Burns Books

A string of brutal murders break out around Philly, and Madison Cross finds herself at the scene of them all. She is even sent out of her jurisdiction to help Chief Boone investigate a gang related shoot-out at a gas station. As the dead bodies pile up at the ME and the pieces of the puzzle are pulled together, Madison finds out that this is more than just a bunch unrelated murders. They are somehow connected, and all of them keep adding up. Each one as gruesome and shocking as the last.

Thank you sir can I have another? This book totally makes all those crime scene investigation shows look like chumps! It pulled me in from the very first page, and it kept getting better. D.H. Dublin has woven together a story with so many twists and turns I wasn't sure where it would end up. I'm really impressed at the amount of research that must have gone into this book, and I give him a world of praise for doing so. You can tell that every single piece was well thought out, with every clue adding to the suspense and helping lead Madison to the killer.

I also found out that there are two in the series before Freezer Burn which is fantastic. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of them as well!

Dublin's Freezer Burn was a remarkable forensics masterpiece. I was stumped many times but Madison Cross, the fearless, highly intelligent technician, led me through many weird cases to a satisfying climax. I'm declaring Dublin the best forensics writer I've ever read. Okay, so where' the next one?

If you are tired of all the unrealistic CSI shows and books and are looking for an author that delivers realistic crime scene and investigative procedures, the D.H. Dublin is the author you are seeking. In his third novel, "Freezer Burn", we delve into multiple homicides in multiple jurisdictions and watch how such diverse and seemingly unrelated evidence is worked and reworked until the crimes are solved. The book is better forensically than any book I've read by Kathy Reichs or Patricia Cornwell. There are 2 previous books in this series and I hope there are many more to come.

It has been a strange week in Philadelphia if you ask the CSU investigative team. While much of the unit works an arson that took six lives, investigator Tommy Parker and rookie technician Madison Cross work a carved up corpse found in several trash bags by the garbage collectors; the detective in charge "Cold Case" Fenton assumes a neighbor with a record of violence killed the victim, but Madison thinks otherwise. From that case they work the mummy whose organs were frozen. Then there is the twenty two year old wannabe gangbanger Luis Castillo tossed from a speeding car.

Evidence point to the Castillo case and another gang member execution are tied to a shootout in rural Lawson; so Detective Ted Johnson and Cross go there to meet with Police Chief Boone. Though a bit irritated with Boone's initial reaction to a technician not an investigator, Madison and the chief are attracted to one another, but first must come the investigation as well as the garbage case she quietly works as Fenton lives up to his nickname using his connection to his cousin the commissioner to avoid field investigation.

Nepotism seems the norm as Cold Case Fenton has an uncle for the commissioner and CSU Cross works for her uncle who along with her aunt raised her. Putting family trees aside, this is an exhilarating police procedural that focuses on the work of a CSU team having a busy week with several odd corpses requiring investigation. The story line focuses on Madison, but provides enough support from the support players such as Parker mentoring her to make for a fine rounded crime tale. Fans of the CSI shows will appreciate FREEZER BURN as Madison and the CSU professionals along with Philadelphia's finest investigate several questionable deaths.

Harriet Klausner

Freezer Burn, the third installment in the C.S.U. Investigation series, leaves little doubt that D.H. Dublin (nom de plume of Jon McGoran) has perfected the method of immediately sucking the reader in and making the reader hang on for dear life until the final page is turned. What a roller-coaster ride!

Madison Cross, rookie crime scene technician, and the Philadelphia P.D. seem to be in the midst of a vicious gang war, with bodies piling up faster than even the efficient Spoons can handle. As if that isn't enough, Madison finds herself loaned out to another county to process a crime scene far more extensive (and sinister) than anyone imagines. The discovery of a dead "alien" in a tenement house further complicates things! The Organized Crime Task Force has the opportunity to flex its muscles, but it's Maddy who really shows off her investigative prowess and manages to ruffle more than a few feathers along the way. In the end, she's the one who solves the cases, with little help from the actual investigators.

While the ending of Freezer Burn was quite satisfactory, I'll admit that it didn't give me goosebumps like the previous two books - and I was more than a little disappointed that there wasn't an appearance by Maddy's father (perhaps due in part to the fact that I read the book on my own dad's Angel Anniversary). Even so, Freezer Burn is a 5-star reading experience, and I'll be awaiting anxiously the fourth installment! If you enjoy hardboiled police procedurals, you'll love the C.S.U. Investigation series!

Carol Ann Hopkins 6/7/2008

Hey, thanks Matt, for another hilarious episode in the life of the now-well-off, but still neurotic Jacob Burns . This book was much funnier than the first and well worth the long wait.

The plot runs fast and straight forward. All the characters, whether you hate them or love them, are colorful and interesting. The rapport between Jacob and Tony is great. Can't wait to see them in November.

Witten's huge talent for storytelling makes this a one-sitting read. He reveals information at just the right time in just the right order to keep us reading... and guessing. Filled with memorable and original characters. A great second installment in what I hope will be a long-running series.

