I found this book delightful and colorful!

So much so, that I recommended it to my Planetpals.com website readers and listed it in Earthzine monthly Ezine!

Can't wait for Sara's next book.

catchy ..... alive and fun...fun...fun..a must have ...great imagination....

We checked this out of the library recently and since our 18 mo old son loves this book so much will be purchasing it. He says "hi" to the girl at the beginning, giggles at the pineapple feet and bopps along to the beat of the rhyme. It is as fun to read (perhaps even more fun to read) as it is to hear.

I am the ultimate bachelor, I can relate to so much stuff in this book it isn't funny. The book however is very funny. This guy Ward Anderson is something else. I'm assuming he has either spent way too much time with the ultimate bachelor or he just doesn't get out much. Anyway this is a quick fun read perfect for a vacation or just for fun. Buy this book you won't be disappointed

Anderson's so right it's scary... and hilarious! As a woman, if you know any single men, or are a single man yourself, this book will absolutely kill you. From typical bachelor pad decorations (i.e. lawn furniture indoors) to a guide on getting through a chick flick, this book will have something to remind you of every single man you know. It's a great present for a friend or even for yourself. It had me dying!

One can learn so much from The Ultimate Bachelors Guide. It is a well organized, well written, comical book for anyone. As I turned the pages, I couldn't keep myself from smiling and laughing. It was quite amusing how I discovered characteristics of my male friends lying right in the text of the book. After reading it, I felt it was a perfect gift for my older brother who recently turned 21. This book really got me interested in comedy, and I attended a comedy club for the first time, and LOVED it, just as I loved the book. I recommend the book for both men and woman of all ages.

Wonderful Book - Pleae make more like this!!

What a wonderful book. Valentine parties are always a favorite the crafts/activies are warming to ones heart. Every room parents or hostess/host needs this book for any type of party. Suggestion purchase the complete set.

I run an after-school program for a non-profit organization with children that range in age from 6 to 14. It's very difficult to plan holiday events that will interest all the kids, but I got some great ideas from this book! It covers everything from games, to crafts and special treats. While most of the activities are geared towards the younger crowd, I was able to extract some ideas for the older kids as well. A very well organized and creative book!

Drafted by a committee of 19 (but sufficiently well edited to read as if it were written by a single author) this book provides a well-argued, detailed and wide-ranging analysis of the consequences of economic globalization (the term corporate globalization is also extensively used in the book) and an examination of alternatives and the action required to move towards those alternatives. It has succeeded brilliantly, and deserves very close study, whether or not you agree with the drafting committee's views.

This is no extremist anti-corporate, anti-capitalist text, although it does clearly come to the conclusion that the vector of economic globalisation that we are on is neither inevitable, desirable nor sustainable. It is notable for arguing at the level of underlying principles and their practical consequences - it makes explicit the assumptions underlying corporate globalisation and questions them. This, in itself, is a valuable service as so much of the 'debate' in the media proceeds on the basis of bald assertion of essentially fallacious economic dogma.

The report starts with a critique of 'corporate globalization'. The term itself is useful, because the term 'globalization' has become something of a 'Humpty-Dumpty' word ('when I use a word, it means exactly what I want it to mean, neither more nor less'). 'Corporate globalization' describes a process driven and promoted by the large global corporations which, whatever its other consequences, gives primacy to the benefits that will flow to global business.

The critique identifies eight key features of corporate globalization:

1. 'Promotion of hypergrowth and unrestricted exploitation of environmental resources to fuel that growth
2. Privatization and commodification of public services and of remaining aspects of the global and community commons
3. Global cultural and economic homogenization and the intense promotion of consumerism
4. Integration and conversion of national economies, including some that were largely self-reliant, to environmentally and socially harmful export oriented production
5. Corporate deregulation and unrestricted movement of capital across borders
6. Dramatically increased corporate concentration
7. Dismantling of public health, social, and environmental programs already in place
8. Replacement of traditional powers of democratic nation-states and local communities by global corporate bureaucracies.'

It demonstrates each of these propositions and explores who are the beneficiaries of application of these policies. One of the complexities of trying to follow the arguments of the pro- and anti- globalisers is that both use statistics, both from apparently authoritative sources, that directly contradict each other. It is almost as if the two sides inhabit parallel universes that operate in different ways. Suffice it to say that the report puts forward convincing arguments in support of its case.

