Bell Books

Dr. Bell does a superb job of introducing the world to the daily reality of those whose lives are touched by CFS/CFIDS. He exposes us to the many areas (physical, social, emotional, and neurological) that this disease tries to steal from the people who suffer with it and those that love and care for them. Dr. Bell gives a frightening view into the debilitating effects of the disease and the skepticism, scorn, legal problems, and rejection these patients are subjected to. He also graciously shares the dilemas he faces in the medical arena to provide relief to his patients, study this disease, enlighten the medical community, and inform the world. He also weaves into this book statements that give us a glimpse of his profound intellect, curiousity, and sense of humor. This book is the perfect combination of a doctor's view and his patients' sufferings. Dr. Bell does not leave patients without hope. He offers compassion, understanding, intelligence, and tenacity. I encourage everyone to read this book. Nobody will walk away without newfound information. For those who feel this is only a psychological disease, I challenge you to read this book with an open mind, then reevaluate your opinion.

Quick notes from Bell's latest book: --"Where does self end and illness begin? When we are [chronically ill]...what part of our personality is really our own, & [which] shaped or even created by disease?"... --"If robbery is the taking without permission, CFS could be the greatest thief of all."... --"Sometimes I feel the only solution [as CFS clinician] is to develop multiple personalities or else go mad."... Having had the pleasure to hear Bell speak on several occasions, I found this book a delight to read for more than one reason: it's HIS VOICE, the man himself, probably the single most candid, empathetic, and open-minded CFS MD. His informal tone is marked by wry humor, facts, frank crankiness (esp'ly re: the blindness and UNcaring of the Established Medical Establishment), and--above all--his deep, abiding humanity, which translates into true caring for every one of his patients... Bell has published books and papers both scientific and lay; this the latter, though more than a few doctors should be forced to read it at syringe-point. Consisting of 10 case histories of individual patients, it's more quilt than tapesty, covering numerous facets of this still-mysterious but very real disease. Each story illuminates another facet of CFS, each in a separate patient, from tales of disability "spies," treaments both conventional and unconventional (ever try rubbing poison ivy on your arm?), symptoms from panic attacks to myoclonus... Dr. Bell does not tie up each case story with a neat bow, but leaves the questions it raises hanging in the air--as they still do for true scientists. Each case study is meant primarily to illustrate a defining principle, as Bell has come to understand such principles by *listening* to all his patients for over 15 years. Hence his impatience with hands-off MDs who do NOT listen, who actively block new knowledge by citing "psychosomatic illness" or saying "not proven" (how many more organic abnormalities have to be documented?!) instead of dealing with patients, one by one by one, as Bell has... Beyond the important content and delightful tone of the book--and Bell's faith that a cure and recovery will come--it's worth noting, for the legions of CFS patients with troubles reading, that the book is short and very easy to read. A brilliant, if all-too-short, book.

(For another, quite different set of case histories, compiled by a CFS author, see the book "Stricken" by Peggy Munson at this site.)

I've been frustrated for a while now in trying to find a good tree identification guide. I'm a birder, I do know how to use field guides! --but all the tree guides I've tried had one photograph, or one line drawing, which might have been my leaf or it might not have been... and after staring at a few of these in confusion I'd just give up and decide to enjoy my walk.

This guide is different. First of all, there are both drawn leaf outlines and color photographs (lots of them, quite beautiful) as well as verbal descriptions. And the photographs almost all include MANY leaves of that tree, so you can see how much the leaves actually vary from each other. I thought this was a brilliant idea. Best of all, all of these trees were photographed in the fall, so the color really helps you out too!

This guide only covers some 150 species, but it does that very well. I might have preferred it to be about 1" narrower side to side, but with a bit of care it did fit into my coat pocket. Because of how colorful and easy to use it is, I imagine this guide would be an especially satisfying one to take along on walks with the kids.

Fall Color and Woodland Harvests by Drs. C.R Bell and Anne Lindsey is a comprehensive reference book for the serious naturalist. Stunning color photographs by some of the regions leading nature photographers adds incredible richness and detail to the book. Bell and Lindsey are particulary adept at presenting technical information in an easy to read and very understandable narrative form. The authors have spent years exploring the eastern forests and giving seminars and talks on its flora. Dr. Bell is the Director Emeritus of the North Carolina Botanical Garden. Your autumn leaf watching trip will be more enjoyable and more rewarding when you take along this excellent book.

I bought this book this weekend after hearing Drs. Bell Scott and Johnson-Bailey read from it on campus. I did not expect to be so moved, to experience the power of these stories. Once I did, though, I had to buy the book to read the rest of it. I was amazed by my own emotional reaction to stories so far removed from my life as a young, white, yankee girl.

