Arts Books

i LOVED jAMIES BOOK WANNABE I COULDNT PUT IT DOWN. I HOPE HE WRITES ANOTHER BOOK TO CONTINUE WHERE HE LEFT OFF. I TOLD ALL MY FRIENDS THEY HAVE TO READ IT THATS HAVE MUCH I ENJOYED THE BOOK.

I watched his show JKX for a few seasons and my wife and I found the show to be VERY funny. The best bits are the folks who apply for the paper delivery job and the skit with the driving instructor. In my opinion the all time best was when he had the mexican day laborers over for his birthday party.
Anyway, this book shows the struggles and nonsense that he went through before getting on TV. It is well written and doesn't really gloss over the nonsense he had to put up with.And there is a message in here but you'll have to read the book

I really enjoyed reading about Jamie Kennedy trying to make it in Hollywood, it was years of humiliating jobs, and lots of money down the drain on get famous quick scams, but he clawed his way to the middle, and planted his flag.

I have to admit, I wonder how truthful some of his stories really are, but I'm sure he told it as he really remembered it. I really admire him for having a dream, and making it happen.

He also spins some funny stories about his encounters with celebrities, my favorite was when he was working at Red Lobster, and Arsenio Hall came in, at first he didn't recognize him, and told him there were no tables available, and then recognized him, and got really excited, and then Arsenio asked if he had a table for him now, and Jamie said, "no". Funny stuff, definately worth a read.

Outstanding! What a life he has had so far. This book is not only hilarious, but it makes you believe that nothing is impossible no matter how many times you get knocked down.

Jamie Kennedy's show is what I know him best by. I'm so glad he wrote this book and gave us a little inside of his life. He's such an honest, and open book. What a fascinating character he is, in everything he does. I actually tend to look up to him and base my actions on him and others like him, never being afraid to show my inner self (read my profile here at Amazon if you don't believe me). Life is too short, and if you don't reach out and take Life, it won't be taken. That seems to be his "take on life."

I highly recommend this book and this lifestyle. It will truly rock your world!

MC White said: Check it out!!!

This is a superb introduction to ancient warfare and can serve as a springboard for further studies in ancient history. The artwork depicting the uniforms of various armies of that time is well done and the narratives, diagrams of battles are really helpful and informative.

Loved the book. The sketches and battle tactics illustrated made them come alive for me. Gave me a much better insight into the whole thing. And the delivery was fast, even with free shipping.

As I researched the equipment and modes of Greek warfare while writing the historical novel "Maccabee," I consulted numerous excellent sources, but John Warry's book was without a doubt the best. It became my virtual bible for the staging of the battle sequences between the Jews in the Maccabean Revolt and their Syrian enemies who employed the Greek methods that had worked so well for Alexander the Great. Warry's explanations of military techniques in their historical context as well as the wealth of illustrations makes this a valuable resource for anyone interested in ancient warfare.

This is an excellent introduction to ancient warfare. It is lavishly illustrated, and provides excellent diagrams to support some of the concepts such as how a phalanx of Greek infantry manoevered and then moved into combat. The book covers the technology of the times, but also looks at tactics and gives an overview of the politics that lead to the various conflicts. I would higly recommend this book for beginners in the field of ancient warfare such as myself. My only reservation, is that while the primarary authorities are extensively referenced in the text, I would have liked to see a bibliography (although the glossary is great too!) Highly recommended for beginners or those with a general interest in the topic.

I just got this for my son and I ended up reading it first. I am sure during this X'Mas both of us will want to fight for the book. The pictures and the drawings are of the highest qualities. I love the descriptions of major wars. I just wish that the author has given it more explanation of the drawings for the major battles like adding more legends. Also, it is kind of hard to read/understand the numbers and types of soldiers for both sides on the battlefield. But all in all, this is a great book that I suspect I will read and re-read many times.

I train Ving Tsun in the Moy Yat lineage, so my review comes from that perspective. I think Sifu Belonoha's book is an amazing reference guide that can supplement serious Ving Tsun (Wing Chun) training. Bear in mind, however, that this is not a book you buy to learn Ving Tsun kung fu from. It is supplemental material if you are a student in training. It could also be used as a guide for a new person to show what you can expect from ving tsun training.

The book covers details in applications and forms, diet recommendations, work out habits, ving tsun history and lineage, etiquette, customs and so forth. The level of detail of this information is unmatched in its thoroughness and accuracy, and frankly, this is the first and last ving tsun reference book you will ever need. I recommend using this book with the guidance of your sifu, and to not dig further ahead in your training than you are introduced to concepts in class. But this is a priceless supplement to review techniques and forms you have already been introduced to.

