Vision Books

THIS IS AN EXTRAORDINARY BOOK, SO FULL OF THE LOVE OF LIFE, AND WILL MAKE AN ENGROSSING AND VERY PROFITABLE MOVIE!

Reading Vision in the Desert is a wonderful Trip in Time
The honesty and sincerity of Vassili capture your Heart and Mind and can't put the book down. Wishing some Producer will make a Movie there is enough Memories and Emotions to be an Academy Award.

This is the story of Vassili Sulich, written by him, in his own words. You can hear his voice as you read it. Dancer, choreographer, painter, & poet; it's a fasinating life story of a man filled with many famous names in dance and theatre. For anyone interested in the world of dance, classical or theatrical, it's filled with stories involving many legendary names. For someone that worked with Vassili for many years, it's a revelation. His story is a part of the heritage that makes the dancers of today. And finally, the entire book is an affirmation of his drive to communicate life through dance and the great joy that he has in it.

I came across this book while looking for a biography of Carl Hayden. While there is a considerable amount of biographical information in this book, it is not primarily a biography. Instead the title of the book is an good description of this books contents: a description of the political battles involving over water in the lower Colorado River basin and the role and impact that Carl Hayden played in this political drama. Towards the goal expressed by the title, this book is well written and an engrossing read. If you are looking for a general biography of Hayden that does not focus primarily on a single area of the senator's career then Ross R. Rice's Carl Hayden is a better choice.

Author Jack August tells an engrossing tale of the politics of water in the American southwest which is virtually the same as the past, present, and future of this region. Arizonan Carl Hayden became the Arizona's first congressman (when Arizona only had one congressman) upon statehood in 1912 and moved to the the U.S. Senate in 1927 where he remained until retiring in 1969. In today's era of sound bites and short attention spans, Hayden labored for decades, leading the way to first establish federal control over western water management (so the resources of the federal government would build the needed dams and other projects needed to tame and manage the area's rivers), then parceling out the rights to the water between the various states and other jurisdictions through legislation, compacts and court decisions, and finally, after it was established by the U.S. Supreme Court in "California vs Arizona" that Arizona did have rights to Colorado River water, getting the authorization and funding for the Central Arizona Project which today brings water from the Colorado River near Parker, AZ to the mushrooming metro areas of Phoenix and Tucson. August writes a technically detailed book. Its not a fast read, but I found it indispensible to understanding the past and probably future of this state which over 5.5 million people now call home.

August brings extensive expertise concerning the history of water and hydroelectric power development in the Southwestern United States. The story of water politics in the American southwest is instructive for the governments of both the United States and Canada.

Management of North America's water resource is poised to become the defining issue in Canadian-American relations in the twenty first century. Certainly, that issue will dominate trade negotiations and will precipitate fallout for the movement of other major commodities of Canadian goods into American markets.

In Arizona, water rights was topical as a political concern before the turn of the century to 1900. Central to the issue was Carl Hayden who was elected in 1911 and served in the U.S. Congress for the next 57 years; as a Democratic member of the House of Representatives until 1927 and then as a Senator from 1927 to 1969.

August reveals in this engagingly-written biography that Hayden knew from 1914 that his political future would be tied to water resource development; a thought documented as a young politician in letters to his parents. Hayden's personal papers disclose his legendary kindness in all relationships and perhaps part of the secret to his long political career.

In constructing the history, August draws out the competing interests of upper basin states with those downstream of the Colorado River, bringing in the early interest expressed by Los Angeles for electricity and water. What was involved was large scale manipulation of water in an extremely arid environment.

The protracted negotiations resulted in CAP -- the Central Arizona Project -- which put Colorado River water to thirsty agricultural areas and provided for the unimpeded development of Phoenix and Tucson by protecting them from water shortages. The bill was signed into law September 30, 1968 by President Johnson. The cost of implementation, US$1.3 billion, was the most expensive single Congressional authorization in history. Hayden considered the accomplishment the most significant contribution of his career.

