My daughter loves the colour and depth of this calender...looking forward to next years as well.

The pictures in this calendar are excellent! A must-have for the serious Harry Potter fanatic. It also comes with a few sheets of Harry Potter stickers that you can use to decorate your calendar. :) Great buy!

The Harry Potter Chamber Of Secrets calander is really great for anyone of any age because it has plenty of room for writing events for everyday and there are cool stickers and pictures for everymonth! This is a great calander for kids who love Harry Potter and have busy scheduals! I hope you buy it and love it!

In a world where most opera biographies are either useless, gushy fan magazines or vicious, gossipy garbage, this loving yet warts-and-all account of the life of the great Swedish tenor Jussi Bjorling (1911-1960) is a standout. Although the book is written primarily by his widow Anna-Lisa, there is additional, exhaustive research and editing by Andrew Farkas (who also co-authored an Enrico Caruso biography with Caruso's son). Many of Bjorling's colleagues are also interviewed, and reviews of both his live performances and opera recordings are extensively quoted. As a supplement, there is also a 58-page listing of Bjorling's performances (933 in opera and nearly twice as many concerts and recitals) at the end of the book. The cover shows Bjorling as Romeo in 'Romeo et Juliette', perhaps his greatest role.

Anna-Lisa Bjorling, who was married to Jussi for 25 years, was herself a fine soprano who often partnered her husband in concert. As of this writing she is still alive at 92. Although Anna-Lisa clearly loved Jussi very deeply, she is still capable of being objective about him when required. She is a wonderful writer, providing vivid portraits not only of Jussi, herself, and their children, but just about everybody they ever came into contact with, as well as of life in Sweden in general. After reading this book, I felt like Jussi and Anna-Lisa were old friends.

Bjorling had not only what was probably the most beautiful tenor voice to ever come out of a human throat, but also a nearly perfect technique, a superb sense of style, and the ability to truly stir the souls of his listeners. While he had a reputation for being a very poor stage actor, this was at least occasionally exaggerated. Although Bjorling died tragically young at the age of 49 of heart failure, he had a magnificent and very long career which lasted 45 years, 32 as a tenor. He is probably the only opera singer whose recording career (which began when he was 9!) lasted from acoustic to electric to LP to stereo recordings. He made his stage debut at 19 as Don Ottavio at the Royal Opera, Stockholm, after having studied first with his father, his principal singing teacher, and then at the Royal Opera School with the Royal Opera's director, baritone John Forsell. His career expanded to Europe and the rest of the world very quickly. He made his Metropolitan Opera debut in 1938, and with the exception of the WWII years and several years in the 1950s due to fights with Rudolf Bing, he remained there until his death. He concentrated on about 10 or 15 Italian and French operatic roles, and was also an avid recitalist with several hundred songs in his 'inventory'.

Unfortunately, Bjorling is nearly as famous in operatic circles for his alcoholism as for his glorious singing, and I think that is appalling. In fact, the one thing this book makes very clear is that although the disease was a tragedy for him personally and traumatic for his family, it had comparatively little effect on his actual career, at least outside Sweden. Working actually kept him from drinking. Anna-Lisa offers considerable proof that many of the stories about Jussi's drinking were exaggerations, gossip or outright lies, most tellingly in the true story of the cancellation of the 'Un Ballo in Maschera' recording under Sir Georg Solti, which was a product of producer John Culshaw's malice. Nearly all his colleagues also defend him on this regard. As far as I'm concerned, the only people who have any right discussing Jussi's alcoholism are Anna-Lisa and his children, as they are the only ones who really had to deal with it. ....

Overall, Jussi comes across as a beautiful human being - simple, warmhearted and lovable, a wonderful husband and father, adored by almost everybody who worked with him or knew him. The book is full of stories about his kindness and generosity to colleagues. He was also an avid pike fisherman who loved westerns and was unbeatable at arm wrestling. He basically had only three serious flaws as a human being: impulsiveness that on occasion bordered on irrationality, stubbornness, and what Anna-Lisa calls, for lack of a better term, a deep inner restlessness - the inner demon that drove him to drink.

