Techniques Books

Everyone who hasn't been in actual combat should read this. And if you've been there it will bring back memories you may not want to recall.

Nina Berman is a fine journalist and photographer whose photographic art has been featured in Time, Newsweek, Fortune, New York Times Magazine, Harpers, Stern, and National Geographic magazines and in exhibitions. She has an unflinching eye for detecting the surface and the inner truth of her subjects. Nowhere is this more profoundly evident than in this brave monograph on those who have 'won' the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in the Iraqi War.

Berman's technical facility results in photographs that, while harrowing to ponder, find the truth in her subjects. Each of the soldiers presented here bear the physical scars (some extreme) of the various modes of war's instruments from gunshot wounds to roadside and suicide bombers that haunt the desert locales of Iraq, and each of the soldier's bear the mental scars (all extreme) that have accompanied the combat and terror of a war nobody wants and everybody condemns. Her photographs are accompanied by interviews with her subjects, soldiers who may have gone to war with delusions of heroism, of doing the right thing, but who crumple under the post-traumatic stress syndrome with lives wasted by the insatiable hunger of war.

Stepping away from the focal point, Berman has given space to other writers who increase the impact of this book: essays from Verlyn Klinkenborg, a New York Times editorial page writer, and Tim Origer, a Vietnam Marine veteran who fought in the Tet offensive and returned at age 19, an amputee. These essays make the book timeless and not simply reportage about the current Iraq mistake. With Veterans Day approaching, this book is a powerful indictment against all war without allowing the sacrifices of the veterans to go unnoted. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, November 05

Recently I was lucky to hear Nina Berman speak at a Madison Veterans for Peace program called Purple Hearts; A Discussion Focusing on the Human Cost of War. Robert Acosta, one of the young men pictured and quoted in her book also spoke. The program was very moving and we were honored to hear Robert speak about his experiences and feelings and struggles.

In addition, I viewed an exhibit of the photographs at a local retirement center.

There were about 15 large photographs displayed in an beautiful empty room. I was the only one present as I walked among the pictures and read the commentary. The photographs were beautiful, the book can't do justice to their elegance and the way they honored these young men.

I have been reading about one soldier a day in the book so I can more fully experience the photographs and the words they say.

Nina said she felt no attention was being paid to the wounded soldiers and she wanted to so something about that. I hope the word of mouth talk of this book grows so her goal is accomplished .

Thank you Nina and Robert and all the soldiers for your service and bravery as we honor you and learn your stories.

I had the honor of meeting SPC Corey McGee while I was in college in Washington, DC. He told me of the book, and how proud he was to be in it. While Corey was the soldier who spoke about how unsure he was to be in Iraq, this book filled him with great pride for what he had done for his country.

I eventually met another purple heart winner, SGT Wisam Kahn, the Pakistani national who was also awarded American citizenship while staying at Walter Reed. When I mentioned the book to him, he got all excited to tell me that he was also in it.

Although the book shows that Americans must agree to stand behind these brave men and women overseas, Purple Hearts: Back From Iraq is not only a book for friends and family back home. This book also gives great pride to those who were willing to give it all in the name of our country.

Elisa Cipriana gave this review one star and questions the motives of the author for doing the book. She goes on to say that Nina Berman does not understand the courage and patriotism these amazing men and women show in coping with terrible injuries because Nina was never in the military. She also suggests that we read the transcript of Nina's interview on NPR before buying the book.

Well Elisa I listened to the interview and the only motive I heard was Nina's desire to try and show how these brave men and women are dealing with the horrible injuries. The mainstream press has failed to do it so people like Nina have taken the time to provide them with an opportunity to show how they are coping. The average person on the street needs to see this book and I hope Nina does a thousand more interviews to promote her book so the American Public see the sacrifice that 1,000's of our troops are making in Iraq. Nina expressed the truth in her book and in her promotion of the book. I applaud Nina's efforts to try and show the terrible sacrifice. The only thing missing from the book is the smell of war that I experienced as an Air Evac medic in the Nam conflict. Elisa you don't support the troops by supporting the lies that kill them.

Ross has done a masterful job in bringing together concepts that affect all areas of our lives. You can apply the ideas contained in these pages to improve your home life, work or occupation, social and above all your spiritual growth. Manipulation and control currently breed resentment in those it is being perpetrated upon. Most people don't realize they are doing it. To analyze your own behavior and stop the manipulation will not only improve your own quality of life, but it will also affect those around and close to you. I highly recommend this book!

