Conferences Books

If you own a music studio or you are a record producer, artist, sales representative for a big record company ... you'll get to the exact place you want to go by using this guide. The book provides location data, phone numbers, fax numbers, mobile phone numbers, email addresses and web sites for all the major and minor corporations dealing with music nowadays

This is a must have for any person involved in the music business. I wonder what I would do without it sometimes. Whenever I need a place to go I just have this but my life was much harder before this book came on the market!

This is a complete collection of Music Studious, Music Press, Manufacturers, and so on. I was impressed by this book when I first read it. I have been in the music business for a long time and I never saw such a complete collection of places to go. Amazing and very useful! I highly recommend it!

Wow, if you ever need to know anything about the music industry: where to find a decent record company, who's the best man for that particular job, what are the best radio stations, what's the best newspaper related to music business, then this is a book you should not miss. The CD-ROM format gives it easy access for all and is portable so you can take the listings everywhere with you, it helped me because I travel a lot and a bulky book is not easy to carry

I needed this book because I was young and i had no friends in the music business to tell me where to go and what to do. I bought this and went to spark with the people from these locations and they were extremely helpful and kind to me. People aren't that bad and if you need help just ask or try to find information. I used this book and it was a great help to me.

I have to admit, living in the Midwest has made it difficult to catch LSU sports. I have actually become an SEC sympathizer. I'll watch any team in the conference. Enter this book. A really good history about the programs of the SEC. All of the folklore about Bear Bryant, Gene Stallings, Vince Dooley and the "evil" genius. I read this book from cover to cover and really understood some of the fierce rivalries in the SEC. You also begin to understand the rich tradition that is SEC football and why it is important to alumni. I'm still a devout LSU fan, but will follow the SEC in any contest!

This book is great for anybody claiming to be a SEC Fan.
I love the thoroughness of it and the recipes are yummy for the tummy. Buy it. You won't be sorry.

Do you know the history of your alma mater? I am a Georgia Bulldog and I had no idea I knew so little about the Dawgs and the rest of the SEC. Learn about it all here. The tailgating recipes are great too. A perfect gift idea for the SEC Football crazed fan in your life. I have considerably boosted my water cooler bragging rights with this book.

This book is really something if you are an avid southern football fan. If you are an SEC alumni, it is a must-have. In addition to a history of college football in the South, all of the unique histories and traditions of the schools are there...along with some very tasty Cajun tailgating recipes named after each team. Great bowl games are mentioned and each of the alma maters and fight songs are listed as well. This is one of the best sports books to come around in quite some time. Purchase your copy of "A Tailgater's Guide To SEC Football." It has something for everyone and it will not disappoint. An engaging read.

Well written and informative, Warner's book is a great reference source for any SEC football fan. Each chapter covers the important players and coaches from each school. However, if you are looking for anything deeper, go elsewhere. None of the big issues, i.e. segregation/integration or cheating/NCAA violations are covered. The book does a great job of accomplishing Warner's goals. I only wish he'd have been a bit more ambitious and tackled questions tougher than, "who was the best QB in Florida history?"

I just cannot praise this book enough. Ellman's biography of Joyce is amazing, bewildering, daunting (at least in its length) and wonderful -- not coincidently, just like James Joyce. One caveat: I imagine a reader might be quite confused if s/he read this before reading any of Joyce's major works (Ulysses or Finnegans Wake). I am kicking myself that I didn't read this biography years ago! Truly a marvelous work -- and a must for readers of Joyce.

