Thomas Books

Rick Thomas has a distorted view on what Biblical principles really are. He wants you to order his "pamphlet" when you can get the same information from any late night infomercial. These ideas are merely regurgitated thoughts spewed from the mouths of the likes of Jim Baker, Robert Tilton, Jimmy Swaggert and so on.

Dr. Thomas makes it both real and compelling with practical application. If you ever wondered how you could apply Philippians 2:5 to your life, then you should read this book.
Philippians 2:5 "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:"

Life transforming book by Dr Thomas. He has captured not only the mind of God but his heart. This book is is amazing reading.

This Book has change my life, in a new direction. I couldn't afford to buy it, but i needed my life to be challange so i saved 15.00 from my lunch money to purchase this book, and the revelation I got from reading it was so amazing my peception of living has change tremendesly and i am ready to presue those dreams that God has placed in me, i am ready to soar to the next level in Christ Jesus. Thanks Paster Rick for helping me to see me how God sees me. By you capturing the mind of God. May God Bless You.

THIS BOOK HAS REALLY HELP ME TO PUT MY LIFE INTO PROSPECTIVE. IT HAS SHOWN ME HOW TO FIND MY REAL DESTINY AND PLANS THAT GOD ALREADY CREATED FOR ME, AND HOW TO TAP INTO MY VISION AND MOVE INTO THE DIRECTION OF THE VISION. IT IS ALSO A GUIDE INTO YOUR FUTURE AND IT WILL TRULY HELP YOU TO KNOW GODS PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE.

Not only is this book packed with information, but it also offers perspectives from many paleontologists. In fact, over 23 paleontologists contributed toward the book, and it is really enjoyable to read from them. This is not one of the regular dinosaur encyclopedias where the book just lists each dinosaur name and gives its features. Instead, this book groups some species into one (such as stegosaurus). And for each chapter, the author presents colorful information, such as stories, pictures, interesting behaviors, etc. In addition, there are information about geology, geography, paleontology, and much more. You won't be bored with dry, boring facts with this book!

I am not a paleontologist (obviously). I am not, truth be told, even a dinosaur fanatic. What I am is a reader who is always looking to extend my knowledge base on interesting subjects, and this dinosaur encyclopedia fulfills that quest in spades!

Everything you could ever want to know about dinosaurs -- all types, all genuses, all sizes and shapes and colors -- is detailed, extensively, within the pages of DINOSAURS. There are wonderful illustrations by Luis V. Rey, timelines, graphs, rock cycles, detailed drawings of skeletons -- you name it, and this book has it. With an appendix that includes a 48-page Dinosaur Genus List and a Glossary of hundreds of terms, this is pretty much the only encyclopedia on dinosaurs that you're ever going to need.

I'm sure that some scientifically-minded people will yearn to find something that is missing, and they may even find it. But for the general dinosaur lover, this is definitely the book to add to your collection. Although the reading level is too advanced for younger children, those over the age of eight will find plenty to keep them interested and entertained.

DINOSAURS is highly recommended for classroom and home libraries, or as the perfect present for that dinosaur crazy kid on your gift list.

Reviewed by: Jennifer Wardrip, aka "The Genius"

I LOVE dinosaurs and this book was first on my christmas wish list and I was soooo excited when I got it. It's huuuuuugge!!! I loved it it's got a detailed section on sauropods, tyrannosaurids, hadrosaurs, and oh I can't list em' all!!! Also it admits that it speculates and that's what really drives me insane when scientists speculate and present it as fact. Sometimes it even gives 4 or 5 illustrations of what it could have looked like. It also has history on paleantology. I love this book!!! The only thing that keeps it from being a 5 star deal for me is it's an evolution book.

This is a very good overview of the subject of dinosaurs for the lay person. It covers the systematics of the subject with good descriptions of each grouping and the morphological characters that distinguish them. Most of all it conveys to the reader the breadth of the group and how diverse dinosaurs are; they're not just giant predators and plodding plant-eating monsters, but that they occupied nearly all ecological niches of the Mesozoic world. I certainly wasn't aware of how many different species have been described.


Holtz writes for the adolescent and older lay-person in generally informal language that's not too patronizing for the older reader. It certainly is not a challenging read other than the breadth of the subject. In addition he's generally good about pointing out what are facts based on examination of the fossil evidence and what is pure speculation. He discusses how different paleontologists have different interpretations of the evidence and doesn't present his views like they are the only possibility. This is a very good resource for the person who wants to know just how diverse and extensive dinosaur species were and how they lived based on recent scientific research.

See all my reviews of dinosaur books.

Paleaontologist Holtz provides a cutting-edge commentary - far better than most dinosaur books and would have received 5 stars if it wasn't for some questionable illustrations from Luis Rey.

This 420 page book is not aimed at all ages, like the title suggests. Being a science teacher and dinosaur lover, I think reading this book requires a certain level of experience in dinosaurs or a high school level of science which I put at perhaps 15 years plus. It is not an introductory book as the information is quite dense.

