, went through infantry basic training, and wound up being sent to Burma as a replacement to Merrill's Marauders in time for the siege of Myitkyina. It was written because my wife, Joyce, persuaded me to write my experiences for our six children, as I had not talked about my combat experiences except to some high school history classes.

I stayed with my battalion through two campaigns in Burma, the orth Burma and Central Burma campaigns. Our battalion was incorporated into the 475 Infantry Regiment, a part of the Mars Task Force. I pull no punches in giving the enlisted man's (worm' eye) view of infantry combat.

RFB

I used this same book when I was taking lessons in high school, went on to college as an organ major, and now use for teaching my own students. This is a great way of teaching classical organ technique, if followed correctly.
It especially builds a sound pedal technique and strong fingers.
Lots of good pieces too.

I am an experienced pianist and have been tapped to play the organ at church for years, but I play it without pedals and while I have learned to choose and combine stops according to my own taste, I wanted to learn more about how stops are put together on organs. And I want to learn how to use pedals more than the occasional dominant and tonic uses I now when the music allows my time to find them.

This book is just what I wanted. Harold and Catharine Crozier Gleason have kept this method relevant through eight editions since it first appeared many decades ago. The book has explanatory text, illustrations, progressive exercises, and a nice selection of graduated pieces. The book assumes that you begin with a level of keyboard skill (piano, they say) of the level where you can handle the Bach 2 and 3 part Inventions.

Part 1 provides text that introduce you to organs, how they work, classes of pipes, mixing stops, and registration. Part 2 is just two pages providing an outline of this method. Part 3 introduces you to playing the organ on just the manuals. It begins with very simple exercises and soon provides a mixture of held and moving notes and combined touch. Finger substitution is an absolute requirement of organ technique and is taught quite well and its cousin, the finger glissando (sliding to neighboring notes). The section on how to play multi-voiced works and articulating the different voices so they are heard clearly is quite helpful. Part 4 introduces some practical issues of technique for playing pieces rather than exercises and provides more than 40 useful short pieces that give you experience in a variety of techniques and require you to use everything you have learned so far. I also enjoyed that the authors provide a few samples of the pieces in original notation along with the modern notation so you can see how different they are.

Part 5 introduces the pedal from how to sit at the console, very simple exercises including step-wise, small intervals, heel and toe, foot substitution, alternate toes, wide intervals, broken cords, harmonic intervals (playing two notes at the same time), and chords. Part 6 provides exercises and pieces for manuals and pedals together and begins very simply.

Part 7 provides some perspectives on performance practice from various periods and places including ornamentation. A table of ornaments is provided. Other issues such embellishment, notes inegales, fingering, touch, phrasing, articulation, the doctrine of affects, rubato, style, and interpretation. Part 8 covers the practical issues of playing for sacred services.

Part 9 provides scales for manuals and pedals. The appendices provide interesting material about organs around the world from various periods, information about composers of organ music of the Renaissance and the Baroque, a bibliography for further reading and a glossary.

The book is bound in a very sturdy way that will stand up to long use. However, you will have to work to get it to lay flat at the organ (at first) or use other books to keep it open to the pages you are working on.

A very useful text for pianists being used as organists, organ students, and anyone interested in developing beginning organ skills.

Reviewed by Craig Matteson, Ann Arbor, MI

Since the first appearance of Harold Gleason's Method of Organ Playing in 1937 it has been the most comprehensive and complete tool on the market for training first-class organists. The Gleason method is unique among books of its kind in that it has been in a continual state of evolution throughout its eight editions. The vast practical and pedagogical knowledge of Harold Gleason and his wife, concert organist Catharine Crozier Gleason is presented in the most up-to-date fashion in the current eighth edition. Every page of the book reflects both first-rate and recent scholarship as well as tried and true materials for beginning players. The lists of organ literature, the bibliography and the historical information that supplements the pedagogical portion of the book makes it a worthwhile investment for organists at all performing levels. As a beginning player I was reared at the organ with the fifth and sixth editions of the method and have returned to it often thoughout my career as a performer and teacher. Method of Organ Playing should be a must in the library of every serious organist and is a model for any kind of method or instruction book.

I have known since I was sixteen that Gleason is the only way to go in terms of technique. (My high school and college teachers were both Mildred Andrews' students.)I found a second edition and several fourth editions here at Amazon.com in reasonable conditions, and most of them are very affordably priced. These are wonderful collector's items at real life prices - something not often found. I have seen a fourth edition before: it is in manuscript. I look forward to seeing my second edition!

My organ instructor insisted I find this pricey book for my studies. I reluctantly ordered it, and I'm really glad I did. It is a comprehensive learning tool for any organist, useful exercises and great pieces are included.