Jacob is wealthy, has a nice Saratoga Springs home, a loving wife and two adoring children. Unfortunately, Jacob has the knack of becoming involved in homicides, but this time the police believe he is the killer of crooked cop Pop Doyle. Everyone knows the connection between Jacob and Pop because they exchanged harsh words and blows in a public brawl. When Jacob hears a noise outside his home, he goes to investigate it. He sees Pop bleeding from a bullet wound.

The police arrest Jake, who spends a fortune on a top criminal lawyer and on bail. Jacob does not trust the local law enforcement group and decides to do his own sleuthing. When a neighbor is killed just after Jake conducts an interview, the police suspect him as the killer again. Jake knows the pressure is mounting for him to uncover the identity of the real culprit rather soon or he will spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Matt Witten is a rarity among mystery writers because he has the ability to effectively use humor to help move his story line forward. Jake uses jokes, slapstick, and puns to cope with a heartless legal system that seeks closure not justice. Readers will enjoy yet believe his self-effacing attempts to ease his personal pressure through wit. The Saratoga Springs police department appears as a corrupt version of the Keystone Cops, adding a dark comic dimension fostered as a veil by the villains to hide their grand illusion. Mr. Witten lives up to his name with a witty amateur sleuth legal thriller.

Harriet Klausner

A funny, fast paced mystery. This book is even better than the first, which was great. It is a very engaging read and quick to finish. Perfect for the beach or a long airplane ride. The story moves along quickly which makes it a challenge to second guess the main character and fun to not have to wait too long to find out who done it!

I enjoyed Grand Delusion as much as I enjoyed the first book in this series, Breakfast at Madeline's - and that's saying something. Witten deftly balances suspense with humor. This is a twisty, satisfying mystery with entertaining and very real characters.

I stumbled across this book about 6 years ago in a sales rack at Crown Books in Topanga Canyon, California. There were only three left, so I picked one up and paid about $11 for it. How I wish I had snatched all three, because it is now impossible to get and some dealers are asking a fortune for used versions (Ron offers the best price and his are new!). One of a kind posters, many that are different versions from the same film and sometimes foreign versions, are artfully arranged and beautifully reprinted throughout this book. The reader can enjoy the fabulous art again and again, as well as learn quite a bit about the history of film posters, lobby cards and one sheets. Ron's narrative about his love for collecting posters is a treat and he paints a great picture with words of what it was like when he and his friends started out collecting. I urge you to visit Ron's shop on Hollywood Blvd. for a look at some truly classic film posters if you just can't seem to find this great book. What can I say but, "Five Thumbs Up!" (And thanks, Ron, for sharing!)

I stumbled across this book about 6 years ago in a sales rackat Crown Books in Topanga Canyon, California. There were only threeleft, so I picked one up... How I wish I had snatched all three, because it is now impossible to get and some dealers are asking a fortune for used versions (Ron offers the best price and his are new!). One of a kind posters, many that are different versions from the same film and sometimes foreign versions, are artfully arranged and beautifully reprinted throughout this book. The reader can enjoy the fabulous art again and again, as well as learn quite a bit about the history of film posters, lobby cards and one sheets. Ron's narrative about his love for collecting posters is a treat and he paints a great picture with words of what it was like when he and his friends started out collecting. I urge you to visit Ron's shop on Hollywood Blvd. for a look at some truly classic film posters if you just can't seem to find this great book. What can I say but, "Five Thumbs Up!" (And thanks, Ron, for sharing!)

GRAVEN IMAGES is exactly what it claims to be, 235 pages of the best fantasy and science fiction film art you could possibly imagine and-- beyond! It features beautifully reproduced photos of everything from the common one sheet all the way up to six sheets (that were literally plastered on the sides of buildings to be viewed from car or train) and everything in between including half-sheets, inserts, and lobby cards. It also includes a glossary to define these terms for you in case you are unfamiliar with them. Best of all the items represented aren't simply the American publicity materials, oh no, collector Ron Borst who compiled the book has also chosen to add foreign material chiefly British, French, and Belgian though other countries are represented as well, and some of these posters are absoutely breath-taking.

The book starts with a 15 page forward by Borst (everything is always illustrated) aptly called "The Genesis of a Collector". Among other things Borst's hobby has lead to one of the best known memorabilia shops in Los Angeles. This is followed by the handy-dandy one page glossary, and then by a five page intoduction by the ubiquitous Stephen King that sets the tone for the book which of course is how publicity material, specifically theatrical posters sets up the audiences expectations for the film. It also contains 2 lists, one which is King's list of favorite horror movies as of 1992 and the other his list of favorite horror movie posters as of the same date. Looking at the list I'm assuming that he's referring to American one sheets.

MOVIES (alphabetically)
Alien
Burnt Offerings
The Changling
Curse of the Demond
Dawn of the Dead
Dementia 13
Evil Dead
Pet Semetary
Psycho
Texas Chain saw Massacre

ONE SHEETS
Child's Play2
Curse of the Demon
Earth vs the Flying Saucers
I Was a Teenage Frankenstein
I Was a Teenage Werewolf
Night of the Living Dead
Paper House
Rabid
The She Creature
Them!