If you're looking for a book that will teach you kung fu: don't. Find an instructor, then buy this book.

Not the best organization. Very detailed and covers lots of information. Doesnt cover dummy form...Odd

"Everything should be done as simple as possible, but not simpler"
The book starts with this Albert Einstein phrase, and Mr Belonoha does it very well when writing his book.

I am new to wing chun, I've been training since last september, and bought this book to get to know the background and philosophy of this art. It has been very helpful for learning the names of techniques, understanding the basis af a certain move or technique, where and how to employ it,
and to get a general view of this great martial art. GREAT BOOK

It is simply one of the best books on the market on Wing Chun style Kung Fu.
You cannot go wrong purchasing this book.

Being a student for 13 yrs, it was good to find a book that covered so many topics of wing chun and his approach to it all. While I may not agree with a lot the author had to write, too much outdated info, he stayed faithful to the minimal of the art...namely a good description of the forms. The photos and explanations may help someone who forgot how to do the forms. Otherwise not much else if you never practiced wing chun.

Decorative Artist Curtis L. Heuser will take you on a true-to-life journey of his purchase of a forgotten historic house in disrepair to it's reclaimed glory. A chance meeting between Curtis and the art director for the book's publisher resulted in this journey being documented for the benefit of creative thinkers everywhere. Where to begin? What to tackle first? How to proceed? Curtis allows us to enter his creative thinking process as he provides the reader with his inspirations, initial preparatory drawings, as well as tips and tricks, materials lists and instructions for executing many of the exciting painted and plaster finishes that he used in this stunning home. From the elegant chinoiserie-inspired garden mural on the cover to the creation of a faux-rusted vanity, Curtis hasn't kept much to himself. He allows the reader generous access to this handsome home and to all of the secrets of it's restored beauty. Your Home, a living canvas will inspire you to rethink your own living canvas and if you like, will hold your hand along the way.

This is a delilghtful and beautiful book for artists or those of us who appreciate others' talent. Curtis has created a labor of love first in his home and then in his book. I was fortunate enough to tour the finished product and it is truly gorgeous. I'm able to relive the experience by revisiting his book from time to time. This book is a winner on all counts.

I love reading what people have to say about things I KNOW so well. lol I am very fortunate to have a Curtis Heuser mural in my home and when guest see it, they speak of my home to others as a mansion, not a house. Curt is a would class artist, however, this book gets criticized in some reviews because it is not JUST about murals. Please be thankful about that folks. A mural does personalize a space and add an art feature to a home but Curt then teaches how to complete the picture by showing you how to decorate the space. Curt does not say, "Give me a boat load of money and i'll transform your home", he tells you how to make your house a mansion. I, like Curt, came from very humble beginnings and he has taught me how to live like a king, or at least look like on a shoe string budget. He teaches how to select great paint colors, fabrics, and decorative pieces you can pick up at discount stores or antique shows. People come to my house and look at things I have picked up and marvel at their beauty and I smile knowing that the item might have been $9.00 and I bought it because I loved it. I didn't have to pay a decorator a commission on something purchased form a store that already has it marked up. Please enjoy Curts gift for making your house a home from mural work, faux finishes, collections that you purchase from Goodwill to antique shows. However, having said all this, my best purchase was the mural in my dining room. Check it out on HGTV website, episode 508 on the show Before and After. I hope there will be many more books from this man. He has the gift to create world class spaces. I wish all of you could have your own Heuser mural. His portfolio is amazing.

YOUR HOME,A LIVING CANVAS sits on my living room coffee table and everyone who sees it wants one. Curtis Heuser's work is stunning and his directions for achieving beautiful results in your own home are clear and accessible. This book is head and shoulders above any others that I have read on faux finishes and/or murals. For just browsing for aesthetic pleasure or for guidance in undertaking major artistic redecoration, YOUR HOME is the book to own; the perfect gift to give or to receive.

Being in this house must be like walking around in a dream.This man is highly gifted!

I am a huge Alias fan. I found this book to be a great addition to my Alias collection. The book is very interesting with details about the characters, actors, design sets, and just about everything. I was interested in how some of the actors and actresses have kind of created their own characters behind the "script". It was a very fun and exciting read. I would reccomend this to anyone who is a fan of alias. You will not be disappointed as this book is entertaining AND informative, which is quite hard to find these days. If you enjoy Alias, you will love this book.

This book was a great read. I think that all fans should have a copy! I couldn't put it down for hours!