For those of you interested in a biography of James Joyce that's as erudite as his works themselves, then Ellmann's "James Joyce" is most definitely for you. This is a product of years of interviews and correspondence with many of Joyce's friends and family members; and Ellmann's love for both the writer and the man radiate through every page. His sections on the key themes and events that inspired both "Ulysses" and "Finnegans Wake" are invaluable. Moreover, you'll find yourself chuckling a great deal of time, and even shedding a few tears, as I did. My only critique of the book, albeit fairly minor, is not so much directed at the author as it is at the publisher: there is little room in the margins for notes, as well as very sparse flyleaves; hence for those of you who like to engage a book with gushing pen in hand, then you'll find the layout of this book quite restraining, as I did. One might counter this critique, however, with the perhaps granted point that it leaves all the more canvas space on which to overlay layers and layers of brush strokes much needed when attempting to paint the life of this very complex, gifted, and charming man.

In all things about James Joyce, no one has exhibited more of an acute understanding of the man and his works than Richard Ellmann. He is the bridge by which readers who have not read Joyce or do not understand what they have read by him to the inner workings of the artist and his life.

This biography, "James Joyce" has been around for decades, virtually unchallenged. He presents to the reader all the facets of Joyce's life and personality. This is no mere star-gazing. Along with all the great things about Joyce, he also examines his weakness: his superstitions, his drinking, his occasional selfishnes, his sexual complexities, and his failure to really take care of his family. We get to see Joyce in all his dimensions and from several perspectives. That makes this book not only the best biography of James Joyce but one of the classic biographies of all time.

Richard Ellmann's biography of James Joyce is hands down among the three best or the best biography written in the 20th century. For anyone with a serious interest in Joyce or his writings, will truly enjoy getting to know Joyce and his writings through this book.

I've read maybe a few thousand reviews of other titles on this website but this is the first book I've felt I needed to comment on. I comment mainly because I noted that two reviewers gave this book "4 stars". What unmitigated gall!

Richard Ellmann's biography is the most definitive and complete examination of James Joyce that has been written. This extensive work examines Joyce's life from his birth to his death. Ellmann's narrative derives from Joyce's letters as well as accounts from Joyce's brother, Stanislaus. The book is most revealing in offering an understanding of the process it took for Joyce to come up with his most monumental works, ULYSSES AND FINNEGANS WAKE. Ellmann states that Joyce intentionally made it difficult for anyone to understand what he wrote. He wanted to keep his critics, academics and scholars, guessing of what significance his nonsensical gibberish creation represented. In addition, Ellmann intertwines events that occurred in Joyce's life that show how they closely resemble the characters in the works he produced, such as his early work, A PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST AS A YOUNG MAN.

James Joyce most likely can be considered a "starving artist." He would go without a new pair of shoes until they wore down to the soles, but looked debonair and sophisticated with non-matching suits. In the beginning, he aspired to be a work within the realms of Jesuit studies, but later opted for a writing career that would take him from Trieste, Paris, and Zurich. Joyce struggled with poverty through out his life even as his most famous works were published. Monetary problems and health conditions that affected his eyesight never hindered his creative process. If he lost his eyesight, he probably would have continued to write blind. Joyce appeared to be an eccentric and stubborn man. However, Ellmann shows a caring and supporting man who loved his wife and children, and most of all, his father, John Stanislaus Joyce.

In terms to history and literature, Ellmann constantly references Joyce's fascination with Shakespeare, ancient civilization and history. This is best displayed in ULYSSES, but one significant footnote is that he did not appear to care for American history. He makes a minute reference to Ulysses S. Grant in ULYSSES, but he did not even know who the man was; Joyce loathed the United States. Also, Ellmann offers a birds-eye view of what his cohorts thought of his work. Gertrude Stein as well as Ernest Hemingway praised and envied Joyce's contributions to Modernism.

Ellmann examines a tremendous amount of information within his narrative. When one completes JAMES JOYCE, what else do you need to know about this genuine writer who used his craft as a means of getting back home, but never quite made it there? But he preferred Zurich and its snow-capped mountains as home rather than the complexities of his former Dublin. JAMES JOYCE is the springboard one needs when beginning a study of Joyce the man and his works, which should begin with PORTRAIT and ending with WAKE.