The remainder of the book is divided into eras and each era is introduced by a different science fiction writer; The teens and twenties are handled by the late Robert Block author of PSYCHO, the thirties by Ray Bradybury, the fourties by Harlan Ellison, the fifties by Peter Straub, and the sixties by Clive Barker with an afterward entitled "Imagi-Movie Memories 1922--1968" being contributed by Forry Ackerman. Their anectdotes are all well and good,but the real reason to buy this book is the art, and art it is! So many of these images are so beautiful that it hurts to look at them.


The teens and twenties were the high point for this type of poster art in films, but soon it would end, a victim of mass production. Within a few years circus posters, cigar box labels and all the other forms of beautiful lithography of which these early posters were but a part would be gone forever, and by the 1980's almost all theatrical posters would be photographic in nature. Once you've seen the posters reproduced in this book you'll realise just how big a loss that really was. If you get a chance take a look at this gorgeous book--grab it! What you find within its pages will open your eye, especially the work for the silent films that were coming out of Germany such THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI and METROPOLIS for the art chosen to sell these films was every bit as exciting an innovative as the films were themselves.

My only criticism of the book is that I would have liked to have seen mention by name of all the artists who had produced these ephemeral masterpieces. I suspect though that the artists, like their work, were disposable. How sad.

THIS BOOK IS A JOY TO BEHOLD.SINCE THE FRONT JACKET ILLUSTRATION REPRODUCING THE ONE-SHEET POSTER FOR "MURDERS IN THE RUE MORGUE"(UNIVERSAL,1932),CREATED BY KAROLY GROSZ,UNIVERSAL'S OUTSTANDING POSTER DESIGNER ,TO THE MORE THAN 500 OF THE FINEST VINTAGE FILM POSTERS(AND RELATED MEMORABILIA)BELONGING TO THE PRIVATE COLLECTION OF RONALD V. BORST.MY PERSONAL HIGHLIGHTS:THE BRITISH TWENTY-FOUR-SHEET POSTER(PRESSBOOK)FOR THE GERMAN EXPRESSIONIST FILM "DAS CABINET DES DR.CALIGARI(U.S.TITLE:THE CABINET OF DR.CALIGARI),DECLA-BIOSCOP,1919;THE PRODUCTION DRAWINGS BY ART DIRECTOR ALBIN GRAU FOR F.W.MURNAU'S "NOSFERATU,EINE SYIMPHONIE DES GRAUENS"(U.S.TITLE:NOSFERATU,A SYMPHONY OF HORRORS"),PRANA-FILM(GERMANY),1922;THE TWO ONE-SHEET POSTERS FOR "THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA"(UNIVERSAL,1925),AND THE ONE-SHEET FOR PAUL LENI'S "THE MAN WHO LAUGHS"(UNIVERSAL,1927);THE SIX-SHEET POSTER FOR BELA LUGOSI'S "WHITE ZOMBIE"(UNITED ARTISTS,1932);KARL FREUND'S "THE MUMMY"(UNIVERSAL,1932) ONE-SHEET POSTER;THE SENSATIONAL(IN ART-DECO STYLE)ONE- SHEET FOR THE BRITISH PRODUCTION OF H.G.WELLS "THINGS TO COME"(LONDON FILMS,1936);THE TWO MYSTERIOUS POSTERS,ONE ONE-SHEET AND ONE THREE-SHEET,FOR JAQUES TOURNEUR'S "CAT PEOPLE"(RKO,1942),REPRODUCING THE LOVELY FIGURE OF SIMONE SIMON;THE ORIGINAL BRITISH QUAD POSTER FOR EALING'S "DEAD OF NIGHT"(1945);THE DOZENS OF POSTERS FOR AMERICAN SCIENCE-FICTION FILMS OF THE 1950'S.ESPECIALLY THE REYNOLD BROWN'S(1917-1991) CREATIONS FOR UNIVERSAL'S FILMS:THE ONE-SHEET POSTERS FOR "CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON"(1954),"REVENGE OF THE CREATURE(1955),"TARANTULA"(1955),AND "THE CREATURE WALKS AMONG US"(1956).WE CAN ALSO ADMIRE HUNDREDS OF OTHER STARTLING FANTASTIC FILM POSTERS.HOW LUCKY MR. BORST IS!THE ESSAYS ARE VERY GOOD.MY FAVORITES:THE LATE ROBERT BLOCH'S "THE TEENS AND TWENTIES" AND "THE THIRTIES" BY RAY BRADBURY.BLOCH WAS A REAL CONNOISSEUR OF SILENT MOVIES,AND BRADBURY IS ALWAYS AMUSING.A GREAT AND BEAUTIFUL BOOK!

I have seen the collection in person and let me tell you that this book is phenomenal! . There is no book that comes close to this masterpiece. Ron still sells copies at his store in Hollywood. It is a must for any horror fan. From silent to the 70's it's all in there. There are even some items in his book that are 1 of a kind. Yes, the only specimens left on the planet earth. A feast for the eyes!

While I have never been a member of a co-op, I was thinking about getting together with one or two other families to have either an art class or science class-- the two subjects that have sadly fallen by the wayside in our homeschool. Carol's book came at the perfect time!

Let me tell you some of my favorite things about her book:

-Carol's writing style is very easy to read. It didn't take extra energy (that I did not have) to just get through the book-- I actually enjoyed reading it!