I only wish 'Jussi' could have been longer. A year before it was published, I spoke with leading Bjorling authority Cantor Don Goldberg, one of the book's proofreaders. He told me that the first draft was 1100 pages. As the final copy is only 520 pages, I wonder what was cut besides the many laudatory comments from colleagues that were considered repetitive. I was surprised that there wasn't more information about Jussi's brothers once they reached adulthood, especially Gosta, who was so close to Jussi that they had an almost telepathic relationship. And while this book does full justice to such fundamental influences on Jussi's singing as his father, John Forsell (who emerges as quite a character!), and Tullio Voghera, I would have liked a bit more on Nils Grevilius, who conducted nearly every recording Jussi made before 1950. There is also virtually nothing about Hjordis Schymberg, the fine Swedish soprano who partnered Jussi over 100 times in Stockholm. More mention of his recordings besides the complete opera sets would have been welcome, although I am aware that his recordings are covered in the companion volume 'A Jussi Bjorling Phonography'. Finally, while I am aware this would have added to the price of the book, there are so few color photos of Bjorling that I think they should have had one on the cover.

'Jussi' is essential reading for anyone with any interest in good music, let alone opera. It is the definitive biography of one of the most magnificent singers and human beings ever to appear on an opera or concert stage. If you haven't heard this man sing, remedy that immediately!

I had never heard of Bjorling until several months ago one late evening when the local classical music station played some of his arias. I had missed the intro to the work and couldn't figure out to whom this incredible and unique voice belonged; I knew I'd never heard anything remotely like it. You have to hear Jussi only once to want to listen endlessly to his voice. (Needless to say, my opera CD collection is expanding exponentially.)

So it was a great pleasure to discover this excellent biography, which illuminates not only his life but also the opera world from the 20s through the 50s. His early life and training from his father are particularly interesting if you wonder how such a great talent was discovered and developed. (The only question in my mind not answered is the extent to which his children inherited the incredible musical talent that was in his family for generations; that they perform is mentioned but never elaborated on.) The book is well documented with quotes from his peers, and the authors do a splendid job of presenting the entire person with his strengths and weaknesses in a very objective way that holds the reader's interest from beginning to end.

Using painstaking research, Mr. Farkas helps readers understand the demons that followed this troubled musical genius. I always revered this extraordinary man; I now feel that I know him. Thank you, Mr. Farkas Carol P. (JBS member...attended Washington conference but never met you)

I ran into someone that was looking for a good book to read I would give them this book,because it is a fun book.I think it is kind of like a mystery because at one part you don't know what is going to happen to the main people If in the story until you get to the end of the book. I also thought that it was kind of funny because at the part were Andrew comes into the room were he had plans to take Katie to dinner he started to go crazy! I think that MY DINNER WITH ANDREW is the best book that Ihave read in my life!

This was one of the best books that I have ever read in my life! I loved the episode and the book was excellent, too! =) Any TBAA/JD/Andrew fan who haven't read this book...here's a suggestion: Buy the book! You won't regret it, I swear! I give it 5 stars, and if I could 10 or more! Hehehe...Way to go, writers! You've made an Androoler very happy with this book!

Erin

Wow, what a great book. Immediately, My Dinner With Andrew took me straight to the heart of Manhattan and I wanted to step right into the story. From the onset, this book grabs your attention and never let's it go. I am not a big reader, but I couldn't put this book down. An easy read that allows you to feel touched by all the Angels. For anyone who is a fan of the TV show....this is another enjoyable journey!

Andrew's book gives you a great amount of information and all the stories that don't show up in other Buffett books or Berkshire Hathaway's annual reports. I loved this book and have several editions (each gets better as more info, pictures and stories are added).

This book, while it collects many unknown facts does not organize these facts into an easy reading format.

I purchased this book and DISCARDED it because I found it too unorganized to read. The author himself states that he wrote this as a shareholder-admirer and I find very little added value in this book. Read the annual reports and some of the other excellent books instead. You will never finish this book.