I first heard of Bill Irwin threw my sister and her husband as they are great friends with the Irwins. I got the book blind courage and read it , it was the most awesome book I have ever read and I have since met the Irwins and had Thanksgiving Dinner with them at my sisters and they are such a great couple with the love of God and life. Bill being blind is not a handicap at all to him , and those around him, he is the most sincere and god loving man Ive known. The book is great, I encourage everyone to read it and there is also a book called Oreint Express for the little ones.

Bill Irwin and Orient leads us down the trail over the mountains and into the forest unlike any other author. We see what he feels and senses around him. With every step we walk along with Bill and Orient, and we camp along with them and met some wonderful people along the way helping Bill and Orient along the trail. Wonderful story. Would love to meet Bill and Orient.

The story told in this book is truly mind-boggling, on several fronts. First, there is the adventure of hiking the Appalachian Trail. Secondly, there is the story of a BLIND man doing it! Third, is the whole topic of seeing eye dogs and the bond that develops between them and their owner. It blew me away, that this dog was able to do what he did, thus enabling Bill to complete this hike. Last but not least, it shows what is possible if we put our faith in God. Most of us rely on our own selves--Bill put his faith and trust in God in order to complete this journey. The book is easy to read, short chapters (which I like--makes it easier to pick up and put down), written from the heart. A great gift book!

I just finished reading "Blind Courage" for the second time. Bill Irwin's story offers a timeless story of courage, faith, and a triumphant spirit as he was the first "blind" person to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. I write "blind" because Bill may not have the sense of eyesight, but throughout the book has great insight into persons he meets along his walk, and relates the greatest insight into his own self and his strengths and weaknesses, on a hike (he was not an experienced hiker) all possible by his enduring faith in our Lord and his confidence in his Seeing Eye dog, Orient. The book flows well,doesn't sound "preachy", and reads quickly--almost too quickly as we want to hear more. This is a great story by a great man who spent his first almost 50 years in turmoil, broken relationships, and losing his eyesight, but he finds himself and encourages and uplifts others along his hike. By the way, if you have an opportunity to hear him speak, Bill Irwin is an outstanding public speaker with a great message and is a very friendly individual. In summary, read this book if you are looking for modern heroes and uplifting people of faith doing the "impossible" regardless of whether you enjoy "outdoor/hiking/camping" books or not.

My review of this book is one of pure joy and inspiration. From the moment I laid eyes on this book I knew it had a great message written in it. I meet Bill and Orient when they came to the Lititz Grace Brethern Church. Even after reading his story and hearing his testomony it was totally indescribleable. Bill is a wonderful speaker and Orient is just the most lovable dog you could ever know. To have a dog like that which leads you over that terrain from Georgia to Maine is a true friend.

They both had a good friend in the Lord and he truly lead them on a spititrual path and from all of this a remarkable story. Again I personally give this book FIVE STARS.

I come back to 'As Far as the Eye Can See' year after year. It's absolutely brilliant. Well written, honest, insightful. David Brill conveys his experiences on the AT better than any other through-hiker book I've ever read. Too many books make it seem if hiking the Appalachian Trail is man vs. trail but Mr. Brill brings the truth to the forefront, hiking the AT is hiker vs. him/herself. If you've ever thought of putting foot to the trail and walking from Georgia to Maine or simply enjoy day hiking in the beauty of the woods this book is for you.

Anyone interested in the AT, or just backpacking in general, should read this book. It's a great read. I liked it better than Bryson's "A Walk in the Woods" and I recommend it to everyone.

Mr Brill's book was the first of several I have read on hiking the AT, and it is, so far, still my favorite. He tell's about the hardships without moaning and groaning, and also lists the good things. You can get a good idea of what to expect about the AT from reading this book.

