Alex Heard's adventures in the borderlands of culture remind me of the joys of listening to radical idealists of any stripe. I could feel the presence of each of his subjects, whether dreamer of a new Atlantis or channeler of benevolent, alien intelligence, or cross-bearing transcontinental walker. Each individual is a revelation in the spectrum of humanity, and most of them are endearing in distinct and peculiar ways. Heard is not unkind to either his subjects or his readers. He is a translator between "here" and "there," whose writing is so fluid and flawless that these strange world views slide into one another leaving the reader wondering how preferrable his own reality is in comparison. Read this book and be, by turns, amazed, entertained, touched, and more eager to engage the world and try out other lenses on reality.

One of my fellow reviewers below blasts Heard for getting a little too personal about a "New Age" group in his first chapter, apparently believing his criticism to be petty revenge. For the record, the subject of the first chapter, "Welcome, Space Brothers" is about Unarius, a group that believes a race of benevolent aliens will come save us all with their space-technology, and who spend their free time "remembering" the horrible things they did during their previous lives in Atlantis in order to explain their shortcomings (and, as they are all apparently addicts and mental patients, there are many of them) during this life. Just for the record...

What really, REALLY hurts about this book is that I have been involved in most of these groups. Michael Savage, the life extension people, the Futurists, the astral projection guys... So while I'm reading Heard's cutting commentary, I'm remembering all the reasons I eventually fell away from all that, and realizing for the first time what a [fool] I was. Oh well. The New Age was more fun than Christianity, that's for certain.

Heard presents most of his subjects in as totally an objective manner as is possible, which is not very. He seems genuinely taken with many of the lovable/frightening people he meets, almost convinced by some of them, such as with Chet Fleming, the guy who patented a method to keep a severed human head alive. In the final chapter, "Take me home, Mr. Wiggles", Heard obviously WANTS to believe astral projection is possible, especially after discovering that his wife is a closet fan. You get the sense that Heard wants to believe a lot of this; wants to believe that we can live forever, wants to believe that artificial island nations are possible. Live in a rather flat, dull culture as we do, it's almost essential to believe that the fantastic exists. This is a collection of dreams, pursued by fascinatingly obsessed people regardless of, you know, reality. Reading, I wanted to believe, once more, that such things were possible. Heck, who knows? The world ain't over yet... not until they get the red cow bred specially for Judgement Day to Israel, at the very least.

This is one of those books you'll want to tell others about. (In fact, I've already bought an additional copy for a friend.) The author has spent an impressive amount of time interviewing the book's subjects, and the depth of his commitment and research is evident in the finished product. If you find human nature fascinating, if you're interested in a look at some of the groups and individuals (many with an astonishing following) who operate on the fringe of mainstream society, AND if you enjoy good writing with a healthy dose of wit...buy this book! Another thing that really impressed me is Heard's ability to relate his interactions and conversations with the people he tells us about in a personal way, but without letting himself become the focus of the stories. Extremely well-done, informative and entertaining; I will read this book more than once!

This work is a glistening gem of a book. Simple, clean, multifaceted, and very very deep at the same time. I have many Persian friends who are familiar with the original poetry and are astonished by the beauty of these renderings. These are not literal translations.....they are inner reflections. They succeed perfectly at reflecting the inner light of Hafiz in a unique way that refreshes one's heart. The imagery and language is perfect for this time. Deep in my heart I am convinced that Hafiz, Rumi, Kabir, Attar, and any other poet and lover of God would applaud.

Such beauty! In this joyous book Hafiz appears to us as a beacon of pure light in contemporary garb. These deeply tender, witty, clear-eyed and fullest -hearted renditions have brightened my life. Hafiz can't help but true the course of our journey towards Love. Because for Hafiz, in fact, nothing else exists; for him, only Love is Real.

