Rich Books

Patricia Brooks brings to her role as food critic for "The New York Times" a sure palate, fluid style and voice of decorous authority. But she often garnishes her reviews with a wry and piquant humor and -- when some meal or dish fails to meet expectation -- can readily throw the pepper and spice.
It hardly surprises then that the author brings the same sure style, wry humor and zestful approach to what some might regard as a ghoulish undertaking -- cemetery reviews. Making us first aware that -- much more than mere resting places -- they additionally serve as tourist attractions,parks,places to picnic,sit,read,meditate and even in my case,jog -- she guides us not only through final resting places but through American history, culture and sociology.
It fascinated me to find that pugilistic hero of my Irish youth,Gene Tunney went down for the 'eternal count'in Greenwich -- not far from my own CT 'corner';that the full 40 inches of Tom Thumb lie beneath a "40-foot-high white marble tribute" in Bridgeport;that John Ford -- director of classic westerns like 'Stagecoach' that even in rainy Dublin caused me try to swagger like John Wayne on some cactus-dotted plain -- lies beneath the "grassy land and rolling hills" of a cemetery in Culver City and finally, that the headstone of James Dean, whose appeal -- since all the girls had already fallen for him -- made me feel so inadequate as a teen,is still covered with lipstick kisses, though he would be over 70 were he still alive.
Pat Brooks has presented us with a thoroughly researched, beautifully written, rich-textured and fully-flavored book that everyone should savor.

I read this book from cover to cover last night and thoroughly enjoyed it. I will also add that I am already familiar with most of the information covered in this book and I still enjoyed it. I gravehunt for a hobby which is basically as good as saying I've never seen a cemetery I didn't like. Heck, I even waste entire vacations hopping from one cemetery to another. That having been said, here is the scoop on this book.
This is not a guide for gravehunters per se. It does not provide precise instructions as to where all identified personalities are buried. It also does not contain comprehensive listings of all permanent residents of interest buried in the cemeteries included.
What this book does do is highlight the best cemeteries in the continental United States. It provides the addresses for these cemeteries, their hours of operation, good information regarding the safety of the areas being visited, and a thumbnail history of each cemetery selected for inclusion. It also may contain a general list of celebrities interred within, as well as mini-biographies of some of the more prominent subjects as well as generalized instructions as to where specific graves are located.
This information included is about 99+% correct. I did find a couple of errors which I believe were obtained from other sources which have been proven false but continue to be perpetuated in other books and/or publications.
As for the overall appearance of the book, the publisher did a fantastic job of presenting an appealing package. The photos are very clear and the general layout of the book is not only user friendly but very attractive. Amazingly, this book is very clean in the sense that it was well-written and well-edited. I've seen a lot of really badly done books in the past 5 years or so. THIS IS DEFINITELY NOT ONE OF THEM.
Now for the big question......why buy this book? It is a lot of fun. There have been a lot of books published in recent years covering this subject (i.e., cemeteries). Some are very specific in terms of geographic location, the type of person buried within (movie stars, politicians, historical figures, etc). This book takes those elements and basically is a compilation of the very best of the best. It cuts through a lot of garbage and gives you the ones that tourists will like the best. Whether you want to visit a large number of the cemeteries included or visit a couple of them, this book will provide you with enough information to base your decision on. It is also a neat read.

Visiting cemeteries is not only a lot of fun, but it is cheap entertainment when visiting a large city. Autor Patricia Brooks has divided the book into regions of the country and provided both pictures and interesting tidbits of the famous and infamous who are buried around the country. More photos in the book would have been desirable, but then the amount of text would have had to have been reduced. Following the information as to who is buried in each of the visited cemeteries, the address, visiting hours, and telephone number is provided for those who plan on a closer look of their own. Many interesting individuals had to be omitted due to the number of people buried in places such as New York and California. However, the book may be on an off-beat subject, but it is, nevertheless, an interesting book on an interesting subject. If you enjoy prowling through cemeteries looking for the graves of notables this book will not disappoint you.