In his book, "As Far Aas the Eye Can See", David Brill takes the reader on a soul-sirring adventure along the rooftop of eastern America. He tugs at heart strings as he overcomes the grueling day-to-day trials and tribulations that plague long distance backpackers, and he lifts the reader's spirit as his soul soars to lofty heights as the beauty of Nature's bounty unfolds. Couch-bound? Not to worry. Mr. Brill evokes pictures with his dynamic and descriptive prose that carries the reader alongside, step by step. A must-read! J.R. "Model-T" Tate, author of "Walkin' on the Happy Side of Misery"

It's hard to write a review about this book. Why? It's so good. Why is it good, and what makes it different?

First, it tells of the trail and the people he met in 1979. I doubt you'd find some of these folks along the AT today. For example, the rednecks who came a'drinkin' and a'shootin' at a Georgia shelter, the mountain woman who showed him how to hunt ramps, and the strange and funny account of the rednecks with their "bullet trick" at the tavern in Erwin. Most of these type folks have probably faded into the era from which they came, now extinct by the pervasive eroding effect of the media and its pressure for everyone to conform to American McCulture, not to mention the effect of a constant stream of AT thru-hikers through a previously much more isolated mountain culture and communities.

He writes very well of the changes the trail had on himself, and the transition from feeling like a visitor in the woods to a resident of the woods. He goes from being deathly afraid of thunderstorms in gaps in Georgia when he started, to enjoying them later on. And the change in personal values his hike had on him.

Another big difference is this book is written by subjects, not chronologically like the numerous journal-type AT books. Chapters are on "Fear," "Seasons," "Our Community," "Bad Company," "Critters," and so forth. I find this a refreshing break from those books that generally read something like: "I got up at 6 am, cooked pop tarts, walked X miles up a MFer of a hill, saw curly joe and moe, stayed at X shelter, cooked slop tarts, tossed and turned under a leaky roof, got up at 6 am and started again."

Don't know else to say. Read it.

I have never read or heard Islam captured so beautifully as it is here--this book addresses so many issues and questions I have had about my own religion. I feel like I have discovered something that was lost. I thank Khaled Abou El Fadl for this treasure.

This book is an absolute treasure. I only wish I could afford to buy one for every Muslim in America, as it is something our community desarately needs. The writing style itself is beautiful, the insights are beautiful, and God willing this work will help many Muslims and non Muslims alike to find the beauty inherent in Islam. Every essay I read touches my heart, and causes me to pause and feel a great happiness that we have this man in our midst, who may help us to bring about a great revival of Islam in America.

This book is for those who possess an introspective and craving soul. It is for those who take seriously the notion that Islam is the path to peace through submission to the Divine will. It is for those who find their spirits burdened by contradictions, misinterpretations, and stagnant thought, which give birth to other oppressive forces such as but not limited to: indiscriminate warfare, sexism, racism, elitism, nationalism, classism, and intellectual chauvinism.

It is for those who have tired of a diet replete with spiritual baby food and adulterated water. They will find spiritual fiber, and will be refreshed with cool and palatable water. They will find this book thought provoking, affirming, inspiring, fortifying, and illuminating. They will be moved to tears of joy. They will come to understand that the author's search and struggle is indeed their own.

Dr Abou El Fadl captures the essence of an Islam that is rarely seen in the world today. The overly pious, the radical and the ignorant should read this book and challenge their infantile approach to this beautiful religion. Instead of blindly applying rigid interpretations of Islamic law to challenging problems, Dr. Abou EL Fadl seeks to best approximate what a compassionate, loving prophet would do. This is a must read for any muslim who seeks truth or any non-muslim who wants to see beauty in Islam.

This book was awesome, the stories and the musings in it are what alot of Muslims who aren't of the traditional or puritan mindset are going thru. It draws you back to what WAS originally beautiful in Islam.

