Whips Books

I bought a copy of Cherry Whip based on the paralyzing illness from which the main character, Hiroshi, suffers. Since my fiancé had a severe case of Guillain-Barre Syndrome in 2005, I've been compelled to read anything and everything on the subject, and, when I'm really lucky, I come across a book that actually gives me a lesson in life and gives me something to think about. Cherry Whip did just that.

The novel is about a young Japanese clarinet player who comes to New York to make it big and ends up hospitalized with GBS. Although Hiroshi deals with the issues of being paralyzed and in a hospital and, therefore, in complete submission to those around him, pretty well, it's his reaction to his physical limitations after being released back into the world where the real evidence of his personality come into play. Without realizing he's doing this, Hiroshi goes through an involved process of convincing himself that he can no longer do the one thing in life he enjoys most, which is playing the clarinet. He doesn't even attempt to pick up the clarinet or to exercise his hands, which would give him the dexterity needed to play. He gives up on living the life he's dreamed of since childhood, and he gives up on himself.

Cherry Whip shows how a person's mind can affect the outcome of one's life, whether dealing with a physical limitation or not, and that when we begin to think positively, good things happen for us. Hiroshi gets himself into sticky situations during the novel, and the fascinating, creative ways he finds of getting out of them entices the reader to want to learn more.

What a pleasure it was to submerge myself in this first novel by Michael Antman, whose bright, quirky characters, nicely penned portrait of New York and undercurrents of irony, alienation and obsession hooked me from the start. Equally gratifying were glimpses into the world of professional jazz and the Japanese psyche, as conveyed by Hiroshi Mori, the novel's main character.

Hiroshi is an accomplished Japanese jazz clarinetist, newly arrived in the Big Apple for his North American debut. But what awaits him, instead, is one catastrophe after another, including a rare and mysterious neurological disorder. Throughout Hiroshi's adventures and misadventures in New York, we see in him the sort of obsessive personality that leads, on the one hand, to his mastery of jazz, and on the other to his fixations with language, familial relations, race cars, food and even home hardware, for heaven sake.

There was a moment in reading Cherry Whip, when I sat back and laughed out loud, marveling at how much this tortured main character and I have in common emotionally. Though I don't know beans about jazz or Japan, I came to believe I understood them better through Hiroshi's eyes and realized just how universal are our fears, misunderstandings and personal demons.

In the course of the story, there are other finely drawn characters, such as my personal favorite, Maureen, a young musician and love interest of Hiroshi's, who both attracts and repels him with her archetypical New York abrasiveness and charm. Hiroshi's enigmatic father makes an appearance, too, as does the ghostly memory of Hiroshi's tortured and very deceased sister.

But don't get the idea that this is a tale that wallows in gloom and angst; through all Hiroshi's misgivings and missteps, Antman delivers a modern parable of the human condition, and one that provides hope for Hiroshi's deliverance, as well as ultimately our own.

Recently a friend of mine gave me a copy of CHERRY WHIP, his long-time friend's first novel, and encouraged me to read it. admittedly skeptical (with friends like these, and all that stuff) I read it. Wow! What an upside surprise!

A young Japanese jazz clarinetist lands in New York City, abound with optimism and on the brink of stardom. A series of devastating shocks threaten to short-circuit his dreams. With literary aplomb Mr. antman guides his hero,and us, through a living hell, skillfully attuned to character development, and the subtle development of cultural disconnects.

A wonderfully creative novel, first or otherwise.

Cherry Whip is a fascinating character study of the hero, Hiroshi, who over-analyzes just about everything anyone says to him. At times, it's exasperating to the point of being comedic; and the trials and tribulations he suffers in New York become seconadary to his thought processes. After a rough first chapter, the book becomes a real page-turner and I found myself trying to finish it in one sitting. All in all, a very enjoyable read.