Since I am an old movie star buff.this book was great

I bought this book right after my wedding and it has helped my husband and I tremendously! It was so easy to read and understand and taught us things about financial stability that we would have never known without reading this book. We still use the book every year when we do our financial review and it has helped us get out of debt and stay on track to building a solid financial future. Every wedding I go to now, I buy this book as part of their wedding gift. Every newlywed couple should own it!!

This book is perfect to answer all of your questions when starting out in the 'real-world'. Follow the meetings between a fictional young couple and their financial planner as they discuss ideas and concepts that include buying a house/car, starting a family, what to think about before marriage (or money suggestions for unmarried couples), and tax saving and investing. Additional concepts that are addressed include student loans, bill sharing, debts, use of credit cards/checking accounts and history of and background of money and spending habits of each partner. This book is easy to read, packed full of related websites, thoughtful insight (and unbiased comments), and includes techniques to get you off on your own. This book is a must have!!

As a newlywed couple, my husband and I were confused about how to get the best financial advice to plan for our future. When I started reading this book I couldn't put it down! It's written in an easy-to-read way and in layman's terms. It's not some boring financial book that will put you to sleep. It was very informative and gave very complete and practical advice on planning for the future. This book provides necessary advice for anyone, and is a must read for young couples or singles.

I think this book does a great job of walking you through the steps to get your finances together - and it's not boring like so many other finance books. Part of the book is following a young couple in their planning process which I think makes it easier to understand how the "to do's" are applied in everyday life (and makes it more entertaining!). My husband and I were married just over 2 years ago and we're expecting our first child soon, so this book definitely applies to us! I would highly recommend this book to anyone (regardless of age) who is trying to get on the right track with their finances!

Reading this book was truly a passage back in time for me. As I was growing up, I played with so many of the toys listed in this book. The Slinky, Lincoln logs, the Spirograph, Cootie, Mousetrap, Etch a Sketch, Mr. Potato Head, Gumby and Pokey, Rock'Em Sock'Em Robots, Twister, Tinkertoys, Frisbees and the Hula Hoop all passed through my hands. With a large number of children my age in the neighborhood, the toys I didn't have were often owned by others. Therefore, reading this book brought back very fond memories of playing with Clive, Sandy, Dale, Rick, Paul, Terry, Cindy and all the other kids who grew up with toys that you physically manipulated. I strongly recommend this book to anyone with a background similar to mine.

This 208 page, softbound walk-through-the-past volume features 250 full color, very large, sharp photos that are a joy to behold. I enjoyed looking at the photos and reading each comprehensive write-up. A real memory jogger. I was quite surprised at the number of these things I actually owned as a child, and welcomed seeing them again in life-like color. Even many of the boxes are shown. There's plenty of interesting text accompanying the photos and year 2000 values. The toys run from Easy Bake Ovens, Slinky, Cootie, Thingmakers, Lincoln Logs, and Spirographs to Tootsietoys, Monster Kits, Pez, Colorforms, Life-Size Kitchens, Gilbert, Renwal Doll Stuff and Captain Kangaroo. You'll really enjoy seeing some of these toys you haven't thought of in years. I have many books on baby boomer collectibles, and this one ranks among the best. Get it and enjoy !

No generation is so defined by its toys as the Baby Boomers. They loved them as kids. They collect them as adults. 100 GREATEST BOOMER TOYS explores the phenomenon. It's fun and it's serious.

First the fun. The books got hundreds of great pictures. It's like a Christmas catalog. Look up old favorites. Discover items you'd forgotten.

And there's a ranking system which seems pretty much designed to provoke arguments. Wait until you see who's #1!

More substantially there are short essays on many of the toys. Little studies in anthropology, in social history, they tell us about the 50's and 60's. The tie-in of G.I. Joe and the draft is, I think, very apt and really well done.

Once you pick it up, you will be drawn in.