The book is broken up into three sections, the second a section entitled "Double Exposures," a novel form of poetry in which each poem may be read three different ways to get three different meanings. Besides the second section, most of the poems are not intertwined by plot or theme-characters change from poem to poem, however, Greg Williamson seems to be the running thread that connects each poem. In "Origami," he even throws in his name, `"No really, Mr. Greg!"' Others appear to be his opinions and observations on life, for example "Bodies of Water," where he responds to a quote by Seamus Heaney that says, "Glimmerings are what the soul's composed of," with "Yes, but the body is made of water...." "The Dark Days" represents another form of his poems which leans toward reflection, "We should have seen it coming back In June: seeds of unrest..." One of my personal favorites was "Riddles," where Williamson pokes fun at this form of literature, coming up with twelve riddles and twelve sets of five answers that are all probable solutions. But by far the best part of this book was section two, the "Double Exposures." Williamson writes these with such grace and agility-two separate poems that somehow when the lines are alternately linked, fit together and make sense. The endings are especially ingenious-he turns "Swept by the tide, while the sun's filigree Embellishes an opalescent sea." into "...while the sun's filigree Catching the hostess's eye in this tableau Embellishes an opalescent sea Of carefree faces, taken years ago." Reading the second version, one would never assume the "sea" is an actual body of water, yet that is exactly what it is in the first version. It is these ingenious twists Williamson throws at us that makes the middle section of the book so fun to read. However, even if you are not interested in this type of double-poem, the first and last sections provide an ample amount of poems that appear more `normal' in shape and form. Williamson's tone throughout the book varies, but I found myself laughing out loud to many of his poems, for example, "The Life and Times of Wile E. Coyote, Super Genius," alluding to the television cartoon, where he toasts the coyote for his intellect and quirky inventions, and "The Top Priority," where he questions the English language, "If grocery stores supply a pre-sliced roll, And sliced is sliced, pre-sliced is what? Well, whole." I recommend this book to anyone with a sense of humor or as a gift to anyone who would enjoy a fun twist on poetry.

Greg Williamson's book, "Errors in the Script," is evidence that legendary poets can come at all points in history, even now. Williamson's poems are destined to be classics in the years to come.
Williason's use of puns is quite extensive. His poems are both humorous and serious and somehow reflect the life of a poet. "Errors in the Script" was highly enjoyable because of it's evasive style. The poetry in all three sections of the book can never be pinned down with one description of it's style.
Williamson is, by trade, a true poet. He is a poetry machine capable of producing and reproducing ideas and stories in different fashions. Whether in free verse, riddles, or a strict rhyme scheme, the poetry is exquisite. Sometimes Titles in the book can be misleading, but upon deeper reading one can find serious meaning to all of Williamson's poetry. He is a poetry craftsman,writing in forms that have never been written in before. The Creative style of the book always seem to have multiple meanings and/or answers to all questions raised.
In the section of the book titled Double Exposures, the author skillfully writes 26 frames of poetry that can be read in three differnet ways. The playfulness of one of the three ways may turn in to a much more serious expression as in "Billboard with Woman in Mirror." Williamson uses puns like the word fag to describe both a cigarette butt and a drag queen. He gets personal in the end of that poem and tells the reader two lies or two truths or maybe one of each. If you like that sort of mysterious poetry meaning "Errors in the Script" is definitely a must read book.
Lastly, these poems are excellent reads because they prompt the reader to think. Williamson not only tells the stories, he asks readers what the stories he writes about mean to them by asking and answering what poetry and life is to him. Genius, pure Genius.

i hate to be the voice of dissension, but i wasn't quite as taken by williamson's work as others are. it's nice to see humor used in poetry, but williamson has a tendency to beat the joke to death. half the time i wished he had cut the poem in half. take "origami" for example. he went on with a list for about 30 lines. by the time i got to the end, all i could think about was how glad i was it was over. it's stopped being amusing long ago. and he does this in several other poems. and many times i got the feeling he was being clever for the sake of being clever. i say kudos. you're clever. but that's the first and third section. the middle section, double exposures, is brilliant. it's what makes this book worthwhile. it's the reason i gave him such a high rating. this form that, if i'm not mistaken, he created is one that has to be pretty difficult. writing two poems that mesh together well enough to create a third poem is a level of skill that few poets will ever reach. and most of the double exposures are phenomenal. there are a few that don't work quite as well, but they still work. this is a book to get because of the double exposures. they are a delight to read.