The book is extensively researched and animated through interviews with Barry Goldwater and others prominent in the issue. The author has also drawn fom Johnson's presidential papers, court cases, and six decades of the Congressional Record. Some flavor of the thrust and parry of political debate has been drawn from accounts in dozens of newspapers and journals. That all of these sources have been assembled in one volume is a valuable gift to future scholars.

Evoking transportation images to bracket Hayden's working life, August reminds us that "He began his public career riding a horse and buggy to his office and ended it voting for funds that ultimately enabled him to watch people walk on the moon." No doubt, those astronauts were looking for water!

Contention over management of North American water resources has bracketed both the beginning and end of this century and will carry on well into the next. The World Bank warns us that the wars of the next century will be about water. August's prediction: "In the future, the use of water will underlie every public policy decision made in the American West."

The Vision is Here by Jerry McSwain

Reviewed by Joyce Ann Edmondson
(...)

In 'The Vision is Here,' Jerry McSwain deliberates, as step by step he puts into words the memories, thoughts and feelings about his long term struggle to escape from the prison of drug addiction. In his journals McSwain poignantly, and sometimes with satiric humor, relates his life journey as one of a deep mental awakening from drug addiction in a rehab center, believing those about him can "read his mind." He describes how in his hazy thoughts, he believes the "compassion" of the nurses and aides come from powerful (angelic) forces at work such as he has never known in his life, preventing him from using the substances he had always thought of as absolutely essential to his survival.

As he tries to isolate himself, thoughts of suicide and escape come to his mind, but in a powerfully beheld vision in which he returns to a scene in his life as an eight year old boy, McSwain finds he is drawn to forces he cannot flee, forces which seem to come from a powerful place beyond creation.

As the visions persist, Jerry McSwain comes to terms with his addiction and finds a new purpose in existence, often questioning with a scientific and inquiring mind, some of the beliefs currently held by world churches and modern-day scientists. He then leads us on a fascinating journey to the Source of all existence, who seems to him in this day and age to be reaching out in various ways to many "lost souls," one of whom was himself.

I would call McSwain a theologian who uses scientific methods of research into the Bible to answer the age long questions of mankind: Who am I? What is my purpose in being here? Who is God? Why did God make me? In "The Vision is Here" he seeks through Biblical analysis and logical reasoning to answer these questions. He challenges the Evolutionists, as well as the Creationists, and gives reasons for each conclusion. Fortunately for the reader, McSwain's research is solid and answers come as the result of months and years of searching and documenting spiritual, written evidence from the Bible, not simply answering questions as in a catechism. I was deeply impressed by his methods, such as making a chart outlining the characteristics of a human being, against the characteristics of God as found in the Scriptures. His conclusions regarding divine and human life are dynamic and will remain in the reader's mind long after he has turned the last page of "The Vision is Here."

I have read "The Vision Is Here" and it is as though it's coming alive within my daily walk with God. As I read through the book it's as though, I am experiencing very vivid feelings perhaps as the writer felt during the vision and his research of the vision. It felt (to me) that Mr. McSwain was taking me on a far distant journey (as I read) into a place that only the heart and soul can travel. I have sought a closer walk with God throughout my life; however, out the many visits to church (in the past) it seemed I could not get break the barrier called religious taboos brought about by the unknown of scriptural understanding and many fears of seeking out answers for the meaning of life from The Most High God; however, when it comes to the vision, it opens up an understanding in me that far surpasses any fears I had accumulated through the years of my own search of God and divine understanding of why I am alive today and where I came from. I believe that anyone that reads "The Vision Is Here" will come to know something, perhaps an answer, that they have themselves, have asked deep inside of their own being. "The Vision Is Here" challenges the modern-day ideas and concepts; while offering (alternative) indisputable answers for many of the unknown mysteries that mankind has struggled to overcome for untold years. Without any question in my mind our world has awakened to another seerer of the strange and unusual; in fact, I have no doubt the prophecy of Habakkuk 2 the prophet has unfolded in our day and time, and I am very confident (after reading Mr. McSwain's book) the "vision" is here!

