Publications Books

The information is this book is good, but focuses more on the budget traveler. If you want to make a tour of south east asia as cheap as possible, this book is probably a great resource.

What is really different about this book is the maps. There are tons of maps, all hand drawn in style and these maps have notes scribbled all over them. It isn't that great for finding something specific but it a very good idea for finding out what is near where you are. If you are not a planner, and just like to go and see what is going on once you are there, then this book may be great for you.

If you are a planner, and you don't arrive anywhere without a itinerary, then this book is likely to be a hindrance since so much information is organized ON the maps.

This book seems to have all crucial information you will ever need when backpacking in SE Asia. Thin as a leaflet compared to many other traveller guides, but with at least as much information. Just be prepared to spend a smallish amount of time to learn how to use it and to remember the most important symbols.

This book became a close, guarded part of my experience in South East Asia. Mark Elliot has excellent insider tips and maps for things to see and do in every area of that part of the world!

This book was awesome.
I used it in Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
I had a lonely planet somewhere deep in my backpack, but it never saw daylight until I left it in my room in Hanoi. Pretty much every place I went, I just took a quick look at the map and had a reasonable idea of what to do next or where to go.

I met a lot of travelers who were impressed with it as well. I ended up giving it away as a gift on my way out.

If you like a little more adventure than something like a lonely planet and don't want to bury your head in a guidebook, go with this.

Also, the book emphasizes the philosophy that meeting people is what travelling is all about, more so than just seeing things. And I completely agree with that. So if that's your bag, then this book is certainly for you.

Lastly, it is slightly dated (like prices, specific bus timings, etc.). But the information is still very usable.

This guidebook is indispensable. It's easy to use once you figure out the map key, lightweight, and had tons of very accurate useful information. I loved it!! I ended up having the most reliable guidebook of anyone else I met.

This is a must read/own book for those invovled in reality based training (RBT). One of the best training components/tools for law enforcement/military is RBT, however, as "sexy" and as exciting as RBT seems, it is critical that training personnel understand the responsiblity for providing efficient, effective, SAFE!!! training. Kenneth Murray's book covers the major facets of RBT and how to execute safe and productive traininig.

Though I have not had the pleasure of attending Murray's training sessions via Armiger Police Training Institute, I did complete Simunition's training certification. There is no question that the fundamentals regarding SAFETY and goal oriented training detailed in Murray's book are universal.

If you are a firearms/defensive tactics instructor, you definitely need to read and own this book.

Insightful book on combat and preparation for combat. Well written. Easy to read.
I've read Dave Grossman's On Combat and this is a great book for more on that topic.

This is a great book at RBT and also a lot of fun to read. Being a simulator engineer it gives me a good understanding of the customer (police, military) side. I am looking forward to the second volume.

On the downside the book lacks structure - not in the content but in the formatting. Shallow table of context (no numbering of titles, no visual hierarchy of titles, no Index).

If I had to have only 5 books on police and military training this would be one of the five. well written, concise, very well thought out. this is a book you will return to over and over again. augments well with real live training.

I can honestly say this is one of the most complete RBT books I have touched to date. Every aspect of saftey is covered. I'm actually reading it for the third time now and still collecting more information I missed the first 2 rounds. It is not the complete be all of a RBT program but it is a must as part of your RBT library.

I had to read this book for school and was very suprised because the story takes place in and around my hometown. I had always saw the "Northup Trail" signs but never knew what they were about until I read this book. I grew up in Avoyelles Parish so this story really hit home. It is an awesome but tragic story everyone should read.