People have been going on to me to watch "Alias" for some time, So having purchased the 1st 2 Season from Amazon UK, I sat down to watch them.
Nearly through Season 1, a friend told me about a making book on the first season, but had never brought it, so I search Amazon UK and it wasn't listed. I then came to Amazon US, and found it and took the plunge and ordered it.
It arrived within a Week and the book included the DVD.
If you like the series and wonder whats goes on behind the scences of a TV series like Alias, then this is the book to buy.
The DVD gives gives you some small interviews and breif look behind the scence, which is an added bonus, but it is the book that has the pulling power.
When do we See a Season 2 & 3 Book?

This is a great book for anyone that is hooked on the spy show, Alias. I didn't start watching until the second season, so I got it to give me background on the episodes, characters, and stories. There's lots of great behind the scenes info, and facts about the cast. It's a fun, must have book for everyone that's been sucked into the world of Alias!

Naturally, I bought this book because I loved the show, and wanted to know more about what goes on behind the scenes of this underrated drama/action/suspense thriller. Every episode brings out an edge-of-your-seat feeling, and it makes you wish that the hour was much longer. This book was great, it even includes a cd-rom so you can watch a few extras. It also includes storyboards and costume designs (still, I wish that there were a few more examples). It also includes an episode guide on every show from season 1, including a few tidbits as well. Certainly a must for any fan of ALIAS, or even for those who appreciate great writing!

This book has some "ok" parts in it, but overall it didn't seem very useful; could've been much better.
Besides using up a page with a cartoon that really doesn't say much, there are several pages with large font section titles, then one or two lines related or not so related to that; for example on one page in big letters it says "Should I accept Tips?", then a little line "Yes, with grace and gratitude". Apart from this being a useless piece of advice, it's a waste of space.
Most of the stuff in the book is common sense. There are some things that are helpful, that most of us who've been in the entertainment business for years tend to forget about, such as eye contact and pulling your audience in, making it about them. I will give the book that.
In some places where the author could've really given some great advice, he recommends a book by someone else. Wow, a book recommending other books to do its job!
The part I did enjoy was the section "An Open Letter To Myself" by Mary Gauthier. So I guess I should find a book by Mary Gauther and send this one back.
Much of the advice doesn't really seem to be aimed at helping solo performers in small venues. It looks more like stuff for people in front of large auditoriums. You know, guys working in small clubs need a little help too.
Over all the book is way overpriced for the small amount of useful info it contains. I wish I could recommend something else, but as of yet I have not found any good written material on the subject.

Steve Rapson's book helped me enormously as a beginning guitarist/vocalist performer. I have even bought this book as a gift to other performer friends who were similarly in need of a helping hand, direction and moral support.

Please make no mistake... everything you need to know about performing music, lecturing or whatever you may do as a solo artist before an audience - from getting started and gaining confidence to getting an agent and getting gigs, it's there .... in the book.

Beautifully written in an easy style and interspersed with cartoon drawings. I love this man for writing this book and am only dismayed that he will never know how much I owe him for the confidence his book gave me .... buy this book!!!

Steve's book is a godsend to people like us. As a beginning performer, Steve's book talked to me in a percise and easy to understand manner. He explains how to deal with people, how to deal with booking, and money. This is an invaluable resource to me and I certainly reccomend it to anyone thats going to be taking any sort of people facing position.

This book is a must-have for any solo performer, with practical and essential tools for anyone trying to get out there and make it on their own.
Mr. Rapson has given an incredible gift to any aspiring performer, with years of experience and wisdom packed into an easy-to-read and fun book. His advice on a broad range of topics is perfect for musicians, entertainers, and public speakers alike.
I have been entertaining people for 15 years and I can't tell you how much this book has helped me improve! There is something here for pros and beginners alike, and it definitely helped me get started as a solo musician after years of playing in different bands.
Get this book and you will not regret it!

Creighton M.

I am a professional trainer who follows the literature in the presentation field.

I am also skeptical of the advice you find in "how-to" books on presentations. The material is either too academic lacking life experience, self-serving from an author on an ego-trip or simply not relevant to my experiences as a trainer.

Steve Rapson's book is entertaining, honest and educational. Steve's unusual combination of professional experiences in the corporate world and as an entertainer produce valuable insights and advice for all trainers or presenters.

The Art of the Soloperformer is the best book I have read in the field.

Jack Smith
The Smith Group

"Training for Public Organizations"

It's good to have an electronic copy of this book on your Kindle as a reference when you need it. And you can't beat the price. Well worth it.