The Vision Is Here by Jerry McSwain

Review by Cindy Bell


After the judge gives Jerry the option of either going to jail or to rehab, Jerry chooses rehab. He knows going in that rehab will not help him. Drugs had not helped in the past either, but it had been his only way of escaping reality. While there, Jerry finds friends and mentors, but reality is a bitter pill to swallow, and the real Jerry did not wish to stand for these people.

Depression continues its foggy shadow over him, and finally, he plans his escape. Alone, he finds himself standing before a hospital mirror, fully contemplating a bloody end to his world. They would find him in a heap on the bathroom floor and it would all be over.

"Oh my God, am I dead?" No. God has other plans for Jerry as the vision takes form before him. He stares into the mirror, not believing the things he is seeing; a vision from God of which Jerry does not yet understand.

When it is over, he has no idea of how long he has been standing there. He has no idea of whether or not any of it has really happened at all, that is, until a night time visitor spells it out for him.

He is seven foot tall and dressed in black. He paces at the foot of Jerry's bed as a roaring lion about to pounce on its prey. "I know you, Jerry!" he roars.
Can we imagine anything more terrifying than having Satan know us? If there is anything worse, I would have to say that it would be having him pacing at the foot of my bed on a dark night while I am alone. "You will not tell anyone what you have seen!" he tells Jerry. After several threats about keeping the vision to himself, he leaves Jerry's room.

Jerry decides that if Satan wants it kept quiet, there must be something to it. He turns to God for help and for the next several years, he studies his Bible relentlessly and discovers the truth. What is the truth?

The truth is that Satan is necessary to God's plan. Satan is real. He lives. He is in our homes, our schools, our government, and even in our churches. He has the power of utter destruction, but only if we allow him to have that power. After reading this true story of a true vision by Jerry McSwain, my life changed. I no longer give Satan the power because `The Vision Is Here' brings us to the realization of just how small Satan really is compared to our Almighty God. Jerry McSwain no longer lives the life of a drug addict. He lives for our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Though he battles Satan on a daily basis, `The Vision Is Here' was written, proving to us that God has the power. A definite five stars goes to Mr. McSwain's worthy effort in exposing Satan for what he really is!

This is a great resource for every entrepreneur to use. It will provide much of the information you need to help you build a solid foundation for your company. I recommend it for both start-up companies and the seasoned entrepreneur.

Bernell's book is well-documented and easily understood. The enriching concepts of this book are further enhanced through the excellent coaching skills of this dynamic mind. I am amazed at the diligence and the care that Bernell offers as she partners with individuals to make their visions real!

A great resource for the budding entrepreneur, as well as for the established small business owner who is looking to grow to the next level. Bernell King uniquely partners with the reader to become a Coach, and a catalyst for momentum and success. A must have in your business library. If you want to capture your vision and make it real, this is the book for you!!!

~ Myra S. Clayton, Owner of Myra's M.E.A.T. Services - "Mobile Education and Training"

This guide to small business development is stocked full of information and reference sources. The legwork is practically done for you.

Visions is a novel-length memoir about raising her oldest child, David, who was born deaf and later suffered permanent blindness. Struggling as a young, close-knit military family, Janie discusses the struggles they endured to overcome David's disabilities. She also tells the reader about the many prejudices they encountered in trying to get services for a deaf and blind child when society was not yet politically correct in handling disabled children. Janie tells a compelling story and motivates mothers to step out on faith, while trying to help your child make it in a tough society.

Visions is a very uplifting,inspirational and motivating work. It causes one to think as far as handicap limitations. It also, shows what one can accomplish with your family behind you. Kudos to Mrs. Bess I wish more mothers were inspiratational like you. I look forward to reading future works by this author.


Sistaz N Motion
Project Coordinator
Yvonne Allen

Janie P. Bess, author of VISIONS, has written a remarkable book about the Bess family. At times you become so overwhelmed with emotions that you can't help but cry; and then in the next few moments, you'll be laughing aloud. Divorce, single parenting, step parents, sibling rivalries and a special needs child are some of the tribulations that are encountered. But through the grace of God, we watch as the Bess family overcomes. VISIONS is a must read by all!