Michael Antman's novel begins with a Japanese jazz musician's self-conscious journey through New York and his discovery of himself along the way. Hiroshi's skilled command of music is in stark contrast to his awkward relationships with his American and Japanese counterparts. Hiroshi is full of pride with his English pronunciation and he speaks flawless English yet he is too preoccupied and oversensitive with his persona to function as normal. As a result, Hiroshi communicates poorly with his long distance American girlfriend and his overassertive Japanese father.

Early in the novel, Hiroshi is struck with a rare impermanent paralyzing sickness in which he is bed bound in a foreign country and needs to relearn all of his basic motor skills. During his punishing rehabilitation he comes to realize that he may never play music again and needs to come to grips with his own personal flaws as his own life tumbles to rock bottom.

The most compelling part in Antman's novel is Hiroshi's journey back to his childhood and his relationship with his sister, Shizuka, in the small Japanese town Ichikawa. As a child in Ichikawa, Hiroshi follows his sister along the Forbidden Pathway and comes to finally comprehend his sister's secret as an adult. Michael Antman's writing style reminds me very much of Mark Salzman and his character's journey through ones self. This is an exceptional novel, well written and inspired by life's surprises

Enjoyed the book. I know John Blackbun personally and have encouraged him to write more. Great drawings and great sexual situations.

...P>This book collects 2 miniseries, RETURN... and its sequel IDOL OF FLESH. Each contains adventure, mystery, romance, supernatural elements, violence, and sex(something for everyone!). At times I find the violence disturbing, but the other elements more than balance things out. Blackburn's work, and his young hero, "Voodoo Love God" Coley Cochran, are absolutely compelling. A walking contradiction in terms who affects-- in one way or another-- EVERYONE whose path he crosses.

Some may find the heavy expository dialogue at the beginning confusing; the truth is, there are 3 complete books that precede this one, which have only seen limited printing so far. I hope this oversight is corrected one day!

Eros' "Graphic Novel" reprints only bug me for the numbering on the covers, which like Marvel's "Masterworks" in the late 80's, try to inspire readers to buy ALL of them, at the expense of better package design. Oh well. At least each Coley volume has its own numbering.

Well Coley is at it again, neither man nor woman are safe from his voodoo sex magic. Coley takes us on an erotic rampage throught some sterotypical backwater mindframes. Its Deliverance with a strange and perverted twist. Coley is to many the perfect man and the perfect lover to all. Id love to meet the person the author modeled him from.

Now in its second edition, revised with additional information concerning whips made in the Mongol tradition and the evolution of whip design in general, Whips And Whipmaking is a straightforward, easy-to-follow guide and to the art of leather braiding to create whips for performance or sport use. Black-and-white photographs and an extensive discussion of the lore, history, and quirks of whips through the centuries make Whips And Whipmaking a one-of-a-kind, information packed resource.

I met Mr. Morgan after owning this book. He is a person who knows what he is talking about, either in printed or first hand information. The general view on such a beautiful craft makes you be aware of the different circumstances which led to different styles and handling. It too, helps you learn much of the basic techniques, such as braiding, paring, cutting, making knots, dee belts and hat straps. You can't make a whip from this book (let's say a finely braided kangaroo whip), but, as he states, much of whipmaking is empyrical; you have to be open-minded and try everything you have at hand to improve your skill, always trying to keep up with excellent quality. Be sure to analyze and understand his formulas for the width of strands and diameter. This is, mostly, what will lead you to good shaped thongs (though balance and appearance, tightness in braiding will be gained gradually). For those who are fond of mathematics, try to see how trygonometry is related to it (I found it out, and helps quite a lot! This does not mean that only engineers can make them, but you understand and learn faster). I'd like to recommend another book, available through Amazon.com, also. It's "How to make whips" by Ron Edwards. Eventhough I own the Australian edition, Cornell Maritime Press has made a great job by editing it for America. Anyway, I think you should buy Morgan's book first, to understand, and appreciate this craft and this book (Edwards') on the right level. Remember, if you bought the latter first, be sure to get this one! One-of-a-kind for your leather library.

Mr. Morgan's book is excellent for those who want to learn a variety of skills in order to hone one's leather plaiting and learn the basics behind how a whip is made. However, it does not lead one with limited experience with whips on what leads directly to making one.