The Art of War is ostensibly about winning battles in ancient China, but has endless implications for life today. It is in print in wide circulation mainly because people see it as valuable for business strategy, but it is also a useful way to think about politics in this election season, to pick only one other example. This particular edition is wonderful, giving the Chinese and English versions and commentary in an attractive package.

I expected the classic book, "The Art of War" to be written similar in the way that "The Prince" was, I was mistaken. In Sun Tzu's book it merely outlines various beliefs he has acquired over time without going much into detail about why to do things a certain way (He basically outlines objectives necessary to winning a war). The book itself seems to be broken into direct statements and is less than 80 pages long (the original that is). This version of the book with commentary I found to be incredibly helpful as it pushed forward the ideas of Sun Tzu while providing additional information about the times and other information that anyone would find helpful who does not have a perfect understanding of how history played out back in those times. I'm definitely happy I purchased this version of the book above others, however, now that I have read this one I would be interested in reading another version with additional commentary.

The most compelling book for understanding military strategy and tactics. You will be able to destroy your enemies if you can apply the principles of Sun Tzu effectively.

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R15PR8H4737MEJ This is a magnificent book that tells as much about psychology as it does military strategy.

Years ago I ran into this book in my local book store (long before Amazon.com) and bought it. I had taken 2 ski lessions in my life and got started downhill skiing later in life, perhaps I was in my forties. I struggled along with the green and easy blue slopes, but the majority of the mountain was not open to me. If I tried something more difficuilt, I would fear and fall. No matter how hard I worked the green slopes, I just wasn't getting any better. I lacked skill and confidence.

Then I started reading this book. What struck me was how I felt like I understood what Lito was trying to get into me. I remember copying a couple pages of each section and placing them in a zip lock bag when I would go skiing. I'd pull out the lession points I had selected and read it over and over carefully and practiced exactly what he said to do.

I realized that each chapter was seemly long, but also easy to read and then I realized that what Lito had done was to explain the same lession many different ways and one, at least, was sure to hit me right on. That was his key, and what made the book so thick; he explained it over and over but each time from a different perspective until each reader would click on at least one of the explainations and just get it!

As I write this today, I have just skiied all over Kirkwood's black diamonds, I'm 58 years old and 13 years ago had quad heart bypass. I buy a season pass and ski as many days as my schedule and the weather permits and have for years now.

I looked this book up today on Amazon to see if I could buy it for a friend as I seemed to have loaned my copy out and haven't seen it in years. If you have started skiing, taken a begining lession or 2, you will want to read this book like no other. And if you think that you can't really learn to ski well from a book, just remember this "old man" skiing the black diamonds of Kirkwood and every other place he visits.

Wow. This is like the ski bible, if there is such a thing. In this book, you learn how to create beginner wedges, transition to wedge christies, progress to parallel, and finally ski parallel dynamically like the pros do. You also learn how to carve and ski in various conditions using simple but effective techniques. There is even a chapter on tactics for Nastar racing. I was skeptical whether this would be a good how-to-ski book when I browse through the book because the illustrations are in black and white and look so simple. But after I read the book cover-to-cover, I realized this is the best ski book I ever read. I found the instruction in the other ski books very hard to remember as they are complex. Time and time again when I'm on the slopes, I would fall back to the techniques and tactics taught in this book.

I am a 29 yr old non-athlete, who started skiing last year and could only go upto the wedgie turns level down the green slopes. Thank heavens I found this book and bought one copy. After reading three chapters, I hit the slopes, pushed myself to moderate and difficult blue slopes. Oh boy! I couldn't believe the way I was skiing. I couldn't conceal the wide grin on my face as I was making those smooth parallel S turns. I never believed one could learn skiing by reading a book. This book works, delivers everything it promises. Thanks Lito, for teaching me how to ski.

This is not just the best book on skiing available, it's the best way to learn, period. I never thought I could learn a sport from reading a book, but I skied for twenty years and never got any better. Then I read this book and in one week I was three times the skier. It was like a new sport. Since then I have encouraged a half-dozen friends to read it, all with the same results. My friend Al neglected to actually read the book for years. Then one time we went skiing together and he was suddenly doing everything right, looking like a new, confident, expert skier. I was amazed, and I remarked "your skiing is SO much better!" He replied "I read the book!"

It's happened to just about any skiier. You get over the initial fear of falling, and learn how to get from the top of the hill down to the bottom. You move from the greens to the blues, and get a sense of what skiing is generally about. But you're not *great*.

This plateau is hit by skiiers of all ages and backgrounds. They know the mechanics of skiing, and they know what to do. But they marvel at those people zooming down the slopes effortlessly, as if they were dancing on the snow.