While browsing thru the Boston Public Library in 1970 I accidentally came across this book. I have read it at least ten times over the years, have kept in touch with the editor, Sue Eakin, an expert on the South and cultural matters of this kind. This book is an inspiration to everyone. You will be amazed at the tenacity and sheer courage of Northup as he makes his way thru 12 long years on the plantation, and remember that he did not KNOW it would be 12 years. Every Jan 3 or 4th I wake up and think to myself, this is the day Solomon was set free! This book is clearly a treasure that is relatively unknown. You will not read this book only once-----

Until I read Solomon Northup's riveting first hand account of his life as a slave, I had only imagined the degredation and cruelty with absolute and total submission by those who had no choices, no chances for liberty. Early in my own life in the 1930s, as a young boy and son of a sugar plantation overseer along the banks of Bayou Bouef in Louisiana, the exact same location as Solomon's narrative, I recognized the lingering stains of an enslaved society, in my friends...the field hands who lived in the Quarters. As a white kid, I had chances and choices, however choices based on the social and economic order that existed in my life and where I lived, which in reality, cast their net over my life, too. I've written my own narrative...my book "The Last Witness From a Dirt Road" which after reading Twelve Years a Slave, I see that my narrative could almost stand as a sequel to Solomon's book, but written a hundred and fifty years later. My heart is still broken for all the souls whose lives were so badly tormented and taken by a vile system devised and placed on humankind. The lesson: We must be diligent and precise in our approach to anyone whose ideology in religion and politics, teaches or wishes, to take away or diminish the freedom of man. I'm grateful for the courage and power of Solomon Northup.

This book presents its readers with a first-hand account of not only the cruelties of United States slavery itself, but more importantly it touches upon the ways in which other areas of social life were negatively influenced by the institution. Solomon Northup was a black man who was born a free black man in New York in 1808. In 1841, Northup was kidnapped in Boston and take to the south to be sold as a slave. He spent the next 12 years as a slave, and this book was written after he was rescued in 1853.

Many people have associated this book with "Uncle Tom's Cabin" ever since the former was published. While the story line is not exactly the same, there are a lot of similarities. Most notably, both books have evil Northerners and benevolent Southerners, a feature that I think is too often overlooked. This adds credibility to Northup's account, insofar as he does not simply condemn all Southerners. Other themes, such as the break-up of slave families, the harsh treatment of slaves (especially female slaves who had the misfortune of handsomeness), and camaraderie between slaves also reflect those written about in "Uncle Tom's Cabin".

In the past the credibility of Northup's work had been in question, especially since a newspaper worker helped him write his account. However, in light of the vast number of particular details the Northup provides and the extent to which those details match up with other records, historians generally view this work as an authentic and truthful account of a free man sold into slavery. This is an incredible read, and the fact that it is a real account makes it even more fascinating. This book should be required reading for high school or college American history classes that cover the Civil War era.

A compelling and wrenchingly honest first-hand account of slavery, many
times breaking my heart and making me think of the children of Africa
today. A new book, "The Last Witness From a Dirt Road" which takes
place in 1946, was given to me after commenting about Solomon Northup's
narrative, and it could almost be a sequel to Twelve Years a Slave,
written a 100 years later by the son of an overseer on a plantation
along the banks of Bayou Bouef in the same location in Louisiana. Old
social and economic orders seemed little changed from 1841 to 1946,
tragic, heart rendering but both books are riveting and honest, are
timely and universal.

William James Murray hits the nail on the head when it comes to the American System and what has happened. To know and understand how and why our country was founded is the first step to discovering how it is we save our country from falling into the trap that so many before us have become ensnared. Murray teaches you what it truly means to be a real-American in easy to understand language, and easy to understand concepts. Though he can be repetetive in his writing, it is clearly methodically repetitive. There are concepts in this book that must be understood. I am going to teach American History and Government at the High School Level and I will fight to have this book be required reading in my classes.

If I was a rich person (which I'm not), I would buy a copy for every elected official in this country and make them read it. (Ahhh... wishful thinking)

Fantastic book - fantastic and easy to read. It has quite literally changed my life. Opened my eyes and made me rethink our form of "government" we know today.

There is still a knot in my throat from reading it and being so angry - even though I finished it last month!

Every taxpayer, every school kid, every parent, every voter should have a copy of this book.

Stated Simply, this book is the single best, easily comprehendable book on Americanism.

