Projects Books

Paul Twitchell has a colorful past but all the hype and 'bad press' that eventually follows ANYONE shaking things up has colored how many see the man today. Marman has shaken the bad press up by researching WHY and WHERE the facts came from, why the conclusions were erroneous, and why the truth of the unbiased facts tell the story better than the biased ones. ('bad press' written by David Lane and others-who was himself a follower of a religious path he felt superior to Twitchell's philosophy..) We have ALL seen how bad press or even innuendo can destroy everything someone has worked for. Marman is a meticulous researcher and I was only disappointed that there was no bibliography for his work as well. It would have sat better to have HIS sources, since he was in essence refuting others conclusions. But it was a good read for anyone interested in spirituality, the 'shadier side' of bad press, and its consequences--whether true or false! Eckankar has a lot of good to offer, and anyone knows that bad press from a 'rival' group can only be that--biased. Marman is an active member of Eckankar--Twitchell's group--so without a bibliography supporting his 'facts'--his research will doubtfully be critisized. But I enjoyed it none the less and recommend it highly to anyone upset by the shadier side of Paul Twitchell---you will understand the man better after reading the book.

The personal spiritual insights and the relative truths revealed through open dialog in this book offer something for most anyone.

For me all the new information and documentation about Paul Twitchell's early life would have been enough. For those who may have been disillusioned by critic's images of Paul Twitchell, this book is a great gift.

I was looking for answers to my spiritual questions and found them in this book. I'm grateful to have come accross this by a friend mentioning he had read this. It appears that Mr. Twitchell took the time to bring out a teaching that takes all the best parts of all religious teachings and put them in one teaching called Eckankar! Thanks for your efforts and insights.

This book contains a lot of analysis and revelations concerning Paul Twitchell. It is a kind look at the true intent of Paul and his mission. It shows that ECKANKAR is indeed a valid set of teachings that can help Soul learn how to have direct experiences with the Holy Spirit of God through spiritual exercises, contemplation, and Soul Travel. It reveals that people (Souls) can break through dogma in this world and experience the wisdom, knowledge, and love of life that is required to be a conscious participant in Heaven before the final demise of the physical body.

Perhaps a bit lengthy and sometimes slightly acrid in debunking the deliberate and unintentional conjecture purported to be the life and motives of Paul Twitchell. But, still the treasure of expose and dialogue was well worth the read.

Doug Marman is to be commended for staying the course and ferreting out the details revealed. Thank You, Doug.

While I'm not handy with my hands, my sister-in-laws husband is, and they have a son that I got this for. It has a lot of really good projects that can be done with things like PVC pipe, and that boys will love to play with afterward.

I just received this book in the mail and was so excited that I did a quick scan to see what I could "put together" NOW! There were so many fun things to do in this book. Very inventive. I love the way Gurstelle gives praise to the past by creating a steam cannon designed by DaVinci (which was inspired by Archimedes). I can't wait to build even more!

I just bought this, based on experience of Gurstelle's other books ("Art of the Catapult" and "Backyard Ballistics").

I wasn't disappointed at the content, though anybody who has spent time on the internet (especially sites like Instructables or Howtoons) will have seen versions of most of the projects before. The only project that was wholly-new to me was the Mechanical Toe.

What did disappoint was the quality of the book - nice shiny covers enclose dull, yellowing pages. The paper used does not promise long life, and I do not think it would survive if I kept it with the rest of my Making library (in my shed).

So, buy it if you like Gurstelle's style, or if you don't want to spend some time filtering the dross from the Web, but don't buy it if you plan to keep it for several years.

Fantastic little book! Full of historical little tidbits and notes, mixed in with common sense instructions about a lot of fun "guy" projects that even girls could have fun doing! Loved it. Bought one for a grandson, then bought one for a friend. Might buy another one, too.

This was an excellent purchase!!! The book came in good time, and it is an excellent book. I would recommend it for others interested in poetry!!!

If you haven't read Williams and need a place to start, this is a great beginning. Pinsky has a keen eye for Williams, and selects the freshest and most involving poems. Glancing through the reviews for all of the Poets Project books, I'm surprised little has been said about the book. For a small book it has a tough binding, but more importantly the print is easy to read--making it enjoyable to thumb (I find it difficult to read more than a handful of good poems without a break).

