Media Books

Pale Phoenix is a wonderful book. so detailed and well written that you can see your self there with the main characters. enchanting and a joy to read. i first discovered it 6 years ago at the local library and ive been rereading it(and i dont like to reread books *nods*). adios

This was a great book. The author kept you in suspense until you figured out what was going on. It is about a girl named Miranda and her parents. They take in an orphan named Abby. It was going okay, and then Miranda realized there was something weird about Abby. Then she started searching Abby's past.

This is another fine example of Kathryn Reiss's writing. I think it was a great book. I read atleast 4 times because I loved it so much. I really hope Kathryn Reiss becomes well-known. She has a great imagination and sense of literature. This classic tale about a pheonix rising from the ashes is a great story for young and older people to enjoy. I'd give it 10 stars if I could.

The only way that you will reall you will really understand this book fully is if you read the first book, Time Windows. The basic plot is that a girl , Miranda has a very great life with her parents and neighbors in her small Northeastern town until they take in this orphan named Abby to live with them. Miranda and Abby do not get along a weel and things change for Miranda. She beginds to start uncovering Abby's amazing past and helping her deal with it. If you read this book you will really benefit from it becuase, if you read anymore books by this author, the character Abby appears in many of them breifly.

This story is so suspenseful, that I was kept on the edge of my seat the entire time! This time-travel book, involves a young, thirteen-year-old girl by the name of Abby Chandler, who mysteriously and magically escapes a horrific fire, in which her family was killed. Abby does not know it, but a small, magical, stone flute carved in the shape of a phoenix, given to her by a Native American woman, Willow, saved Abby from dying in the fire with her family. But the flute did not only save Abby's life, it also threw her ahead in time by at least three hundred years! One second Abby was living in the colonial era, and the next second she was in a field of snow, without any knowledge of the buildings and houses around her.

Eventually Abby crosses paths with a young, fifteen-year-old girl, Mandy Browne, of Massachusetts. Unknown to both girls, but the day these two meet is the day Abby is rescued from her seemingly inevitable fate of living forever.

Mandy discovers there is something about this girl that isn't right. Whenever Mandy hears Abby hysterically crying, she goes to her room, but Abby is not there. What is even more strange, is that Mandy's parents do not hear Abby's wretched crying. In addition, Mandy discovers pictures of Abby's dating back hundreds of years. The strange thing is though, is that in all of the pictures there is a girl who is the splitting image of Abby, with the exception of clothes from each time period.

Twice, Mandy confronts her parents about Abby's crying, and twice Abby somehow returns back to her room, denying all of it, to which Mandy's parents take sides with Abby. Abby now knows that Mandy can unquestionably hear her crying when she has traveled back to her home of ruins. Since no one else has been able to hear her crying when she has been there, she decides to tell Mandy what really happened to her. Shocked and surprisingly moved by Abby's story, Mandy has no idea what to say and she is left speechless. Abby thinks that because Mandy can hear her crying, she will be able to help Abby save her family.

The rest is up to you to figure out what happens to the two girls. I loved this book and I know that anyone who reads it will too!

This is simply a beautiful book. Much good work has been done to help connect people and plants and we delight in that. Eliot looks beyond the physical plant you see and gifts you with the feeling of connection with Plant Spirits. Thank you Eliot. Many who read this book with an open heart will come through the door you have opened. We are ready to help - ready to heal.

Well written, full of passion and honesty. Cowan takes a leap of faith with courage in hopes that others will learn the connectedness of all, and the simplicity it takes to honor our most prescious resources, "OUR FAMILY". Well worth the read, and please; share it with others!

This book is an accessible, sincere and inspired guide for anyone who is curious about how to recover the human's innate ability to be in communication with the non-human world - which apparently just awaits our intention to do so. Eliot Cowan shares his own fascinating journey of discovery in a way that also offers to the reader ideas for how to do the same. His message is not, "look at me, I have special abilities," but "look into yourself and see what is there just waiting to be revived." The disastrous psychological, ecological and spiritual situation humans find themselves in as a result of having stopped engaging in "the great conversation" with nature, as author Thomas Berry puts it, can begin to heal if we try hard, now, to apply ourselves to the wisdom available in such books as Plant Spirit Medicine. We have a responsibility to read and utilize such information as Eliot Cowan makes available here. --Tayria Ward, Ph.D.