The author doesn't woo you with complex legal citings, boggle your mind with twists in logical and fanciful leaps.

In fact this book will help you indentify what kind of American you are, what kind of American you truely want to be, and how to recognize the difference between Real-Americans and those who claim or even think that they are being patriotic, but are are undermining the country we live in, mostly through confussion and inaction.

I wish I could afford to buy a copy for every person alive, it should be required reading for all Americans.

Simply put... the best book I have ever read. It will fill you with pride, anger and activism. You will read in awe of the courage of our founding fathers. You will read in horror about the beast that our government has become.

It's hard to disagree with the principles expressed in this book. I've bought 4 copies already to share with family and friends!

This is one of the single greatest books that I have ever had the privelage of reading. The writer describes in clear and concise terms the price of liberty, how we won it, and how we are losing it. You wont find this information in any government school or college.
Delightfully this book is an easy read. The author wrote this book with the common man in mind. Splendidly I tore through this book in no time at all without having to read a single sentence twice.
Patriots, students, and anybody dedicated to preseving liberty and economic freedom should definately read this masterpiece. Its amazing that the information in this book is surpressed from our schools. Everybody should read this book twice and buy copies for all your family and friends.

From organization, to prose, to content, to price, this is the best book on the Hamiltonian and Lagrangian formulation of Classical Mechanics. I just wish this book treated more subjects! The numbered list organization with pithy summaries really works for me. The thought provoking and mathematically fluent prose style is a joy to experience. The author is clearly a master of Einsteinian Relativity, Classical Physics, Differential Geometry, and function analysis. In fact I seem to recall him writing some other books along those lines. Lanczos is a real treat to read. I have read parts of over a dozen different books on Intermediate/Advanced Classical Mechanics and the things the Lanczos covers are just supperb. As a standalone text, it may not be the best choice, but when accompanied by Arya or Hand and Finch it is very enriching. FLuent and cohesive are the words that come to mind when describing this work. This book is especially good for someone who knows a good deal of math and would like to be introduced to classical mathematical physics.

I heartily recommend Lanczos's masterpiece!

Lanczos makes mechanics feels like art in this superb work. Analytical Mechanics is the foundation of physics and Lanczos has complete command of the theme. The purpose of this book is to make one understand mechanics "from inside" and not to stress methods of problem solving. Lanczos says that very clearly in the preface. The beauty of the book is that it's not in the same category as Goldstein, instead feelink more likely to Landau, so the bad criticism of the 2-star guy comes from someone that missed this.

.
This was probably a good book in its day (1950-1970), but
it's really old-fashioned now. A lot has happened in the
field of mechanics since Lanczos wrote it. For example:

- Computers are now used extensively to analyze and
simulate mechanical systems.

- The modern language of mechanics is much more geometric
and independent of any particular choice of coordinates.
If readers stop at Lanczos, they will have trouble
understanding the modern literature. He doesn't even
distinguish between vectors and one forms.

- Dynamical systems theory / qualitative dynamics has
contributed a lot to the understanding of mechanics
in the past 30 years. You won't read anything about
stable/unstable manifolds or strange attractors in
Lanczos.

The "problems" are so easy that they border on the
ridiculous. And don't try finding them at the end
of each chapter --- this book predates modern textbook
format. Lanczos hides his problems like Easter eggs.

In conclusion, this book is of historical interest only.
If you want to learn about modern mechanics, read
something that was published recently.

(I should add that the book is well-written, but that
doesn't fix the fact that it is dated.)

If you ask 10 PhD scientists: "Why is Schrodinger's Equation complex?" (contains the square-root of minus one), 9 out of 10 won't be able to give you the correct answer.

It has little to do with taking the root of negative numbers. After reading Lanczos you will know it has do with "space" and what is a proper physical law. (Now you have to read the book to parse this sentence. Good.)

This is one of many wonderful insights Lanczos provides; with humor, wonder and crystal clarity. This is not a 'text book' on mechanics, you will get more out of it if you are familiar with the subject. He gives you understanding, not technique.

