I found this book 5 years ago and have really not found another book which is better at describing complete path with such clarity, and richness. I think this book is extremely helpful for all meditators who are interested in seeing where they are on the path. For without a map, it is extremely easy for any meditator to become lost and not make any real progress. This book in my opinion can also be used to assess the presence of authentic teachers, someone who has traversed at least 4 levels of absorption, have seen validity attachment in cause of suffering, have begun purification of their bodies as well as their minds, and have experienced true emptiness and not fallen into attachment afterwards.

Good overall book of meditation. Goleman makes the distinction between the two major types of meditation: Concentration and Mindfulness. He also gives a pretty thorough description of the Visuddhimagga mind maps. He goes on to describe Hindu Bhaki, Jewish Kabblah, Christian Hesychasm, Sufism, TM, Ashtanga, Tantra and Kundalini Yoga, Tibetan Buddhism, Zen, Gurdjeiff and Krishnamurti

1. The distinction between concentration and mindfulness as forms of practice has never in my reading experience been so clearly stated. (My meditation library is extensive and my practice is 7 years old.) 2. The stages of insight work -- also, the clearest presentation in my reading experience. Particularly helpful were the discussions on "visions" (p. 12) and pseudonirvana (p. 26). 3. Part IV: The Psychology of Meditation -- This is a gem. Ties in beautifully with _Emotional Intelligence_ (another Goleman treasure). The "altered states or altered traits" of consciousness discussion (pg. 172-5) is the best explanation of the "3rd foundation of mindfulness" I have seen. Summary: If you are interested in how your practice fits into the grand scheme of practices or looking for a menu to chose from, this is the book. If you want a clarification of the path at the center of all practices, no where else have I seen a better presentation.

This! ! is a seven star book as is _Emotional Intelligence_.

I first read this book 20 years ago and was awed by the importance of the distribution of grain to the world, and particularly to one-party dictators. Anyone who understands political power knows that a small number of soldiers can control a much larger populace of people i.e. the German SS figured one storm trooper for roughly every 1000 plus people. However, when those people are all hungry at the same time it becomes another matter entirely, as in more difficult.

This book shows how a few big companies control the distribution of grain throughout the world. In so doing they are not prone to accept "aging receivables" from dictators, tin-pot or otherwise. Every political leader must understand the importance of grain or face a coup. Of course, one can find those who have lasted longer than others, but only at the cost of so weakening their state that it ultimately crumbles from internal implosion.

Read this book to understand history and more importantly the origen of our food supply and how it reaches our table.

An excellent work detailing how only a handful of families have controlled the worlds grain trade for centuries. A great piece for families that till the soil, but one that is even more important to the people who live in the city; and have no idea of the power and control that these families wield. Reading this book will show you how these families control the cheap food policies as well as the commodities markets and other products world wide.

I am a captain on Mississippi River towboats. I have pushed millions of tons of grain down the Mississippi River for years. But I never really understood the gobal impact of the world's grain company's until I read this book.

Now I understand the real power behind families such as Cargil and ADM's Andreas.

A practical guide for teachers wishing to employ student-centered methods of teaching in their classrooms. The authors provide six step-by-step structures (integrative units, small group activities, representing-to-learn, classroom workshop, authentic experiences and reflective assessment) for implementing best practices in the classroom. Readers are given concrete examples of how to cross disciplinary boundaries through the development of integrated unit plans, engage students in exercises that promote deeper learning, and assess their effectiveness as teachers by comparing their experiences with case studies written by instructors who have used these methods in their own classrooms. Assessment guides and activities that can be adapted to any age group, are especially helpful for both novice and experienced teachers.

This book will remain within arms reach throughout my teaching career. I expect to
use it as a companion guide and reference to assess my own development as a teacher and to guide me in implementing best practice methodology in my classroom. I found it especially helpful to have the experiences of teachers who have employed the lessons included with each chapter.

This is one of the most thorough books on how Best Practices works. Mariyln Bizar and Harvey Daniels explain the theory behind Best Practice and then explain how to implement it. We used this book in my Methods Class at National Louis University, where Marilyn and Harvey teach. I have also been to best Practice High School in Chicago and observed classes. Their theories hold up in the actual classroom. Students that you would not neccessarily have expected to do well,, do so with Best Practice Methods. Each and every child at Best Practice High School comes from the inner city , mostly from the West Side of Chicago. 80% of all graduates from Best Practice High School go on to college. Can your school say that?