Introductory dinosaur books give some basic contextual information and then profiles on individual dinosaurs; the best being Burnie's "Kingfisher Illustrated Dinosaur Encyclopedia" and Barrett's "National Geographic Dinosaurs". Holtz's "Dinosaurs" is a 40-chapter onslaught of information. Chapters include:

* History of Dinosaur Discoveries
* Rocks and Environment
* Fossils and Fossilisation
* Dating
* Finding Fossils
* Dinosaur Art
* Taxonomy
* Evolution
* Cladistics

The chapters then go into narrow clades (roughly Families if your're Linnean), for instance: Coelophysoids and Ceratosaurs; Spinosauroids; Carnosaurs; Primitive Coelurosaurs; Tyrannosauroids; Ornithomimosaurs and Alvarezsaurs; Oviraptorosaurs and Therizinosauroids; Deinonychosaurs; Avialians; Prosauropods; Primitive Sauropods; Diplodocoids; Macronarians; Ornothischians; Primitive Thyreophorans; Stegasaurs; Ankylosaurs; Primitive Ornithopods; Iguanodontians; Hadrosauroids; Pachycephalosaurs; Primitive Ceratopsians; and Ceratopsids.

The information contained therein is as up-to-date as 2006, including the recent discoveries of the feathered dinosaurs in China and entries on all 800 named species. But what I really like is the commentary; Holtz provides balanced arguments from ground zero. Here is a paleaontologist writing information on dinosaurs instead of someone who just interviews paleaontologists and writes their own material. Holtz writes in an attractive style while comparing the anatomies and adaptations of the dinosaurs. Holtz also includes brief essays from as many as 30 specialist collaborators on things such as 'The Fighting Dinosaurs of Mongolia', 'Male and Female Dinosaurs - Can We Tell the Difference?' and 'Dinosaur Paleopathology'.

My one issue with this book is the artwork. Even though he is a fine artist, Luis Rey's illustrations in some places are too outrageous, bordering on provocative. There seems to be too much emphasis on linking too many dinosaurs to birds, resulting in an overabundance of feathered dinosaurs that there is no evidence for. There are feathered dinosaurs and I still cringe when I see Deinonychus with feathers (and wings!) - even though feathers are a distinct possibility, but when I see Deinonychus looking like a TURKEY I get upset. And this is where I think Holtz has let down his audience; it is OK to speculate so long as there is evidence (ie feathers) but there is no evidence whatsoever that dinosaurs had soft tissue adorning their heads like foul. Holtz should have edited Rey's work more stringently. As a reviewer, it is my responsibility to let you know of this whether it's an issue for you or not.

Anyway, this is still the best book available for intermediate study. It is cutting-edge and meaty enough for anyone, especially those who are looking to step up from beginner dinosaur books.

Exactly what, I asked myself, is a Diva?

Well, according to most dictionaries I checked, Diva is a noun, and it describes a "distinguished female operatic singer; a female operatic star." Synonym: prima donna

Hmmm. I've noticed in today's usage, Diva seems to be applied to anyone who is at the pinnacle of their career, or knowledge, or special in some other way. Let's find out if it applies here.

Our Diva in this book is one Aubrey James, the reigning Queen of Country, residing at the top of the charts for over ten years. We meet Aubrey onstage at a CMA special. She's exhausted. Her boyfriend pops out onstage and publicly proposes. The ring is thrust on her finger. He leaves, she steps up into the spotlight - and the Diva takes a dive. Total wipe-out.

As she recuperates, she learns she has been cruelly betrayed by a former band member. Her "story" has been sold to a major tabloid. Up to this point, Aubrey has kept her very public life separate from her private life. Now, she realizes she's going to have to open up and talk about the real Aubrey James.

She chooses the venue for her interview, but they change her scheduled interviewer. A person from her past she'd rather forget. Now she faces her past--her personal life--on more than one front.

Aubrey James refuses to become a victim. She is strong. She faces everything head-on. No hiding, no prevaricating. Brought up by Christian parents, at their death, Aubrey moves away from her faith. Yet, though she doesn't realize it, her 'faith' never left her. When things happen to her, accusations thrown at her, she handles them with grace, though she doesn't realize that. Some of those things made ME angry. I wanted Aubrey to lash out in anger, throw something, do something--anything. But she didn't.

And she remains a Diva.

I loved this book. I highly recommend this title, even if you don't reach much Chick-Lit.I believe this is Rachel's strongest book to date It is not a "girlie" book - it is full of depth and rich with symbolism. Get it!

extremely well written. the characters dont feel like they were pushed and forced into being and the conversations and story feels natural. extremely good book and i would recommend it to everyone. i enjoyed the storyline in that it could be read by anyone, man or woman. its a chick lit thats not too romancey.

Diva NashVegas is the touching story of a country music superstar trying to get back in touch with herself, her faith, and her love for music. In the first few pages of the book, the main character, Aubrey James, bursts forth as a glitzy, glamorous star of the stage who has everything that anyone could ask for - love, money, success. But it doesn't take long for the reader to get to know the inner turmoil of Aubrey's life as she has learned to deal with the loss of her parents, the betrayals by lovers, and the duplicity of former band members, all while under the bright spotlight of the public eye. Now, recognizing that there is nowhere left to run and hide from the mistakes and misfortunes of her past, Aubrey decides to face them head on by doing a one on one interview with Scott Vaughn, one of the co-anchors of Inside NashVegas. Rachel Hauck does an amazing job of bringing to life the complex character of Aubrey James whose larger-than-life, diva persona is balanced perfectly with that girl-next-door, down to earth quality that makes Aubrey irresistibly relatable despite her status as a country singing legend. Aubrey's encounters with Scott span the gamut of emotions from embarrassing and nerve racking, to compassionate and even comedic. The moments where Aubrey dreams of her mother will touch the heartstrings of anyone who has ever felt sad and alone and wanted nothing more than to crawl inside a warm, motherly embrace. Turning the pages on the growth of a woman on the brink of a breakdown as she turns into someone enjoying the process of regaining her faith is a joy to witness!
--Amey Libman, Author of Heart of Blue

I loved this book. I read it during down time at work but had to be very careful... due to the fact that I busted out laughing at the antics between Aubrey and Scott. Singed eye-brows, the driving lesson, teaching Aubrey to cook.