-Included in her book are real life stories and situations. Not only does it make things more interesting, but you can tell the book contains her personal experience with co-op's along with the experience of other homeschoolers.

-As you would expect from a CPA, the book is very well organized. Nothing irks me more than a book with no flow and no sense in the order of chapters.

-The book is very thorough and divided into three main sections: Starting a Co-op, Running a Co-op, and How to Avoid Burnout.

-Examples of various forms, mission statements, etc. are included. She also has very pointed questions to ask yourself in each chapter. Not one to just convince you that a co-op is for everyone, Carol helps you to see the many benefits of a co-op as well as to count the cost.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that has even thought about starting a co-op! This has encouraged me greatly and I plan to pass this useful resource on to others.

Are you thinking about starting a homeschool co-op? Are you involved a homeschool co-op that needs some re-structuring? Carol Topp, who is also a CPA, has written a how-to guide on how to start, run, and not burn out. As a homeschool group leader for many years, I would have benefitted from this book when our group went through a major reorganization. Growing pains are never fun, but our growing pains would have been easier with this resource. This books contains space for you to answer questions, and it gives you outlines of questions to ask when structuring your co-op. This book contains 11 chapters, and one chapter that ALL homeschool co-ops should read is the one about 501(c)(3) Tax-exempt Organizations. There is a handy checklist and list of resources. I highly recommend this book for any homeschool leader or member.

"I learned that, regretfully, we cannot be all things to all people--only Jesus can."

With this insightful refrain, Carol Topp urges leaders of homeschool co-ops to identify their purpose and define their target.

The opening chapters of Homeschool Co-ops provide a levelheaded assessment of both advantages and disadvantages of participating in a co-op. For example, Topp tackles a significant issue by admitting: "Some people are extremely reluctant to discipline another person's child. Granted, I would never lay a hand on a child, but I do let them know if they are out of line. If you do not like assisting other parents in this way, or if you are very sensitive about other parents verbally disciplining your child, then you had better think carefully about a co-op commitment."

Speaking of interpersonal matters, Topp points us to The Peacemaker by Ken Sande for conflict resolution, and summarizes the key aspects to successful peacemaking: overlooking an offense, reconciliation, and negotiation.

Topp addresses general issues including the double-edged nature of co-op distinctives, as well as specific matters including how to evaluate space and facilities. Valuable checklists, surveys, and links support the author's recommendations.

Quick references sprinkled throughout the text direct readers who seek more in-depth coverage of a topic discussed. Sometimes readers are directed to another chapter within the text, other times they are referred to an outside source, website, or book.

Detailed suggestions for co-op offerings are provided, including classes and activities based upon students' ages, topics, clubs, or curriculum. As a fellow writer, I particularly appreciate her admonishment for homeschoolers to purchase curriculum whenever photocopying violates copyright restrictions.

Fellow home-schoolers' stories and testimonies are woven throughout the book.

Although insights from others who have led or participated in co-ops are valuable, one of this book's greatest strengths comes from Carol's insight as a CPA with personal experience in home school co-op business matters.

Carol presents clear explanations regarding the various non-profit organizational structures and by-laws. She explains how to prepare a budget, bookkeeping basics, and the benefits and disadvantages of the coveted 501(c)(3) status. A more detailed treatment of these matters as well as guidelines regarding hiring teachers and other employees may be found in her eBook titled, Money Management for Homeschool Organizations (see her website for ordering details).

In the last section of her manuscript, she underscores an obvious but too often neglected reality: a co-op is not a solo venture! Fortunately, she provides concise instructions on how to avoid burn out: "Strive for a co-op that lives up to its name..."

Carol closes her counsel with the ABC's of successful homeschool co-ops: "A Board" (establish one), "Bylaws" (write them, and include a clear mission statement), and "Create a Budget."

In summary, this title brims with wise counsel and practical resources for those who lead or attend or are simply considering participating in a homeschool co-op.

This book has been invaluable. DO NOT start a co-op without it. Why reinvent the wheel, you don't have to. Mrs. Topp has done the heavey lifting for you. It has paid for it self a hundred times over!

This book is a must have for any one wishing to start, maintain, or save a dying co-op.

I would have loved to have had this book years ago when I joined my first co-op. Being brand new to home schooling, the other moms and I knew nothing on how to get a co-op off the ground. We forged a path through uncharted territory, figuring it out as we went. Though we gained friendships, fellowship, and a shared learning experience, we weren't without our struggles, personality conflicts, and growing pains. That's when a book like this is invaluable.

Anything you want to know about cooperation of families working together - small co-ops, large ones, mission statement and purpose, leadership and volunteer roles, handling conflict, potential class topic ideas, location, and even tax-exempt issues are explained. It's all there in this well written 170-page book.

The author writes:

It may not be problem free to start or run a home school co-op, but most homeschool parents find that co-oping is worth the commitment and expense! Homeschool co-ops are becoming more and more popular because they are meeting the needs and expectations of homeschooling families.
There is no stone left unturned! No matter what your need or group size, this book is a great help to start and keep your Co-op healthy.