Anyone who wants to teach or to change their teaching methods and get students involved in the process of their own education needs this book as a part of their library. When you do so, study it well and ask questions. Your students will love you for it and will buy into education. And isn't that worth every penny?

I don't usually take the time to write reviews for Amazon, but this education book inspired me enough to 'sell' it to you...

One of the reasons why I enjoyed this book was because of the wonderful layout and content presented in the text. It is cleverly divided into six fundamental strategies upon which "Best Practice" ideals are based. These activities (integrative units, small group activities, representing-to-learn, classroom workshop, authentic experiences and reflective assessment) are explained to the reader, one by one, then different teachers contribute activities which were effective for them. Their suggestions were innovative and useful in the classroom.

This book does not only focus on the language arts, but also spans across the math, science, art and phys ed curriculum. It discusses and explains how you can integrate several subjects into a lesson or workshop.

The activities can be used for primary students up to high school students, although I found it to be really useful for my junior/intermediate students. The activies are flexible and can be adapted for any grade level.

This book GAVE ME IDEAS right away. I highly recommend it. Read it, and you too might be inspired to write a review!

Excellent book. I would recommend any of Renald Shower's books to anyone who desires to get a better grasp of the Scripture. I have all of his books and use them quite frequently.

One of the best general commentaries on Daniel from a dispensational/premillenial viewpoint.

I admire Mr. Shower's view of the Bible. He has done a great job summarizing the book. The material is not indepth however it goes into enough information that any body reading it would say that his material is a great tool. I sometimes have a hard time reccomending a book especially to new believers, but if there is a new believer interested in studying the basics of the contribution of Daniel, then this is a great read!

"Rotten Luck! My truck is stuck!"
Colorful & rhyming. Two dogs driving a loaded truck on a desert road, get driven into a hole! They ask travelers traveling in a car, Movers in a van & a school bus for help! but the truck wont go! Until the tow truck arrives to rescue the day. My 3 year old son just loves it. A must for your home library.

I concur with my neighbor in Johnston (RI). My two year old has loved this book ever since he was one. It was his first book and he quickly developed an insatiable appetite for it, asking us to read in four, five, six times consecutively. Admittedly, I grew tired of it after the first 9000 times but I only recently figured it out what REALLY happened. Kudos to Kevin Lewis and Daniel Kirk on a job well done. The illustrations are vivid and delightful. The story is a compelling journey counting from one to five. I wish Lewis and Kirk the best on the expedition together and highly recommend their masterpiece, My Truck Is Stuck.

I knew my 3 1/2 year old would love this book, but I had no idea just how much. We sit down to read at least once daily, more when possible. This book has been in the rotation since I introduced it and I usually have to read it more than once in each sitting. He's walking around the house mumbling "Rotten luck. Can't go. My truck is stuck." Well worth picking up for a young car/van/Jeep/bus/truck lover.

Excellent reference material...an amazingly accurate guide to the sponsoring emotional/psychological states underlying specific physical dysfunctions. Time and time again the info in this book has proven to be right on. I find I can infer much about what is going on in someone's life by knowing what their physical condition is. Coupled with knowledge of Oriental diagnostic techniques enhances your skills as a therapist or healer.

Ever since this book became available I have had one. Now, when I become aware of something going on in my body I immediately look it up in "the book." Evey time I do the response seems the same, "Oh, that makes sense!" I have used this book to help myself and my friends and family. Even my mother, who I must admit was VERY sceptical of the idea that her thoughts could have led to illness, has begun to examine the ideas in this book. My mother has had many health conditions during her life so the thought that she had some control in this at first was threatening to her. I could understand that. She didn't want to admit that she had control. In the interest of creating lasting health though, she began to exlpore the idea and I am happy to say I have seen much improvement in her health and energy since. She is even happier!

I definately recommend this book highly. It earns the greatest honors in my book. I don't give out "10's" very easily.

This book has changed the way I view illness. I now understand why I or someone else has a disorder. This book explains what the specific thoughts are that lead to a particular disease. I can now look at a cold and realize that I have been indecisive. Then I can take the suggestions in the book and start right away improving my health conditions. As a quick reference book for health there is none better.