I found Hauck's writing to be down to earth, weaved with love and humor. Aubrey was so well-rounded that I could relate to bits and pieces of her personality. Scott was such an easy character to love. He would be a lot of fun to hang with. When I neared the end of the book, I found myself procratinating to finish it. I didn't want the story to end.

I am going to buy this book for my 12 year old niece. I know she will love it.

Diva NashVegas is a good, fluffy read but it's not quite as good as Lost in NashVegas. As a heroine, I found Robin Rae to be more relatable than Aubrey James. Honestly, in the beginning chapters, I didn't like Aubrey very much at all- she seemed too cocky (I realize that she is supposed to be a `diva'- so this characteristic is fitting but still annoying), pessimistic, and at the same time, weak and spine-less (had a hard time standing up to her schmoe of a boyfriend/fiancé/live-in lover). There were more than a few instances where I tried to yell through the book at her for not making a bigger deal about things that were in fact a big deal. Another point of contention was her living with her boyfriend- granted, her faith wasn't that strong in the beginning but, still, for a Christian fiction book it bothered me how sugar-coated it all seemed- it was written and handled in too blasé a manner, as if it wasn't a big deal that they were living and sleeping together. And there was really no remorse, regret, or anything from Aubrey after the fact, never realizing or admitting that it was a mistake.

Still a good quick read but a disappointment after the fun of Lost in NashVegas and the plucky Robin Rae. Although the plot was predictable, I'm not giving up on Ms. Hauck; I just hope the next story in more in the lines of the first and not this mediocre second installment.

This is a wonderful cookbook on several levels and I am happy to see that it has received consistently positive reviews!

Darren McGrady deserves congratulations for creating an entertaining cookbook that also delivers delicious recipes. His personal anecdotes about the Queen and Princess Diana are both amusing and discreet.

The book is well structured according to seasons and royal residences, such as Christmas at Sandringham and Autumn at Balmoral. The beginning of each chapter contains an overview of the season and location, and Chef McGrady weaves his own professional memoir into this structure.

Copies of formal menus, handwritten notes of instruction from the royal family, and informal snapshots of the various royal kitchens are interspersed in an elegant scrapbook fashion. Then come the recipes for the chapter, back to back.

Favorite recipes of the royal family are included, many with an introductory paragraph of just what it was that made that particular recipe so special to the individual. I must add, though, that you will have fun reading between the lines in a description of a culinary episode about a former duchess. You will have to admit, Darren McGrady has style.

The recipes that I have tried so far come from the Kensington Palace section, nicely subtitled "A Home for All Seasons." These are Princess Diana's favorites and are lighter and more contemporary. I particularly enjoyed the stuffed aubergines and the lobster Thermidor (OK, not so light and not so contemporary, but a delicious classic). And after eating a salad with the Pureed Herb Dressing, I have to take a bit of bread to sponge up the remaining dressing because it is that good. The recipes that I tried worked perfectly and most of them are accompanied by photographs.

This was very neatly done. I was left with the impression of a great chef, good writer, and generous man: 100% of the proceeds of this book go to the Elizabeth Glazer Pediatric Aids Foundation.

Naughty thought: I wonder how Paul Burrell, Diana's tell-all butler, feels about this?

This was well worth the investment. It contains many recipes served to the Royal family. Wonderful pictures and information on the Queen's dinner events and occasions. Filled with many memories of the food service given by Chef Darren McGrady. I would recommend it to any one who is interested in the Royal family lifestyles.

Elegant and beautiful book. Great to give as a gift. Recipes are wonderful. Very well put together, as a cook book and keepsake.

Very enjoyable book with beautiful illustrations. Mouth-watering recipes included as well as the feeling the author knew and loved the royal family.

I love this book!
I love the recipes and the stories.
This is truly a book that is great for a gift or yourself.
Recipes are well nice!

This book is a must read. I've read it, my husband is reading it and I've bought it for friends. If every person in therapy would read it,their healing time would be cut in 1/2. Combine it with the author's Power of a Praying Wife and Power of a Praying Husband and the divorce rate would be cut in 1/2! Stormy Omartian is a blessing to those of us who didn't grow up in perfect homes, and have not lead perfect lives but want to grow in the Lord and in life! God Bless Her!

In the few days it took me to read this book I feel I am a new person. This is a must read for women and men alike. Don't let the title scare you away men. This is a man and a woman's guide to emotional health. I told my sister I would pass it on to her once I finished it but I think I will buy her one for her to keep as I think it will be very helpful for me to go back to from time to time and re-read many areas.

I have read countless books for emotional healing. This is by far the best and probably the only one that needs to be read. Unfortunately, the subtitle of the book may turn men away from reading this book. This book is for everyone! For women AND men. Even for those who have not suffered abuse. We all have low points in our lives. This book will guide you through them.

While I believe there is a time and place to see a shrink, there is also a time and place to get real with yourself and look deep within yourself to find the root of your problems.