Ross has done a masterful job in bringing together concepts that affect all areas of our lives. You can apply the ideas contained in these pages to improve your home life, work or occupation, social and above all your spiritual growth. Manipulation and control currently breed resentment in those it is being perpetrated upon. Most people don't realize they are doing it. To analyze your own behavior and stop the manipulation will not only improve your own quality of life, but it will also affect those around and close to you. I highly recommend this book!

The author defines 'Authentic Power' as "the power to consistently obtain what we truly desire" (which is in itself a somewhat question begging definition, but strongly reminiscent of what Senge and others call 'personal mastery'). The book falls most closely into the growing field of books concerned with personal development, with a business audience in mind. It provides a useful review of mental models of power and how they shape our reality and a guide to building power and exercising power through self-empowerment.
Though useful, it does not in my opinion replace Hillman: Kinds of Power: Guides to its Intelligent Uses. (1995)

Authentic power comes from within, but such power is best demonstrated as personal strength and not a desire to impose one's will on others. The Quest For Authentic Power by G. Ross Lawford adroitly blends psychology, theology and business theory to outline a new view of power and how to achieve it - without manipulation.

When I first read this book in the Soring of 2002, I likened it to opening a window and filling my lungs with fresh air. I saw patterns, limits, stumbling blocks I had known and experienced as old style power and could detach from those power sources, even if they came from others.

New possibilities, strengths and creative solutions followed with a new found intentionality for choices made. In 2003 I am convinced the book is invaluable for leadership in volunteerism, and work, and for personal life changes. Now I am pulling the book's ideas forward again to help do some difficult staff training and development.

This is not a long book, but an important read for new perspectives.

M.J. Franklin, Volunteer Leader, Adult Educator, Grandparent and Spouse.

Swami Sivananda is my guru's guru's guru. Swami Radha is a peer of my guru's guru.

It is so wonderful to read of women yogis - those who can and do tread the Dharmic path successfully.

This is a wonderful read that transmits more than the words in print.

An intimate and detailed narrative. Highly recommend it to anyone interested in Radha's life and in yoga in general.

Uplifting journal like account from a white womans perspective.
great read on the yogic path.

This is a great snapshot of the internal world of a spiritual transformation. Swami Radhananda gives a gripping account of a few months studying meditation in India. She is very frank with her mistakes and experiences. If you liked Autobiography of a Yogi, you will enjoy this book.

An uplifting, inspiring, enthralling diary. Recommended by Mas Vidal in Yoga Journal, I bought the book, and read the entire thing in one sitting. You will be left with an uplifted, peaceful spirit. I only wish I could have met Radha while she was still alive.

Wow, this book is a terrific combination of writing academics, insight and personal agony experienced by a one time actor attorney, producer, writer and current UCLA professor. The dark text at the end of each lecture "from the trenches" imparts Ron's actual experiences with some very famous people and movies. It is priceless and makes this book a fascinating read. The last chapter recounts the "Real Rocky" story, and this alone makes the book worth the money. Ron keeps it interesting and by the end of the book you feel as if you've been through the mill with him.

Frank Nuciforo
Cambria, Ca

Suppa is giving out a lot of information in this book. It's like several books rolled into one. All the information is good except for the introduction/preface by Lew Hunter. Hunter must have been all wired up on some new drug, because his delivery is disjointed and unorganized.

There are a few minor issues such as Suppa referring to Steve McQueen's movie "Bullitt" as "Bullet." Come on, Ron.

Ron Suppa is a successful film producer and instructor: he's taught fine courses in the UK on the topic of screenwriting and here offers in book form the contents of his course, which packs tips with personal experiences and polish. REAL SCREENWRITING: STRATEGIES AND STORIES FORM THE TRENCHES covers everything from movie dialogue and spec teleplay plots to understanding the importance of the entertainment lawyer. Any screenwriter - even those already successful - needs REAL SCREENWRITING to hone and perfect skills.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

If you are serious about fulfilling your dream to become a screenwriter and cannot attend Ron Suppa's classes at UCLA, it is compulsory you buy this book. It offers a rare blend of instructional criteria directly applicable to your work, with philosophical wisdom from Aristotle to David Mamet. Wondering how to define your characters or exacerbate your conflict? Accomplish that goal using his point by point "Strategies", or the plethora of easily relatable examples he gives from a treasure trove of cinematic masterpieces. Along the way you will be both entertained and impressed by his "From the Trenches" segments, priceless personal experience from a bona fide raconteur.

As a film producer, commissioned/produced writer with BBC & Granada and with a current 12MIL project underway, I can only emphasise that reading Ron Suppa's latest book was like a magnesium flash of finally understanding what real screenwriting requires.