The critique proceeds to a devastating analysis of the impact of the World Bank, The IMF and the WTO, the three pillars of corporate globalisation, over the last four or five decades.

The report then argues ten principles for sustainable societies, as a basis for identifying ways of realising these principles in the subsequent chapters of the report. It argues that these principles 'seem to be the mirror opposites of the principles that drive the institutions of the corporate global economy.'.

One of the minor problems in the debate is that, whereas 'globalization' rolls easily off the tongue, 'the principle of subsidiarity' is neither easy to say nor obvious in its meaning. The report contains a chapter on the case for subsidiarity, and it is a strong one. The counter argument is almost entirely concerned with power. While there are many elements of conflict between corporate globalisation and the principle of subsidiarity - local control - they are not entirely antithetical. But the reach of the large corporates would unquestionably be reduced.

You may or may not agree with the arguments in this report, but they deserve serious attention. They are well and carefully argued, they represent (in fairly sophisticated terms) the views of a growing number of people around the world who believe that current beliefs and institutions serve them poorly, and they show those who wish to promote change a path for doing so.

This provocative text is the work of an impressive collection of luminary scholars, writers, and environmental activists, all of whom have something important to contribute to the issue of economic globalization and how it is affecting the environment. This distinguished group of authors, including Jerry Mander, Ralph Nader, David Korten, John Cavanaugh, and Lori Wallach, have joined in a collaborative effort herein to render what is likely the single most definitive and sober critique of the current state of globalization as well as the rising tide of anti-globalization efforts across the planet. As the culminating product of a three-year effort by the International Forum on Globalization, the book can best described as being both painstaking and muckraking, providing a series of ten core requirements which must be instituted to make democratic societies sustainable; among which are equality, human rights, local decision-making, and of course, ecological sustainability. In the narrative, each is addressed in terms of both how they are affected by the globalization process as well as what kind of strategies work to counteract these untoward effects.

Moreover, the individual contributors offer a series of quite specific collective strategies for combating and limiting the extent of corporate domination, and also discuss various alternative systems in the critical areas of energy, agriculture, transportation, and manufacturing. There is also a lively discussion pertaining to modes of political action to deconstruct and even destroy the World Trade Organization (WTO), as well its predecessor and corollary institutions, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund or IMF. From the time of the creation of the post WWII international monetary system at Bretton Woods in 1944, through the institution of the World Bank, the IMF, and GATT, the rise of globalization has necessarily towed in its wake an increasing pressure both on the natural environment and the natural resources the corporate forces must dominate and control to continue its essential core function of international economic growth.

With the rise of an organized opposition and a declaration of that organization's policies to systematically resist and counter the effects of the WTO, the anti-globalization forces around the world now have a formal manifesto for the systematic resistance to the forces of corporate sponsored economic globalization. Of course, given the fact that the existing corporate effort is so widespread, pandemic, and attractive to a variety of international corporate forces, any prospect for reversing the trend will be problematic indeed. Yet, given the potential for catastrophic consequences stemming from the movement toward the expanding influence of such global corporate enterprises, the authors argue that we would do well to try.

This is an important book, one that arms the reader with an array of facts regarding what the so-called "New World Order" really means in terms of its potential impact on each us in every aspect of our lives, as individuals, as members of the local community, as consumers of necessary (and other) products, and as citizens of a nation and of the world at large. The scope of the change to come is immense, and it is obviously in the interest of each of us to better understand exactly what is at stake in terms of our lives, our freedoms as citizens, and our survival in a world increasingly endangered by reckless corporate activities that are destroying the biosphere. I highly recommend this book. Enjoy!

This book is excellent for all those who think we can do better-that small farmers needn't be driven from the land, our water needn't be polluted, people need not go hungry while others are overfed genetically engineered chemically altered junk food, etc. It has great thinkers presenting clear, well thought out ideas about what's wrong and what we can do about it. It helps when getting in that classic argument of keynesianism/communism v. neoliberalism because it outlines the thrid alternative very well. I am a grad student and I used it for a paper i wrote recently refuting neoliberalism and it was very helpful. I highly recommend it! Also, look into Maria Mies. She is the anti-capitalist-patriarchy bomb, yo.