First of all, I'm shocked that I am the first person to review this book, which was released a few months ago. I'm no poetry "expert," though I do know what I like, and I like this guy. But where is everybody? I thought this volume, as well as others in the American Poets Project, would have received more attention. Especially William Carlos Williams, a voice like no other, intoxicating in a way that Whitman is, but a more modern voice, more syncopated. And there is the same love of the world around him, mostly simple, sometimes broken things. No doubt, he is one of the main voices of the 20th century and he well deserves his place in the pantheon.

If you have never read W.C. Williams, this is a great place to start. If you have, this volume is a beautifully presented distillation of his work and will be sure to offer some new revelations.

So much depends on this selection of WCW's work... it seems to me better than the other selection in my possession, the Penguin edition from the 80s. This one is beautifully designed and sized. I'm not familiar enough with the entire opus to really know whether this selection is definitive; certainly none of my favourites are absent. Small quibbles: something about the type makes poems sharing a page look like uneasy bedfellows but I don't know if this is avoidable. Also the glue inside the front flypaper is visible and I'm not sure will stand the test of time as well as the poems have. Overall though, a very pleasing volume.

This book was purchased as a gift for our daughter. She was remodeling a beautiful apartment and needed instructions on some of the repairs, but daddy wasn't nearby. She said the book was a wonderful gift, and used it often. In fact it gave her some ideas of other projects she could and would undertake.
I liked it so much I bought myself one also!

This is the perfect book for those of us who know nothing about home repair. Its step-by-step instructions are clear and easy to follow, without technical jargon or mystery widgets. The cautionary notes help allay my fears that I could do something dangerously dumb, especially in the electrical and plumbing sections. This book is a "must" in homes where no one's "handy!"

This book paid for itself the first time I changed an electrical switch. I am getting psyched up for working on the drippy faucet. I am now enlightened about the mysterious workings of the toilet and know I will probably never have to meet the plumber. My only criticisim is that I thought the lesson on installing an underground sprinkler system was a bit far out and doesn't truly fit the category of "Incredibly Simple Weekend Projects" I was researching how to change a toilet, which turned out to be simple enough after I watched and paid someone to do it. I would definately include that how-to in the next edition.

This book is a must-have for anyone doing their own home repairs. Step-by-step directions are presented in clear, simple language. Each section begins with a list of all necessary tools--no surprises just when you've got that toilet tank in pieces! Illustrations actually look like what you need to see. Even my dad asked for a copy of this book!

This is my favorite of the series in overall content. There are no trips to the forest or barn raisings here, just projects that can be built in any workshop. Unlike the others, this is not really a sit down and read through it book. Instead it's a true how-to book.

Any of Roy's books are awesome for woodworkers who know how to read. Oh sure, you love Norm and his $8000 drum sander, but if you truly want to learn how to work with wood with nothing more than the bare essentials, then pick up this book as well as all the other books Roy has written. Otherwise, just buy all the garbage books about "How to Master a Biscuit Joiner" or "Setting up a Leigh Dovetail Jig". Just make sure you add a box of 80 grit sandpaper for your random orbital sander to your order.

When you read Underhill you begin to understand the tradition of woodworking--the heritage of anyone whose ancestors had to hew out a shelter and live off the land (in other words, every one of us). The former master housewright for Colonial Williamsburg includes projects with instructions specific enough to get you started but vague enough to challenge you to inject individuality into your work. As a still-green intermediate woodworker and a history student, I loved it.

This is a great book with many project ideas. It is not a book of measured drawings. If you've viewed "The Woodwright's Shop," you wouldn't expect to see them anyway. Each project highlights different techniques with hand tools. I've personally recreated the bellows from this book with much success (If I do say so myself!)

I still re-read the section on hand-cutting dovetails each time I attempt them.

All-in-all, it's a great book that demonstrates woodworking techniques while forcing you to improvise your projects around the basic themes presented in its pages.

I can't think of anyone who wouldn't benefit from this book. The tips have really made a difference in both my personal and professional life. From the smallest tips (clearing the space around you) to the more involved ideas (do these things every day), Jane Schulte's book will truly change your life.

There are great techniques described that can be applied to any office or home. It makes being organized easy, and eliminates stress and worry from tasks that seem overwhelming!