One of the biggest problems I have with books written for equine enthusiasts is the effort it takes to read them. Most of us don't have time to sit down and read technical books for hours on end. While there is a lot of information to gain, you first have to comprehend it before you can commit it to memory or use. This book is opposite of anything I have read or tried to read recently. There were sections of it that I didn't want to put it down. I find that extremely rare and priceless. I'm done Christmas shopping for my horseless rider friends, they're getting this book!

This is awesome. It tells about how to choose a good stable, how to be safe with other's horses, how to groom and care for horses, how to inspect tack, how to make you've got liability for borrowing a horse--plus humorous insights into the horseless. Adressed to the normal, horse-crazy public, this is a must have!

Being an experienced (but currently horseless) rider I loved this book! It's a wonderful celebration of everything that a horseless rider has gone through or dealt with. The author's stories of investigating a potential stable had me laughing from experience; the author seems to have found that not all barns with stunning white fencing are always worth their price.

I personally wouldn't really recommend this to a person who has ridden for less than five years because some of its advice will probably cause problems with other riders or stables. From my perspective the book was too quick to recommend readers to report to the ASPCA any stables with a horse that appeared to be thin. Some horses are "hard keepers" and will tend to look like that, they aren't always being neglected or abused. Additionally, the recommendations to "train" other people's horses for them while riding them will quite possibly not be appreciated by the owners if the horseless rider has not undergone extensive (and good) riding instruction themselves. My point is, unless you've been riding for a while, you wouldn't know any differently and might get yourself into some interpersonal relationship trouble.

Regardless, I loved this book and the wonderful way of writing that the author had and would not hesitate to read it again and celebrate memories of being a "horseless" rider.

Barbara Burn's The Horseless Rider provides a guide to riding, showing and enjoying other people's horses. From analyzing a stable's qualities to taking different approaches with different horses, this is packed with invaluable, practical ideas.

This book nourished me through many dark days of horselessness, and helped me even see it as an advantage. This is an outstanding book for new riders who want to know how far they can go without the committment of becoming an owner (as far as you want!), or for those who already know they want it all but do not have the resources to have a horse of their own.

Ice written by candace watson needs to be read by everyone. it is wonderfully inspiring. i read the book in 2 1/2 days. it kept me on the edge of my seat wanting more. i hope that she will continue to bless the lives of women through this well written masterpiece. i weeped during certain portions of the book. i told everyone that would listen to read and buy the book. when i reached the end of the book and did't see any words my mouth dropped open. this book needs to be a movie. i love it ! keep letting God's light shine through you.

I hope this novel touches the heart of many the way it has fulfilled mind. The joy, hurt, pain, and life lessons you receive are overwhelming! This fiction novel is full of reality. Ice is a spectacular person(character) who brings the enlightenment of self awareness and self love.
Despite the abrupt ending(which has left me on edge of my seat)this book was more than a person could ask for; whether going through this type of situation or trying to make others aware of the mental anguish and physical abuse many women secretly go through.
I am so waiting for the "be continued", "follow up", "book II version"! Maybe even at the end of the 2nd novel the author could put in some domestic violence help phone #'s and addresses.
Many are and will be blessed by the inspiring, entertaining, motivating words Candace Watson has been blessed to share. Go buy ICE and share these words; prepare yourself and others for reality!

I really enjoyed this book ICE CAREFUL DON'T BURN YOURSELF. I can't wait to read more of your work. Keep up the good work!

The constant "Boomerang"...is it the money, love, or just plain denial? This is the best rollercoster ride ever, it keeps going up and down and bouncing you back and forth through this ladies life. "When will it ever stop!", is what you'll be screaming after each chapter. You've got to keep the pages turning for each next event. You'll love every twist and turn. This is a great book and I can't wait for part 2!

I received this book ICE in the mail on Tuesday, June 19th and I was finished with it on Wednesday, June 20th. Why ? Once I began to read it I couldn't put it down so I end up reading 12 chapters the first night until midnight so there was not much to finish reading the next day and it gripped my heart because even though I've been subject to physical, mental, and emotional abuse ; nothing compared to what ICE went through and what a lot of women are going through right NOW. I am very concerned also with our WOMEN and how they are being subject to so much DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. It's more prevelant than you could even guess. Everyday some woman or girl is being ABUSED by their husbands, boyfriends, or ex's and something needs to be DONE to stop all the VIOLENCE. But the number one issue is that OUR MEN/BOYS should have been taught on how to treat the women/girls. Thank God I taught my two sons how they were suppose to treat women although they saw their dad sometime abuse me. Sometimes Men are products of their environment and without them realizing that they can break a loose from whatever they saw happening in their home and make their own decisions not to DO WHAT THEY SAW MOM OR DAD DO to each other rather than take it over into their own marriage. The Curse has to be broken and you need to ask the Lord to help you do it. YOU should have the tenacity to say that THE BUCK STOPS HERE ! We will not continue to misuse and abuse our WOMEN. Although, sometimes we as women may tend to bring some of it on ourselves, A REAL MAN especially a man of GOD will walk away rather than lay a hand on his woman if HE'S been taught to do that or have made a decision within himself that he knows that this is wrong. This book should be READ by everyone especially us WOMEN. I just thank God for Ms. Candace Watson coming across my path so that I might have had the opportunity to know of her writings and to have been able to read this sentimental book and I do hope that it gets many sales and that she continues to be BLESSED OF THE LORD for reaching out to other WOMEN and allowing the ABUSE to be known to the PUBLIC. You would think that everybody knows about the abuse of our girls, and women but there are still somebody out there that haven't heard of it happening but IT'S REAL AND IT'S HAPPENING SOME WHERE ALL OVER THE WORLD EVERYDAY. God Bless You Candace for sharing with us the experience.