Telling the truth can be a painful exercise. Telling the truth can open unhealed wounds with poisonous pus erupting. Once told the silence is broken. Only then can truth be liberating and true healing can take place.

African-american women get the truth told about their lives in this diverse collection of essays, poetry, interviews and photography. Through these various mediums we engage Black women in discussing the difficulties in telling about their lives, healings which took place, relationships that have been broken and reclaimed and the challenges of resisting marginalization.

For years many gifted Black women have been relegated into the obscurity of silence by the culture at large and sadly by their own people. Travel with Alice Walker as she rescues Zora Neale Hurston from the pit of obscurity. Walker shares with us the adventure of one Black woman writer searching to honor another Black woman writer who was placed in obscurity. Zora was independent and shows what happens to a woman with a mind of her own.

Kate Rushin questions us about suicide. Are Black women crazy enough to consider it? We're too busy going through life changes to worry about it. Or do we? Consider Rushin's poetry. Overall this volume presents Black women as they are. They are not the superwomensapphiresbitchesmammies and other stereotypes that are placed upon them but are reflective, intelligent women whose lives have enriched their culture. A brief glimpse of their works enables us to appreciate them for whom and what they are. Through the telling of the truth then we can appreciate ourselves and those women in our communities who have given so much. By all means put this book in your own personal library. I have.

Corneliu Zelea Codreanu, also known as "The Captain", was an extremely charismatic man that lived in Rumania in the early part of the 1900's. The book is the tale of his life and his movement's struggle against forces both foreign and Rumanian. They named their movement "the Legion of the Archangel Michael", thereby showing already their mysticist leanings.

The book is very well written, and in "right-wing" radical circles, it is one of the best liked tales in our European library of spiritual "right-wing" activism. I found the book to be very inspiring, and many a time if things are tough, I just think back at the inhuman atrocities committed against Codreanu and his allies, and it gives me new strength. The tale is nicely built up, so that you really feel involved in their heroic struggle, from the meagre beginnings to the very tragic end. I have friends that have been brought to tears from reading this book.

Highly recommended!

(I read a different edition)

_For My Legionaries: The Iron Guard_, first published in 1936 and republished here by Liberty Bell Publications, by the Leader of the Romanian Iron Guard Corneliu Zelea Codreanu is a fascinating and heroic account of one man's struggle for Romania against forces of oppression written to be read by his Legionaries. Corneliu Z. Codreanu (1899 - 1938) known as "The Captain" was a Romanian far right ultra-nationalist who opposed the forces of Communism. He formed and led a movement of Legionaries known as the Iron Guard or The Legion of Michael the Archangel. This legion was embued with a mystical fascination and immersed in the traditions of Romanian Orthodoxy and operated out of cells known as "nests". This book tells the story of Codreanu's struggle for Romania against alien forces and his creation of the Legion in an effort to restore Romania. Further, this book has served as a source of inspiration for many on the far right.