It is as if you can hum a few tunes. Reading Lanczos is experiencing the entire opera for the first time. Now you know the full story, how each aria is a part of the fabric; how each fits in the situation, the motivation behind it. The tunes you liked become richer, more profound, they are connected. The next time you sing you fancy you are a Caruso, a Puccini.

It is so rare to encounter a master who is also a gifted writer.

Some reviewers compare Lanczos to Feynman's Lectures, I agree partly. Lanczos is more literate and much more humble. Feynman is so busy being the genius from Brooklyn that his exposition is choppy and uneven. Lanczos is a better organizer and writer.

I've read this gem and done most of the evercises in about 3 months. Before that legendary book I'd had the usual crappy course in Classical Mechanics based on Goldstein. The bottom line is the book will show you a lot of advanced material and unfamiliar manipulations. On the other hand there are sometimes statements lacking proof or more detailed lucid explanation. The book is appropriate for readers that already know what action is, totall beginners will be too shocked by the new concepts and won't be able to pick up the important nuances revealed by Lanczos.

Lanczos work clarified some of the concepts in which my CM course failed:
- the important difference in treating holonomic and nonholonomic constraints
- exact constraints are mathematical idealization of infinitely rigid constraint forces
- Lagrange multipliers for functionals (actions) not only functions
- the logical thread virtual work -> d'Alembert -> Hamilton's principle
- the connection between the action in configuration space and in phase space

The book introduced me to topics not covered by the course, which was my initial goal:
- elimination of ignorable variables in L or H formulation
- canonical transformations, definition and importance
- generating function of canonical transformation
- test for canonicity of transformation using Poisson brackets
- integral invariants of canonical transformations
- Hamilton's principal function
- Hamilton-Jackobi equation and analogy with optical wave surfaces
- separation of variables in H-J equation
- action-angle variables for separable periodic systems
- evolution of the system as a sequence of canonical transformation
- introducing geometry and geodesics in phase space

The reading definitely increased my freedom in manipulating the variational problem into equivalent variational problem. Examples of the two most weird for me manipulations are in the appendices. In the first appendix the Hamiltonian formulation is derived from the Lagrangian by introducing new variables, constraints and corresponding Lagrange multipliers, and then eliminating the variables. In appendix II, the most popular cases of Noether's theorem are derived by introducing new field variables in the action - I had no idea that was allowed. Very interesting was the idea that the world line of the system in configuration space can be parametrized with arbitrary parameter and the time becomes a function of that parameter that is varied together with the other generalized coordinates. Such variation is normal for GR but I've never seen it done in non-relativistic mechanics.

Some of the other reviews described the book as 'lucid'. I find that eggagerated - although the book shows lots of unfamiliar manipulations, sometimes proofs of validity or the necessary more detailed conceptual or calculational explanations are lacking. An example is the inclusion, all of a sudden, of the time as variable to be varied - where is the proof one is allowed to do that? In another case, the book tells you that by nullifying the boundary term when varying the action, one gets 'natural' boundary conditions for the Euler-Lagrange diff. equations. I failed to see how the physics of the problem would demand exactly those boundary conditions. Where the analogy between mechanics and optics was discussed, the book creates the impression it derived the Fermat's principle but in reality it simply proved that the path following the gradient of of constant surfaces is shortest between two points. So there is a certain gegree of fuzziness on calculational level (lacking proofs of validity) or conceptual level (underexplained concepts and relations).

I liked the the abundance of historical notes. You will learn that there are several formulations of the least action principle - Euler and Lagrange version, Jackobi version and Hamilton version. Each subsection has a small summary and there are a few problems per section to illustrate the main ideas but not enough for exercises.

There are two chapters that I think appeared in later editions and are too sketchy compared to the book core:

Chapter 9 discusses special relativity where you can see that guessing the relativistic Lagrangian on general grounds of Lorentz invariance gives almost effortlessly the relativistic dynamics without the usual gedanken experiments. At the end, Lanczos dives a little into GR using the Schwartzchild metric to derive orbits, bending of light rays and gravitational redshift around spherical body.

