This is my fourth Pilates book and I must say that this is the real fundamental resource for the Pilates method.

One major difference that you'll find in this book is that it asks you to prepare and condition your body first before you execute the actual classic Pilates exercises. The book first discusses the ideal posture and proper body alignment that we are born with, its importance in our everyday life, and the reasons why this ideal gets distorted as we grow older. You can also means of assessing your current posture and body alignment here. According to this book, there are generally three types of postural deformities that can be addressed by doing Pilates exercises. For each of the deformities, corresponding corrective exercises are enumerated and described. (This is akin to Anna Selby's Pilates book in that regard - that is an equally good book although not as expansive as this one is.)

Traditional methods would ask you to do "The Hundred" as a means of warming up the body. Before even touching on "The Hundred", though, this book first asks you, and tells you how to: make sure that you correctly locate your powerhouse, ensure that your spine is in neutral, that your pelvic is steady, that you are breathing correctly, and all the other fundamental exercises that you should know to fine-tune your body. I thought I was doing Pilates correctly, but after reading this book, I realized that so much more can be done in attaining optimal results using Pilates, principally by preparing your body for the exercises to come.

Very often, in doing Pilates exercises, one is asked to put one's "navel to spine". This book clarifies exactly what that means, and gives guidance on how to execute this move properly. In addition, Pilates exercises call for lifting or rolling down "vertebra by vertebra". This book also tells you exactly what that means, and points to the body parts that correspond to these areas. Another thing that I like about this book is that it provides visualization tips to execute each move correctly all throughout the workouts.

Lest you think that this book is all about preparatory exercises for Pilates, let me say too the classic Pilates exercises are also included in this book - with new and helpful tips to execute the moves properly. The instructions are presented clearly and not without good humor at times.

This full color, photograph-filled book is segregated into different sections. You have the sections for the beginner, for the intermediate, and for the advanced exercises. You also have sections for selecting which type of workout you should do (exercises included) depending on your lifestyle. Say you are a dancer, actor, sedentary worker, or athlete - flip through these sections and find the workout suitable for you. Say you have a specific body problem - for example, you are knock-kneed, or you have tight ankles, there are also exercises here that can help you.

My only comment about this book is that it assumes that one has mastered the human anatomy. Through the course of the exercises and discussions, references to specific muscle groups are made, most with illustrations and layperson's terms, but a few without. I readily forgive this flaw, though, for I do find myself benefiting greatly from the contents of this book.

Any one thinking about going to law school must buy this book. This book contains the admissions index graphs that can't be found anywhere else.

Ms. Gordon, born in Vienna and educated in Japan and the United States, found herself by an accident of history in Japan at age 22 with the American Occupation Forces immediately after World War II. General MacArthur directed her and others to draft a new constitution for Japan. Drawing on European constitutions that she found in the remaining libraries in war-torn Tokyo, she wrote for Japanese women an advanced equal rights clause that Japanese women have treasured ever since. The story of how the Japanese constitution was written is extremely interesting and well-written. Readers interested in Vienna and in European social activity of the early 20th Century will also find interesting descriptions of same. Mrs. Gordon's father was a famous Russian pianist who associated with many other famous pianists of his era, such as Artur Rubinstein.

It's apparent from reading this title that the author really knows her stuff. She's spent 30 years island hopping the Caribbean and it shows in her grasp of local cultures and her ability to sniff out the authentic in every town. In a crowded field of Caribbean guidebooks, this title truly excels.

This audio series was very informative, enjoyable and easy to listen to. Emma leads you through every step very clearly.
I especially enjoyed the tape about soil preperation, and
the one about herbs. If you are looking for help in any
area of gardening this is the series you are looking for.

Origins of the Second World War is a collection of twelve essays, each by a distinguished scholar who focus on a particular aspect of the inter-war period. In all, each is respectful of Taylor's contentions, but all find that Taylor was incomplete or wrong in his analysis. Robert Young shows that the French people,politicians, & military were not resigned to pacifism and defeat. They were opponents of Britain's appeasement of Germany, but, realized that France needed Britain to offset Germany's superior numbers. Norman Rich argues that Hitler did have a plan of conquest for exploiting/exterminating non-Ayrans in his quest for lebensraum in the east. Paul Kennedy acknowledges that many of Taylor's judgements have stood the test of time but criticizes Taylor's omission of the military,financial,industrial, and strategic weaknesses of Britain and its Empire. Piotr Wandycz criticizes Taylor's superficial presentation of Poland, and, his lack of understanding of Poland's relations with Britian,France,and Germany. The other eight chapters are also critical of Taylor. In all , an antidote to Taylor's less than convincing contentions on the Origins of WWII.

What an exquisite book! Not only is it an informative and interesting read, but it made me want to move to Taos and take up oil painting! In fact, I'm signing up for painting classes this week! The plates are magnificent, and the subject matter, Taos, and Taos Pueblo Indians, are filled with beauty and dignity from a time gone by. Highly recommended for all lovers of the Southwest, native cultures, and landscape and oil paintings.

Out Of The Fog: The Sinking Of Andrea Doria is a thoughtfully presented and informatively detailed account of the events that led up to the tragic 1956 sinking of the luxury liner Andrea Doria upon its fateful collision with the Stockholm. Fifty-six people died, the two companies who owned each ship chose to settle out of court, and the lack of documented resolution leaves questions hanging on to the present day. Knowledgeably written by Algot Mattsson (an information officer for Swedish America Line when the wreck happened), Out Of The Fog was originally published as "The Long Night" in 1986; now, this insider's account has been skillfully translated into English and presented to a new generation of readers in this Cornell Maritime Press edition. Out Of The Fog is a confidently recommended addition to 20th Century Maritime History collections and reading lists.

I have been using this book for some time now, and it has helped me time and time again. In a junior highschool jazz band this book is ver helpful. It has some of the most peragotive tenor sax solos i have ever seen. And if your ever in a jam where u need a solo right away and just cant think of one, this book is a life saver. The cd that comes with it is also very helpful. If u dont know the rythm or not a good sight reader the cd will get you one your way. Just play the cd and Play along. In about an hour to a solo, you are set for a surprise performance. A definite must have for all.

When I got this book, I was expecting to trash it in the first month after using it, like I do with a lot of my saxophone books that become a bore. However, that was not what happened. When I started playing these totally cool solos I just couldn't stop. I mean, they were actually really fun to play. Several months have passed, but I still havent dumped out this book that really made my day when I first bought it. All my friends love this book too(they play the sax like I do), and its becoming quite popular with all of us. Yep... This is a really, really great book. I recommend it to all the other kids that don't have anything good to play.