Plant Spirit Medicine speaks of the elements of nature, the plants, shamanism, and healing. Cowan's integrity, wisdom and humor is apparent throughout. I first read this book 7 years ago. It changed my life, opening me up to a world where healing, love and compassion are always flowing from the plants and other aspects of nature. This book speaks of one man's journey and opens the doors to allow you to make your own journey and find your own path.

I have been reading and practicing these medicines for some time. I am also studying ethnobotany and plant medicine in relation to psychopathology. I picked up this book as a supplement to my work, and I did not expect that it would be so good. I would recommend this book to ANY person interested in this subject- whether they are totally new to it, or have been doing it for decades.
Cowan clearly and eloquently provides his take on this subject, and does a very good job explaining the basics. But he writes with a gentle tone, and makes plant spirit medicine something that everyone can do. This book isn't trying to sell anything or promote a workshop or healing modality. This really does provide some genuine insights on how to communicate with plants and use them for healing.
Eliot Cowan is right on with this book. You won't be disappointed.

My four year old son is in love with this chapter series! A friend suggested it to us since he seemed ready for a more advanced reading material at bedtime. My husband reads him a chapter every night...sometimes more because they don't want to stop. It's become a great tradition for them, and something they both look forward to. We love that there are so many in the collection! Start with number 1 and just continue. :)

We loved Magic Tree House#12: Polar Bears Past Bedtime by Mary Pope Osborne. Jack and Annie had a challenging riddle to solve in the Arctic. They needed to solve the riddle to become master librarians. There was a lot of action in the story. Jack and Annie had to work together to get back home safely. We learned many interesting facts about the Inuit people, polar bears, and the Arctic. Mary Pope Osborne used descriptive language that helped us visualize. We loved the story and think you will too!

MY 2nd GRADER read it to the FAMILY! we all LOVED it! IN SCHOOLS WHERE THERE R SO MANY STUPID AWEFUL BOOKS FORCED ON STUDENTS LIKE THE MINDLESS --- ( junie b jones series OR THAT horrible harry JUNK!!!) THE MAGIC TREE HOUSE SERIES REALLY COMES THRU WITH BOOKS TO HELP A YOUNG MIND GROW WITH USEFUL CARING & KNOWLEDGE!!! ANOTHER POLARBEAR BOOK MUST HAVE IS: (POLARBEARS AND THE ARCTIC! NON FICTION MAGIC TREE HOUSE ALSO)

You should read this book because it has good facts. Did you know that a 270 lbs female cub polar bear can go on thin ice without falling through? Is that cool or what? My favorite part is when Jack and Annie meet the cubs and play. It takes place in the Arctic. What do you think will happen to the two kids? Will they become frozen dinners to the bears or will they get save? Read the book to find out!

By Mr. Sondericker's 2nd Grade Class (Marilla Primary, Marilla, NY)

We loved Magic Tree House#12: Polar Bears Past Bedtime by Mary Pope Osborne. Jack and Annie had a challenging riddle to solve in the Arctic. They needed to solve the riddle to become master librarians. There was a lot of action in the story. Jack and Annie had to work together to get back home safely. We learned many interesting facts about the Inuit people, polar bears, and the Arctic. Mary Pope Osborne used descriptive language that helped us visualize. We loved the story and think you will too!

No obtiene la quinta estrella por no hacer referencia alguna al manejo de los archivos BVH. Por lo demás, genial!

This book has become one of my references for Poser 6. It's clearly written and covers topics from basic to advanced. I recommend this book for anyone learning or using Poser 6!

It was very easy to follow and made it easy to learn Poser 6.

I avoid buying software books because many of my past purchases were a complete waste of money. The authors rehash the software's free manuals and provide explanations and tutorials so basic that it seems their target reader is somebody who bought their first PC just last week.

Based on strong reviews, I took a chance and bought Practical Poser 6. I'm not going to cover the content, which is already described very thoroughly in other reviews here. I'll just say that if you have tried to use Poser without any tutorial or learning aids, this book is for you. I had a copy of Poser 5 and had just bought Poser 6 a few weeks before getting this book. My measure of a good instructional book is how much it taught me that I didn't know already. I estimate 50-60% of this book contains info that I'd only have learned by painful trial-and-error, and was really useful to me. And this is not to say that it's for experienced users only -- whether you're just starting out with Poser or already have a few years of experience, there's some explanations, tips and general good reading in this book for you. Highly recommended!