The artistic traditions associated with the Native American Church are amazingly diverse and dynamic. Long neglected by scholars, Peyote Religious Art is now the definitive examination of this rich artistic field. While Peyotism is often misunderstood by both its detractors and its admirers, this clear and factual book is the result of Swan's long-term friendships with artists and other members of the church. It is beautifully written and wonderfully illustrated in color.

Not only a wonderful book for the uninitiated, but a lovely work for those familiar not only with the NAC but also those featured in the book. Daniel Swan presents a well-written and enjoyable read on the topic.

"Peyote Religious Art" has been selected for listing in "Religion and Psychoactive Sacraments: An Entheogen Chrestomathy."

This is a must have book for you and all of your friends. Joni Daniels shows us clearly that we have the tools to get what we want from our work, families, relationships, and life we just need to "put on the safety goggles" (i.e. have a clear vision) first. The stories she tells have universal appeal -- you'll recognize yourself and your close girlfriends. Just spending 15 minutes at night reading this book was a great way to get a charge to my batteries, get me planning my next career move. This book is the kind that you don't want to lend. I find myself buying additional copies to give to friends.

Power Tools for Women is one of those books you want all your friends and collegues to read, only you can not bear to lend your copy!. This book is a must for all women. We are in a position of transition, trying to balance home life and career, being wives, mothers, bosses, role models, and somewhere in there trying to maintain our sense of self. Joni Daniels has captured our issues and given us a wonderful resouce on how to work with them. Her wit and writing style coupled with her examples of real people situations make it such an easy read.
I am buying this book as gifts for all the women in my life,and I know they will love me for it!!

I just finished reading Joni Daniels new book- "Power Tools for Women" and I had to write this review. I have never done this before but I wanted to let other women know how essential this book is to help all of us understand how to change our lives and have more personal and professional satisfaction. We do have the power and the tools to be successful, to be who we want to be--deserve to be and not what our society, corporations, families,teachers, etc. peg us to be.

The methaphor of power tools makes it easy to understand and apply the advice in this book and I related to many of the examples Ms. Daniels used. I have worked in a "man's world" for over 30 years moving from secretary to vice president in a billion dollar company. You don't get there simply because you are good technically. The secret to how you get what you want is in this Power Toolbox. Read this book and level the field!!!

I have used this edition and previous ones in my graduate-level course on orchestra literature. I spend part of the course teaching my students how best to use the book (from my course perspective) as future orchestra conductors, music directors, and those who may have input in choosing repertoire for an orchestra season. Each edition has improved over the last, and I look forward to the next one. There's nothing else quite like it in this genre and I have appreciated the hard work that makes such a resource possible.

This is a great book and a must have for all orchestral conductors. It lists instrumentation, timings, publishers, and other very important information for programming. It includes not only standard repertoire, but works by living composers as well. There is no other book like this I know of.

Daniels has gone out of his way to create a comprehensive account of a massive and constantly expanding repertoire. This book, however is NOT intended to give program notes or an overview of the pieces. Rather, it's a barebones account of the basic information one would need to know in order to program or perform a piece. An example entry:

Rimsky-Korsakov, Nikolai Russian Easter overture, op. 36 (Grand Paque russe) *3 2 2 2--4 2 3 1--tmp+4--hp--str Belaieff Kalmus

While this is superb information to know as a conductor trying to develop a program, it will not be able to teach you anything about the piece.

The book is comprehensive and impressive. Buy it, keep it on your shelf.

I've been programming in Visual C++ and Visual Basic since 1993, and I found "Visual Basic Programmer's Guide to the Windows Api/Book" to be a valuable reference manual. Here's what I liked: easy to understand narrative, lots of examples, and a complete structural understanding of windows programming. Using API calls in VB has helped me acheive functionality I was familar with in Visual C++.

I have been programing with Basic since 1975 and I have read and studdied many books on the subject. I work almost strictly in graphics and without this book you can do very little graphics using the standard Visual Basic commands. This book covers every aspect of the API's and has left out very few. The ones that were left out you would probubly never need anyway. I now have Widows 95 and I am going to order his new Programer's guide to the Win32's as I now know that Daniel Appleman is the only one that I can find that really knows the Windows System and how to make Visual Basic do all that stuff that you always wanted to do but never thought you could learn. Jim Alexander

Visual Basic progammers have often been limited by VB's "keep it safe" policy. This book shows you how to go above and beyond Visual Basic's internal functions, without overstepping its bounds. This book is a must have for anyone who is beginning to feel limited by Visual Basic. Break out of VB's cage