I read this at ten years old, took it everywhere I went until I finished reading it, renewed it a few times and returned it way overdue.

Then I spent another four years looking for it, because paperback editions don't show up with the name.

Man, it was good. The book -possibly the best Arthurian book, set in any time. Arthur, in the midst of a bloody battle, finds himself in another bloody battle known as World War 2 (that's uncertain, but the presence of Churchill and mentions of Roosevelt are clues).

This time, he's here to save England in her biggest crisis, and naturally, he's not without opposition. His illegitimate son Mordred, a dispicable self-server and intelligent only when doing destruction, is back to get him. Then there are the Naziz lurking in the background, thwarting his romance with a beautiful nurse.

It's so well-written you don't even notice you're turning the pages, and it's not until the ending that you realise you've just read it.

I just loved it, and I'm so glad I found it again.

The legends of the Once and Future King tell us that Arthur will return to save Britain when its need for him is great. There are no clues, however, as to when that time will be.

This novel provides a possible answer. In it, Arthur does return to war-torn England during World War II. It's not a rebirth or reincarnation, nor has he lain sleeping all these years on some misty isle. Rather, Arthur has been sent through time by Merlin's magic to pursue Mordred and the stolen Excalibur.

Arthur, as always, is a warrior through and through. But instead of swords and axes, the battles are fought with Spitfires and Hurricanes, Stukas and Messerschmitts. And while some myths tell us that Merlin once turned Arthur into a hawk, in this novel Arthur is turned into a pilot.

The author has even provided Arthur with Bill Cooper, a Connecticut Yankee to round out his court. And, while he does stretch a bit sometimes to make amusing Arthur-related puns and anachronistic misunderstandings, it's still an enjoyable read. At the same time, Anderson drives home the deadly seriousness of the Battle of Britain with death and sacrifice everywhere and the grim hope and stubborn resolve which truly made it England's finest hour. The repeated attacks on London, the devastating blitz on Coventry, it's all there in shocking detail.

This is a good book for Arthur enthusiasts because it takes the heroic figure out of his element and introduces him into a new one. World War II buffs will also like it for the gritty realism of the outnumbered RAF and the ceaseless air war over Britain. I recommend it highly.

This is a wonderful book that brings the ideals of the Arthurian Legends to the heartstopping action of the Second World War. This book will without a doubt keep you on the edge your seats through a mindboggling story that will leave with many good memories.

This book is wonderful. I read it from cover to cover and it changed me forever. It's simple and straightforward and gets right down to the core of how to deal with abandonment ... I found it to be an incredibly insightful book, written from the heart.

I have never written a review before, and I felt so strongly about this book, I had to get in here and write!

Pat

This was helpful in understanding some of the abandonment feelings my friend is going through. It helped to understand some of the language she uses. It is a very helpful book and a very easy read.

This book clearly defines the lessons/stages that are critical in the abandonment recovery process. I read this book to identify where I was in the process and it validated that I was on the right track. Worth the read if you are suffering from any sort of lingering or fresh abandonment pain.

Book Review: Warm Smiles from Cold Mountains, Dharma Talks on Zen Meditation by Reb Anderson

Have you ever wondered why so many Westerners are getting involved with the many facets of Buddhism? Have you ever wondered what's so different about it? Warm Smiles from Cold Mountains is a book that answers these questions in an easy to understand simplistic way. Through stories and his personal experiences, Reb Anderson gives us an opportunity to look at our journey with fresh eyes and different awarenesses. Warm Smiles is filled with deep appreciation for daily intentional living and being in each moment as it arrives.

Don't try to read this book like a novel; there's just too much there to ponder and you'll miss a great deal if you do. I believe you'll read it through once, perhaps twice then keep it handy for day to day use. One thing I do with inspirational books is to keep them next to my favorite chair and periodically just open to any page and read whatever is there. Often, if there's something troubling my mind or I'm attempting to sort out an issue, I'll just open to a page in a book of this type. As I read that page, I'll usually relax a bit, pay great attention to what I opened to and discover that all is solved and answers are given. This is a look into a mirror, take your time, allow it to resonate deep inside your Being, meditate with the pages of this book.