In Finding Peace for Your Heart, Stormie shows us how vital a role God plays in our healing, and how important it is for us to be willing to look at the root of our problems. It's truly the first step towards healing and spiritual growth.

I read this book with great intensity, found areas in my life that the Lord wanted me to work on, and finished it feeling truly inspired to lean on God more.

Stormie manages to help us see God's truth for what it really is with a straightforward, sincere, down-to-earth conversation-like writing style which gives the realistic, positive and wonderful perspective of our Father's purpose for our lives. LOVED IT!!! Who needs counceling after this book?

When I read don't start reading until you have the time I had no idea how true the statement really was. I found myself not only captivated, spellbound, and utterly mezmerized by the story that evolves on the very first page, I was blown off my chair literally.

Like so many other readers I was expecting a terrorist 9/11 story but I was fooled. Instead I got the very best Vietnam story I have ever read bar none!

Harold Beck tells a tale of the war unline any ever told. I enjoy modern day thrillers and this one is set against a totally believeable historical backdrop every American can identify with. It was a book I just couldn't put down

Where did this author come from and why haven't we heard about him on television? I found myself thinking the story was real, especially the part on Che Guevara. The story is historically accurate as Guevara died on the date he dies on in the story and he also died in the same village he dies in in this story. Is it a coincidence or is the author revealing some well kept secret, as is the main story line in this book? I could not put this book down and I also didn't want it to end. The images created in this story were all too real.

I began casually reading this book and was hooked by the end of the first page. I give it 5 stars as it is the best I've read in a long, long time.

Reading The First Terrorist Act was as if I was reading the newspaper. This is a story that could easily be non fiction and I found myself living the experiences of Charley Reed.

I am a Vietnam Vet and I remember the battles as the author describes them. The battle for the City of Hue was exactly as he described. No doubt he was there!

Arc Light was Operation Archangel and there is little doubt in my mind his account in Bolivia with Che Guevarra is factual.

Where has this author been and why haven't we seen more from him? I'm hooked. When do we have a sequel or when will this be on the big screen?

This book is a must for all thriller fans.

What can be said about Harold Thomas Beck other than he is an extraordinary author cut from the same cloth as a Tom Clancy.

There is little doubt in my mind that this novel will rank with those Clancy has given us. I know. I am a Clancy fan. Now I am a Beck fan also.

"The First Terrorist Act" was given to me with Clancy's "Rainbow Six". Clancy and Beck are pure page turners! There are no if's, ands or buts about it.

As most Clancy reader's know, his characters are all well developed characters. Beck does it even better than Clancy. I couldn't believe it. Where has he been? His bio indicates he is not a youth new to writing.

I initially did not want to read this masterpiece because of the obvious inference to that tragic day of September 11, 2001. However when I was told this was along the lines of a couple of Clancy's novels I thought better of it and went forward. I was not disappointed. I loved this book.

From the first page to the last this novel, like Clancy novels, is purely enthralling and you will hardly be able to put it down. Even if you've never read a Clancy novel before, pick this up and then go to Clancy for a mild let down. He is better than Clancy.

If you're looking for pure intrigue, thrilling action and a few good laugh's along the way, as well as real life women, something missing in Clancy, you won't be disappointed. I wasn't.

A huge thank you to the Author for this one.

My husband told me I would like this book. Why would I like a book about spys, soldiers, and the Vietnam War?

Hello!

There are women involved with spys, soldiers, and the Vietnam War - especially the soldiers who served in the Vietnam War. And are there ever women in this story!

Jerilyn and Cindy are the opposites yet so much alike. The dark haired slut versus the blonde who did everything she was supposed to do. They shared Charley, they lost him, and now they have him back. Wow!

Then there is the driven reporter, also a woman who faces all the problems women face in their drive to the top.

We also have daughters. How does this man know so much about women? Moreover, how does a man write so expertly about women?

The historical backdrop as well as the current events unfolding and me remembering where I was when makes this all the more interesting. I loved this story. When will there be more from this wonderful author?

It's been a while since I've been able to grab a book and really have a good read for myself. This was it. Right from the first page, the character Jerilyn is exciting and the mystery starts with how this is all tied together and what the women all have in common and what they have up their sleeves.

The book is very well written. I had never read any of Mr. Beck's books before and needless to say, I am now reading another. I figured what could top "The First Terrorist Act", but another book by the same author.

The book is very good all along, without giving away any of the juicy details, but be prepared not to be able to put this book down until the well-done ending.

This is a gorgeous epic of a text. I have been looking for a Buddhist scripture comparable in size and scale to the Bible, and this is definitely it. Thomas Cleary provides a clear, beautiful translation of this monumental work.