Chapter 11 gives a short presentation of fluid mechanics (a little unclear derivation, in Lagrange and Euler coordinates), elasticity, and electromagnetism. Noether's principle is used to derive the canonical and the symmetric energy momentum tensor. I haven't seen a crystal clear derivation of Noether anywhere and Lancsoz is not an exception. The problem is as usual ommiting what exactly is being transformed and why is that allowed.

The Way to Black Belt is very comprehensive but also clearly written. What I found very informative were the sections entitled "Advice for New Students." The appendices and other end-of-book information are helpful as well. This book is a very complete reference and guide especially for current practitioners whose goal is to earn a Black Belt!

It is rare indeed to read so many glowing reviews and as of this date, all reviews are five stars. I am adding to that equation. I read the reviews and thought others have said it all better; however, I would like to point our one addition that has been somewhat neglected. The title of the book suggests it is directed towards novices or inquires into karate. This is true, but the authors have written a book that can be applied by seasoned black belts as well.

This book belongs to a brown belt student and he loaned it to me for a couple of days. I was impressed on how the book is about a journey and if one reads beyond the text, these examples, suggestions, and narratives can be used beyond training toward the goal of black belt. After all, many schools promote almost everyone to black belt eventually anyway, creating paper dragons. These authors, Kane and Wilder, provide a service beyond self-help martial arts style, but real examples to follow and techniques to persevere. The book serves to yes, help one attain the goal of black belt, but more importantly, to help individuals becomes good martial artist - for the long haul. After many years of teaching and training, I highly recommend this text.

I read the book very quickly, so the more detailed reviews here on Amazon will provide much needed information in helping one decide to purchase this fine book. I hope I have added something worthwhile to help these authors sell this very well written text.

excellent- covered things that took me years to learn. Great for students of any level.I recomend it my students.

Reading this book will give anyone for whom the goal of a black belt seems nearly impossible a huge dose of inspiration. No matter how old you are when you start or how naturally athletic, this is a goal you can set and reach. The insights and advice are spot-on and the many students' perspectives illustrate that while we all have our doubts and challenges on the way, that though paying attention, perseverence, and discipline you can push through and reach your goal. I can't recommend it enough!

Let me begin by stating that I have been disappointed in one way or another with nearly every martial arts book I've read over the years: unclear instruction, unworkable techniques, too basic, too advanced, too much reliance upon foreign words and phrases, too much space devoted to katas, and a myriad of similar complaints -- this was not the case with THE WAY TO BLACK BELT by Kane and Wilder.

The front cover says, "A Comprehensive Guide to Rapid, Rock-Solid Results", and the back cover proclaims, "Cut to the very core of what it means to be successful in the martial arts" -- and to my surprise and pleasure this book delivers what has been promised.

There are no kata to be memorized here. No questionable responses to knife attacks. And no need to learn a bizarre vocabulary in order to understand the lessons. Indeed, atypical of most martial art books, very little time is spent addressing things like technique, terminology, or tactics. This book's focus is on training and mindset, which is far more valuable for the beginner to learn.

The authors have each spent a lifetime practicing the martial arts, and the chapters have introductions, excerpts, and commentary by over a dozen highly respected martial art instructors and authors. These folks have learned the hard way what works and what doesn't, and are willing to share these priceless insights with you the reader.

Outstanding advice on important subjects like: overcoming negative thinking, weeding out potential instructors who are not right for you, improving your technique, being a good student, dealing with injuries through common sense and pererverance, training aids, self study, and LOTS more. Best of all, this fine text does not limit itself to any particular style and can be implemented by practitioners of any martial art regardless of their age, ability, or rank.

This book NEEDS TO BE READ by all martial art students, and is quite possibly the BEST MARTIAL ART BOOK available at this time. I highly recommend purchasing this text as a gift for friends whom you know are students of any martial art . . . they will thank you for it, and refer to it for years to come. Destined to be a classic textbook for students of all styles.