It's not just an enjoyable read but 'from the trenches' is I think - and I've pretty much read them all - the quintessential reference book for aspirant or crestfallen screenwriters - it is a remarkable compendium of searing truth, sage pearls and machine tools.

Anyway - as one writer who's pissed blood over honed drafts, to another - great f***ing book!

With numerous stories and citations, the author discusses, often from a Christian standpoint, his belief that revelations continue to occur to common people around the world. He calls these revelations "Divine Fire--the transfer of thought, spirit, and power from an Infinite Intelligence to a finite, human intelligence." Quotations and interviews of great variety support his position in a very readable format.

Wow! The book began with such an interesting story, I read it is one sitting. After much research and study, Brad Steiger truly has become aware the spiritual gifts are alive and well in the world today. Many people across the world have staunchly stated that they have had revelations from the Lord or another "higher power". This book ranges from biblical quotes to UFO sightings but keeps consistency through out.

Ever receive a message from an angel, spirit guide or God? I haven't either, but the people interviewed in this book say they have. The author has collected not only hundreds of stories from a wide variety of people who claim to have had a Revelation, but he also evaluates them along with members of the scientific community. Really interesting information. Highly recommended!

This is an excellent book documenting people's encounters with God, spirits, angels, etc. The author has interviewed men and women of all ages, races, religious beliefs, etc. and shows that people from all walks of life have had personal encounters with the divine. Very well written and thought provoking.

and recently reread it as I do every couple of years. There is a reason this book was first published 35 years ago and still is read around the world. Translated into multiple languages, this is the definitive tome on the subject.

I found Michael's gentle loving words very nurturing. Reading "Ritual as Resource" brought me back to peaceful basics.It reminded me to go for the simplicity of life,uncomplicated and easy. Coming from love, first for myself, and then others. The rituals and practices Michael guides you through are simple and very healing.I continue ro re-read and practice them and discover new insights every time. Michael's openess and shared personal growth are very inspirational. I am grateful for the positive energies I receive. Thank you, Michael.

Picucci's book offers a large reserve of resources for the reader's taking. The blend of theoretical, personal, and practical creates opportunities for seeing our lives through a clearer lens. The discussion of positive resource energy offers exciting possibilities: to feel more comfortable in one's own skin, a sense of terra firma, safety, of feeling at home, settled, and at one with the universe.
Picucci's work connects the collective consciousness of both old and new generations through the powerful practice of ritual. Performing rituals is the bridge that connects us all, helping us to navigate the transitions of life more smoothly. With conscious intention, we need to name the rituals we already practice, add more to the menu, and hold them in high esteem. Read this work to find inner cauldrons boiling over with positive resource energy, and creative suggestions for structure to contain that energy through the vessel of ritual. Dr. Tom Kane (Philadelphia)

The traditional institutional rituals that have served throughout history, do not address the newly evolved personal needs of many of us in the 21st century. In "Ritual As Resource", Dr. Picucci has re-created ritual as a dynamic personal resource to energize and transform our daily life. He teaches us the techniques for body and mind that we can use to achieve tranquil feelings of aliveness and ecstatic self-transcendence. The exercises in this are used to bring strength and resilience to our living.

Michael Picucci's Ritual as Resource is a worthy successor to his landmark, award-winning volume: The Journey Toward Complete Recovery. In this new book, Dr. Picucci introduces the reader to core themes from the "energetics" field and then blends them with "authentic process", a community-based approach to growth and recovery outlined in his previous work. One key theme in this book is the presence of the opposing energies in our lives; sometimes we experience them as stress, inter-personal conflict, or trauma. With the conscious use of ritual, we can learn to accept and even thrive on these opposing energies. Readers encountering the "energetics" field for the first time may find these ideas somewhat challenging. But the reader is well-rewarded as the themes come together in an uplifting message about how to live an emotionally healthy life in modern society.

The true richness of the book comes through most clearly in the author's discussion of how to create your own "rituals" for healing, health and personal power. Rituals are consciously crafted sets of actions incorporated directly into one's daily life - from the delightfully simple "shower and health" rituals to deeply moving rituals to cope with life threatening illness and death. Dr. Picucci shares his own life experiences in an intensely personal way, helping the reader understand how energy and resources can help a person face virtually any life challenge. Using this book as a guide, I have created my own rituals that now are essential and deeply satisfying parts of my daily life. Readers will find this book a wonderful source for creating their own rituals, to make their own lives richer and more spiritually fulfilling.