Reviewed by: Carmen

This book is absolutely fantastic. Prince Phillip Koko Ijoma covers a wide range of interesting issues: supernatural, voodooism, African tribal animism etc. It is rich in African culture. This is a must read book for all lovers of unique horror story. It dwells into ritualistic ceremonies and the significance of those ceremonies. It gives the reader a reason for the acts horror and ends with lessons to be learned. A very good read for social studies and horror fans alike. One of the best horror books I've Read.

The tales of wisdom, voodoo, spirituality, justice, and African culture narrated in "Visions from the Dark World" demonstrate how good and evil constantly struggle to dominate human existence. The author portrays the great cosmic battle between good and evil as a means of obtaining greater insight into human existence and awareness of possibilities presented by other dimensions.

Prince Phillip Koko Ijoma does a stellar job of portraying how evil can lurk in the most innocent settings while good can exist in the most horrible settings. With snippets of ancient Ikot-Ana history interspersed throughout this well-written book the author vividly chronicles the chilling tales of horror, mystery, spiritualism, and voodoo that occur in rural Nigeria. The coming of age tales in "Visions from the Dark World"is brilliant, exciting, fabulous, fantastic, fun, imaginative, interesting, suspenseful, uninhibited, and wild. This book truly captures the essence of Africa.

The tales of wisdom, voodoo, spirituality, justice, and African culture narrated in "Visions from the Dark World" demonstrate how good and evil constantly struggle to dominate human existence. The author portrays the great cosmic battle between good and evil as a means of obtaining greater insight into human existence and awareness of possibilities presented by other dimensions.

Prince Phillip Koko Ijoma does a stellar job of portraying how evil can lurk in the most innocent settings while good can exist in the most horrible settings. With snippets of ancient Ikot-Ana history interspersed throughout this well-written book the author vividly chronicles the chilling tales of horror, mystery, spiritualism, and voodoo that occur in rural Nigeria. The coming of age tales in "Visions from the Dark World"is brilliant, exciting, fabulous, fantastic, fun, imaginative, interesting, suspenseful, uninhibited, and wild. This book truly captures the essence of Africa.

These were some of the best photos of dressage horses that I have seen. It covers all typs of horses, not just the usual warmblood ones. Worth having for any horse lover.

This book is fantastic and has some 40 photos of Andalusians, Lusitanos, and Lipizzaner horses and over 40 photos of warmbloods.*************
Photo topics include classical dressage, portuguese riders, the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art, tack used by the school, Lusitano stallion in levade/long reining picture, bullfighter, airs, capriole with rider, Spanish riding (lipizzaner) school sessions, passage, levade, Cadre Noir (French school) riders in uniform, Alter Real stud horses, Luis Valenca, Luis Domecq Domecq nephew of Alvaro Domecq Romero, Zagalo (Andalusian stallion), vaquero riders, competition riders, German riders, French riders, Lucky Lord, Margit Otto-Crepin, Ellen Bontje, Holstein stallion Silvano, British rider Annie McDonald on Floriani, Carol Lavell and Gifted, Ganimedes, Virtu, Vicky Thompson and Enfant, Michelle Gibson and Peron, dressage to music, Hanoverian, judges, Ignacio Ramblas and Evento, recent champions, Nicole Uphoff-Becker and Futurus/Rembrandt, Isabell Werth and Gigolo and MUCH MUCH MORE.
**********Truly a collectible book for the dressage lover and Andalusian horse fan.

This book has some of the most phenomenal dressage photos I've EVER seen! Horses such as Gifted and Rembrandt, as well as photos from the Spanish Riding School, the Olympics, and the like make this a MUST HAVE for the dressage lover! As a dressage lover, horse lover, and photographer, I find this book indispensible!

Visions of Florida is a breathtaking journey through a parts of Florida that few Floridians get to see, let alone tourists. Mr. Walters has done a masterful job in bringing out the true color of the people in his black & white images. This fine art book sits alone in it's perpetual home on my coffee table. There is seldom a day that I don't pick it up to be momentarily transported to another world. House guests will often spend hours lost in the splendor of these pages. I am anxiously awaiting Mr. Walter's next book.