I found Practical Poser 6 a valuable training tutorial into the world of 3D graphics. Not only did it explain the functions and usages of Poser 6 in understandable terms, it illustrated examples in easy to follow, step-by-step instructions. This book is a recommended must-have for individuals who are thinking about entering the realm of 3D graphics or serious artists who want to refine their technique and squeeze a little more 'mileage' from their programs. A first-rate, well written book in it's field.

I loved this book! Hilda and Zelda have to tell Sabrina that she is a witch! (And she does not beleve them at first!) Then she starts doing magic when she does not really want to. Very funny. It's good.

No wonder they say that the first book is always the best- it's true!

The beginning. Its her 16th birthday Sabrina finds out that shes a witch. But the only thing shes learnt is how to turn something into a pineapple. So when Libby is nasty to her and gone just to far she becomes a pineapple. But with her aunts help she is reversed again. But its too late. Her reputation as a freak at the new school has been established. She goes to the other realm counsel to plead for time to be reversed so she can start the day again. DENIED. But Aunt Hilda, Drells (the head counsellor)old girlfriend goes to pay him a little visit. That sure sorted him out. Excellent first book.

Sabrina Spellman lives with her Aunt Hilda and Zelda, but on her 16th birthday, they tell her the secret of her life...she's a witch! Sabrina's spellbook has a magical picture of her father that can talk to her! But one problem, Sabrina can't control her powers! Will Sabrina ever learn to be the witch that she really is?

Meet Sabrina Spellman.Just your average teenager wanting to have fun in her new home in the care of the Spellman sisters,Hilda and Zelda. Sabrina's parents have just split up and Sabrina has moved in with her aunts on her birthday. Something strange is going on though.Why is she receiving big dusty old books titled "ye olde magic" and small cauldrons? Well guess what? Sabrina is a witch! Her aunts try to explain,but this is all too much for her.On her sixteenth birthday she finds out she is a witch and has to start out at a new school "Westbridge High". Trying to forget about her powers,Sabrina makes new friends and new enemies. To find out and capture the magic of the first of Sabrina's adventures and discoveries about becoming a witch,read this fantastic novel today.

Finally KA's books are getting interesting again!. I skipped some books after I started to get bored with the series. I got this one just to see if it was any good. (Ax is one of my favorite characters.) I was pleased with it and went on to get The Answer.

I would recommend this one to any one who has read The Ulitmate #50. You may have to back track some if you haven't.

I was impressed with this book but there was something missing from it. I usually love the "Ax" books but there was something wrong with it. Maybe it's because Applegate started to get more interested in her other series but the corny sense of humor that Ax has was gone. I was shocked with the way he reacted when he found out the Cassie let Tom walk off with the morphing cube. While we're on the subject, I didn't like that part of the series. What Cassie did was just plain dumb. You know, I can understand why she didn't let Jake kill Tom, but why didn't she get him herself? I may have lost some of you, but if you read THe Ultimate, you'll understand.

This is definately a must-read in the Animorph series, but that's just because of the plot.

In this book, humans are being rounded up and boarding subways at gunpoint. There is no doubt that the subways lead to the Yeerk pool, and the Animorphs are considering blowing up the Yeerk pool. Will they blow it up, or will they not? read the book to find out!

Even now, nearly one year since the dramatic end to this stunning
series, I can still remember this book. I haven't touched it since then, but the story, the action, the ending have all stuck in my mind. The most amazing thing about these books is that as they get older they get more mature. Less emphasis on stupid morality, more emphasis on kill or be killed. In this book, one of the last ones, the yeerks have stopped ...footing around and started mass infestation, via a possessed National Guard group, and a new subway system that leeds right to the Yeerk Pool. The Animorphs know they must finally destroy the pool. So, they break into a normal National Guard base, convince the troops about the invasion, and take several thousand-pound bombs with them. They then comandeer a subway train, load the bombs into it, and head for the pool. They slam into it, escape(after freeing most of the people), and the bombs detonate, destroying half of the city. After that, the Yeerk Mother Ship descends from the sky, and you know that the final battle has just begun. It is a slightly disturbing, upsetting book, but if you've ever wanted an excuse to read Animorphs, this is it!
In closing, I'd like to say that this series is one of the best of all time. Even today, one year from its end, the books are still on bookshelves. So, if you'd like a great sci-fi series, with humor, action, maturity, drama, and great characters, then I can recommend no better one. Animorphs has done to sci-fi books, what Harry Potter did to fantasy books: It took a dying subject and revitalized it. Animorphs 52, The Sacrifice is a plain example of this.