This collection of poems is united under the theme of "Errors" which comes through in very interesting, and often very amusing ways. Williamson says in one of his poems, "They ask what I can make. `I make mistakes.'"
Found in the second section of the book, Williamson's "Double Exposures" was fascinating for its completely new dualistic style. I applaud his creativity and skill for the idea of describing a double exposed photograph image through a poem made out of two parts; where each part composes half of a whole poem, or image, and yet where each may stand alone and be read separately without appearing nonsensical. These double exposures fit into the theme of "Errors" in that they were made "accidentally." The poem "Origami" also supports the theme of Errors well; it explores the multiple representations a sheet of paper may take on, from a bed sheet to the mainsail of the Pequod, to a snowball when crumpled at the end of the poem.
Williamson continues to play on words and meanings in his poem entitled "Riddles" which consists of twelve three-lined poems which each represent a riddle with multiple answers, all of which are provided on an "Answer sheet." The entire collection possesses this similar playful tone to it, and contains an infectious sense of amazement and excitement in the hidden meanings of the written word. Readers that enjoy riddles and puns will be enthralled with Willamson's manipulation of words throughout his poems.
In the other sections of the book, ambiguities in language and meaning are further explored in "Top Priority" and in the more serious, darkly humorous, "The Muse Addresses the Poet (and getteth alle up in hys face)" which explores the troubles encountered in modern day poetry writing. We are even taken into the life of a man with astigmatism, the disease of seeing double, in the poem "Binocular Diplopia."
Most of the poems also contain allusions to classic works such as Milton's "Paradise Lost" or Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales." There are multiple implications to Hardy's "Darkling Thrush" in Williamson's "The Mockingbird Is Imitating Life." So, for prolific readers, these allusions make the poetry rich through deeper layers of meaning. However, the reader need not have any knowledge or background in poetry or the classics to enjoy this collection since the style used is one that appeals to the general public with its modern themes and new poetic forms. The humor, wit, and innovative writing techniques found in this book are what make it my favorite collection of contemporary poetry to date.

Williamson may well be the most prodigiously gifted young poet to come along since Wilbur, Hecht and Justice appeared around 1950. All these masters have eloquently praised his work; and if we fifty-somethings haven't said much, maybe we're too flumoxed by how damn good he is. Errors in the Script is a substantially better book than The Silent Partner, which was superb. The first third is comprised of big, solid poems which are advances on his earlier triumphs. My two favorites are Origami and Kites at the Washington Monument. The second third is a tour de force, twenty-six Double Exposures. Each poem is three poems, two in heroic couplets, and the third in quatrains. The left and right-hand poems interleave like fingers in hands folded in prayer to form the third, and the third is far greater than the sum of the parts. The same is true of the entire work, an extended meditation on life, on consciousness and perception. The final section of the book is perhaps a little too hip, too flip, for my codgerly taste, though mall-crawlers half my age may prize it above the rest. Anyone seriously interested in the present and future of poetry owes it to her or himself to acquire this terrific collection.

Rarely have I read a book written in modern times about Islam that is so beautiful and truly delves into the matter that this book talks about. You need not to believe in everything Abou El Fadl believes in nor to even be Muslim to truly grasp the beauty of this book. This book is not a book about the nuances of Sharia or the arguments for or against a certain opinion but rather the author's heartfelt emotions that guide him through his life. After reading this book I promptly bought one myself.

A great change from all the other religious books. Great for anyone who is searching for beauty anywhere, anyhow.