The book begins with a Foreword by Dr. Dimitrie Gazdaru, a Romanian professor, that speaks to the struggles of Codreanu against the Satanic menace of the Communists and maintains that Codreanu represents an important pedagogue for the eras between the two world wars. Codreanu writes that this book contains the story of his youth from the ages of 19 to 34 detailing his struggles and hardships. The book begins with a declaration to the Legionaries, offering them hope in their struggles. Following this, the first section of the book is entitled "Stepping Into Life" and details the early years of Codreanu and his movement. Codreanu begins with a congregation in the Dobrina Forest in 1919. Codreanu next details his years at the university of Iasi and his struggles with the Communists. Codreanu mentions such individuals as Constantin Pancu, the importance of the tricolor flag, and the Creed of National-Christian Socialism. Codreanu explains his struggles against the Jewish dominated press and the relationship between his organization and the university. The second section of this book is entitled "The Student Movement". Here, Codreanu explains the events of December 10, 1922 and the "numerus causus". The third section of this book is entitled "The Jewish Problem". Codreanu argues that the number of Jews pose a threat to the Romanian nation and details various attempts by the Legionaries to overcome struggles against the Jewish press and the Communists. The fourth section of this book is entitled "A Year of Great Trials". Here, Codreanu discusses the events of 1924, the Christian cultural home, work camps, his continuing struggles, his bethrothal, and his trial. The fifth section of this book is entitled "June 1925 - June 1926". This section discusses such things as Codreanu's wedding, the resumption of his work, his time spent in France and his relationships with the French peasants and their religion, his university work in France, and his experience at Bucharest where the League of Christian National Defense was broken in two. The sixth section of this book is entitled "The Legion of Michael the Archangel". Here, Codreanu discusses how the Legion obtained its name and its opposition to materialism. Codreanu details the conflict between matter and spirit, details the Legion's program and maintains the need for faith in God. Further, Codreanu explains the stages of the Legion's development and the importance of the "Pamantul Stramosesc" or "the Ancestral Land" for all Romania. Codreanu continues to detail his struggles throughout 1928 and 1929. The seventh section of this book is entitled "Toward the Popular Masses". This section details the events of 1929 and discusses Codreanu's decision to appeal to the masses. This further discusses various events that led to the dissolution of the Legion of Michael the Archangel and the Iron Guard, the arrest warrant, and the trial which follows. Further, there is discussion of the role of the legion in the first election. Codreanu also explains the symbol (which also appears on the front cover of this book) of the iron grid which represents the Iron Guard. The eighth section of this book is entitled "Democracy Against the Nation". Codreanu makes some observations about his role in parliament and the nature of democracy, detailing a plan for severely punishing traitors and those who have stolen from the public funds. Codreanu makes several remarks about the nature of democracy, nation, and heredity, and then comments on the monarchy. Codreanu next discusses such things as the Battle of Tutova, the second dissolution of the Guard, and various further details about the elections and the state of the legionary organization as of 1932-1933. The ninth section of this book is entitled "The Offensive of Calumnies". Here, Codreanu describes some of the brutal offenses committed against the legionaries. Codreanu discusses various rumors circulation in the press that the Iron Guard was in the service of foreign powers including the Germans, the Italians, the Hungarians, and ironically even the Jews. Codreanu also discusses various smears made against the Iron Guard accusing them of printing counterfeit money and in that way being guilty of the crime of stealing from the public funds. Such smears were commonplace in the press of various rival parties at the time. In particular, the Iron Guard was smeared as an "anarchic and terroristic movement". Codreanu discusses the relationship between his Legionaries and some of the other parties including the National-Peasant Party, the National-Liberal Party, the Georgists, the Lupists, the Cuzists, and the Vlad Tepes League. In particular, the National-Peasant Party and the Liberal Party disseminated rumors that the Guard had been involved in counterfeiting schemes. Codreanu also discusses the "death team", the feelings of the members of the Legion to go forward through death. Following this, Codreanu discusses events as they took place at Teius and the building of the dam at Visani in which the Legionaries were brutally crushed by gendarme companies sent by orders of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Codreanu then explains how the Liberal Party assumed responsibility for exterminating the Iron Guard. Codreanu ends with a call to his comrades to continue the struggle through pain and sacrifice. The book ends with an "Epilogue" which gives an account by the gendarme Sarbu of the murder of Codreanu in 1938 after a clash with King Carol.

This book remains a fascinating account of one man's struggle to preserve his national heritage from the onslaughts of Communists and invaders. As such, it is an important historical document which details a troubled time in Romania's history between the two world wars. It is recommended to those who are interested in this figure and has been taken up by certain members of the far right as a detailed account of the struggle.

Very well written stories that meld together seamlessly. With each turn of a page it became harder and harder for me to put this book down even for a minute.

Fragile Hopes, Transient Dreams: And Other Stories

Make sure you are comfortable and situated before you even start reading this book.

This is a fun book to read to help you escape back to the days where the plains were still wild. It gives you a glimpse into the lives of those who settled in the early days.

GaiaStar Mandalas: Ecstatic Visions Of The Living Earth by print artists Bonnie Bell and David Todd is a simply beautiful, full-color artbook showcasing gorgeous natural Mandalas celebrating the beauty and harmony of our mother planet. Although there is a brief text introduction, the majority of GaiaStar Mandalas is given over entirely to breathtaking color photographs of superbly presented art. The rich, vibrant color and texture patterns inspired by a multitude of cultural traditions are most impressive in this wondrous and unique gallery.

I became enchanted with mandalas a couple of years ago while seeking a means to occupy my mind and hands while suffering through a rather nasty allergic reaction characterized by incessant itching. I turned to coloring with felt markers and especially enjoyed stained glass patterns. Many stained glass patterns are, in fact, mandalas so I progressed to mandala pattern books. I found mandalas blissfully calming which led to research on the subject and ensuing mandala mania. I've colored and seen a lot of them and can say without reservation this book has the most fascinating, breathtakingly gorgeous, engrossing and inspirational
collection I've ever seen. No, it isn't a coloring book. It is, rather, an exploration of the natural patterns found both within and without. I now itch for more.

This book was recommended to me by my yoga teacher and its terrific. It shows a variety of postures and explains their benefits. Having been recently diagnosed with MS I was looking for information on things I could do to help myself in addition to the conventional medicines and this book had reference to MS in it and how yoga can benefit those with certain diseases. The pictures are great as are the explainations. I highly recommend this book

This book shows people who aren't flexible or impaired that anyone can do YOGA. It has unique quotes placed between chapters to inspire. Poses are shown, then modifications are pictured some are actually photos, others black and white drawings. I viewed this book, while in the hospital, it was helpful in regaining my focus on health and exercise.