Great little book. I have to give it 5 stars.
You can hear Dr. A. Schauss on this website and learn more about Acai berry (super food) mixed with 18 other fruits:
www.thegreatproduct.com/dali

A great book for anyone interested in reading more about this amazing little fruit. Well researched and well presented; the only thing better is getting to hear Dr Schauss present in person!

I highly recommend this book!

I've seen Dr. Schauss speak, as well as read this book. If you want to learn more about the Acai berry than just the anecdotal evidence presented by many, this is the book for you. Dr. Schauss presents hard facts based on real science that is hard to ignore. This is a must read for those in a certain MLM as well.

Really cool book that includes artist biographies, favorite acoustic guitars, method explanations, and more. The mini lessons that are tabbed out and are on the CD are a great learning technique...they give the reader a window into the minds of these great artists.

This book is designed to be a primer on getting the guitar sound of several famous players in the world of acoustic rock. It features a chapter on each of the players it designates, most of which are fairly obvious choices, though the inclusion of R.E.M.'s Peter Buck was a pleasant surprise and the primary reason for my purchasing it.

Each chapter includes four main features. First, there is a personal biography with information about the player's life and a rock profile that chronicles the player's journey to fame. Second, there is a section on the player's style, explaining how it is that each gets his particular sound. Third, there is something akin to a box score in the "quick look" box that runs down the player's gear, strings, finger/plectrum style, string action height, and so on. Finally, each chapter ends with a "play like them" section (normally about one page) of sound-alike riffs. The book also includes a useful preface about the how to acquire these sounds by using mic-ing techniques specific to acoustic guitar.

Most of the information made available in the book is of the sort that only people who play already would enjoy; it is by no means written for new learners. While some of the information is interesting (like the mic-placement preface), it is probably too thin to be of any use to people who want to learn how to mic guitars. You'd be better off buying a book that is about just microphones. Also, the sound-alike riffs, while interesting, by no means will teach you how to play just like these guys. You will get a taste of what makes James Taylor himself, but you will certainly not be copping any of his dates any time soon.

That isn't to say the book is a wash. I would add that what makes this book worthy of five stars is that there is a very narrow segment of guitar players of a certain skill level that will think this book is great, as I did. These are the players who have gotten out of the basic guitar books and want to explore music that they like. For example, the sound-alike riffs are good, short practices on playing new music because they are not direct copies of known songs; on the other hand, an advanced player would simply be able to buy a book of a particular players songs and dissect them him/herself. The microphone section is just enough of an intro into getting your guitar on tape that it should satisfy the advanced beginner's curiosity to see if they want to get more detailed books on home recording. And finally, the biographical information (by far the largest chunk of the book taken altogether) is the kind of fun-fact stuff to keep a new player interested and supply hints for trying new things. And, the inclusion of players people might not immediately categorize as "acoustic" (like Pete Townshend, just for one) makes for a book with lots of room to explore. Not to mention the action pose photos.

As I said, I just happened to be that player who would benefit from this approach and was extremely satisfied with the book. And what is more, there are a number of other books in the "Masters" series. Piquing your interest in the style of music you or a newer player you know might want to investigate is just a matter of finding the right one.

If you're a practicing guitarist, this book will really help your chops--it's been terrific for my acoustic playing.

Lots of good info, easy-to-understand music examples and a great CD. Highly recommended.

Ms. Skelly accepted questionaires from many people and then culled through them to include the best in her 2nd edition book. Very real.

I read a lot of books about fibro, but this is one of my preferite. This second edition is very up-to-date and full of information every patient should know!
Highly recomended

My partner has both Fibromyalgia and CFS and this booklet with its fully explained contents on Alternative Treatments has given us a most informative insight into these. In the area we live one of the biggest problems is finding a Doctor thats fully understands and can treat accordingly by using conventional and alternative means. We also do not have a support group in the area and we both have learnt so much in this wonderful book.We can now from the book understand a lot of what has happened almost on a daily basis for my partner as sections in this book are spot on with regular body signs and symptoms.

A Must Read Book! A True Story about Hurricane Katrina, and How God is in Control!