I want to thank Reb for giving me an opportunity to see that Buddhism creates no conflict with anything in my daily personal life or belief systems. I was particularly drawn to Chapter Eight, "Life Is Not Killed." What a delicious way of viewing life. I recommend you check it out for yourself; it truly creates "warm smiles."

Jyoti Hansa, Vermont

I want to caution that this book is not exactly easy. It requires a little deep reading and thinking and it's not a beginner's book. It's a real help however to ordinary people like myself who live in the suburbs and try to practice Buddhism. Even though the author seems to have been a monk most of his life. The reason it is a help is that it presents an American background and understanding to the teachings of Suzuki Roshi (Zen Mind Beginner's Mind) which are often sort of alien and incomprehensible in the original. The book is also very warm like the smiles. To get some more insight into the title, you might want to check out Gary Snyder's Cold Mountain Poems, or the Burton Watson translation of Cold Mountain (Chinese Zen Poet Han Shan).

I would like to start off by saying that you must read this book. Anyone who practices meditation will find this book rewarding--both seasoned practitioners and newcomers to the Buddhist path. The author has a special gift for relating the insights of traditional Zen teaching stories in a refreshingly contemporary manner. I felt like I was actually at the retreats as I read the stories. As mentioned elsewhere; Anderson, who teaches in the tradition of the great Zen master Suzuki Roshi, shows himself to be a worthy inheritor of this lineage and a powerful teacher in his own right.

I read this years ago when I was in Junior High. I am so glad they are reprinting it. As I remember I was the only one who bothered to read it and I felt as if I had found a treasure. This is a great gift for a boy that he will remember for life. I look forward to reading it again myself.

I was thirty when I picked up this book and I can tell you truely it was one of the best reads I have ever had.

The story is compelling, the characters are real and it just works on every level.

Fathers out there, are you looking for a good series for your sons to read? Then this is it. Don't worry, I haven't forgotten the girls but I just think boys will get very valuable lessons from this book about courage, comraderie and how adversity builds character.

Buy this series!!

With the Eagles was a great book, and it was great because this past school year we learned about Latin, Rome, Etc. The book takes place in B.C. 54. It's about Mandorix, an Aeduan, whose parents were killed, and his brother ans sister killed or enslaved. He joins Caesar's army and rises through the ranks gaining respect and the friendship of the lowest decurion to even the great Caesar. There are some great battle narrations, diagrams of roman bases, and tons of latin words and phrases. Have a good time reading it!

I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was devastated. A friend, a 10 year breast cancer survivor, brought this book to me. I wrapped it in a paper book cover because I didn't want anyone to know I had cancer. I read the book and it changed my life. I took most of the 50 suggestions to heart and I am a survivor. I highly recommend this book for all people who have a diagnisis of cancer.

I was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer Stage 3+ and given 6 months to live. That was five years ago. My daughter, a nurse, bought both of these books for me which I read with voracity. I also turned to prayer and positive thinking. I am still here, doing fine and trying to instill hope in others.

Of all the books I bought or was given after my diagnosis, this is the one that I connected with. It is written in a language anyone can understand. It is not frightening rather, empowering. I can't believe that I am now ordering my 12th, 13th, and 14th copies because sadly, I give them as gifts when someone I know is diagnosed. Too many - but Thank God we have Greg!

All of the books in this series are really just sweet. As a librarian, it is refreshing to find a series that I can whole-heartedly recommend. (It gets 4 instead of 5 stars because, unlike the authors marvelous Henry & Mudge books, you cannot recommend them to everyone). This is Jane Austen for third graders!

I LOVE this book! I did a literature box on this book for a class and fell in love with the characters. It's about 3 cousins who live w/ their aunt for the summer while their parents are on a ballet tour. They go through different adventures, facing each one with courage, ingenuity, and wit. They contain great character ed models. I would recommend to any 1-6 grader(especially girls) who like a good read.

This book is a charming ,warm story that is funny! The minute I finished, I wanted to read it again. I would give this book a five anyday! Lily ,Tess and Rosie are great charactors and I think Cynthia Rylant is an all time favorite author.