Andy Kilpatrick has updated his work entitled "of Permanent Value, The Story of Warren Buffett." As a stockbroker and writer, Kilpatrick collates many resources in writing this book. He interviews Buffett's friend and family, he quotes from Berkshire Hathaway annual reports and the famous Chairman letters, and he harvests data from the annual reports of companies which Buffett has owned. Kilpatrick proudly relays stories of the many hours he has pesonally spent with his hero, Warren Buffett. Buffett has told Kilpatrick that he "wishes him well, but not too well" because Buffett intends one day to write his own story. Apparently Buffett approves of Kilpatrick efforts since Buffett has met with the author several times after the 1994 edition of this same title. For a reader interested in learning about Warren Buffett this book is a great starting point and worth the purchase price. For the longtime student of Buffett's writings or to the richly rewarded Berkshire Hathaway shareholders this book offers much value. The story of Warren Buffett's success is amazing when learned for the first time and on rereading that story gets even richer. Andy Kilpatrick has retold that story with full and interesting detail.

If you are interested in the science of genetics (What exactly is a gene? How does DNA work? How does genetic fingerprinting work? How do they do that?) then this book is for you. If, on the other hand, you are interested in the social implications of genetics (Is genetic profiling ethical? Should we be exploring gene therapy? Does genetic testing of fetuses promote abortion? What good is the human genome project?), then this book is ALSO for you.

Indeed, one might criticize this book for having an identity crisis as to whether it is about science or ethics. However, I have come to realize that in genetics, perhaps more than in any other discipline, science and social issues are inexorably linked. Even so, while I found the book fascinating from cover to cover (almost), I would have to say that it tends to be disjointed in places, leaping from subject to subject a little haphazardly. It is almost as if the writer was ticking off items on his "things to write about" list. As such, the book loses its cohesion from time to time. For example, a chapter on the early Soviet Union's biology program is wedged in between accounts of recent searches for pernicious genes and studies of twins.

But this is a minor point. Mr. Watson is not only a top notch scientist, he is an excellent writer. Although the chapter on Soviet biology left me scratching my head, it was amusing, interesting and well-written, as was the rest of the book. And for that, I can forgive a great deal. The proof is in the pudding. Over the last few days, I have engaged a number of colleagues, as well as my wife, in discussions on genetics issues and have found that this book has greatly enriched my understanding of the field and reinforced my interest in the subject. It's also worth pointing out that if you are in the process of building a family, this book is full of the kind of scientific background that will hold you in good stead as you examine options like genetic testing, in-vitro fertilization and the implications of family histories of disease.

I will levy only one direct criticism about this book. It tends to wander aimlessly toward the end. It is almost as if Mr. Watson couldn't decide how to end it, so he chose to do so multiple times. The result is a rather off-putting set of diatribes espousing the author's agnostic and highly utilitarian approach to the subject. (Incidentally, those of you on or near the religious right will find plenty of fodder here.) Not that I minded hearing the author's views, it's just that "I got it already."

However, this is a minor taint to an otherwise excellent book about the science and ethics of genetics. For you armchair scientists out there, I would put this one toward the top of the "to read" stack.

As someone from outside the scientific community, I found Watson and Berry's book very helpful in understanding the history and issues surrounding DNA. It provides a solid history of the discovery and ongoing work in this area of biology. Importantly, the authors also address many of the issues the discovery and development of the understanding of DNA have presented our society. I recommend "The Secret of Life" to anyone desiring to equiped with the facts surrounding this important area of science.

I love reading this book, over and over. As a biochemist, it's wonderful to see the personal side of such an important scientific breakthrough. How exciting was the race to be the first to understand the structure of DNA. And no matter how good a scientist you are, luck also is important to be at the right time in the right place. See how the impact of understanding DNA has brought as half a century later. Very impressive!!

The graffiti movement has far too long relied on professional journalists to document its history. It's always the same story with elaborate social theories and catchphrases that those who were there (subway writers)find laughable. Zephyr's book is a tribute to a dear friend, a great artist and is one of the best books to date on graffiti.No art school phonies or gallery fakes in this one. A book by a real graffiti artist about a real graffiti artist.

great pics from sketch to finish. great text intermixed. cover to cover a great book.