For those unfamiliar with Isalm, Abou El Fadl cracks open the tradition. You can see Islamic reasoning at work as he compares sources, uses the ancient writers and parses out conclusions. Read especially his deconstruction of alleged authorizations for violence against women in Islam and his defense of the tradition of women scholars. You can also feel his anguish at how much of Islam has turned its back on reason and the core belief that God commands the just and beautiful in favor of a narrow-minded fundamentalism. Christians struggling to defend against Christian fundamentalism will find an ally here.

And, if you love books, you will rejoice in his loving invocation of the conference of books, the collected wisdom of centuries, that swirl around him each night as he studies. My only complaint is that I would wish to have had more of this book: more Islamic analysis of issues.

Abou El Fadl has been accused of being a `sympathizer' of terrorists by Pipes; reading this book will show the absurdity of that claim and how his opposition of extremism is woven into his entire world view.

i have fallen in love with Dr. Khaled's words and thoughts. please, please, please read this man's book and support him with all your might. he is the bright shiny light at the end of the tunnel for all Muslims who thrive on intellectual theological discussions.

5 billion stars for Dr. Khaled!!!

This is an exceptional collection of essays articulating a profound mixture of legal and spiritual inquiry. There are 2 ways to experience being human: male and female, and Khaled Abou el Fadl has a remarkable and attentive regard for the female experience. A main theme presented is the necessity for Muslims, especially now, to recollect and find ways to revive and express their legacy of beauty and refinement. This is a book that can be appreciated by thoughtful people of any faith perspective.

This is the perfect book for any SEC fan. I couldn't put it down and I plan to give it as a gift to all of my friends.

Written by Sam King
Advocate Sportswriter
10/29/2002

GOOD READ: "SEC Sports Quotes," a book of quotes compiled by Chris Warner, is a good read for sports fans in general and LSU fans in particular. LSU Athletic Director Skip Bertman, often quoted in the book, might say it would also be a good book in Starkville -- if it was all pictures. Bertman, who joked about Starkville and Mississippi State in his years as a baseball coach, is quoted often in the book. A couple: "Starkville is an Indian word for trailer park. "In Starkville, there is only one beauty parlor and they only give estimates." Present Tigers baseball coach Smoke Laval gets in his shot. "Who's the loneliest man in Starkville? The Tooth Fairy." Actually, Bertman loves Starkville and may soon have LSU fans parking their motor homes there and being bused to games in Tiger Stadium. - Sam King, The Advocate

Written by Greg Langley
Book Editor, Baton Rouge Advocate
02/12/2003

Sports zingers Sports fans may enjoy local author Chris Warner's latest effort, a compilation of quotes from Southeastern Conference sports notables, SEC Sports Quotes (CEW Enterprises, [$$$]paperback). The book is a reminder that some of the best wits in America have been, and are, coaches and players. Take LSU athletic director Skip Bertman's observations on Starkville, Miss., the hometown of rival Mississippi State. "In Starkville there is only one beauty parlor, and they only give estimates," Bertman zings. And: "Starkville is an Indian word for trailer park." And: "NASA is moving the space program to Starkville because it has no atmosphere." Current LSU baseball coach Smoke Laval pokes a little fun at Mississippi State too: "Who's the loneliest man in Starkville? The Tooth Fairy." Of course the current master of the one-liner is South Carolina coach Lou Holtz, who said, "The man who complains about the way the ball bounces is likely the one who dropped it." He also said, "The only time you can start at the top is when you're digging a hole." But the one man most associated with football in the Southeast was Bear Bryant, former Alabama head football coach. There are plenty of gems from Bryant in this collection, but none more revealing than "Be good, or be gone." This is an enjoyable collection that will provide fodder for many an after-dinner speaker. Some of these quotes may even end up in Sunday sermons, but most of them will be repeated on Saturdays in football season. Greg Langley, The Baton Rouge Advocate, 2002