Hafiz has influenced and nourished a gracious many through the years. In the West, inspired notables include Goethe, Nietzsche, Byron, Hugo and Emerson. Emerson wrote of Hafiz in his journals, "He fears nothing. He sees too far; he sees throughout; such is the only man I wish to see and be." And Goethe exclaimed, "This is madness, I know well, Hafiz has no peer!"

I Heard God Laughing is a perfect gem of a book. Go ahead, take Hafiz home with you. Why-- he might even lead the way, dancing and singing all the while.

Somebody announces, "I heard God laughing," and you crane your neck around. It's as irresistible as if he were to hoist a line of shot-glasses on his nose. What's to lose? At worst you'll get to watch a guy spill a drink on himself. So it's with a bit of cheek that Shams-ud-din Muhammad Hafiz first snags a moment of your time. With each line that follows the barroom boast of the title, 'I Heard God Laughing' continues as a charming, quietly relentless seduction. The 14th century Persian poet, as rendered by Daniel Ladinsky, tolerates neither time, culture nor any other abstraction between himself and the reader. It's this same intimacy that has established Hafiz as the best-loved poet in his native Iran. A quick glance at the production values of this very modern treatment reveals that he enters as a celebrity in the West as well. Ladinsky's renderings are set on single-sided pages and framed with extensive literary and cultural guideposts throughout an elegant soft-cover package. But this polish is very much beside the point. In the meat of the book, 'I Heard God Laughing' is no historical exploration. As wrought here, Hafiz is intently direct, even conversational. Whether the interchange takes place in a palace or a pub fades from one's awareness. As in any heart-to-heart, the authority of the words shared has nothing to do with formality or flourishes. The most influential personage in any life is a friend. Hafiz aims for no lesser status than this with his readers. Considered afterwards, it's an astonishingly high bar. But in the midst of being drawn in, one is only aware of a thoroughly understanding ear. That reading this poetry can leave one feeling deeply listened to is an indication of its undercurrent genius.

"You don't have to act crazy anymore -

We all know you were good at that.

Now retire, my dear,

From all that hard work you do

Of bringing pain to your sweet eyes and heart..."

It's been said of Freud that he was a man who awoke before the dawn while the rest of the world was still lost, sleeping in darkness. In time, his powerful grasp of the lower roots of motivation roused humanity to admit denied forces at work in their behavior. Hafiz has the same ability to unveil, but his revelation is of our extreme intimacy with the summit of our being.

"Look in a clear mountain mirror -

See the Beautiful Ancient Warrior

And the Divine elements

You always carry inside

That infused this Universe with sacred Life

So long ago"

Only friendship could win the trust Hafiz needs to take us to this altitude. Time and again, the poet whisks us there before we realize the journey we've made.

"If someone sits with me

And we talk about the Beloved,

If I cannot give his heart comfort,

If I cannot make him feel better

About himself and this world,

Then, Hafiz,

Quickly run to the mosque and pray -

For you have just committed

The only sin I know."

The plain speech belies an astonishing wealth of insight into the human condition. One has to revisit the poems repeatedly to begin to uncover how Hafiz has managed to work his way so far in. Once there, he exploits his position in order to weave the personal with the metaphysical so intricately that we may never quite get them separated again.

"What is laughter? What is laughter?

It is God waking up! O it is God waking up!

It is the sun poking its sweet head out

From behind a cloud

You have been carrying too long,

Veiling your eyes and heart

It is Light breaking ground for a great Structure

That is your Real body - called Truth...

Laughter is the polestar

Held in the sky by our Beloved,

Who eternally says,

'Yes, dear ones, come this way,

Toward Me and Love!'"