The solution is this book. I didn't even buy it on my own originally - it was given to me by a skiier friend who had read it and loved it. The book made a circuit through our skiing group and soon we all had copies of it. We then lent those out to friends, so they could learn too! This wasn't the basics - how to snowplow, how to stop. And it wasn't complicated either. It was full of great, practical, easy to understand *tips* that you could immediately apply to your own skiing.

Highly recommended!

I'm a Tori fan, not a comic book fan. It was somewhat interesting to see how other people interpret Tori's work. The majority of the comics were cool, but a handful were dredful.
The book came in great shape, no cuts, folds, or dis-colorations.
I don't think I would recommend it unless you are a die-hard fan of Tori.

You think you understand an artist's direction, but then they take a new turn. I love the medium, and expression of all of the artists. Thanks Tori

In true Tori fashion, Comic Book Tattoo pushes the preverbial envelope. The artists each take on Tori's lyrics and music... the results are funny, disturbing, and thought provoking.
Love it.

I anticipated the arrival of the hardcover copy of Comic Book Tattoo on amazon.com for a couple weeks...once it arrived I immediately ordered it. Once I finally got it, I was amazed! It was greater than I expected...weighing in at a few pounds, beautiful 12" pages, and wonderfully rich stories. All inspired by the magnificent songs by Tori Amos. Of course, most Tori fans would deeply appreciate this book, but fans of comic books would also appreciate it too. I highly recommend the hardcover edition, as it could be a coffee table book!

Comic Book Tattoo Tales Inspired by Tori Amos is a very unusual and brilliant collection of illustrations based on the singer/songwriter's songs. I am a huge Tori fan and this is a great idea to say the least, the artists who worked on this book really put their heart and soul into this unique project. I highly recommend it, your eyes won't believe it!

My freshman calculus teacher read this to her class ~40 years ago, and I LOVED it. It helped me understand that math isn't the boring exercise that so many think it is. Recently I had the pleasure of re-reading this delightful story and found it every bit as wonderful as I had 40 years ago. I have been reading it to young grandchildren lest they become squiggly lines instead of seeing the benefits of being straight ones. This book is a timeless classic that should be read widely by all ages.

There really isn't much math in this book, but then the book is for young children, so that is not a valid criticism. It is a book about a male straight line that is in love with a female point that prefers a chaotic meandering line. He is distraught at his unrequited love and his straight line friends try to cheer him up. They tell him things like: "She lacks depth", "They all look alike anyway." This does not help, his response is, "She is perfect any way I look at her."
Many illustrations are included to further the "point." My favorite is the illustration that has the point in question on a pedestal with the inscription, "Ultimum punctum", Latin for "Ultimate point." After an enormous effort, the straight line manages to bend himself into angles and suddenly he is capable of making precise geometric shapes. This thoroughly impresses the point and she joins forces with him to make an exclamation point. The story closes with the moral, "To the vector belong the spoils."
Given the complexity of the mathematical satire, this is a book that can be enjoyed by everyone from children to sophisticated mathematicians. Amazon.com lists it as a book for the ages 4-8, but that is much too simple way to look at this gem.

Published in Journal of Recreational Mathematics, reprinted with permission

This is a sweet little book that will appeal to the engineers and scientists among us. You, too, can change! Or, Love conquers all! The illustrations are fun, and the writing intelligent and clever.

Enjoy!

I was given this book as a teenager, and never forgot it. I used to ask other people if they knew about it, but few seemed to have ever heard of it. I am an artist, and in spite of the use of 'math' in the title, thought this book was about art.
I missed ALL the math info and puns. (It was interesting reading the reviews of the math and science readers.) I can only tell you that the cleaver drawings tell stories that are universal. They work as well for art and life as they seem to work for math.
I have now given this book to many people. Every one of them has thanked me.
This is my favorite gift to give away for Valentine's day.

Norton Juster wove more than puns and visual gags into this short book. Not to take an ounce away from those fantastic double entendres ("drawn and on edge").

There are references to social commentary "they all look the same anyhow," "freedom is not a license for anarchy," "why don't you find a nice line and settle down." There is amazing (for kids) vocabulary: quintessence, vector, potent, paralleliped. If you want to go there, there is also out of date vocabulary "Oh, what a head!" This book is rich.

Most of my high school math classes read "The Dot and the Line" at some point during the year, often as a read-aloud before a holiday. We find the puns, I explain the jokes, we discuss (briefly the social commentary), someone looks up the hard words, and they read a little boy-girl love story. It's the best kind of learning, the kind that happens when they think they are having fun!