Chiunque avesse intenzione di scoprire qualcosa di veramente entusiasmante dovrebbe acquistare questo libro in cui sono raccolte tutte le emozioni e le sensazioni scritte da chi mi fa emozionare ogni volta che ascolto le sue parole. Ian Anderson, geniale nei suoi testi come nella sua musica, vi porta in un mondo fantastico con argomentazioni varie e mai noiosamente ripetitive. La musica dei Jethro Tull deve essere ascoltata ma anche...letta!E vi assicuro che per chi come me riesce anche a suonarla l'emozione più bella è quella di addentrarsi in ogni sua sfaccettatura. Vi consiglio di acquistare questo libro che è cultura...non solo musicale. Io devo ancora acquistarlo perchè in Italia non si trova!!!Ma non mancherò di accaparrarmene una copia quanto prima,a costo di farla arrivare dall'America. Per i Jethro Tull...questo ed altro! W la musica (quella buona) e W chi ti infonde lo spirito per volerla suonare, fino in fondo.

Quality hardbound book essential for any Tull fan. Lyrics for the audibly challenged to help us understand what that leapin' lemur of a musician was singing and snarling all these years. If you were a fan, this book can resurrect your latent Tull spirit. Book even covers his "warty rejects". Get a fill-up of Tull fuel and drive Baker Street enlightened.

For anybody bothering around with the lyrics one does not understand or possibly even misunderstand, this book is essential. Now I have wider access to the meaning of the texts sung by Tull.

This is a nice resource for Tull fans -- most of whom probably already have it, but mine just arrived yesterday.

Anyway, for anyone who doesn't already know it, this volume collects all of the lyrics from Tull's and Ian Anderson's official releases from _This Was_ in 1968 to _Roots to Branches_ in 1995.

The first twenty or thirty pages consist of Ian Anderson himself providing a retrospective/commentary on the various releases, and on the stages of Tull's long and varied career. These are culled from a couple of talks with Anderson and they're clearly transcriptions of oral interviews, with all the limitations thereby implied. (For example, the word "tempo" is consistently transcribed as "temper".) They're pretty informative, though, and at any rate I like the transcriptions since I enjoy listening to Anderson talk.

The lyrics themselves will be most useful for those albums/CDs with which the words aren't already included in the liner notes, but there are also a handful of helpful footnotes scattered throughout. (Nothing interpretive; just stuff like the actual name of the "Winged Isle" and the significance of "Beltane," items probably already familiar to longtime Tull fans but perhaps not to the band's newer audience.)

There are also a dozen-odd pages of photos, some of which had never been published before this. (There's a list at the back of the book telling who's in them and when they were taken. Incidentally, one allegedly from "1974" -- Anderson on a motorcycle -- appears to be misdated; it looks to be from a decade later. I assume "1974" is a typo for "1984".)

Some customers may also want to know that Anderson donates all his royalties from the sales of this book to a fund for the preservation of wild cats. I'm delighted to have contributed to such a cause and I'd have bought the book sooner if I'd known.

This is a must have book for any Tull fan. It covers the lyrics to every album from This Was through Roots to Branches (hopefully a new edition will be forthcoming to cover J-Tull.Com and Ian Anderson's Secret Language of Birds) There is also commentary on each album by Ian Anderson for further insight.

To have one book with all of Tull's lyrics in one place is well worth the price. If you're a Tull fan, get it.

I enjoyed reading this book. it adds greatly to my library if religion,
it brought back some interesting research.
Thank you. it was in great condition.
Monica C. Coleman

This book goes over the life of St Francis of Assisi about 15 times, each chapter reflecting a different aspect of his life. I found the format very easy to understand and I think if it were to be written any other way it would not have done this Saint justice because we would not have been able to concentrate each and every one of his virtues.
It is written by another Saint, St Bonaventure, so it is highly impressive in it's credentials. I chose St Francis as my confirmation Saint after reading this book. He was a humble Christian who took God's Word very seriously and he is a perfect example of God's love to be seen here on earth. It is impossible to read this book and not be touched by it. My life has literally changed by St Francis, the poor servant of Christ who's love for Christ sets a new standard for us all.

St. Bonaventure, cured of a childhood illness by St. Francis, writes a vivid biography of St. Francis.

I think because it is written by a great Saint, this biography perceptively considers St. Francis through his spirituality above all. It is not the most complete memoir of anecdotes about St. Francis' life, but a compendium of anecdotes about St. Francis is not St. Bonaventure's purpose.

St. Francis is perceived through his faith in God; in going from Gospel to life and life to Gospel. He is portrayed as the man who gave all to attain the pearl of great price. He was all of these things.