In the end, the sound of God's laughter - whether it booms, wheezes, or is more of a chuckle - remains undisclosed. But a curious effect takes hold in the silence. More than once the reader finds some previously inaccessible knot inside mysteriously unraveled. It becomes evident that a prankish compassion is at work on these pages. When contemplating the source of a mischief this insidious, all bets are off - even those made in barrooms

It's interesting to catch up on the latest gossip on people. Who's dating who, where's the best spot to be on a Friday night, etc. But, there is a bad side to all of this controversy. Let's take a trip on the wild side, or maybe in a book called "What Holly Heard" by R.L. Stine. Let's face it, Holly is a gossip! She knows all of the latest news on people, and is quick to tell everyone else. Her friends try to ignore her non-sense, but how can they when all of her games end up affecting the way she feels about Noah, the coolest guy in school, when she already has a boyfriend? Whatever it is, Holly wants to find out. Is all of the stuff that Holly hears going to take a turn and lead on a fantasy ride, or maybe more of a death ride? You decide. Read "What Holly Heard" by R.L. Stine

Absolutely a 10! I agree with the review above me. What Holly heard is a great book for all gossip queens in schools everywhere. I wouldn't warn gossipers, I'd encourage them to get get the book. R. L. Stine's unpredictable style keeps you at the edge of your seat. It's a fabulous book. Read it, then e-mail me and tell me what you think.

I read this book in less then an hour it was so awesome. I suggest everyone should try to read it. I loved the part when Holly invites her friend in the gym because she is scared. Totally cool!!

I bought this book for research for my English thesis on motherloss and girls/women in adolescent literature. For that reason, I found that "A Music I No Longer Heard" was lacking in substance. The authors did relay a tremendous amount of anecdotal evidence of the impact of early parent loss, but there just did not seem to be much scientific/psychological support, nor did the authors assert any new theories/ideas about early parent loss. I found Maxine Harris' book, "The Loss that is Forever" to be much more helpful and inclusive.

I borrowed this book from the public library last year while a close friend of mine was dying of cancer. She left behind a 7 year old son and 4 year old daughter; the anquish in the book and in my heart was too much and I had to send it back nearly unread.

I borrowed it again a few weeks later when I had to write a term paper on death and grieving. As I read the experiences of the varied ages of participants I began to see the patterns, thoughts, and stereotypes of each generation relating to death. This was of particular significance to me because my paternal grandmather died in 1966 of cancer, when my father was 18 years old, and his sisters 12 and 13. As I read what other adults my family's ages were and who lost parents in the '60s, I began to understand my father and his sisters from a different point of view. I never fully understood how devestating an impact loosing a parents so early can be to a child - for the rest of his/her life. This is a must read if you know anyone who is loosing or has lost a parent before the age of 20.

I have been looking for a book like this, literally all my life. I stumbled upon it in a very large library and immediately checked it out. I lost my father in a car accident at 10 days old. While many of the stories are from people who actually did have a chance to know their fathers, there were a few stories for me as well. It was such a revelation to realize that I'm not alone; that so many others have felt and gone through the same things that I have. I recommend this book highly to anyone who has lost a parent.

Meyhaley Lancaster is truly the most weirdly interesting creatures to come along in the 20th century. what makes it more interesting, is that her nephew and i was very good friends .Joe Arrington was the son of Marvin and Mary Arrington ,born about 1927.There was nothing weird about joe but he said years after mehayles passing the locals kids were still finding coins under her cabin.

ORACLE OF THE AGES, REFLECTIONS ON THE CURIOUS LIFE OF FORTUNE TELLER MAYHAYLEY LANCASTER is a winner! The author, Dot Moore,
went to Savannah, Georgia in April of 2002 to receive the Hawes Award from the Georgia Historical Society. The Award is given each year for the "best book of local history" for the State of Georgia!
I understand that she researched this character and her background in Heard and surrounding Georgia rural counties for more than 20 years.
This book is easy to read. It is fun to read. I highly recommend
this book to anyone who enjoys stories about eccentric charachters and likes a good story.
ORACLE is in its THIRD printing, I hear.
Order it now!