Why Struggle? Life is too short to wear tight shoes, so true! As we go through our daily routine of life we must stop and ask the question WHY STRUGGLE! Barbara J. Faison has captured some of life's reason as to why we shouldn't struggle because we all should be grateful for each day GOD gives us! As a daily affirmation to yourself, I employ you to get and read WHY STRUGGLE? We don't have to struggle if we take that much needed step and excerise our minds, our hearts and our souls to become a better you....a healthier you.... a total you! Barbara, Why Struggle? is truly a blessing and we need more inspirationals and daily affirmations such as this one! If you are ever in doubt that you can't make it just pick up WHY STRUGGLE? and realize that you really don't have too STRUGGLE! Wishing the best in all that you do Barbara J. Faison. May God continue to BLESS YOU ON YOUR JOURNEY'S END!

In Why Struggle?: Life Is Too Short To Wear Tight Shoes, Barbara Faison encourages her reader to accept their lives for the unpredictable journeys they are, to slow down, to watch a child, and to create an adventure of their own. Faison's insightful suggestions are food for thought to nourish the spirit and call our attention to life as a celebration. Why Struggle? is a "reader friendly" and highly recommended compendium of words of wisdom on self-discovery, acceptance, forgiveness, and other principles essential to leading a successful, rewarding, balanced life.

I met her and felt the warmth. The entire time I was reading this little book, I just kept saying, she's right! If you don't believe that you have it in you to be happy, buy this book.

I heard her speak and bought her book. She lives what she has written. Barbara has captured in a simple and straight forward manner, the how to "BE" your own person. This book is a quick read, but once read, it becomes a constant source for those "..tight shoes moments" we all have. I keep my copy on my desk and when I feel hassled or stressed out. I open my book and have a reality check with Barbara's "right on target" comments. After that, I do one of Barbara's thinking and action exercises. I find my attitude shifts back to "being Me" and I get right out of those "tight shoes." Barbara, thanks for your help. When's your next book coming out?

An extremely short read that packs a lot of punch. Why Struggle is a book that is small enough to keep in your purse or back pocket and carry around each and every day. The text is easy to read and easy to comprehend and forces you to take a critical look at yourself in bite sized pieces. Ms. Faison touches upon the most important parts of the human psyche: To Live, To Love, To Learn, To Grow and To Share. Each page has an exercise to perform that helps the reader reach further into themselves to discover more about what makes them a better person in society.
There were several "ah ha" moments in this books for me, things that I just hadn't thought about in that way the information is presented. Naturally curious as I am, this only makes me want to share this book with friends. I liken the discovery of the action filled book with a beautifully wrapped present that one can't wait to open. An Example that I found to be pertinent to my life is the affirmation "I speak with power and Purpose". Sometimes its necessary to be quiet. To quote from this book: There are many times no response is required. Be cautious with your words and save your comments for those who will value what you say. The exercise: Give your next conversation your undivided attention. Turn your body to the person, look them in the eyes and open your ears to their words. Pause for 3 seconds before responding. If a response in not required, say nothing. For a person who is always eager to share an opinion, whether solicited or not, this is pertinent to my life and something that I will carry forth with me. This book is filled with epitaphs that are compact enough to be retained indefinitely.
Take this book with you, in your mind or on your physical person, you can't go wrong with it. A perfect gift for those in your circle of friends.

A great book with much of interest to anyone interested in outdoor skills and woodsman ship in an age that has mostly vanished. The illustrations are great and some are humorous as well.

I first read this book in my High School Library in 1955.
The best outdoor survival book ever.
Buy it at least a month before you go camping.
Must read for campers.

All outdoorsmen should own a copy of this book. Highly entertaining and a wealth of knowledge.

THE BEST OUTDOOR/SURVIVAL BOOK I HAVE EVER READ. LOADED WITH INFORMATION, AND AT A GIVE AWAY PRICE OF ABOUT 10 BUCKS. ITS A NO BRAINER, BUY THIS BOOK.