This is the 1st complete (1643 pp.) translation of an ancient (Cleary says 1st-2nd centuries C. E.) Mahayana text with Cleary's introduction, appendices, glossary & Li Tongxuan's (Li T'ung-hsuan) short Chinese Ming Dynasty commentary on the final (39th) 400 pp. chapter. Cleary's comments are helpful but a bit sparse. He compares FOS to other major works (e.g. Prajnaparamita & Lotus), provides concise chapter summaries, & introduction to the Chinese commentary. Cleary's complete translation replaces standard Sanskrit terms--"enlightening beings" vs. Bodhisattva & "Universal Good" vs. Samantabhadra. I found this refreshing but you may not. He says, it employs very grandiose terminology, p. 46: "specific characters of the scripture are `fictional' uses p. 52: `being-time,' & it's for p. 6: `people of superior faculties.'" The 1st 38 Chapters display overwhelming hyperbole, mythology, & symbolism. Of course, understanding of the physical universe was limited millennia ago (p. 999: "Just as the ocean water flows under the continents & islands, so that all who drill for water find it"), mythology was not arms-length as now, & norms differed (e.g. p. 581's gifts of women). I don't claim to be a person "of superior faculties," but it was boring to me. There are some gems: Cleary--p. 29: the nirvana or Buddha-nature cannot be cultivated by practices, because practices are fabricated and impermanent, and it cannot be realized by mind because mind has subject and object [i.e. transitive]. Thus, its essence [Nature of Mind] cannot be cultivated, its principle cannot be witnessed by the mind. Mind itself is the essence--there is no further subject or object." This is reflected in chapter 39's experiential journey. NOTE: bracketed words herein are mine not Cleary's.

As usual, there are some interesting parallels to Kabbalah: in Ch. 1, Buddha is described ~God in the Shi'ur Koma (On the Mystical Shape of the Godhead: Basic Concepts in the Kabbalah (Mysticism & Kabbalah)) literature pp. 274-5: "the Buddha may be called...God of Gods...the Buddha may be called...King of Gods" & p. 1591: Li Tongxuan--"These are not worldly measurements." FOS has a dream-like feel to it (p. 1496: "It was like someone asleep seeing various things in a dream")--probably to exemplify the imputed dream-like or mirage-like nature of reality ~fairy tales [Jungians take fairy tales seriously & symbolically--see von Franz Individuation in Fairy Tales (C. G. Jung Foundation Books) & Chinen In the Ever After: Fairy Tales and the Second Half of Life]. The symbolic, non objective nature of FOS is also revealed in its use of numbers, esp. numerous groups of 10. I enjoyed the lovely verse reminiscent of the wonderful The Wheel of Sharp Weapons & Tilopa's Song Tantra, the supreme understanding: Discourses on the tantric way of Tilopa's song of Mahamudra as well as still-relevant prose p. 829: "enlightening beings do not abandon actions, according with the doings of the world, yet have no attachments to them," supporting Thich Nhat Hanh's engaged Buddhism. Modern Buddhism follows its attitudes of non-duality, abandonment of conceptual clinging, & non-attachment to the physical: p. 1091: "Great enlightening beings know that all phenomena are like the tracks of birds in the sky." It may seem strange that Shingon - Japanese Esoteric Buddhism (~Tibetan Dzogchen) uses this as one of its 2 main texts, but p. 1163: "The ground of all phenomena, oceanic source of all things" sounds like the "Ground of Being" to me; p. 1361 the Vairocana myth parallels that of Padmasambhava--born from a lotus. Further, pp. 1537-8: Prajna's Scroll translation of Ch. 39--"Sudhana asked, `Is it realized by hearing talk about transcendent wisdom?' Suchandra said `No.' `Why not?' `Because transcendent wisdom is realized by seeing the true essence of things. It is impossible to personally attain enlightenment by hearing & thinking'" reminds me of Mahamudra & Dzogchen pointing-out instructions. Indeed, the entire book exemplifies their "magical display of reality." See Longchenpa's Kindly Bent to Ease Us: Wonderment (Tibetan Translation, ).

But, it also makes some unusual assertions-- p. 1150: "It is also like the case of the celestial spirit born together with a person & always associated with the person--the spirit sees the person, but the person does not see the spirit." Cleary says Ch. 39 disagrees with parts of prior chapters, supporting his contention that FOS developed over time with many contributors. This parallels Professor Moshe Idel's argument for authorship of the Zohar in Kabbalah: New Perspectives." Furthermore, Ch. 39 (pp. 1174-1520) is Sudhana's quest for enlightenment, ~Joseph Campbell's The Hero With A Thousand Faces," is more knowledge-dense though even it is rather "empty." FOS seems more Feeling & Sensate (much ornate detail) from a Myers-Briggs perspective or perhaps more Bhakti vs. Jnana from a yoga perspective.

The commentaries (Cleary's pp. 1545-64 & Li's 1565-1630) are better read in parallel with Ch. 39--section by section. Sudhana requests practical instruction from Master to Master w/o getting it--instead he experiences various states of being with his many benefactors who show him (vs. tell him)--up to Maitreya (pp. 1452-1502)--IMHO the best part. Ch. 39 reminds me of the Egyptian Book of the Dead & its many visualizations provide a basis for Vajrayana (Tibetan & Shingon) Buddhist practices--even p. 1599 a precursor to Chod. The commentaries are concise, easy reading vs. the flowery, ornamental text (thus its title?). Cleary says p. 1546 it was promulgated by Nagarjuna who "recovered the teaching of the Flower Ornament Scripture `from the ocean.'" I read this as the Dzogchen Ground of Being ~to the legend of Jigme Lingpa's text received from long-dead Longchenpa. Does this poetically indicate authorship?

There's considerable wisdom herein, but you must dig deep for it:
p. 1572: "Since the fact that an individual word or sound has no inherent identity underlies infinite words & sounds infinite words & infinite sounds are one word and one sound. Therefore one and many revolve around and embellish each other. All mundane phenomena are trans-mundane phenomena, and all trans-mundane phenomena are mundane phenomena." [form is emptiness & vice versa]
p. 1584: "Play is Buddha-work"
p. 1592: "When knowledge enters compassion, it is harmonized & becomes comfortable."
p. 1620: "In the clamor without making clamor." [i.e. be in the world but not of it].