I think that the person who wrote the review from Sharpsbug,Georgia is an absolute priss. He had no right to insult my best friend Dot Moore.If the priss is reading this then
I'm telling him that he is a very impolite young man and I hope he learned a lesson from this. So priss, next time think before you say something in public. By the way I read the book myself and it's a mind boggling thriller.

As a professor of statistics, I laughed out loud when I read an earlier reviewer write: "I can't believe John Lott has a doctorate and gets away with such flawed research. He 'randomnly' called a little over 1000 people and made a conclusion for the entire nation. Can't do it with such a small sample."

Flawed research? What an intellectual ignoramus! Not only can't he spell 'randomly' correctly, he doesn't understand anything about statistics. He puts randomly in quotes when even a beginning student in statistics recognizes that this is REQUIRED if sample information is to be credible and representative of the population being sampled.

And if 1,000 people aren't enough to draw a conclusion about the entire population, Mr. Einstein, how does the Gallup Poll forecast national elections with an accuracy of +/- 3% by talking with only 1,100 people?

The only thing flawed here is the reviewer's obvious anti-gun bias.

Like most closed-minded individuals, this reviewer proves himself to be Invincibly Ignorant

For like members of the Flat Earth Society, no matter how many facts and arguments against their positions they encounter, they simply refuse to admit that they might be wrong. Instead, they resort to name calling and character assassination.

I have read the book and find Dr. Lott's data and conclusions extremely compelling. I recommend this book to anyone that is open to the truth about the bogus intellectual underpinnings of the gun-control movement in America.

As a professor of statistics, I laughed out loud when I read an earlier reviewer write: "I can't believe John Lott has a doctorate and gets away with such flawed research. He 'randomnly' called a little over 1000 people and made a conclusion for the entire nation. Can't do it with such a small sample."

Flawed research? What an intellectual ignoramus! Not only can't he spell 'randomly' correctly, he doesn't understand anything about statistics. He puts randomly in quotes when even a beginning student in statistics recognizes that this is REQUIRED if sample information is to be credible and representative of the population being sampled.

And if 1,000 people aren't enough to draw a conclusion about the entire population, Mr. Einstein, how does the Gallup Poll forecast national elections with an accuracy of +/- 3% by talking with only 1,100 people?

The only thing flawed here is the reviewer's obvious anti-gun bias.

Like most closed-minded individuals, this reviewer proves himself to be Invincibly Ignorant

For like members of the Flat Earth Society, no matter how many facts and arguments against their positions they encounter, they simply refuse to admit that they might be wrong. Instead, they resort to name calling and character assassination.

I have read the book and find Dr. Lott's data and conclusions extremely compelling. I recommend this book to anyone that is open to the truth about the bogus intellectual underpinnings of the gun-control movement in America.

Even for a cynic such as myself, Lott's documentation of how the media and the government distort our perceptions of guns is amazing. The research that went into this book is impressive. He documents not only the imbalance in newscoverage but also how the media actually makes news to discredit guns. He shows how government studies systematically measure only the bad things that happen with guns and never discuss the benefits.

"If you want the truth the anti-gunners don't want you to know... you need a copy of The Bias Against Guns." --Sean Hannity, of Fox News Channel's Hannity & Colmes

"John Lott's thoughtful study should be read by everyone interested in the control of violent crime, and protection against terrorism." --Vernon L. Smith, 2002 Nobel Prize Winner in Economics

"John Lott's 1998 book, More Guns, Less Crime, created quite a stir among the gun-control romantics, whose expressive advocacy involves neither sound analytics nor empirical evidence. In this follow-on book, The Bias Against Guns, Lott continues the struggle, and responds to his critics, motivated by his strong conviction that analysis and evidence must, finally, win the day." --James Buchanan, 1986 Nobel Prize Winner in Economics

"Another major contribution by John Lott to the evidence on the effects--good and bad--of gun-control legislation. An important supplement to his More Guns, Less Crime."--Milton Friedman, 1976 Nobel Prize Winner in Economics