This book was my introduction to outdoor skills. I thought I'd order myself a copy after all these years for sentimental reasons, for some reason I remembered it being kinda hokey.

Well I got it and it isn't hokey at all. I love this book. Taught me many things back when, taught me more things just now.

Our world desperately needs the guidance of True Masters, and how rare they seem to be! For the western mind, it may be difficult to open to the realms beyond the material; those who venture into the spiritual mysteries can attest to the many pitfalls encountered along the way. Who can we count on to guide us? So many teachers have tried and often unwittingly led seekers into confusion. And so many of us have given up hope when finding ourselves at a dead end. We become cynical and resigned to a particularly bitter brand of loneliness and despair. But this book gives the reader an experience of Truth. It is a rare gem, written by a bonafide Master, who shares with us his direct experience of the Divine. Gurunath transports us to that place where sufferers are comforted, where confusion is dispelled, and where we know we are all one regardless of cultural or religious differences. Reassure yourself that there are real Masters working to help humanity, and Gurunath is among them.

Yogiraj's book is clearly within the mainstream of Indian Samadi experience. The complaints that are raised how there are so many unidentified sanscrit names used without explanation only serve to illustrate the high state of Bliss that Yogiraj was in when he wrote it. This masterful attempt to transmit the state that he was in depends on an reader that understands the nature of the bliss experience. It is very hard to tell another person how an apple tastes without giving them a apple to eat. After the apple is eaten and others like it, you can really make comparisons about the acidity enhancing the earthy sweetness, etc.

This book compares favorably to Yogananda's 'Autobiography of a Yogi', and has the same underlying transmission of energy (shaktipat). I titled this response 'A Block of Shakti' to illustrate that transmission. The picture on the front cover shows Yogiraj in that state of freedom. He cannot leave that state even when he is writing. Whatever comes out, comes out, as he says in the book.
When you read this book, you should pay attention to your inner feelings, not so much to what your mind is saying.

I haven't been impressed with the writings of Hindu ascetics. Like Yogananda and countless other swami's who have spent considerable time isolated in the mountains practicing severe austerities, Yogiraj has a self absorbed writing style. This book is full is full of Hindu words for almost every conceivable hand position and state of mind, the writer refuses to use the corresponding English word because he believes the Hindu is more "Subtle" or "complete." It's this sort of pretension that first turned me off to the Hindu ascetics, who seem to absorbed with the esoteric words and corresponding rituals to glean any insight from their practice.

Yogiraj begins his ascent by contemplating whether or not Babji was the supreme avatar or whatever, it was then when he receives some enlightenment. How can that be a theologically valuable contemplation? It isn't the hierarchical state (i.e. saint, prophet, beautified, etc.) of a given religious figure that matters but their actions in life and meaning in them. We witness many miracles in this book and so called "insights" like visions of Babaji and so on.

It seems that the only quality that makes Babaji a saint is that he can appear anywhere and is "full of love" or a phrase like that -- or perhaps a more "subtle and complete" esoteric Hindu phrase -- which is never fully qualified in the book. He throws around words like "holy," "grace," and "love" without defining them and seeing the light of what they really mean. This guy has the spiritual depth of a thesaurus.

I gave this two stars in respect of those who follow this Hindu tradition (though I've talked to many Hindu's who find these guys as spiritually barren as I do). For fans of religious and spiritual books, check out Thomas Merton's "Seven Story Mountain" -- a powerful and beautiful autobiography, "Conversations With God" -- cheesy but good, or heck "Catcher in the Rye" and "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance." Enjoy!

I would rank this book second only to the spiritual classic book of all time - The Autobiography of a Yogi" - Yogiraji Gurunath Siddhanath presents a life story that is one of a kind. His book will take readers on their on wings of freedom to places within themselves; inspirational, entertaining, thought provoking, and at times, it feels like a voice from the universe itself!