WOW! What an amazing book to compliment the knowledge gained from a meeting with Woody Walters. It is always great to have someone who is excited about his work and loves to share that excitement with others.

as an amateur photographer of florida, i am constantly looking for beauty in my surroundings w/ no such luck. i was at an exhibit for florida's coastal waterways by todd something and went to the gift shop to buy his book, right next to woody walter's, and left with this one instead. although it's b&w, one does not need color to see through the eyes and lenses of mr. walters. your mind fills that in. you're standing on the beach in the photographs or you're face to face w/ his animal subjects. even the quality of print is perfect. the transition from negative or slide film onto carbon copy makes no difference at all.

This book is extremely moving and well-written. It's a shame it's out of print. The history of the Jehovah's Witnesses presented here is easily verifiable. The personal vignettes are sweet, sad, and horrifying by turns. There have been some changes in Society policy since 1979 when this book was published, but not much. Not enough to erase their past or present flaws. I've been away from the organization for only 3 years, and my family is still very much wrapped up in it. I highly recomend this honest, objective look at the effects of the Jehovah's Witness faith on a woman who was a member from childhood.

Barbara Grizzuti Harrison writes of her life as Jehovah's Witness during the 1950's. One would hope in almost 50 years that the beliefs, prejudices, and controlling aspects of the religion would have changed during this time. As a former Jehovah's Witness who was involved in the sect up until 1995 I can attest that this is not the case.

Grizzuti Harrison writes in such a way as to provide a window into the religion for those who have never been involved in it, and a mirror for those, like myself, who spent much of their lives within the faith. I recommend this book wholeheartedly as a research tool, and for those people whose family members have become, or are thinking of becoming involved with the organization known as the Jehovah's Witnesses. It is also a healing tool for those who have left, a reaffirmation of the presence of sanity after leaving a dysfunctional religion.

Barbara Grizzuti Harrison is an amazing author, and I think this may be her least known book, though it is some of her finest work.

Visions of Glory is both her personal escape from the Watchtower Society and a public history of the Jehovah's Witnesses. The history part is well researched and would be of interest to any ex-JW. Her personal story is inspiring; this is probably the book that single-handedly changed my life for the better as a teen understanding my quasi-christian past.

Harrison is a wonderful writer, and comes across as the best friend or grandma you wish you'd had. She's eloquent, but not long or hard to understand (and she uses parentheses more than anyone else I've ever read). There are countless passages that surprised me when I read them or even made me cry- hell, that make me cry still. She's wonderful, too, for the funny quote you just gotta share on your blog.

"Despite the relatively affordable price, there is nothing cut-rate about the look and feel of this volume: both are equally attractive, right down to the little motifs from the visual designs that are placed on the verso side of pages that begin and end sections to the crisp, readable typeface of the printed sections, and the pleasurable feel of good paper stock."

I originally ordered this book in order to do a presentation for a graduate course at a local university. It worked out perfectly for the presentation as the pictures are beautiful and the editor, Robert Essick, does a marvelous job describing each picture and even transcribing the notes and illustrations from Blake's own notebook. Further, Essick adds a section entitled "Commentary" which I relied on heavily to explain certain aspects of Blake's life to the students. Essick's writing reads easily and beautifully, so there is never a dull moment, even though it is a scholarly work. If you are interested at all in William Blake and his works, I believe you will enjoy this book very much.

Deftly edited by Robert N. Essick (Professor of English, University of California - Riverside), Visions of the Daughters of Albion is a full color reproduction of William Blake's classic literary blend of verse and art, which was first printed in 1793. Enhanced with a straightforward, easy-to-read, separate transcription of Blake's poem, drawings from Blake's sketchbook related to the final work, and an extensive and erudite literary commentary on the images plate-by-plate, Visions Of The Daughters Of Albion is the definitive edition of a timeless classic and would grace the collection of any academic reference library or William Blake enthusiast.