I have used many of the tools in Work Smart, Not hard. With the PEND System, I am able to confidently know that all tasks will be accomplished on time. Learning to delegate has elevated me to be able to do work on higher level projects.

Organizing my email has kept my mind clear to take on more work.

Meg Frodge
Employee Support Manager

Busy professionals and busy moms juggling many tasks. Executives in need of organization. Office managers trying to run their offices more efficiently. Average joes trying to find the work/home balance. Anyone who feels like they are going to explode from the mounting stack of work in front of them. This book is for everyone. Jane Schulte is an insightful writer who reminds you to be patient if you do not see immediate results, and to adopt one tool at a time starting with what interests you most.

Be sure to check out the chapters about the PEND System and Do These Things Every Day. These are simple and effective methods to get your desk -- and your brain -- organized (at work and at home!)

This book is concise yet thorough - perfect for busy people in need of smart tools that will make their lives a bit easier!

This is one of those books that you can't put down and makes you feel good.

Yesteryear I Lived in Paradise is a fascinating, enlightening and informative account of pioneer life on the Gulf Coast of Florida. It is a reminder to us all that there still is beauty surrounding us, if only we know how to see it as Myrtle Betz did. The reader will surely wonder if, despite all our modern amenities, we may truly be missing something very special. Read it. Walk into the photos. Scan the "Timeline." You'll see that Myrtle Betz' granddaughters have done well in sharing Myrtle's "paradise" and a colorful part of Florida's history.

Fascinating stories of Florida homestead living. Beautifully designed book, the text is well illustrated with authentic family photos. Yesteryear I Lived in Paradise: The Story of Caladesi Island is a treasure.

I read this great little book a few years ago. It is a heart warming story of a women's love affair with a beautiful Florida island that has been saved from development, and is now a park.
Myrtle Betz moved to the island with her father when she was a small child, and grew up there rowing a small boat to school on the mainland each day.
If you love Old Florida you will enjoy this book. You may be inspired to take a trip to this beautiful unspoiled park.

About a year ago a teacher/performer friend asked me who my first guitar teacher was. Larry McCabe, quite a few years ago. My friend looked surprised, and told me he uses Larry's books in his own teaching, and that Larry had written something like 80 books to date. I had no idea, as Larry was in the process of writing his first book when I had lessons with him. So when it came time to brush up on some basic blues licks for a band I'm in I ended up obtaining some of Larry's books.

This book of blues turnarounds is where I started. What a great book - full of excellent turnaround licks. At this point I've only played through about half of them note for note, but have used those as a basis for coming up with my own licks. And to me, that is the mark of a great book - lots of useful information if read note-for-note, but can also be used as a springboard for creating new ideas.

The licks I've learned from the book thus far are all in the key of C, but can be easily used in other keys if one has a basic knowledge of the notes on the fretboard. I'd highly recommend this book for a beginner wanting to learn stock blues licks, or intermediate players who need to expand their blues vocabulary.

An Excellent Choice for the Early Intermediate Blues Guitarist

A turnaround is a lick played at the end of a section of music. A blues turnaround would be played in measures 11-12 of a 12-bar blues, or measures 7-8 of an eight-bar blues.

Electric urban blues turnarounds are fairly easy to play, and the difference from one to another is subtle. Having the ability to play a variety of turnarounds is an important skill in blues guitar playing. This is the best book I know of that addresses exclusively the subject of electric blues guitar turnarounds.

This a book for a VERY ambitious beginner, or an early intermediate guitarist who has an interest in Chicago blues in the classic style of Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Jimmy Reed, etc.

The licks are all arranged in the key of C. This is for ease of analysis and comparison. The user is encouraged to transpose the licks to other keys - a worthwhile project for exploring and learning the fingerboard. Very, very good practice for learning the art of blues phrasing.

Great book from one of our leading authors. My students (and myself) have consistently benefited from the interesting instruction contained here.

My students and I work from several of Larry McCabe's guitar books and find that the books produce consistently high results.

This book, like the others, is exceptionally well crafted, specific in intent, and the guitar lines are accurately written exactly as they are heard on the CD. Larry McCabe books are the work of a dedicated teacher who has achieved a high level of respect nationally in the field of music education.