My son wrote the following mini-review:

In this installment, the National Guard teams up with the Animorphs to help the heroes defeat the Yeerks. They are successful in destroying another Yeerk pool, wiping out millions of the foul parasites. In The Sacrifice, Cassie finally admits to everybody that she is responsible for letting the Yeerks escape with the "blue box" (or "morphing cube" -- see The Ultimate), causing Ax to hate and distrust her.

With only two more installments remaining in the series, K.A. Applegate begins to set the stage for the death of one of the six key characters. Will it be Tobias, Rachel, Cassie, Jake, Marco, or Ax?

The cool thing about this book and other SM comics is an instant replay is included, which has:
Information about Bunny's family and her friends {both her scout friends and her friends like Molly that have no powers}.
The people from the Black Moon {Nemesis}
A summary of what has happened in previous comics that are in this season {which includes #4 to this one}.
In the first chapter:
Sailor Pluto stops time and kills herself.
Black {Wicked} Lady transforms back to Rini and then becomes Sailor Minimoon.
Neo-Queen Serenity and King Endymion wake up.
Sailor Moon and Sailor Minimoon destroy Death Phantom.
The sailor scouts meet their future self, including Sailor Moon.
Rini goes back to the 30th century. See if she comes back to the present 20th century.
Second chapter:
Raye and Darien get a premination.
Rini goes to an amusement park and meets Hotaru.

I really love it I like the beginning of it plus it starts the Sailor Moon S comic part.If you are really a moonie you should get this!

I love Sailor Moon!Well...To be hounest...I love Mitchiru...Please,don't get me wrong...I really love her!!!!!!

First of all I loved the cover of this book, not to mention the beautiful artwork inside! Naoko Takeuchi has done it again with book #7! I won't tell you much about the book (or it might spoil it) but I will tell you that this is the book where hotaru first appears-there's not much about her but hey....Anyway, I would recommend to buy book #6 first or you won't really know what's going on.
If you're interested in sailor moon, Nakayoshi magazine was were it all began. ......sailor moon #7 are very worth getting!!

This is another great volume. Usagi/Mamoru, Serena/Darien, Bunny/Darien are the best couple. My favorite version is the Japanese version. I will use both names. In this volume, Usagi, known as Bunny and Mamoru, known as Darien have a wonderful experiece. Bunny and Darien are lovers. After going to the future, Bunny becomes trapped. Darien comes to rescue her in space. Bunny and her boyfriend and true love, Darien, travel together. Bunny asks Darien if she should exist because the future would be altered by her. Darien tells Bunny that she has saved many lives. Darien tells Bunny that he lives to protect her and he will lend her his power. Tuxedo Mask and Sailor Moon kiss. Bunny kisses Darien. As they kiss, she feels that they become one. She tells him that she's finally found herself. Darien holds Bunny close. After the battle, they send their future daughter back to the future. Bunny and Darien go to a bench together. Bunny becomes sad. Darien cheers her up and says that they have the whole future together. Bunny smiles, knowing he will always be beside her. Bunny and Darien kiss. As they kiss, their future daughter returns. Bunny wakes up the enxt day and is alte to meet Darien, but he forgives her. Bunny and Darien kiss and Darien senses something new. To find out what happens, read this wonderful volume.

While this book covers all the significant technology in the area, it is a much better read for all those things you wondered about in Sci Fi Could they really do that? Also the policy issues are critical to our privacy rights and conversly national security.

Anyone who uses a mobile phone, relies upon oversees Internet connectivity, or worries about personal security should get acquainted with this book. Mr. Vacca has once again produced a very accessible yet easily readable tome on the dangers and promise of satellite encryption. Pick it up and you'll learn about or government policies regarding satellite communications management and security. By the time you put it down, you'll understand everything from pagers to the electronic battlefield. It's a must-read!