There are few books out there by yoga masters that have this much knowledge and wisdom. If one is looking for a path or has their own spiritual practices now - this book will influence your thinking. The truths written in this book are transforming for those who are ready to hear this message.

Of course, the stories about Babaji just adds to so much more value to the book. I fully recommend this book to all truth seeking souls and thirsty hearts!

This book has been nominated for an national book award from The American Authors Association.

This book is a gem of wisdom and insight...it is an extremely well balanced book - part autobiography, part poetry, part a discourse on the ancient philosophy of Self Realization...It is a spiritual classic in that there is alot of material that you won't really find anywhere else unless you find a Master...Having the blessing of meeting Him in India I must say that it was like meeting many Masters combined into one form...Sri Yukteswar (in his austerity)- this Jnanavatar is the Guru of His family, Sri Yoganandaji (in his love for poetic expression and drive for world peace) and Sri Vimalananda (from the Aghora books - in his indepth knowledge of many different esoteric practices including Ayurveda and Tantric alchemy)...but He is definitely in a league by Himself...

This book is greatly enhanced with Yogiraj's 'Mantras and Chants' CD's vol. 1 & 2...there you will hear the Master speak and chant divine melodies that are extremely rare for most people to hear...from the Nath yogis of the Himalayas http://www.hamsa-yoga.org/things.html

Also, look here for information regarding meeting and seeing Him in person:
http://www.hamsa-yoga.org/schedule.php
He has a whole wealth of wisdom and knowledge to share with the world...Experience the Shivapat, Shaktipat and Pranapat!!!

Love, Light and Shakti Vibrationz...

I just got 90-Minute Quilts yesterday. It has so many beautiful and creative quilts in it. I have picked up many tips and ideas already! It's a wonderful book, especially as to the self-binding border technique and the fabulous fabric pattern ideas. You really have to see it to believe it! Meryl Ann Butler truly is an artist. This book has gotten my creativity juices flowing. Making a quilt in 90 minutes is an awesome concept - I can't wait to get started!

Every woman needs a little black dress, and every quilter needs a little quilt book! This book fits nicely into my hand, it's VERY colorful, bound nicely, and has great quick projects. Beginners will love it, and it will be great for the guilds that do charity quilts, too. I loved the photos of the more complex garments in the front--it's obvious this author does many kinds of quilting projects, from quick and easy to intricate and methodical. I'm buying one for my 12-year old niece, my son's (girl) friend going to Iraq who wants to do something useful in her spare time over there, and plan to suggest a few patterns to my guild for community service projects!!

I purchased 3 copies of the 90 Minute Quilts book by Meryl Ann Butler to give 2 away as gifts. One went to a friend that I am just teaching to quilt, she is a beginner and one went to a friend that taught me to quilt, she is an advanced quilter. I kept the 3rd one for myself because I am an intermediate quilter so the book is great for the beginner to the advanced quilter. I love that it is spiral bound so it will be able to stand the wear and tear of being used a lot because all 3 books will be used a lot for quilt projects and who of us don't always need quick quilts to give as gifts. The instructions and graphics are easy to understand. This book is truly a great gift for a fellow quilter, novice or advanced or great to add to your own collect.

I would have rated this one more, but felt that there were certain types of projects missing in this book. I don't know for sure if I could do all these in 90-minutes or not, but they are simple and easy quilts you can at least do in a day (if you have a day!) Don't look in here for special 9-patch quilts or anything fancy. You won't find that in this book. However, there are some cute quilts from doll quilts, wall hanging type quilts to real bed quilts that someone can make. I think you could even use some scrap fabrics for some of the ideas in this book. There's even a Tic-Tac-Toe board and Checker Board Quilt patterns! I love the open binding where you can lay it flat to look at. I hope more quilting books will be like this one.

I never thought I could quilt but I have had a great time picking up a brand new hobby that my daughter and I can really enjoy. This book includes lots of fun vibrant pictures and many great examples of quilts to make. If you want to try quilting or need new ideas this is the book for you.