For that, Ron Edwards "How to Make Whips" is much better.

This is an excellent and complete guide to Filipino whip fighting technique, whips and their maintenance. It also gives a brief, but very complete, overview of Filipino fighting systems.

First of all, let me preface this by saying I do not consider myself a martial artist. I have done theatrical and recreational swordplay and combat, and have some background in Tai Chi and Kendo, but nothing serious. I can look good taking a fake punch and know one end of a sword and knife from the other, but in a real fight. I'm useless.

I have, however been training with professional instructor, Gery Deer in the art of bullwhip for competition, sport and performance for almost two years now. The performance style Gery teaches is in the style of Alex Green, (legendary Hollywood stunt person and whip master on Mask of Zorro and whip coach on "Catwoman" with Halle Berry,) and is quite different than that of Anthony DeLongis, the martial artist and performer who has worked extensively with the author, Tom Meadows, and is mentioned often in the book.

That said, I found the book to be a great wealth of knowledge on physics, history, and martial application of the bullwhip, as well as an in-depth study of the Eastern approach to bullwhip skills, (as opposed to the western style of Australia, Europe and the Old West.) It's a fascinating read and I found exactly what I was looking for in it, (the flow of Chi through the whip, and the meditative kata approach the author attributes to Master Ron Kew.) I plan on applying some of the escrima techniques and drills Meadows applys to the whip in my own practice.

Bear in mind, this is NOT a beginners guide to whip cracking, and I think the only reason I followed many of Meadows' descriptions is my already strong familiarity with the flow of a good whip, (I own whips by two of the makers mentioned in his book.) I am not blaming Mr. Meadows for this shortcoming, since as I mentioned, i am no martial artist, and have only a smattering of experience with Escrima or the kali arts his techniques are based upon. He is writing this book as a martial artist for other martial artists.

I feel that individuals experienced in the Kali and Arnis techniques mentioned will benefit greatly from this text, and learn to love the flow of the whip as much as I have.

But if you're not a martial artist and are just getting started, I highly recommend Andrew Conway's "The Bullwhip Book," (also available on Amazon,) as a good way to get started. Then, when you've mastered the techniques described in Conway's book, and want to take your skills to another level, or explore new styles and applications, then this is a very good read!

Perhaps, no, definitely the best s/m erotica I have found! Once you get over the rather unlikely (though entriguing!) premise -- all members of the Wisconson Highway Patrol are into s&m with each other -- the collection of short stories really takes off and gets the reader going at 60mph. "In the Meadow" is the ULTIMATE daddy-son story. "Phone Calls" -- a series of ultra shorts is every bit as cleaver as Boccaccio's DeCameron and a whole lot more erotic and interesting. and "Red and Black" brings new meaning to political correctness, and political corrections. This is a terrific book. I wore out one copy, so to speak, and ordered a second one right away. This is Victor Terry at his best.

Perhaps, no, definitely the best s/m erotica I have found! Once you get over the rather unlikely (though entriguing!) premise -- all members of the Wisconson Highway Patrol are into s&m with each other -- the collection of short stories really takes off and gets the reader going at 60mph. "In the Meadow" is the ULTIMATE daddy-son story. "Phone Calls" -- a series of ultra shorts is every bit as cleaver as Boccaccio's DeCameron and a whole lot more erotic and interesting. and "Red and Black" brings new meaning to political correctness, and political corrections. This is a terrific book. I wore out one copy, so to speak, and ordered a second one right away. This is Townsend at his best.

The explanations for many of the cracks are useless and the illustrations are just awful. The overall design of this book is amateurish and even encourages BDSM which I am strongly against. The perverts have given whip cracking a bad name and will not support them. I'd have given this book a second star if it had been made out of toilet paper because then I, at least, could have use it for something.

I'm afraid my publisher let this book go out of print without warning me, so I no longer have copies to sell. However, a couple of vendors still have copies in stock at a reasonable price. Try www.murphywhips.com or www.westernstageprops.com if you want to buy a copy. Thanks for your interest in my book.