"As a gun-toting rock 'n' roll star all my life, I have lived firsthand the outrageous media and Hollywood bias against good guys with guns forever. I laugh in their face. John Lott is my academic hero." --Ted Nugent, recording artist and author of Kill It & Grill It and Gods, Guns, & Rock 'n' Roll

"[Lott] marshals unimpeachable evidence on how the anti-gun crusade, driven by sins of omission and commission, might actually be costing many more lives than it saves. You'll want to have this intellectual ammunition." --Walter E. Williams, economist and syndicated columnist

"John Lott is a scholar's scholar and a writer's writer--and his book shows why. That gun ownership might bring social benefits as well as costs is a story we do not often see in the press, and Lott here explores why. With a blend of new data, evidence, and examples, he unpacks the bias against such stories in the media."--J. Mark Ramseyer, Harvard Law School professor

Most impressively he also provides all his data to people who what to recheck the work that he has done on the benefits of keeping guns in the home as well as his work on gun shows, concealed handgun laws, one-gun-a-month rules, and "assault weapons" bans. The web site is noted in the book as (...).

I'm writing this review to disagree with another reader's review which states in part, "...However, [the Speaking Circle Process] does not work if you just read the book, which consists of a lot of touchy-feely material that may be appropriate for people preparing inspirational speeches, but is worthless for those making business presentations or operating outside the realm of group therapy." This is like saying that a book on aerobic exercise does you no good unless you exercise. Hardly an insight.

When I read "touchy-feely" I'm guessing the other reviewer would prefer a book that deals less with emotion. Since public speaking often stimulates fear in the speaker, I found this book's exploration of related emotions to be extremely helpful. Business presentations where people don't fall asleep are often the result of a good mix of personal connection and information. If this wasn't so, business people would simply review written reports.

Read this book and practice the process. All you need are one or two other people to listen. You'll build self-confidence for ANY presentation. I've used the book and the process, and have since spoken to scores of groups including tough minded business groups, and large and small public audiences. It helped me connect with authenticity and ease.

Shed the "shakes" of speaking in public forever with Lee Glickstein's "Be Heard Now!" A powerful look at becoming a powerful, self-actualized professional speaker. Lee share's incredible insight. A must read for all speakers! I love this book!

I bought this book on the recommendation of a friend, who had just finished it. She was using it as a springboard into a new aspect of her Nurse Practitioner job. For me, I needed a new way to teach weekend intensive training programs for Music Practitioners-to be. I read it in the NY airport waiting for the first flight, continued reading once I boarded and throughout the next flight to California. By the time I arrived, I had a new approach to teaching the class, by story telling and used a great many of the techniques in the book. The class went very well over the weekend and I feel it was due to Lee's suggestions. This book will be read and recommended often,as I teach many weekend intensives.

What a titel! I expected information about film I haven't heard about, but all I found was a book about underrated, but noneless well-known pictures. Or do you know a person who don't know "The Adventures of Robin Hood" or "Out of the Past" or "My Darling Clemtine"? These are classics, man! Everyone interested in movies had heard about it. So where is the book that keeps the promise this titel implies?

As a person who looks for hidden treasures away from the "new release" section, this book is a treasure in itself. We only got it a couple of weeks ago, and we've already seen several films from it- Let it Ride with Richard Dreyfuss and The Tall Guy with Jeff Goldblum and Emma Thompson. Both were worth the price of the book.

If you want to try going off the well-beaten path for a movie once in a while, this is the book for you. Enjoy!!

David Meyer, in his book, accomplishes what other movie critics fail to even remotely understand. In his own unpretentious way, he lifts the craft of film criticism to the same lofty heights as literary criticism. And if he continues to produce works of the same quality, he may reflect the soul of cinema as well as Northrope Frye revealed the soul of Shakespeare. In other words, David Meyer as a critic has become an artist himself.