If you are an inspiring writer or just interested in graffiti this book is a must. Dondi White is one of the most influential writers, looking at his pieces you will see the source for many styles regarding letter forms and fills. This book is in a word "fresh". Even if New York Flavor isn't you're taste, anyone interested in graffiti should vibe off this. Get it!!!!

Larry Collins wrote "Is Paris Burning". At a dinner party a retired General told him he should research Operation Fortitude. From that research came his book "Fall from Grace." It is based upon the disinformation that was generated during Operation Overloard to make the Germans think that the Normandy Invasion would actually be 200 miles north at the Port of Calis.

The Nazis actually had enough tanks and army troops to Port of Calis to completely defeat the invading forces of the Allied armies. Because the Germans were so convinced that Normandy was only a diversion these tanks and troops were never committed to fighting the invading forces until it was too late. It is now thought that the English used double agents to let the Gestapo capture about 20 French resistance fighters who were in the Port of Calis area. These French were convinced that the invasion would take place in The Port of Calis. Under severe torture these agents finally broke and revealed the invasion plans that the British had fabricated. All of these agents were finally executed. The details of these betrayls were so repulsive to our Christian ideals that they were kept secret until 1980. The book that Mr. Collins made from this ordeal is absolutely spell binding. He has substituted a gorgeous and corageous American Girl of French ancestry to be the Spy who is broken by the Gestapo. The French spy is actually a double agent who, under British orders, has involved the Gestapo in his plans. When the British want to make the Germans believe that he is truly a Frenchman working for the Germans they order his execution. The best part is TF O'Neil who is the son of an Irish imigrant who is on the general staff of the USA. He has graduated from Yale and is told by General Marshall, before going to England, that America needs to fight with honor. So he is outraged when he learns that Catherine is sent into Occupied France not knowing that she is to be captured by the Gestapo and tortured to the brink of death. We are finally made aware of how Draconian our side was when she takes her Cyanide pill and then wakes up only to learn that it did not work.

FALL FROM GRACE es de esas novelas que te dejan el cuerpo hecho polvo... porque no puedes soltarlas hasta que acabes su lectura. Cuenta una historia dentro de otra. La que interesa es la primera,la de una mujer decidida, aventurera y con gran sentimiento patriótico a quien el destino fatal empuja a la caída en desgracia del título. En España fue traducido como Juego Mortal, título convencional aunque no deja de ser adecuado. La otra mujer con más peso en la novela actúa más de contrapunto. Otras relaciones interesantes son las que se establecen entre Paul y Stromelburg, el americano y Ridley y, naturalmente, Catherine y Paul. Muy recomendada.

...This book: FALL FROM GRACE by **Larry Collins** is a World War II spy thriller. It's the story of a female agent on the side of the allies and a male agent on the side of the Nazis and the relationship that develops between the two spies. This is a super spy thriller that grabs you by the seat of your pants and doesn't let go! A great book!

It was good, but not the best i have read. I did learn a lot so I need to give credit for that.

Andrew Weil's book was assigned as supplmental reading in a sociology of health and healing systems course at Park College in Southern California. With phrases like, "nothing works all the time and everything works some of the time," Andrew explored health systems worldwide from accupuncture in China to witchdoctors in Latin America. The idea that Western doctors actually gain much of their credibility not because of their own skills, but because they take credit for what the body already does is interesting. Health and medicine previously seemed like a highly scientific study, but viewed from Andrew's perspective, it is, in many ways, philosophically and culturally specific. Andrew brings a whole new world to medicine. Fascinting perspective.

Weil writes a very comprehensive book that asks the essential question, "What is health if not th absence of sickness?". Very informative and thought provoking!!!

Joe Andrews does a tremendous job sharing his passion and knowledge of the history of rock 'n roll. This is a comprehensive book of facts, trivia, lists and a narrative of all who have contributed to this phenomenon. It brings back memories of songs and artists for people who grew up during this era, as well as serving as a great resource for people who wish to learn more about the music.