Ritual as Resource is part psychology theory, part autobiography, part spiritual guidebook, and wholly a resource for having energy to deal with contemporary life. The initial chapters set out the framework for using ritual to connect with our own energies. The writing is accessible and comfortable, if sometimes less than graceful. The book would be worth it just for the understanding it provides of the felt senses and how working with them helps us connect with our own energies--a real resource for vibrant living. There are many examples of rituals that we can use in our daily lives; most are straightforward ways of transforming situations at work, at play, and in our relationships. For me, it was the inspiration and concept of working with ritual in this way that was most exciting. Picucci's autobiographical revelations--he is a very dynamic survivor of cancer, a heart attack and AIDS, as well as more mundane threats such as total career transition--illustrate just how valuable this kind of energetic resource can be.

Because I can see the value of what the book has to offer, not just to those with a spiritual orientation but to others, I would have liked a presentation that assumed less about what the reader would accept with minimal evidence. However, I would encourage open-minded readers to explore its pages. Picucci has provided enough gifts that most readers will find plenty to gather.

Salmon Without Rivers is a great book of historical facts. It includes many issues like; original salmon locations/populations, "Economy over Environment" issues, and the ineffectiveness of large decision making commissions/agencies. However, with all his good background information the book does not propose any solutions nor investigates today's coastal human communities as they relate to the salmon and/or habitat.

This is a must read book for anyone interested in salmon, rivers and the ecology and history of the Pacific Northwest. Excellent information and a good read.

This is an excellent book that documents the history of salmon, how native Americans viewed them and how modern Americans view them. It focuses on why the pacific northwest is facing a salmon crisis, and our failed attempts to replace what we have lost. Great read for anyone who is concerned about environmental issues.

A thoroughly researched and impassioned presentation including the history of salmon, their decline, why billions of tax dollars in restoration efforts have had paltry returns, and insights into the where we should go from here. A complex issue is examined from many perspectives in an easy to read and compelling book. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in salmon.

As a freelance author writing a piece about salmon for a California-based magazine, this book was indispensible and eye-opening. It is unfailingly sensitive and intelligent about salmon, discussing the fish as fellow creatures in the "natural economy" in which we all live, rather than as mere commodities in the "industrial economy" that has transformed the West in the last 150 years. It is fascinating about the geology that shaped the salmon's environment, the evolutionary history of the fish, the relationship between Native Americans and salmon in the Northwest, and it provides a detailed history of the many factors that have led to the salmon's decline, including habitat destruction, misbegotten hatchery programs, overfishing, dams, mining, grazing, irrigation. If you like to read books about ecology, the creatures of the earth, fish, or the Northwest--you can't go wrong. This is a wonderful book.

If you don't feel something while looking at the photos in this book you are dead inside.

I dont think Sebastiao Salgado needs any praise but this is the most beautiful book i have ever seen. The photographs are not only absolutely perfect but, most important, they tell us a story. the story of the movement of humanity. and make us think that we are only one, that borders should not matter.

Sebastiao Salgado has earned numerous accolades for his dignified photographs of impoverished humanity. This, his latest book, covers work he has done over the last few years, documenting forced migrations and economic squalor throughout the world. He is certainly a keen observer of the human condition. However, I felt completely overwhelmed looking at his work from this book when it was exhibited a few months ago at New York City's International Center of Photography. Looking at this book allowed me to step back, and catch my breath, studying each image at my leisure. Those interested in looking at some of the finest current work in black and white documentary photography will not be disappointed with this excellent collection.

Ex-economist Salgado keeps a rational mind while making exquisite emotional photographs, reproduced to the highest standard. As much as anyone could want to know about the world's unsettled peoples.

Salgado is without a doubt the greatest photographer alive today. His pictures are like paintings in black and white, where he has taken the light and applied it with a paint-brush as if he were Rembrandt or Caravaggio. He is that good.

But you must also take a step back at some point and remember what it is you are seeing: misery and suffering and depravity on a unbelievable scale.

And that is the tension within Salgado's work and the source of the criticism of much of his work.

His photographs of the Brazilian gold mines are unforgettable and feel as if you were witnessing something biblical. His photograph of the refugees in the Sudan, starving huddled under a tree with the sun streaking in behind them is a painting, of unparrelled mastery of light and shadow and raw human misery. His photograph of the a mother bouncing a her baby girl on her lab in a refugee camp for victims of Rawandan's genocide, the steam rising from the pot next to them, the sun rising over the mountains in the back, the other refugees shivering with their coats over their heads, and the little baby and her mother smiling broadly -- it is haunting.