I called every music store in my area and no one had this book, but Amazon did! I could have hunted for this book in stores forever. Save yourself the trouble and order it here.

This book is not for pianists who want a quick transition to the organ, but for serious students of the instrument. There are plenty of cheaper organ method books out there, but the Gleason is the best.

This book has wonderful graphics and a compendium of material about the distribution and characteristics of a wide variety of reef fish. It would be good for identification of species in both the ocean and aquarium. It does not have enough information on most fish for culture, feeding etc.

Micronesian Reef Fishes is the ultimate referance for experienced marine biologists. The number of species listings are mind blowing. Some uncommon and unknown species are also offered. For example: "Reptilian Snake Eel", "Lagoon Picasso Triggerfish", and "Pink Snapper." These are a few of the thousands of uncommon and typical species identified. Every single category is described to the pinpoint in the front of the book, with the beautiful photos on the right hand side. This is not any annotated version of a field guide, and it seems to cover a wider range than Micronesia. Both editions of the guide are pretty much complete, but the hardback has more listings. However, it does not matter which edition you purchase, since the difference is hardly noticeable.

Robert Myer's book is a wonderful tool for all snorkelers, divers, and fish enthusiasts. Robert is a wonderful diver and photographer, and he has spent much time identifying Micronesian fish in their adult and juvenile stages. His book is easy to use but also detailed. This book is much-needed, because many of the fish included are native to particular regions, rare species, or under-studied.

I have used this book numerous times in Guam and other Micronesian islands (where we became friends with Robert!). This is really a great tool for identification, and not just for Micronesia, but also for the entire Indo-Pacific region. I highly recommend it!

The author (a diver/photographer/biologist living in Guam) has scoured the scientific literature and distilled the essential facts about each species into this amazingly comprehensive guide. Color plates, drawings, tables and a concise paragraph describing each fish and its behavior make it an essential reference for divers and scientists almost anywhere in the tropical Indo-Pacific, not only Micronesia. The care and love of detail that have gone into this work are unsurpassed. The only work comparing with it in scope is the massive Smith's Sea Fishes (limited to the fishes of South Africa). Of the two, this may be the better if only because of its handy size and copious underwater photographs.

I would just like to comment that the differences between the softcover and hardcover editions needs to be described in the advertisement. The hardcover edition is comprehensive, covering "every known shorefish from the region" as well as a detailed descriptive (i.e. measurements and counts, line drawings, keys, synonyms, etc.) that may be of more interest to the marine biologist or fish fanatic. The softcover is an abridged version with a re-written text, suitable as a field guide for divers and aquarists. Both have the same color section (the text section is separate from the photos). The content is excellent in the softcover; however, I will be returning it for the hardcover since it contains the kind of information I am interested in attaining.

The Miracle of Forgetness is simply amazing. A fitting sequel to Baptists at Our Barbecue. Because of this book I hurt with fits of laughter each time someone shares the story of the bridge in sacrament meeting. Read this book. WARNING: If you have a health condition, consult your doctor before reading. Must be able to handle zany police officers, alien encounters, natural disasters, pepsi addictions, people named after wood, rug sales women, and most importantly, red benches. I highly recommend this book "with every fiber of my being."

This book is a great novel about wacky characters that you know exist in the world, but can never find them. This is a very humorous novel and the writing is great.

How does Smith do it? He obviously has a deep appreciation and love for Mormon culture and doctrine. He manages to make me laugh outloud on a crowded subway. Slapstick, yes, and his characters are totally unbelievable. But I love it.

Robert F. Smith does it again in this zany novel about a return missionary named Gray who's not satisfied with the direction his life is taking. However, things begin to change for Gray when he comes into some money and moves to the small town of Forget.

Smith packs it all into this novel---humor, romance, aliens, and, of course, all the wacky ward members you could ask for (you've undoubtedly met many of these people in your own wards before).

Although this is one of Smith's earlier novels (I believe it's his second), it's definitely worth reading. I highly recommend this book to all LDS novel enthusiasts and, of course, fan's of Robert F. Smith.

This book is an easy reading riot. I found it to be every bit as good at the first book Baptists at our Barbeque. The characters are hilarious and the book moves quickly. I'm anxiously awaiting For Time and All Absurdity.

Read this book in 1980, lost the copies I had and FINALLY found it- thanx to amazon.com.. Got me and many other people i introduced it to thinking: Could this be true? Is it that easy? What are the repurcussions? Will I, or any one else, get in to trouble following the authors suggestions? Where can I find more information on this subject? Where can I find a lawyer to represent me should I get in to a 'jam' with the "powers that be" by following these ideas? The second best book I've ever read on this subject; am still, waiting for the first best...