Written by Greg Langley
Book Editor, Baton Rouge Advocate

Sports zingers - Sports fans may enjoy Baton Rouge author Chris Warner's latest effort, a compilation of quotes from Southeastern Conference sports notables, SEC Sports Quotes (CEW Enterprises, $...paperback). The book is a reminder that some of the best wits in America have been, and are, coaches and players. Take LSU athletic director Skip Bertman's observations on Starkville, Miss., the hometown of rival Mississippi State. "In Starkville there is only one beauty parlor, and they only give estimates," Bertman zings. And: "Starkville is an Indian word for trailer park." And: "NASA is moving the space program to Starkville because it has no atmosphere." Current LSU baseball coach Smoke Laval pokes a little fun at Mississippi State too: "Who's the loneliest man in Starkville? The Tooth Fairy." Of course the current master of the one-liner is South Carolina coach Lou Holtz, who said, "The man who complains about the way the ball bounces is likely the one who dropped it." He also said, "The only time you can start at the top is when you're digging a hole." But the one man most associated with football in the Southeast was Bear Bryant, former Alabama head football coach. There are plenty of gems from Bryant in this collection, but none more revealing than "Be good, or be gone." This is an enjoyable collection that will provide fodder for many an after-dinner speaker. Some of these quotes may even end up in Sunday sermons, but most of them will be repeated on Saturdays in football season. Greg Langley, The Baton Rouge Advocate, 2002

I am a big SEC fan but I never knew that some of this stuff was said. Skip Bertman is really hard on Starkville in this book, but it's a real entertaining and easy read, especially if you are on a trip. I bought it in an airport bookstore and I finished it on a flight from Atlanta to New Orleans. This book should be a must-have for any SEC fan. I HIGHLY recommend it as a coffee table gift.

A very important book ! If the greatest mind in the history of Western Civilation (i.e. St Thomas Aquinas) read it every day and always had it with him what more needs to be said ?

. . .is known for its critical editions of Patristic and Early Medieval writings. Again the series trumps with the addition of this title.

"The Conferences" of John Cassian are perhaps some of the most powerful commentaries on the eremetical, monastic, and spiritual ways of life ever written -- and they are all too often left unappreciated in today's world. This was not always the case. The great saints, monastics and mystics of the medieval period read and respected this work extremely highly.

The "Conferences", set up as though Cassian was in dialogue with the great hermits of his day (and in some cases, perhaps he actually was) deal with the various issues, choices, and crises which beset all Christians -- not merely those to whom the grace of the religious life has been given.

This is a book to be digested slowly, one "conference" at a time and to be meditated upon -- not to be rushed through.

Highly recommended.

Of all my books, this is my most important - the one I keep by my bed just to open up and read. It is filled with post-it tabs.

I agree with all said in other reviews. But for me, it is not the sort of book one reads cover to cover. It is a source for spiritual nourishment, guidance and encouragement on an as needed basis.

This is the complete text of all 24 of John Cassian's Conferences, some of which are translated for the very first time. This text could be, and indeed was, considered the advanced text on living the Christian life. While the stories of the desert fathers may sound daunting, their thoughts, as transmitted (and certainly adapted) by John Cassian are surprisingly honest, refreshing, and inspirational. These were people who truly sought, and knew God. As Cassian writes in the preface, we can criticize them as being too extreme, but the evidence of their lives testifies on their behalf. Virtually every aspect of life is covered here in some way, as Cassian relates his "conferences" with various monks in the deserts of Egypt. This book is so refreshing and stirring, especially given the "junk food" spirituality that most modern Christian publishers pump out. This way is not simple or quick, but it does point to a fuller life. All those who say they follow Christ should give this a read.

(...)

The Conferences is the Christianity I always thought should exist but could never find amongst the writings and preachings of Western Christianity. It's a practical approach to the type of self improvement implicit in the sayings of Jesus. It is so much more useful to my own peace of mind and spiritual improvement than anything I've ever heard from a modern Christian pulpit that I can only lament not finding it many years ago.