Salagado is a master -- there is no question about it. From someone who dreamt of being a photographer himself, when I saw his pictures for the first time, my immediate feeling was to throw away my camera. There was no competing. He is the best and the standard by which all photographer working today are to be judged against.

I had a couple of books that covered the subject of Pen and Ink drawing, but none were as easy to follow and helpful as this one. The pictures in the book are simply to die for. She shows you exactly how she creates line, shape and form with ink. There is also an explanation of the tools you will need (not much and not expensive really) to do this kind of work. If you are looking for a good instructional book on drawing with pen and ink I highly recommend this book. However, beware, your paints may dry up in their tubes as you get addicted to doing pen and ink. Fun stuff, the author writes in a way that is easy for anyone to follow.

Very thorough directions for various pen and ink techniques. Really breaks down the process into easily understandable steps.

This is an excellent book for anyone just starting to learn pen & ink drawing. This is not a step-by-step, draw what I draw, book. It is more a collection of tips & techniques for drawing almost any subject.

The author starts out by explaining each kind of line and what it's used for. Next, she explains value. Ink washes, a dry brush, and a variety of different line types are then used to create contrast and texture.

The design & composition section is great for showing you how to put everything together and what pitfalls to look out for. She also guides you through choosing a subject, finding a good photo to work from and achieving perspective.

Finally, each kind of subject is explained in detail. Some include flowers, landscapes, all kinds of water, and buildings. She also covers many animals including dogs, horses & birds. Human faces & figures are detailed as well.

I love the step by step instruction and the real life examples. With no formal training I can sketch the way I always wanted to.

Claudia Nice always does a fine job with details and examples. In comparison to her pen & ink with watercolor books, this one is a little boring. If you are really interested in using pen & ink as a medium, then this is a good book. If you are looking for reference material and drawing examples with intructions, then I recommend a different Nice book.

A treasure has landed in my lap in the form of Dia North's new book, "The Smart Spot." In my dance training, I'm always helping people get centered and aligned with their physical body so that they may experience freedom through movement. With Dia's clear and simple guidance, I can also assist myself and my students in contacting and connecting with the creative core of intuition and higher mind. What better place to listen from?

Lisa Alpine, co-author "Wild Writing Women"

A groundbreaking work with a new perspective on how to achieve successful outcomes in business. I use the Smart Spot techniques daily.

Nancy Copeland, President, Copeland Strategies

With great examples from the world of business and deep metaphysical truth, The Smart Spot builds a bridge from commerce to spirit that's 'Spot On'.

Patricia Aburdene, coauthor, "Megatrends" series

This work unveils a well-tested new synthesis of concepts and lays out breakthrough methodology for managing personal power which literally brings deep spiritual wisdom "down to earth." Dia North's work is cutting edge with its sharp emphasis on an expanded redefinition of intuition as the intentional direction of the interactive functions of intellect, spirit, emotion, physical awareness, and more. The process North offers can be done effectively to achieve success in grand business collaboration, to create positive intended outcomes vis a vis a full spectrum of short-term personal goals, or to discover a creative path that will deliver on an individual's life purpose.

The Smart Spot is an experiential read, in that it carves out a clear path for consciously claiming and directing enormous freedom to yield desired outcomes with integrity. Stories from North's professional consulting practice spice the information liberally with real-life examples of how the process generates intended results. The implementation exercises, in combination, could be summed up as an indispensable manual for harnessing and focusing energy to hit the bulls-eye every time. Readers will recognize and trust the solid logic that emerges as they test out this fluid magic.

Deceptively simple and highly accessible, this book will be exciting and encouraging to anyone bent on realizing their dreams and having a good time doing it. The practical applications are unlimited because the method can be taken, layer by layer, to greater depths. This is a joyful book, destined to delight the hard-boiled pragmatist and the self identified "mystically attuned" with the same human punch and universal force.

The Smart Spot is an easily read book, written in simple language with simple instructions. The book is written with a friendly, enthusiastic tone. What The Smart Spot does best is to straddle both the business world and "New Age" type thinking which stresses the unseen but powerful energy of the individual and what it can accomplish, if only certain mental exercises are followed.

Skeptics may be won over by the success stories recounted in anecdotes. Business leaders report that they access an intuition from within themselves to make important decisions. The author dissects this process and makes it available to all, through a step by step process. Helpful details to the four step process are given, including using the color gold in visualizations, because of its particular "energy."

The Smart Spot stresses collaboration, not ruthless competition as a basis for success. The book emphasizes the best result for all concerned, as a refreshing change from those books which promote business strategies designed to conquer the competition. I think this would be a helpful book for a person in a decision-making capacity who is looking for a guide to help with important choices.