Great book - detailed and technical, but still a good read

As always, John Vacca provides an incredible level of detail in a readable manner. The Internet implications are particularly applicable to almost any reader. In our case, where the line-of-sight constraints of radio transmission in our wireless WANs are forcing us to look at satellite options, this book is an invaluable resource. And the tales told herein about encryption break-ins and techniques make fascinating reading in their own right.

Technical from orbit to chip, and immensely readable as well!

I think that the tittle of this book is a bit misleading. If one reads through all the enthusiastic reviews of the book one can actually get a clear picture of what it is about. It is a general overview of politics of encryption with some technical information included in between. I cannot understand the reason for more than one hundred pages of information about different types of military equipment. Yes, this book is interesting but it is not about cryptography and encryption. These subjects are only a small part of the book. I returned Satellite Encryption after very thorough consideration.

Orthodox believers, the strictly Orthodox, don't need to go here. Or maybe you should--if you are willing to think--to do what the Bible said do, "Worship the Lord Thy God with all thy heart, MIND, and strength.

For those who want to think and aren't afraid to delve into new areas of thought in an effort to make the faith come alive, truly alive, this is a good book, a very good book. But for those who want to read more of what they already believe, for those who want to stay in the cocoon of their faith, never asking or considering the tough questions, this is not the book for you. For Job, yes; for you, no.

The premise of this book is simply this: Is the church--Christians of today--"worshiping" Jesus to the point that they ignore or forget His message, what He said do, the lives He said to lead?

Most likely Christians of today really don't want to hear what Jesus said, they would prefer to worship him as Christ and Lord without letting him really be Christ and Lord. For many Christians--I hope not most--the message of Jesus would be as scandalous today as it was when he first spoke it. It caused him to be put to death before and it would cause many church people, good, well meaning church people, to want to put him to death again today. The church might well lead the charge for his second death as the church led the charge for his first death...

It is a lot easier and a lot more comfortable to worship Jesus on a pedestal as "Christ and Lord" than it is to hear his message and lead the lives He said live.

It brings to mind words from an old country gospel song, "Sorry, I never knew you..." Most Christians "know" who Jesus is, but they don't want to really know him. It would be too difficult on their lives of comfort and ease..." It would be scandalous...

Perhaps we should remember what Jesus said about being "lukewarm...."

My book came promptly and in good condition, as promised. Impressive service. The book is typically fine Gomes fare.

One of the great ironies of the past 2000 years is that the message(s) of Jesus have been lost and billions of people preach Jesus while ignoring his message. Peter Gomes deals with just this issue in a masterful manner, at least in the first four chapters. His historical scholarshiop is impressive as is the breath and depth of his knowledge. Part 1 of his book needs to be read by any serious student of Christianity.

Somewhere along the line, Gomes appears to get lost (Ironically, this is not unlike the story of Christianity itself). The bulk of the rest of the book is certainly a good read, but it hardly matches the promise of the first four chapters. Indeed, while interesting and informative (who can't like an author who enjoys Steven Seagal movies?), the remainder of the book seems to ramble. Individual topics are well done (e.g., "When is the End Coming?", "Whatever Happened to Sin?", "The Fear Factor"), but at some point the book deteriorates into a series of sermons/lectures, however well written and informative.

But the lack of focus shouldn't deter serious students from reading this book.

Once again Peter Gomes has provided a combination of sound information, humor and relevance to enhance Biblical understanding for lay readers and clergy alike.

I am a fan of Peter Gomes, so I was among the first to buy his new book. It did not disappoint. Gomes' insights into the gospel are, as usual, penetrating and thought-provoking. However, be warned: this book may upset entrenched religious people--wait, isn't that just what Jesus did?

This is a short book, so I only anticipated a rudimentary overview and basic instructions on creating podcasts for a novice. I was pleased to find a good range of information, mostly for people who have had some experience with digital audio and content syndication.

The book is essentially a catalogue of all things related to podcasting. It compares everything from podcatcher software, microphones and headphones, audio editing programs, distribution methods, and all things in between. It also provides a basic guide on creating audio and video podcasts using the iLife products on the Mac or Audacity and Movie Maker on a PC. I felt the best feature of this book was that almost every page included an image of each interface or piece of hardware being discussed. Again, it gives the reader a great side-by-side comparison of the most popular and up-and-coming technologies related to podcasting.