Andrew Conway

In twelve chapters Conway covers a lot of information about bullwhips and how to handle them. The multi-ethnic and gendered drawings add a lot to the descriptions. Nothing here about BDSM however, it doesn't tell you how to use a whip on a human being even though it is published by Greenery Press. Also, I don't think that just a book can make one compentant in using a bullwhip -- luckily that is never Conway's claim. So if you want the basics for bullwhips for fun, sex, or profit, this is a good introduction.

This book is great if you want to simply learn to crack a single tail whip and some basic wraps for show only. However if you want to learn how to use a single tail whip for impact play this book gives you no information on that subject.

I wish The Bullwhip Book had been available when I started playing around with bullwhips. It would have helped me to find a whip, learn some throws (preventing some mistakes), and care for the whip (Don't use neatsfoot oil). But, as it is, I can still learn from this book. So far it has caused me to modifiy my grip and try new variations of cracks. Mr. Conway starts the book with the process of choosing a whip, discussing the parts, types of whips and the materials used to make them. He then goes on to basics such as pre-use care and the physics of the whip (a whip breaks the sound barrier when it cracks). Other chapters include: keeping safe--i.e. protective gear and the hazards of practicing in public (watch out for people and dogs). "Three Basic Cracks" is a chapter covering basic throws and it's very helpful that Mr. Conway describes how to recognize common mistakes and offers some corrections. Next is variations on the basic cracks, including some of my favorites: the overhand and the backhand cracks. Also covered is the use of targets (be careful in target selection as hitting anything can damage your whip), doing wraps (of yourself and an assistant), tricks and stunts (like the multi-crack Queensland Flash), and throwing and catching the whip. The book has a good description of how to care for your whip and ends with a little history and a list of other resources the reader can investigate. If I had to make a suggestion to improve this book it would be to make the illustrations multi-part--showing each crack in at least four stages: setup, mid throw, crack, and follow through. I enjoyed this book as it is the only book available that brings together information on many whip topics that you would otherwise have to pull together piecemeal from a wide range of sources. I think at any skill level you can either learn something from this book or at least come away with an idea or two. If you are interested in bullwhips, buy and read The Bullwhip Book.

Kinky's book is a fast read, as is a lot of his work..the time is spent in contemplating some of the ideas put forth. Funny in a lot of places, material I've seen before in a few, 'stop and make you think' comments in places - it's a good pass time peppered with a few real 'gems'. I enjoyed it. A good book for a trans-pacific flight; bring another one for the trip back - you'll be finished with this one before you get there...

No narrative, quirky or not. Just "And then I wrote..." anecdotes from real life (if you can call his life "real") presented in Kinky's usual irreverent, bawdy, often hysterically funny lack of style. An unguided missile that will tickle the grossest parts of your sense of humor, Good fun.

I wouldn't offer to share this with my reading buddies or even mention I own it, but the book certainly provides a unique portrayal of the life of Kinky. I laughed out loud at some of it, felt manipulated and propagandized at some of it, found myself bored at times, but I never wanted to put it down. This short book elicited a wide array of reactions on my part, but delving into the mind of a man as unpredictable as this author can't help but be well...unpredictable.

After seeing Kinky Friedman on Larry King Live, I decided to read one of his books. 'Scuse Me While I Whip This Out' seemed like a good place to start. The book is a quick and easy read full of annedotes and lots of stories that only those bold enough can put into print. I enjoyed his very dry humor and wit. The chapter on Joseph Heller was particularly noteworthy since very few have been able to pin down this literary legend. If you looking for something different and are open enough to read another point of view, then I strongly recommend this book. The creativity that Kinky Friedman provides is worth the price of the book. A strong 4 stars. Now I am about to that on his latest book.