Thomas Cleary is one of the best all-round translators of East Asian and Sanskrit literature, as well as Buddhist, Daoist, and Confucian writings. If I have the option of purchasing a work I have never read before in various translations, I will gladly go with Cleary. Some of his works, such as the astonishing edition of the Art of War and his beautifully poetic rendering of the Zhuangzi are the best of their kind, while others (particularly his translations of Zen literature) are rather lacking and weak. This mammoth translation of the Buddhavatamsaka-sutra, however, represents the best (in my opinion) in Sanskrit Buddhist translation. All English speaking Mahayana Buddhists owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. Clearly, for rendering one of the largest, most elaborate, and most important Buddhist scriptures into English, with a flair of style and poetic imagery that surpasses almost anything else I've read in Buddhist sutra translations. The Avatamsaka Sutra, or the Flower Garland (Flower Ornament) Sutra is the earliest sutra spoken by the Buddha. It is, along with the Lotus Sutra and the Perfection of Wisdom Sutra, one of the most important teachings of the Buddha. The Chinese Huayan (Jap. Kegon) School (Huayan/Kegon: Avatamsaka), one of the most prominent and influential schools in the history of Chinese and Japanese Buddhism, is based on this scripture, which emphasizes the mutually unobstructed interpenetration the Dharma realm, the interactions between principle and phenomenal worlds. The Avatamsaka Sutra is one of the Vaipulya Sutras, meaning that it is, in effect, an incredibly large sutra comprised of several smaller sutras (other Vaipulya Sutras include: the Perfection of Wisdom Sutra, the Jewel Heap Sutra, and the Nirvana Sutra). Because of its incredible length, many of the English translations are available only as partial translations, or translations of particularly important sections. Here, however, Cleary has translated the entire sutra, which takes up almost 1500 pages. However, it is a must-have for any English Mahayana scholars. Readers may be amazed at the vast range displayed throughout the sutra. Some chapters are elaborate, miraculous, and joyful in nature (as is much of the Lotus Sutra), while others are strongly philosophical in a style reminiscent of the Hinayana or Perfection of Wisdom Sutras. Especially important are the chapters concerning the Ten Stages (Dashabhumika-sutra) of the Bodhisattva Path, the Ten Devotions, the Ten Practices, the Ten Concentrations, the Ten Acceptances, and the Ten Abodes. The second-to-last chapter is a magnificent summation of Mahayana doctrine and the practice of the Buddhas. The final chapter (which takes up 400 pages by itself) is the "Entry Into the Realm of Reality" (GAnda-vyuha), which is the most famous section of the book. It describes the pilgrimage of the young Sudhana, guided by Manjushri, as he requests the teachings of 53 masters, including the future Buddha. The final section of the Ganda-vyuha occurs when Sudhana meets Samantabhadra (Universally Good), and concerns the Ten Vows of Samantabhadra, which is, by itself, probably the most important and available part of the book (numerous translations of this one section exist on the internet). All in all, I thank Thomas Cleary for finally allowing me to read the complete Flower Garland Sutra (a task which I have been unable to accomplish for years, due to the lack of availability of complete translations). Stunning.

Thomas Cleary has set a new mark (even by his standards) for translations, and translators.

The Chinese literally spent centuries translating this massive corpus from the Sanskrit, yet, for Cleary, it is simply one of a plethora of great translations in his remarkably prolific career.

D.T Suzuki opinioned that this, the greatest text of Mahayana Buddhism, was so massive that it would never be fully translated into English. Cleary has not only translated this massively influencial text, he has furnished it with a wealth of Reader's "aids." His glossary alone is worth the price of the book.

In his in-depth introduction, Dr. Cleary shares his extensive knowledge on the history, of this text, its influence on Zen (Ch'an) Buddhism, Tendai, and other Mahayana Schools. He also provides "summary outlines" for each chapter.

He prepares the reader with lucid introductions to the language, philosophy, and practice methods contained throughout the book. He explains how the first five "Patriarchs" of Huayen Buddhism interpretated and developed their thought around the stunning array of Buddhist teachings, insights, and expressions contained in this mammoth volume.

It took me nearly two years to read this remarkable book the first time-it was, without a doubt, the most fascinating reading experience of my life. This book has remained on my continuous reading list for years now, but it is always new.

Thank you Thomas Cleary! Thank you!

The Flower Ornament Sutra (FOS) is often overlooked because it is not as available (now out of print probably as a result of not being widely used by the laity), but it is a superb Sutra a comprehensive (if any single text can be called truly comprehensive)expression of Buddhist (particularly Mahayanist)Vision. I say "vision" rather than "thought" or "philosophy" because FOS is first and foremost an inducer of meditative trance or vision, rather than a doctrine or treatise. One reads The FOS to experience the Buddha consciousness in a very personal, mystical way, not to "understand" it intellectually.

Thomas Cleary's translation is probably the most accessible to the American mind and heart. I haven't read all other translations, only a few are available here in the USA it seems. One caution: I would beware of "contemporary" or "condensed" versions of FOS, if you find them, because these adaptions to contemporary mind will surely lose the original consciousness, some of which is undoubtedly lost already even in a careful translation like Cleary's. That consciousness is why you would read FOS in the first place.