This is a great compilation of work from a man who knows his music! If you're into Rock & Roll, then this book is for you. It's got birthdates of the stars, music hits, Billboard's tops and categories of everything under the sun in the world of Rock and Roll. If you thought you knew trivia, then take a gander at some of these questions. They range from "Oh I knew that!" to "Wow! That's great to know!" I'm a trivia buff, and I found this book to be a great addition to my collection of trivia volumes. It's a must-have if you're at all into the great era of music gone by. It's even featured at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame museum. Take the time to order this one today!

Hats off to Mr. Andrews for this remarkably fun and interesting book on rock and roll. It has certainly enlivened our music group at Lowell Adult Day Rehab.(LADR). Our memories have been enjoyably jogged as we hummed and sang aloud the tunes and lyrics , while trying to unravel the answers to the Trivia questions. There were even moments of hysterical laughter. This would be an excellent party book, as well as a great gift for music loving friends and family. At LADR, we have also created a group project. From our personal favorite tapes and C.D.'s we are collecting and editing our own tape of The 365 Songs of the Century. Thank you for this wonderful addition to our music group.

In this story, there is a very selfish giant. He hates kids and won't let them play in his garden. This causes spring not to come. This goes on for years; no children playing, no spring. Finally, one day, many many years later, the children just play in the garden without permission, and spring comes. All of the kids are climbing trees, except for one little boy. Something amazing happens, but you have to read the story to find out what it is.
I think this story is trying to teach us that kindness goes a long way. If you are mean and grumpy all the time, you will have no joys in your life now, or even after death. If you are nice, loving, and caring, that will go along way, and you will be rewarded for that later. Everyone should remember, what you do now, will eventually come back to you, in some way or form. Treat others how you wanted to be treated back.

I don't know very much about Oscar Wilde. I was drawn to the book by its illustrations. I purchased a copy for my then-four son and read it to him one evening. When I reached the end I was pretty stunned. The beautiful artwork conveyed the story so beautifully and at the end when I realized WHO the little boy was -- I had a hard time finishing the story.

I cannot recommend this book enough. I have purchased multiple copies as gifts. This is not a book you read once and leave on the floor in the kids' room to become damaged. It stays in a nice place where it will be passed from generation-to-generation.

WARNING - I may say something offensive here - I have absolutely NO problem with "the religious overtones" (as put by some other reviews - and for those who don't understand the significance, the one mention means nothing anyway). After years of academia's cold influence on the nature of man, sin, and redemption, a hint of Hope is not unforgiveable.

Beautiful, beautiful piece of artwork. My hat is off to the author and brilliant illustrator.

- Dr. T.A.B.

"Every afternoon, as they were coming from school, the children used to go and play in the Giant's garden..." So begins Oscar Wilde's timeless classic. The children love the Giant's garden, its soft grass, beautiful flowers, tall climbing trees, and singing birds. But when the Giant returns from a seven year visit and sees all the children playing happily, he is angry. "My own garden is my own garden," said the Giant. "Anyone can understand that, and I will allow nobody to play in it but myself." He selfishly builds a high, high wall around the garden and puts up a "Trespassers Will Be Prosecuted" sign. The children were very sad. They had nowhere to play and spent their days remembering the Giant's wonderful garden. Inside the high wall, the birds stayed away, and the flowers would not bloom. Winter had come to stay. Snow, Frost, Hail, and the North Wind now lived in the garden. There was no Spring, Summer, or Autumn. And then one day, the Giant noticed a small boy had entered his cold and wintry garden, and he began to feel very sorry for what he had done. As the little boy began to cry, the Giant's heart melted..... Originally published in 1888, The Selfish Giant is as magical today as it was well over a hundred years ago. Oscar Wilde's simple, yet eloquent text, with its gentle message of love and generosity, is charming, engaging, and begs to be read aloud. But it's Saelig Gallagher's marvelously detailed and evocative illustrations that really make this picture book stand out and sparkle. Perfect for youngsters of all ages, The Selfish Giant, with its satisfying, happily-ever-after ending, is a masterpiece to share with friends and family now, and with future generations in the years to come.