Though, it has been many years since I read this one, I will
never forget its content. After reading this one, you will
reexamine your values and definitely have a deeper insight
into how and why this country was founded.

This book offers an exceptional wealth of information. Written from a Christian perspective, it will compel you to delve deeper into the subject of our governments' agenda in the realm of money. I started it, then couldn't put it down. When I finished it, I brewed some coffee and reread large portions of it. I wanted to call the author, the publisher, anyone who could and would verify all the info presented here. I marvel at the fullness of the book, yet am driven to learn more about the topic.

I read this book in l984 and I was amazed. Something which is seemingly so complex is actually quite simple. Mr. Saussy gives the reader an excellent explaination of the intent of the constitutional framers in regard to our money system and to the honesty which such a system produces. For years I wondered about Mr. Saussy and only tonight I learned that he has returned and he has written a new non-fiction book for his audience. F. Tupper Saussy has returned and freedom lovers have an important symbol back! Read this book if you can.

I have read this book and highly recomend it to any one who wants to know about the real intent of the Founders of the USA. This book is a gift to every individual in this Great Country from one of the most intellegent individuals I have had the privilige to to know personally. It will set you free and stir the spirit up that made being an American and what it stands for, freedom!

I interviewed Jacqueline Duheme when she was promoting this exquisite book, and one thing remains in my mind that she said about "The Grand Dame, Jacqueline" - that she could have been a painting woman!!!

As an ardent admirer of Mrs. Kennedy for the past 40 years, I have read every book on her that I could get my hands on. "Mrs. Kennedy Goes Abroad" is a refreshing change from the repetitive narratives and recycled photos that are the mainstay of so many other books about her life. Ms. Duheme's illustrations are elegant and sumptuous but also embrace a childlike purity and simplicity which capture the essence of Mrs. Kennedy's persona and mystique. The commentary has the simple charm of a beautifully written children's book. It is obvious why Mrs. Kennedy chose Ms. Duheme to accompany her on her more memorable trips abroad as First Lady. A truly enchanting book.

Mrs. Kennedy Goes Abroad is an adorable little book filled with colorful Fauvist-like illustrations. Anyone who likes Laura Stoddart's simple-chic illustrations for Kate Spade will probably enjoy it. Fans of the recent exhibition at the Met that highlighted Jackie's White House clothes may appreciate it too. The commentary is kept to a minimum and black and white photos from Mrs. Kennedy's travels are included, but the focus is on French artist Duheme's amusing miniature paintings that capture Jackie in all those great pink sleeveless dresses and crisp suits in Paris, India, London and Italy.

As a side note: Duheme and Jacqueline Kennedy became friends who shared similar painting styles, and Duheme was invited to Cape Cod to give the First Lady an art lesson.

This book has wonderful pictures that captures the "facts" from actual photographs and transforms them into scenes of "fantasy". I really enjoyed the background information that accompanies each picture. A real treat of Jackie fans.

"Mrs. Kennedy Goes Abroad" is a beautiful book. The illustrations are lovely to look at, and the book is fun to read. A good choice for anyone to add to their library; especially recommended for those interested in the Kennedys and Jackie in particular. Evokes the fun mood of Jackie's scrapbook written with her sister Lee, "One Special Summer".

This book is a very good introductory text on multigrid method. After reading the book, I not only gained a basic understanding of the method, also could implement the method on my current projects. This is a great book for students or engineers who are new to multigrid, not for readers who need more detailed and deep discussion of the method.

A Multigrid Tutorial is concise, engaging, and clearly written. Steve McCormick is the only guy I know that can pull off teaching in spandex. Just make sure you sit in the back row.

This is a great book. Clearly written, well organized.

Mathematicians who write well are a rare commodity. Briggs is one of them. He has the ability to break down complex numerics with understandable prose making concepts accessible to non-specialists. He operates under the rare assumption that his readers weren't born knowing this stuff. This multigrid primer written with Henson and McCormick is no exception. Expository discussions are lucid, compact and informative; examples and plots are helpful and well selected; and pseudo code is well documented with corresponding outputs to verify understanding. If you are embarking on Multigrid from scratch this short (if somewhat pricy) primer is worth the time and money.

Anyone with some background in applied mathmatics should find this book accessible. It is well laid-out and focuses on algorithms as opposed to mathematical proofs. It is ideal for someone interested in multigrid methods but who doesn't want to get lost in lots of mathematical theory. It doesn't cover cell centered methods, which is somewhat limiting, but other than that it was useful and informative.