Berg Books

This time honored publication is by far the most complete and best desk type reference I have ever used. Not only is it complete in common usage but also includes definitions for many American Slang words not found in other dictionaries of it's type. I have bought several copies and given them to colleagues, friends and others. The response has always been unanimous in the affirmative that they are grateful and amazed at the content. When your need calls for a good general dictionary, remember this one.

The absolutely best thing about this dictionary is the clarity of its definitions...there is seldom, if ever, a need to look up another word in order to understand the original definition. The next best thing is its encyclopedic qualities...names and places also at your fingertips. I wish the binding boards and cloth were as durable as the first edition. I have never minded bringing out this unabridged dictionary just to look up one word because it has never let me down, even with a Scrabble challenge. Too bad it has been allowed to go out of print. I will add that Bowker rated this dictionary highly in their Buying Guide to General Reference Books for Adults.

This book will give you a good idea of how the actual fashion *industry* formed in Italy in the course of the 20th century, mainly in the fifty years following WWII. What is so fascinating is to realize the deliberate effort made on various parts to work towards making an industry out of something (looking good) that had always been part of the national character.

This book discusses modern culture in the Hebrides of Scotland, especially as regards the Gaelic language and identity. The book covers the history of Gaelic identity in Scotland and gives and interesting and insightful look at the way the modern Gaels feel about Gaelic identity in today's world. A valuable read for anyone interested in Gaelic culture in Scotland.

From Introduction:


"There are countries that can't be found in a World Atlas although they can be seen in a glance out the window, countries who soft borders remain invisible to governments even though travelers easily sense crossing them. They are the natural countries founded on specific soils and land forms, exposed to particular climate and weather, and populated by native plants and animals which have endured since the last Ice Age. Each is a separate living part of the unified planetary biosphere; tissues and organs in the current manifestation of Earth's anatomy. They exist as a live geography more distinct than the nations and states who borders shift to arbitrary include or divide them.

One separate natural country is at the western edge of North America bounded by the Pacific Ocean, Tehachapi Mountains, Sierra Nevada, and Klamath-Siskiyou Mountains to the Chetco River. It lies almost wholly within California reaching into Oregon only as far as the Chetco. Its one essential feature, the condition that initially created and still underlies the difference between this place and the surrounding area.


...This book is a collection of tape-recorded stories and interviews, poetry, essays, prose, drawings and photographs from people sharing a separate country. Some are thorough natives who should bolt print into your ears. There are re-inhabitants exploring ideas and activities for living-in-place, and natural scientists defining and describing the place."

This book lets us peek into the way cultures that have a religious base actually use clothing to express cultural values. The relationship between identity and how it is manifested by people and groups is the focus of this exciting book. Each chapter is by a different author who has done serious research. Some are historical studies, though most are ethnographic, an in-depth form of research. The American religious groups covered in the book include Amish, Mennonite, Mormon, Jewish, Catholic Nuns, African-American, Native American and even Muslims in Omaha.

Even though this book was done by scholars, it is easy to read and is quite enjoyable.

I enjoyed the range of perspectives from the authors, from practical to theoretical, relative to religious organizations and their relationship to legal structures.

This book is rather unusual in format. It is a series of news articles written by Birmingham News sports writers at the death of Bear Bryant. Bear Bryant coached his teams from Maryland, Kentucky, Texas A&M, and Alabama to the greatest coaching record of all times. He overcame Amos Alonzo Stagg's record in 20 less years than Stagg had accomplished the goal. He only had one losing season in all 37 years he coached. His record is phenomenal and even though I have great respect for Joe Paterno and Bobby Bowden, even their records cannot compare when you check the stats. Today, more games are played every year. It allows these modern coaches to get more wins quicker. Both Paterno and Bowden are a good bit older than Bear ever lived to be. Bear is truly a legend. The best thing about the book is the photos. It is full of great pictures throughout his era of coaching. When Bear retired, he died less than a month later. What else could be expected from a man who lived, ate, and breathed football all his life. This book does help us remember a great man. Buy it today.

Of course I love this book! I use it EVERY TIME I go out. Without the clever games, creative activities and easy magic tricks, I was doomed every time I tried to take my hyper active daughter out. But not anymore! If I forget the kit that you can order with this book ([.....]) my daughter remembers her favorite games and we just play the ones that only require what's typically found on the table! Makes a GREAT GIFT, too!! And a wonderful parenting tool for any and all child care givers!

This book is for the guitarist (or bassist, drummer, pianist) that needs to know what to play in a college jazz combo rhythm section. I've got the $9.95 guitar version plus the DVD. Fred Hamilton is the jazz guitar director for the famous North Texas jazz program and is your private teacher for these lessons. There are 7 songs: Swing, Bossa Nova, Rock, Shuffle, Samba, Funk, and Ballad. The songs are demonstrated on the CD. Also, Fred Hamilton explains and demonstrates on the DVD how to play the guitar parts that he personally felt fit the style.

The chord voicings are written out in the book and Fred explains (on the DVD) why he chose these voicings and explains the concept of voice leading. There is no TAB, as is the case in jazz combo charts, so you must learn to read the guitar parts in standard notation. In addition to the guitar parts, a separate lead sheet with chord names/strumming rhythms (only) is presented in order to familiarize the jazz guitarist with how a real book tune looks like when charted out with chord names and rhythm slashes.

The 4-piece rhythm section comprises the best of the best in Steve Houghton on drums and Shelly Berg on Piano. On the DVD each rhythm section member explains their role. One of the best books written for advancing jazz instrumentalists needing further instruction specifically in a combo setting.