As far as biographies go, this one can be classified as not only a chronicle of St. Francis' life, but also spiritual reading which will edify the reader and draw him or her closer to Christ.

As St. Francis said, "What a man is in the eyes of God, that he is and no more." St. Bonaventure portrays this truth of St. Francis exeedingly well. Buy this book and, perhaps, it will assist you in going from the Gospel to life and life to the Gospel.

Taken from the Legenda Sancti Francisci and edited, with a preface, by Henry Edward Cardinal Manning. The life of a Saint, written by a Saint, speaks to the heart with a vital power which no work of merely natural genius can command. It has a twofold operation of the Spirit of God with it, both in the subject and in the writer. Among uninspired books there are few that breathe more sensibly the love of God than this famous work. "There is a light and a sweetness about it which is not of this world," says Cardinal Manning. St. Thomas writes about finding St. Bonaventure in his cell writing this work in ecstasy, and drawing back from the door exclaiming, "Let us leave a Saint to work for a Saint." St. Bonaventure conveys a picture of St. Francis through his miracles (including turning water into wine, raising people from the dead, commanding water to flow from bare rock and even curing the author of a childhood illness), his sayings (even the animals were exulted at the sound of his voice) and his holy life that renders an indelible impression of a man totally transformed in God and by God. In short, St. Bonaventure presents the life of a man who was like a seraph - an angel in human form - for no other word but "angel" can truly describe the beloved St. Francis of Assisi.

From St. Bonaventure's 13th century "Legenda Sancti Francisci" Cardinal Henry Manning translated into English the "Life of St. Francis" (1867). The current 1988 edition is a 187-page paperback. Fifteen chapters, over 140 pages, present Francis' life, ministry, humility, poverty, piety and fervor. The remaining 47-unchaptered pages present several vignettes from Francis' life (1181-1226) including his Romagna imprisonment (page 164-165) and his saving various shipwrecked monks off Baruti (page162-163).

This absorbing book also witnesses the saint's austerity (almost catatonic at times), founding the Franciscan order, Francis' stigmata, his regular church attendance (often sleeping is churches between worships), his death and canonization. Readers hear of Francis' views on preachers (page 74), his love for animals (page 78-85), and his distain for property and money (page 67-68).

Bonaventure tells the hair-raising story of Francis' pilgrimage to Africa and his capture by Saracens. Deported to Babylon, the saint is taken before the Sultan. Francis witnesses Christ to the Muslim leader and is later released (Bonaventure presents it with almost miraculous proportions) as the Sultan realizes the man of Assisi to be a "blessed" holy man.

Although St. Bonaventure is prone to mystical overstatement (there are several blatant parallels between his Francis and the Gospels' Jesus), Cardinal Manning translates the saint's story into a very good read. Francis' life is profoundly significant as Christian witness. His life will attract readers to faith. This informative and interesting book is recommended to everyone.

.... and by the way, not the only one fiction involving burning man --- you read this and it's pretty much like waqndering for the playa (only that it's actually better to be there for real).

Good book!!!!

This book is SOOOO fun, great descriptions, great insights, I have been savoring it.

I don't know if I would like it as much if I were not a burner but it is very descriptive if someone is looking for a narrative of someone experience rather than an essay about the concept of the event.

2 Thumbs up!!

A wonderful read for a burner who misses home. It really reminds you of all the reasons you fell in love with BRC to begin with and makes you miss it that much more.

Captain Fun (Cortez) does a great job of capturing the flavor of the most unique place on Earth, Black Rock City. As he shows our hero Dex the ropes, we get to see the playa again through the eyes of a virgin. Fun also does a great job of explaining the customs of BRC very well, gifting, participating, leave no trace, and my favorite, safty third!

I loved reading this book because it took me on one more playa adventure while I was decompressing in the default world.

Let this story of murder be a lesson to you all that BRC isn't for everybody. Newbies and virgins think twice before you make the trip to Nowhere...Darth Bunny is out there!

it's Sunday Morning. I woke up at around 9 something, as I have been for months now - even on the Playa. I picked up the book that I've been reading since Thursday on the Playa. A book call 'The Man Burns Tonight" by Donn Cortez... or should I say, Captain Fun. I can say that because I got the book from Captian Fun himself. He gave it to me while chatting on some tower, sharing a smoke, in a drunken haze called SantaCon. Black Rock City had it's SantaCon on Wednesday. It rivaled many of the local LA SantaCons that I've participated in. We bar-hopped many of the best bars in Black Rock City. It was on the top of one of these bars where I met Captain Fun. We chatted about the random excitement and joys that is Burning Man. He then gave me his just published novel & signed it for me. I do remember giving him one of the last of my custom postcards. I might have even placed proper postage on it. I can't remember because it is around that point when it all became a blur.

So i finished the book this morning. I have to say, it was one of the most fun & exciting books I've ever read. I had a couple issues with the plot, you could say there were a few holes in them, but overall it worked itself out. The thing I enjoyed the most were the characters. The story emphasised the true body of Burning Man, the people - The citizens of Black Rock City. Throughout the novel were interviews of various Burners. Although they are supposed to "fictional" they felt very real. They each had their own personal views of what Burning Man is or means to them. I would find it hard to believe that Captain Fun created all those thoughts & feelings himself, unless he's schizophrenic... which is possible. But in all seriousness Captain Fun was down to earth and... Fun. And so was his character in the book, aptly named, Captain Fun.