Larry asked me to write a review for this book, and I am happy to do so. The object of this book is to teach the art of playing blues guitar turnarounds to a guitarist who has some prior experience but is just beginning to explore electric blues.

If a student knows how to bend the strings and perhaps play slurs, slides, and hammers, blues turnarounds are not difficult to play. What is important is to play them authentically and with conviction. This book does a very good job in advancing those objectives.

A component of this book that is quite effective is that every phrase is written in the Key of C. The student should then transpose each lick to other keys, a desirable skill that encourages individual incentive and ability to solve arranging problems.

The turnarounds sound exactly like the ones played on classic blues recordings by the great artists from Chicago and other urban areas.

I know other teachers who swear by Larry's books, and I am one of them. Great book- effective in its aims, ambitious content, fun to work through, and a great value.

i need to do community service to make up my attendance and i want a job i would like. i am 14 years old i go to cullen middle school in corpus christi tx.i very responsible and mature not like other kids around here,i missed alot of days cause i was sick ,mainly medical problems. mostly all of them are excused,but i have to make them up. if i were to work at petshops or dog pounds i would do a excelent job for them the place won't even smell like animals,i love animals and i really want to work with pets. thankyou very much ,lori silva

This is a great book for mentoring programs, schools, local neighborhood communities, church groups, and after-school programs (or even regular school curriculums). Clearly written and well formatted, it contains information about how to get started on community projects to help others and keep kids interested and stimulated beyond the modern TV and video watching activities, whether it be under adult supervision or even how to start to get the adult support kids need to be able to do the projects mentioned. Descriptive outlines of what you need to do are extremely helpful and easy to follow - the author seems to know how to connect to a young audience and keep the older ones interested, too, using contemporary language and tidbits of her own experiences in some cases. A great resource for teachers, community leaders, churches, and neighborhood activists who want to get their kids more involved and active with services to others.

Our world would be a better place if we were taught from an early age how important it is to serve and be active members of our communities. This book offers ways to do this.

This very fine book has been in print in one form or another since the early-to-mid 1980s. Not many music books remain in print that long, but this is an exceptional collection of model solos in the urban blues style.

The book is quite popular with music teachers (as evidenced by the other reviews) and it is enjoyable and productive for students as well. The book is aimed at the ambitious early intermediate student, and a few of the solos will challenge an intermediate guitarist.

There are 25 full-length solos in the book, each written in notation and tablature, and each recorded note-for-note on the accompanying CD. The band on the CD is excellent. There are five solos in C, five in G, five in D, five in A, and five in E. The solos are played to standard blues progressions, meaning that they may be "plugged in" to similar blues progressions that are found in many, many songs.

The solos sound exactly like the solos heard on real blues records. They are varied and performed with taste, authenticity, and feeling. You can hear why the author was a columnist for Living Blues Magazine and why his work has received consistently high reviews in a number of guitar magazines.

Great book, highly recommended.

I wish all music instruction books were written in this format. The song tabs just go from one page to the next without a bunch of talking/writing in between, and the song numbers in the book actually match the song numbers on the cd...what a rare and unique idea! Of course, none of that would matter if the material were bad, but that's not the case, the solos are great - quite diverse too. There is a lot of helpful information in this book: theory, writing your own solos, a guide to blues styles and artists,etc. - but it's all in it's own section of the book, not sprinkled throughout the book here and there making it impossible to find. As a full time guitar instructor I would just like to say "great job", "great blues solos" and "great, easy to use format". Thanks.

The author of this book, Larry McCabe, is re-releasing books that have gone out of print for one reason or another. This particular book is an old friend. After I received it, I went into my library and found a copy. It has been in print in one form or another for 25 years. Most instruction books don't last anywhere near that long. First, this book (as the author warns) is not for beginners. You need to be familiar with the movable blues scales we all use. If you are playing out, and feel comfortable with the whole neck, get this book. The style of lead is closer to Gatemouth Brown and Freddie King than anyone else. If you don't know who these men are, buy their CDs. You are in for a treat. Please read the author's introduction. There is a lot of good info there. The Tab system is the older style. It should take about 30 seconds to adjust. It's actually easier to read than the current form. If you consider yourself a Rock guitarist instead of Blues, you really could use this book. If you use these solos as a "how to", instead of just memorizing them, they will give you some new weapons. You know, for scaring the heck out of other guitarists.