Better to go to the source, however formal or repetitive and overcome any initial sense of "boredom" you might feel. With FOS you should suspend logical critical mind in favor of an open and receptive heart. The deeper you go in this way the more vivid and profound the "vision" becomes.

Ultimately it is like a spark. At some point the spark jumps to you and lives in you independently of the text - or it doesn't. FOS is an instrument to self-discovery not a "reality" to cling to. Any Buddhist knows this, but FOS is a very valuable, effective and precious instrument of delight and enlightenment if you are open to it.

The hardback version I got published by Shambala is beautiful, as good a copy as you could hope to find these days. Highly, highly recommended.

This is a lovely coffee table book with mostly spectacular color photos of most of Wrights houses, including many interior shots. There is not much historical information but this is covered in other books.

This book was a wonderful eye opener. It will appeal to the reader for crisp pictures in beautiful settings and landscapes as well as the various style phases Wright went through architecturally. For Wright aficionados, there is a detailed, but not too intense history of his style, works and personal history as he changes design elememts during his career. Grand interior shots only enhance the overall attraction. The book will add diversity to anyone's collection.

There are many different aspects to highlight when studying the work of one of Americas' greatest architects. The part of his work that is probably the most accesible, are his private houses. It was great to see all these houses together in one beautiful volume. The photographs are stunning, and it is great to see so much attention paid to the interior of these houses, as Wright was responsible for most interior design too.
As a professional or just a fan, when you love Wrights' work and want to visually enjoy it to the fullest, this book is a must have. The only thing better is to buy one of his houses...

One beautiful and well done book. Look, read and indulge yourself in Wright. Wonderful photography and ineresting writing by many authors that all to the lore of Wright.

A great gift for someone who has on interest in FLLW.

This is a necessary book for all who study architecture. Why? Because the photography conveys something close to the reality of Mr. Wright's works, especially so when it comes to the interiors.

When I was studying architecture in college in the 1970s, the BEST photography books about Wright's oeuvre were "In the Nature of Materials" and the very expensive Wendingen Edition. Both are presented in black and white and while that kind of pared-down quality may have suited the age in which the International Style was still in its ascendancy, it did nothing whatsoever to convey the true sense of a Wright space--specifically interior space. The intimately human scale of these spaces was missed.

And color is so much a part of Wright's aesthetic, and without it, one is in dreary Kansas instead of Oz.

Living in the northeast, it was not possible to see many Wright buildings first hand, until that trip to Chicago... and then what a revelation! These spaces were not cold grays but marvels of ochres and greens and wood tones and conveyed so much more serenity than those older photos could suggest.

Happily, future years placed me in conjunction with many of the Midwestern buildings, and a day trip could take me to Wisconsin or Michigan or other less-frequently visited residential and commercial works by F L W. Friendships with original Wright clients or owners of Wright houses opened other doors--I have experienced about one third of the places in this book, so--trust me--the photos do them justice and are almost as good as being there.

I would guess that anyone who has been in these places will tell you that this book gives a very fine representation of these spaces. And thankfully, more and more of these spaces are open on a regular or annual basis for the student or admirer of Wright to visit. Some residences are even now B&Bs. Wow!

The fine articles that accompany the photographs are also most helpful and enjoyable.

If you find this review helpful you might want to read some of my other reviews, including those on subjects ranging from biography to architecture, as well as religion and fiction.

At first I was hesitant to purchace Fun with PhotoImpact 4.2 because I had just upgraded to 5.0, but there was so much I didn't know I ordered it anyway. I have never been so happy with a graphics book. Features and tools of the program that seemed so complicated were explained in plain english and Stephanie Baker-Thomas guides you each step of the way. I had no idea PhotoImpact had so many "hidden" goodies. The mini tutorials are wonderful and the lessons learned in each give you the understanding needed to apply them to any other PhotoImpact project. This book is a must have and I am eagerly awaiting the release of Fun with PhotoImpact 5.0. Stephani Baker-Thomas is a true Diva of PhotoImpact.

If I had this book when I first started using PhotoImpact, I would be miles ahead of where I am now, after many months of trial and error learning. The text is very clear, with many screenshots and great hints. My favorite parts are the 'learn by doing' exercises at the end of every chapter...they really make the techniques you learn stick. A great book, and the only one in English for us PhotoImpact lovers.

I had my doubts about purchasing this book because I have Version 5 of PI. Now that I have the book I don't know what took me so long. This book is so well written and easy to follow for novice to intermediate user. It is very applicable to version 5.

Even with the $7.35 duty that I had to pay because I am Canadian, it was the bargin of the century! I received it just 3 days after ordering on a Friday.

Great Book!

No doubt about it, digital imaging can be a fun and rewarding endeavor, but contemporary imaging software is as daunting as it is powerful, and many budding digital artists may be too intimidated by the wealth of options and features available in a top-notch program like PhotoImpact. Fun With PhotoImpact 4.2 takes the novice or intermediate digital artist by the hand and leads them through the basics of the wonderful world of PI. With the knowledge and experience of the author for guidance, the reader can approach this exciting technology with a minimum of apprehension and feel confident that a new world will be opened before them. I highly recommend this book, and I am looking forward to the author's sequel on PI 5.0.