Another one by Kinky,they keep getting better all the time.Most of Kinky's previous books were mystery novels ,and they were in a class all by themselves,loaded with great characters and unmatchable conservation with one-liners that could blow you away.Although I was never particularly fond of mysteries,I found Kinky's style of writing so much fun ,he kept me hooked right to the end.He is able to prove the old adage "Getting there is half the fun".That is how I found his yarns.It is all the experiences,along the way,rather than the solution,that is great.
However,'nuff said.This book departs from the mysteries and is a book full of Kinky's thoughts,comments,opinions,descriptions,explanations on just about everything that one has to deal with ,just getting through life,one day,or nite,at a time.The one thing you can learn from Kinky is that the world is full of people,things ans systems that try to control you and take the fun out of life and it is up to nobody but yourself not to let it happen.Just remember,you never gave them control over your life,and if you bow to them,it's your problem.
This book is full of great thoughts and one-liners.Just for a taste,let me quote a few of my favorites:
"The last time everything was all right was Aug 14,1945.That was the day Japan surrendered."
"Smoking cigars is a secular way of religion.A way of life for men (and women) who are not afraid to die."
"Did guys like Yeats and Shelley,who,by the way all belonged in a mental hospital,ever get to the point?"
"Money can buy a fine dog,but only love can make it wag its tail."
"Like Napoleon,Hitler and Alexander did not get to have much fun in life."
"His outrageous brand of humor tends to sail close to the truth."
"Ruby had done what every god-fearing red-blooded American would do and he was one of our boys."
"I've known two and a half Governors and they didn't seem to be working too hard."
"Rednecks were coming out of the mobile homes,women were coming out of the kitchen and the homosexuals and Jews were coming out of the closets."
"I got so high I started to get lonley."
"A Gypsy's definition of a millionaire is not a man who has a million dollars,but a man who has spent a million dollars."

I have only one thing to say regarding this book.

...Everybody have fun tonight...
...Everybody Wang Ping tonight...

The weight of these poems is subtle. Ping interweaves her historical experiences with words that attempt to bisect her "foreign" and "native" selves. Metaphors emerge whose intricacies seem key to understanding the dual worlds contained in these poems. She uses the liminal space between prose and poetry to try to reach out and create a new form that can encompass the many things she needs to say. Very beautiful and honest work.

I am blown away by how great these poems are. They're really cutting-edge and clean. Extremely well-written.

I am an American woman living in the Republic of China. Wang Ping is a Chinese woman living in New York. This book builds a paradoxal bridge between the two cultures. It's painfully insightful and factual. The subject matter ranges from personal accounts of struggling in a new country to footbinding from the perspective of a young girl in China, to the the reality of war in a modern world. There are many different stories and concepts delivered through this book. I haven't found one yet of which I haven't devoured every word.

If you study poetry and want to read some really well-written stuff, or are interested in women's rights, China, or have ever immigrated to a new country, I think you'll benefit widely from this read.

Here's the most definitive work to date concerning the Stagecoaches that moved passengers and treasure between Yreka, CA and Eugene City, OR(1860s-1890s). The book lists the location and history of the stage stops along the "Big Road" which generations later would be known as Interstate 5. In addition information about the individual drivers and their experiences are presented in a clear and factual manner. No tall tales here...only carefully researched facts are presented. An excellent source for learning about transportation throughout Southern Oregon before the arrival of the Iron Horse.

The book is fine with pictures however please note:

If you are a Miracle Whip lover, you will be disappointed to discover the new formula is "sloppy". They lowered the fat from 4 grams to 3.5 and added water. This will ruin recipes and to me lowered the tangy yummy zip of Miracle Whip. Over the years they have gradually decreased the amount of fat (1990 was 7 grams) but the latest decrease went to far lowering the quality and taste of the product.

What I am asking is for you to please complain to www.kraftfoods.com or 800-847-1997 (you have to have a jar in front of you). There is no reason for them to change the formula except to save money. If someone wants lower fat, they can buy the Miracle Whip light. The benefit of complaining is that they send you a coupon for a free jar.

Most importantly is we need to have our complaint heard! Please forward this to your fellow Miracle Whip lovers so we don't have to put up with inferior miracle whip.