The story revolves around a virgin Burner by the name of Dexter Edden, or just Dex. In the beginning he witnesses the violent murder of his boss, who dragged him out to the desert against his own better judgement. He runs for his life away from the killer and gets lost in Black Rock City. He eventually meets & becomes friends with various citizens who decide to help him prove his innocence. "...Dex is wanted by the killer... and by the police."

The book is fast paced and full of wonderful characters. I don't know if the characters were genuinely fleshed out with prose or if my own biased Burner mind was able to fill in the blanks. It didn't matter because all the characters felt very real. It felt like I was really there on the playa. I could see the colorful lights and feel the drying wind. I could also taste the playa in my mouth - Or that could be because I was just there and I havent cleared up completely. Mmmm, playa dust.

“Galveston … Lore, Legend, & Downright Lies” is a delightful , entertaining potpourri of life in days gone by on Texas’ famed island city, once known as the Wall Street of the South. The city boasted electric lights and the best of practically everything west of the Mississippi.

The collection of stories was compiled by Gini Fendler-Brown and Max Rizley Jr., Texas writers, and published by Eakin Press, Austin, Texas in a 164 page package sure to please history-lovers near and far.

“Galveston … Lore…” brings to the reader stories ranging from the disastrous 1900 hurricane -- the worst natural disaster to occur in this country, to the fact that the extinct Karankawa Indians cared for Cabeza de Vaca and his shipwrecked party in 1588, and tales of fabled pirate-patriot-lover Jean LaFitte.

Stories abound telling of the history of Galveston’s moniker as “The Oleander City” and the true origin of the Oleanders, to the fact that Galvestonians took on the challenge to rebuild after the 1900 storm and physically raised 2,100 structures above the sand during the city grade raising to avoid any repeat of the disaster. Extreme hardship, loss and Pride.

The book, easy to read and hard to put down, is bound to be a big winner for all who are fortunate enough to get their hands on it.

Galveston Island is home to a unique community. Although it is connected to the Texas Gulf Coast by two bridges and a ferry service, in many ways it is its own society separated by much more than a mere few miles of saltwater.

This book takes us into the distant and more recent history of the island and its colorful inhabitants, telling us stories in a way that leaves one feeling like you're sitting around a fire at a family reunion recalling old friends, neighbors and family members. Some stories one might tell only in hushed whispers. Others provoke knowing interjections from all quarters. These are tales that deserve to be shared far outside the circle of sand.

Whether you were born on the island and want to learn about the gossip you might have missed, or live far away and merely wonder what life is like in a seaside city, this book delivers. From pirates to revered community traditions, it explores a vast scope of history in an easy way that leaves you wanting more.

Caution: You may be tempted to move to Galveston after reading this book, if you don't already live there.

Gini and Max's book captures the essence of Galveston past, with first-hand reminiscences of people who lived that past. Most of us know the main outline of Galveston history, but this book tells the stories of ordinary people, going about their lives on this sliver of sand in the Gulf of Mexico. Gini has been telling her stories to audiences for years in the bandstand behind Ashton Villa during breaks in the band concert. Max helps shape these stories into delightful nuggets you will want to savor while lying on wet sand. Experience Galveston all over again, and next time you're there in person, go to an old-fashioned band concert and listen to the history lady tell a new tale.

“Galveston … Lore, Legend, & Downright Lies” is a delightful , entertaining potpourri of life in days gone by on Texas’ famed island city, once known as the Wall Street of the South. The city boasted electric lights and the best of practically everything west of the Mississippi.

The collection of stories was compiled by Gini Fendler-Brown and Max Rizley Jr., Texas writers, and published by Eakin Press, Austin, Texas in a 164 page package sure to please history-lovers near and far.

“Galveston … Lore…” brings to the reader stories ranging from the disastrous 1900 hurricane -- the worst natural disaster to occur in this country, to the fact that the extinct Karankawa Indians cared for Cabeza de Vaca and his shipwrecked party in 1588, and tales of fabled pirate-patriot-lover Jean LaFitte.

Stories abound telling of the history of Galveston’s moniker as “The Oleander City” and the true origin of the Oleanders, to the fact that Galvestonians took on the challenge to rebuild after the 1900 storm and physically raised 2,100 structures above the sand during the city grade raising to avoid any repeat of the disaster. Extreme hardship, loss and Pride.

The book, easy to read and hard to put down, is bound to be a big winner for all who are fortunate enough to get their hands on it.

I was born on the island, and heard many stories from my father and mother, and my grandparents, uncles and aunts. However, Max and Gini's book has filled in all the gaps, either out of my own memory bank, or the stuff just left out by a father, protecting his daughter from the "sordid" tales. Galveston: Lore, Legend and Downright Lies has added even more to my "love of the island." I have bought the book twice, once for myself and once for my father. He loves it! I plan on ordering more from Amazon for Xmas gifts. A great "thumber" and definitely should be a part of everyone's home library. Thank you, Max, and Gini, and Robert John, and Amazon.....the world needs more books like this one!