The book is unique in it's style; It is very descriptive and encouraging to anyone to try and receive the benefits that YOGA offers.

The side effects of the drugs to treat chronic illness can be as bad as the illness itself. "Getting Whole, Getting Well: Healing Holistically from Chronic Illness" is a collection of remedies and medicines to help readers deal with chronic illness, where traditional medicine has failed or exacerbated the problem. Chronic conditions such as Asthma, Arthritis, fatigue, and other ailments many face daily, the remedies prescribed within are designed to lessen the effects so readers can live much better lives without pain. "Getting Whole, Getting Well" is recommended reading for any constant pain sufferer.

Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (8/08)

When switching from conventional medicine to CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) there could be a lot of confusion or questioning what modality would work best, or what each one does. Dr. Iris Bell, a CAM practitioner and one who is healed using CAM, is an expert in the field. She is giving us a concise, but very effective explanation of what CAM is and how to proceed with one's own healing processes.

All through the book "Getting Whole, Getting Well" Bell puts the suggestion of Assess, Balance, and Coordinate into our healing processes. She also advocates seeing the big picture - body, mind, spirit, not just focusing on the specific illness. She says "Chronic disease is a manifestation of being stuck in a pattern of being that is bad for you, i.e., a dynamic rut.... Symptoms are a sign of a larger problem." Conventional medicine focuses on symptoms; CAM focuses on the "larger problem."

Furthermore, Bell insists we take responsibility for our own healing; we must take charge of organizing and coordinating our own treatments. She explains the various tiers of intervention, however, she also tells us using a combination of treatments that fall into the same level will not give optimal results. Bell suggests using a variety of treatment from different levels, for example, Chinese medicine (systemic,) journaling (mind-body,) Chiropractic (structural,) and exercise (preventative/biochemical.) It's important to affect all levels for optimum healing.

"Getting Whole, Getting Well" is your basic 101 to getting well - there is nothing complicated. Not only does Bell give a concise plan, she gives charts, resources, research readings, and sources. As a proponent of CAM myself, I'm gratefully encouraged by the fact more conventionally trained medical doctors are choosing to add alternative methods and seeing "curing" the patient on all levels, not only putting a band aide on the symptoms. I don't think there is another book on the market that holds as much information about CAM as this book does, specifically in such a concise manner. It's a book every CAM practitioner should have available for their patients. Dr. Bell takes the guessing out every reader's mind of how to proceed with healing, as well as choose modalities to heal their chronic disease/s.

In the spirit of James Allen and other "New Thought" philosophers, this book elucidates the power of the mind and the best ways to harness that power for personal and professional success. It is as valuable today for what it has to offer as it was nearly hundred years ago. Enlightening!

Prentice Mulford (1834-1891) was a knock about sort of chap.He had various occupations, such as school teacher and writer.He hung out with writers such as Mark Twain and Bret Harte in California.This book has some very good advice for those interested in self development.It is very practical advice and it works if put into practice.He discusses the use of the mind in positive ways, and the avoidance of negative habits.For example, he talks about the need to avoid gossip, slander and nit-picking.He advises to keep away from "despondent, reckless and purposeless people" because they sap your mind power.Very revelant to us today is his advice to avoid pictures and stories about crime and grisly behaviour.Today we are swamped with negative images in the media, and they only bring us down to their low level, which Prentice would well understand.He says we need to keep our minds fresh and not think too much about the past.He doesn't pretend to be a perfect person without shortcomings, and explains that he had to work at his development and overcome his lapses.I have read a number of self-help books, and this one is near the top of the list for genuine, practical advice.Application of his ideas on a day to day basis will bring positive results.

THE GREEN BUBBLE: WASTE INTO WEALTH: THE NEW ENERGY REVOLUTION offers up a business-oriented guide to the next four years which the professor author maintains will be a 'gigantic stock market bubble' in renewable energy investments. This 'new energy revolution' will have wide-reaching impact around the world and will result in energy that will have virtually no monetary value. An eye-opening book, THE GREEN BUBBLE is key reading for any concerned about the environment and its economic impact.

While I am not sure that I agree with all of Bell's predictions, this is an intriguing and very useful book. For one thing, it helps in understanding the interface between many aspects of the financial world on the one hand, and global warming on the other. I live in California and recently Allstate announced that it will no longer write coverage for new homes. Why? Well, it's somewhat buried in their explanation but because of The Green Bubble, it leapt out at me: Allstate believes there will be more wildfires and floods because of global climate change. In addition to helping you see what's going on, Bell also supplies some canny guidelines for readers seeking to invest in new clean energy technolies. The book is a bit dense at points, but well worth the effort.