Unfortunately, because the book is so focused on current technology, it will become obsolete very quickly. In fact, the book is barely a year old and is already dated. The author realizes this and attempts to be as forward thinking as possible. This is the second edition of the book, and no doubt subsequent editions will follow.

This book provides everything a person needs to know if he or she is seriously considering creating an episodic podcast right now. It even features some interesting interviews with veteran podcasters. If you do buy this book though, don't expect that it will have a long shelf-life.

You have to admire anyone who tries to write a beginners' guide to a technology this new and that is growing this explosively. Farkas really does an excellent job. His second edition got me up and running on my own podcast within 48 hours of my buying the book.

Most valuable: the author's evaluations and recommendations of products and software. Yes, this material will quickly become dated, but Farkas gives us a good starting point to research gear in online forums and discussion groups.

Least valuable: same as above, as you have to accept that this technology is growing so quickly that any book will quickly become dated. But don't shoot the messenger. Farkas does a great job, and he cannot be blamed because he has written a solid guidebook and cannot control changes within the world of podcasting. Do your own research as needed. Many podcasters are thrilled to discuss their own history with this emerging form. At least Farkas can help you sound like you have some idea of what you are talking about when you ask for help!

Also helpful: descriptions of RSS and script for your own RSS feed, descriptions of hardware available and discussions of each, along with interviews with successful podcasters who maje their own recommendations.

It does help to know a little HTML going into the RSS section, though.

This book is only good if you have absolutely zero experience or knowledge of podcasting. If you have already recorded a few shows, this book isn't for you.

Secrets of Podcasting--Audio Blogging for the Masses
By Bart G. Farkas
Published by Peachpit Press
ISBN 0321369297

Reviewed by Jim Lauria-HuNTUG member

Real world guidance on creating podcasts

A well written and well illustrated guide for beginners looking to create or locate podcasts on Windows or Mac machines.

Farkas includes plenty of screenshots and illustrations to simplify the informative text on how to download podcasts on MP3 players, create scripts and set the flow of your podcast, picking software for editing and recording, and legally playing music on your podcast.

He also offers advice on choosing the right equipment and distributing your podcast and RSS/XML feeds.

An interesting book for beginners which gets a 5 star rating.

Although I haven't (yet?) created one, I am becoming more interested in the podcasting phenomenon. A very good "get your feet wet" book to get someone started in that area is Secrets of Podcasting - Audio Blogging for the Masses by Bart G. Farkas.

Contents: Podcasting Basics; Jumping In; Creating a Podcast; Podcasting Distribution; Appendix; Glossary; Index

Yes, there's only four chapters... but they're *long* chapters... :)

I don't know that I would have titled this book "Secrets of". That almost implies that the book covers the nitty-gritty of podcasting and goes into great detail on specialized topics. That's not the case. Instead you get a broad coverage of the subject matter, from what it is to how to create your own. I've reviewed a number of other podcast books that go into great detail on mics, setting up your own studio, etc. Not here... This is really targeted at someone who either wants to know more about this strange new thing called podcasting, or someone who wants to create a podcast and wonders how to go about it. The information is highly practical, and you get all the "must know" information in order to make sure you are successful your first time out. If you then want to continue on and carry it to the next level, you can look for the books that get into the esoterica of sound theory and such...

I liked how Farkas listed a large number of software packages and hardware recommendations to get started. There's no emphasis on "buying the best of everything", but rather making solid purchases (or downloading solid open source software) that will serve you well going forward and make sure you don't sound like a rank amateur out of the gate. With coverage of Mac, Linux, and Windows platforms, you're pretty sure to find something that will fit your configuration. Also, if you're just into listening, chapter 2 (Jumping In) will give you everything you need to know on how to find, download, and manage the podcasts you find. All this is done with some off-beat humor and a number of interview sidebars with actual podcasters. Getting the perspective of where things are going from more than just the author adds quite a lot to the mix.

So long as you're not looking for expert level tips when you buy the book, you should enjoy the material and get real value from it. I certainly enjoyed reading it, and learned a bit in the process...