Taken collectively, Mr. Meyer's essays in this book act as a thread which, when followed, will take you into the heart of cinema. The journey best begins with Black Narcissus - a film about which Mr. Meyer writes, "rent me first." Black Narcissus is the dream we have all experienced. It sits on the edge of our consciousness like a beautiful stained glass window, allowing the light of the soul to shine through in its many colors. And after you've watched the movie several times, you may find that Black Narcissus has the symmetry of a diamond - each time you look at it, a particular facet of the story will reflect light in a slightly different, yet beautiful, way.

From there, I would use your own intuition to decide the next film listed in his book. Perhaps, your intuition will lead you, as it did me, to the film noir classic, In a Lonely Place and then to the creative genius of The Thief of Baghdad. Or it will take you somewhere else. It's your voyage - I'd just use Mr. Meyer has your navigator.

This last point illuminates what lies behind all of Mr. Meyer's reviews - trust. In my opinion, he'll guide you in such a way that you won't end up crashing against the rocks, caught up watching movies that are of no value or, worse yet, ones that unconsciously pull you down into the dark waters. You can rely on his judgment to avoid the bad trip and fully experience the brilliant world of movies.

Did I listen to a different tape from the one that most listeners awarded five stars? I found it full of new age waffle that certainly wouldn't help me prepare a speech. I did find a few useful tips on tape 2, but it was a long time to wait!

Lee Glickstein offers a unique approach to public speaking. No more canned, "polished" acts in front of a group! Who likes to memorize, anyway?? BE HEARD NOW involves becoming more connected to your audience, which in turn creates an authentic, fresh message each and every time you speak to a group. Yes, there are preparations to be made before you speak but it doesn't work to copy someone else's style or words. The idea in this book is to bring out your own creative, genuine style when you speak. And, by weaving personal stories and anecdotes from your own life into a message you truly feel compelled to talk about, you can draw rapt attention from your audience. It's a wonderful, refreshing approach to speaking from the heart. I loved this audio tape. I've listened to it a dozen times. I used the techniques in a recent promotional opportunity at work and was chosen hands above the other candidates. It works!

This tape augments Glickstein's book and provides a comprehensive roadmap for turning fear into a joyful strengh for those who want to be more effective in communicating - whether to small groups or to large audiences. He clues you in to the power of your own essence when you use it to to both receive and give as you interact with the audience. Also great tips on structuring your talk.

Dan Rice: The Most Famous Man You've Never Heard Of is the fascinating and informative biography of a circus man whose fame became so great (seen as he was by more Americans of the time than just about anyone else) that at one point he ran for presidency of the United States. This compelling and superbly presented biography traces the life of Dan Rice, his rise in the public eye and the reasons behind his eventual descent into total obscurity. An amazing cultural history of America in the mid-eighteenth century as well as a close personal look at one flamboyant man who struggled through the roiling times, Dan Rice: The Most Famous Man You've Never Heard of is a biography especially recommended to circus buffs, as well as students of 19th century American life, culture, and politics!

This book fills in a gap in historical research about an exciting time for the American Circus. The book is extremely readable and extremely well researched. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in the circus, the Civil War, or history.

Indispensable for any fan of circus or clowning and
important and highly intriguing for anyone interested
in the evolution of American popular entertainment,
DAN RICE: THE MOST FAMOUS MAN YOU'VE NEVER HEARD OF
is an exemplary biography.

Culled from an unbelievable amount of research, this is
the story of the rise and fall of one of the acknowledged
masters and true geniuses of American circus comedy. It
cuts through the mythology and humbug to give you the far
more interesting story of a man who embodied his era and
rose to a level of national prominence that few comedians
(let alone circus clowns) ever come close to.

Even if you have never heard of Dan Rice, you will find this
book an absolutely fascinating read from start to finish.

If you love the American circus and it's clowns, this book
is a little slice of heaven. -- EXCELSIOR!