In His Service,

Rev. Fr. Thomas J. Siltz
Old Catholic Priest

OK, it's a little bit preaching, but beyond that it's an excellent story about a group of folks and two pilots who really make a difference in the lives of the folks who survived Katrina.

There are only a handful of books that I have read more than once, and only one or two that I have read twice or more. Angel Flight 44 is the first book ever that I have read perhaps a dozen times...and I cannot help but think I will pick it up and read it again yet more.

Angel Flight 44 simply moves me. Whenever my eyes find themselves dancing once again upon its pages, I discover fresh nuances that somehow I had missed before. Certain portions moved me to tears the first few times I read them; yet these are not tears of sadness, but of an overwhelming sense of God's goodness and love for mankind. Even the most recent perusals of this magnificent text have caused my eyes to water a bit when I have reviewed these same moments within the story. That said, few books have ever moved this former military man in such a way. For Angel Flight 44 do so is quite a testimony to its uniqueness among books.

I have discussed Angel Flight 44 with other readers, and have found that regardless of gender, race, economic status, or even religious preferences, people are similarly moved. One gentleman was even moved to the point of pursuing flight training so that he could participate in such courageous relief missions himself, should the need once again arise.

Another businessman, whose shadow rarely darkened the door of a church, called his Christian son and began regular attendance at his congregation. His reason? He discovered within the pages of Angel Flight 44 that the miraculous was real, and that Christianity was indeed intended to empower real men of courage and faith.

One Christian woman found similar motivation and commented, "I want to live a life by the power of the Holy Spirit too!" The wife of a certain pastor commented, "This is going to change the way the Church does things forever." My own wife, for that matter, has seemed to be in competition with me to see who can read it the most. We have even purchased copies and given them away to others that they may also be blessed by its pages.

I could expound upon the elements of the story itself, but to do so would spoil the surprise. So I will refrain. Let me note, however, that I am impressed with the design of the flow of the book. Rich Vermillion chose to fashion its order into multiple sections, each apparently designed to simulate some form of other media in its textual flow. For example, the main story reads like a movie. Then it has a "Special Feature" chapter that describes the history of the airplane, which reads like a small documentary. Then the "Extra Scenes" sections adds short stories that seem like movie scenes perhaps cut out by the director. The author comments that these were stories worthy of inclusion, but which either followed the time frame of the main story or were difficult to work into the text, and so were set apart within their own section.

Following these are two "Behind the Scenes" sections about the two international ministries which were involved in the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. Then a "Spiritual Commentary" section wherein a minister involved answers many of the theological questions which arose in Christian circles regarding this storm. Finally, the book ends with a "Future of Angel Flight 44" chapter written by Glen Hyde, and a "Most Important Decision" chapter written by Rich Vermillion. The author credits his inspiration to this unique book organization to his desire to inspire young readers to delve into its pages by simulating media they are more familiar with. Regardless of his motivation, however...it just works.

If you would prefer an abridged edition at a bargain price, I recommend the recently released Angel Flight 44: A True Story, which I have also read. It contains all the same elements of this original edition EXCEPT the "Behind the Scenes", "Spiritual Commentary", and "Future of Angel Flight 44" sections. The "Most Important Decision" chapter is actually expanded quite a bit and, in my opinion, much better than the original version. The main story, "Special feature", and "Extra Scenes" sections are perfectly intact in this abridged edition. The abridged edition is simply streamlined down to the most powerful elements of the original book, and is a much quicker book to read as a result.

Overall, I cannot express enough how impacting this book is to whomever reads it. The miracles, the courage, the testimonies - these cannot be described adequately in an online book review. Simply put: To get grasp how powerful and unique this book is, you will simply have to read it for yourself.