While the book may be of some use to folks who are completely unfamiliar with PI, I was a bit disappointed. It reads almost as a restatement of the PI user's guide ("this button does this...") rather than as a guidebook to innovative use of PI ("In order to get this effect, use these buttons and filters in this sequence . . .") that the title rather led me to expect. To be sure, the author does have an excellent and thorough web site with exactly that kind of hands-on "how do I do this?" data, but it was a bit of a let-down to find the book contains virtually nothing of the sort.

This is an amazing book. For golfers with even the slightest of philosophical bents, this is a must read. If your bookshelves contain books like Michael Murphy's Golf in the Kingdom, Timothy Gallwey's The Inner Game of Golf, Fred Shoemaker's Extraordinary Golf, and Joseph Parent's Zen Golf, then Golf's Three Noble Truths: The Fine Art of Playing Awake should be on your bookshelf as well.

I'm finding so much in it that I've almost discovered before... it reads, in that sense, a little like memory. We golfers need more books like this! How can it be that with instruction book after instruction book after instruction book, we don't seem to be getting better at this game? How can it be that the average handicap stays about the same, regardless of technological improvements, countless rounds, golf pro lessons, and bookshelves full of "tips" books dissecting the swing? What is missing?

Ragonnet has an intriguing answer. Drawing on Eastern philosophy, primarily Buddhism, Ragonnet suggests that we golfers are simply not awake to what is really happening right now, right here, before our very eyes. Rather, we are trapped in the "monkey mind." Endless internal chatter about previous shots, what we might shoot today, technical swing thoughts, doubts, fears, anxiety, etc., etc., ad infinitum. No wonder we're not improving!

Ragonnet offers wise words on how we can stop the chatter and return to the moment. He encourages us to appreciate the wonder of everyday existence... the wind through the trees, the shadows on the greens, the wondrous flight of the ball, the butterfly that lands on your golf shoe. But be not deceived... this is no hokey New Agey gimmick schtick. James Ragonnet is heavy duty scholar, thinker, and engaging writer. I dare say he is a real life Shivas Irons. This is a book that can improve not only your golf game... but your life as well.

James Ragonnet's book "Golf's Three Noble Truths-The Fine Art of Playing Awake, enables me to be myself, stay in the moment and to enjoy golf and all the wonderful things that if offers. Additionally, approaching golf by calmly abiding with the The Three Noble Truths and their related benefits, your game does improve. I'm going a step further and applying this philosphy in other parts of my life. I do believe I might just get to be a better person. Both golf and my life have moved up a few pegs. My thanks to Mr Ragonnet for this wonderful book. A job well done.

Walter Kelley

Dr. James Ragonnet's book, Golf's Three Noble Truths: The Fine Art of Playing Awake, is a requirement for every golfer, every level and--in all fairness--for non-golfers as well. The concepts and exercises described within can be applied to any sport or life experience. The principles of "the fine art of playing awake" demonstrate the spiritual/physical link between golf technique and Eastern inspired practices of awareness, balance, and unity (i.e. a connection with and respect for the world surrounding and interacitng with one's golf game). James Ragonnet illustrates numerous examples of how to develop awareness and become more centered--everything from standing meditations to visualizing with the ready made environment, such as trees on the golf course. This book is broken up into concise, clear cut chapters that are chock full of tips on improving one's golf experience and overall life! The sketch of a typical foursome, each representing differing degrees of consciousness and competence are absolutely hilarious. The minute you figure out which character most closely resembles yourself, you will want to implement every suggestion in this book. One of the over-riding themes in Golf's Three Noble Truths, is the importance of dropping one's ego and, instead, embrace the knowledge of one's shortcomings. Ragonnet describes this formula as "Doubt + Self-Awareness = Growth". Ragonnet speaks as a golf buddy who happens to be enlightened and interested in sharing his discoveries. Listen to him and apply some of the prescribed exercises and practices. You will grow and expand in your golf skills, increase your golf enjoyment, and markedly improve your overall life. ~Kellie Young

Jim Ragonnet has penned a primer on living - and being - a meaningful life. Its origin was the author's sense that his life was missing important things - bliss, contentment, inner satisfaction, peace of mind. The grace and beauty of a single butterfly laid bare for him (and through him for all of us) the universal truths that can awaken us all - whether on the golf course or in the board room.

This book enabled me to understand that I've learned some of these truths the hard way over my 32-year business career. ("When you're willing to face the truth, you'll find out who you really are.") Only when I got laid off from my job did it force me to find a far better one. Only when the wheels came off did I find my true perspective and inner strength. I no longer view the "missed" and "made" deals of my vocational life as separate episodes; I realize they form the continuous thread of my collective experience. My good days have taught me things; but my bad days have taught me far more. I now know that an "acceptable score" may be the ultimate illusion in a person's business life. Our ultimate reconciliation with ourselves and with each other doesn't involve scorecards. It consists of truth, gratitude, and forgiveness, in that order.

Ragonnet inspires us to decide for ourselves what golf means - what life means. He enables us to realize that we don't really need a great drive down the fairway. What we really need is the mindfulness and composure to hit a great drive - and to realize that it's not about what we get - it's about who we become.

This book is not just for golfers. Even though I am an avid golfer, I found myself relating pieces of the book to my own personal life and career. As a former athletic director and coach, I found the chapter on The Need to Win to be quite interesting and true. The entire book from cover to cover will keep you wanting to read more each time. Jim has a great ability to relate Eastern thinking to golf and life. To me, a must read.