I was extremely surprised that Arnold didn't mention meeting me in the parking lot of Houston's Memorial Park one evening after he'd finished a round of golf and I was returning to my car after running on the track there. We had a memorably joyful conversation -- I asked him how he was doing, and he said fine, and he asked me how I was doing, and I said fine, and we both smiled. He should have mentioned that episode, but he didn't

This is another type of book that any Arnold Palmer fan will love to read. This edition not only had my interest from Palmer's written words, but the clever inserts of about a dozen or so Palmer collectibles made it all the more intriguing. It was a book that once I picked it up could not put down. The story of his career and family life that was extremely interesting and insightful, yet entertaining. From a personal perspective I liked 'A Personal Journey' but was even more impressed with this one !

Before there was Governator Arnie there was Arnie the golfer. It seems like golf has always had a shining star or two that go beyond the game to making a lasting impression on the world at large. And Arnie certainly fit that. He generated an image for a generation of people, inspiring to do better in their work, in their life. Not the world's best golfer, he's simply Arnie, the world famous guy next door. His approachability and down-home humility have secured his status as one of the most admired people in and out of sports.

This book could almost be his scrapbook. It combines stories, both personal and professional, rare photos from his private collection and removable facsimilies of twelve collectibles from his archives.

This is a fascinating book with which to curl up during the long winter months. A good Christmas present for the golfer in the family.

Prescott and Parente are true masters at the use of the National Accounts in combination with Representative Agents, General Equilibrium models. Prescott is, after all, one of the fathers of RBC theory!

This book mixes effortlessly data (Maddison, PWT, IMF) and theory (an exogenous growth model with intangible capital and a household sector) into an impressive and convincing reinterpretation of international and inter-temporal income differences.

While their thesis might seem unbelievable at first, their theory delivers, unlike others hypotheses on growth, some of which they consider and reject for plausible parameter values (Mankiw's attempted reconstruction/resurrection of basic neoclassical growth and Lucas' human capital approach are reviewed and found unsatisfactory).

The issues involved in measuring/estimating intangible capital plague this book, as is expected. This makes it seem at times that their choice of parameter values is whimsical or highly conjectural at best. Measuring error is bad enough when it comes to common time series such as NIPA GDP, therefore the kind of large uncertainty surrounding back-of-the-envelope estimates of intangible capital is one potential major flaw in the theory.

I was disappointed to see that the book lacked an appendix where the models and relation used throughout the book are derived "from first principles". This simply makes it impossible for anyone unfamiliar with contemporary, dynamic macro to fully appreciate the arguments and important thesis of this book. On the other hand, such an appendix would be an unlikely place from which to learn contemporary macro anyway.

Barriers to Riches succeeds both as a theory of TFP differences (qua cause of income level differences) and as a masterpiece of clear writing and clear thinking. Highly recommended, to advanced undergraduates and graduates alike!

It is a must read for people interested in Economics and also those who want to work in developing countries and not so rich countries.

Parente and Prescott use simple language to explain the cause of the large income difference between developing countries and developed countries. In daily medias like TV and propaganda, the difference is attributed to exploitation of the rich countries on poor countries. Also these exploitation will capture the little accumulated capital in poor countries that is the fuel of their economics growth. But Parente and Prescott use both data and economics theory to show that the true cause of poverty in developing countries is government granted "MONOPLY". If the developing countries still think that they need to protect their existing industries by Monopoly so that their workers can receive more. They are actually cutting the income of the workers in future. I highly recommend all those people who want to help the poor in developing countries to read this book so that they learn the correct way to help the poor.

chris tam
hong kong

To those fashionistas who remember the early 70s and to those who don't, this book is wonderfully interesting and perfectly detailed in its comparisons and reflections on the works of St. Laurent and Lagerfeld. Although in the early 70s the US was just starting to swing, it seems that Paris was sizzling. This book made me envious of everyone there. I would recommend this book to everyone interested in fashion, pop culture and Paris.

I love this book. It's my Christmas discovery.
If you like fashion, you will have so much fun discovering that everything we have now started in the seventies.
Lot of details, you feel like an insider.
Beetween Karl and Yves, which one will you choose ?

Despite the press, I don't think Kaiser Karl emerges as the more noble and human character. I actually like him more now.