Incredible. Everything you've ever wanted from a band that time forgot, but never get. Really well written, with the ring of truth and a great sense of humor. Some great cold war stuff too. Maybe this is what Johnny Rotten was refering to when he talked about going under the Berlin Wall. Such a strange, interesting story, that now I've read the book, listened to the CDs over and over, even saw one of the guys walking around NYC with a baseball cap on and still have a hard time believing all this really happened. But right there in the book is a photo of a tonsured Dave Day comparing notes with a spit-curled Bill Haley; and there's even a German poster advertising, in clockwise order, an album from The Who, Hums of The Loving Spoonful, Fresh Cream, and lo and behold, black monk time.

After reading this book and listening to the CD of the same name, readers/listeners will say "The Velvet who?" This is rock and roll at its strangest, most twisted and rebellious. Mr. Shaw's story borders on the fantastic, but it really happened! Five GIs shaving their heads and dressing in black and pumping out punk music a decade before the Sex Pistols, the Clash et al. Who woulda thunk it? This is truly an essential addition to any rock musicologists library.

Eddie Shaw's book, BLACK MONK TIME, is an in-depth look at the mutation of a standard 60s rock n roll group into the first punk band. As bassist for the Monks, he is able to give readers an inside look at the dynamics of a working rock n roll group. His prose really starts to catch fire, appropriately enough, when the band begins to undergo radical changes; both musically and satorially. Fans of the Velvet Underground to the Sex Pistols should give both the book and the Monks sole album (entitled BLACK MONK TIME also) a whirl.

We are certified massage therapists in the San Francisco Bay area. When clients ask us about lesser known or unfamiliar modalities, this is the book we reach for. It is concise, well-written, easy to understand from the layman's point of view. It has even helped us in the enhancement of our own practice by providing a guide to further studies and research to improve our practice.

I am a teacher, and so when I read a book, I'm always very aware of how well-organized and well-written it is. I picked up "Bodywork" because I've had lower back pain off and on for years. I was interested in trying some hands-on therapy to help it. Bodywork helped me find some relief for it. My pain is not completely gone, but I am better able to alleviate and manage it than with pills.

What struck me most about "Bodywork" is that in addition to being very informative, it is extremely well-organized and well-written. This makes it a very handy reference book. I found it educational and inspirational, without being "preachy". I recommend this book to any other readers who are interested in learning more about how hands-on therapies can help them.

This is an excellent overview of the fascinating world of massage and body-mind healing therapies. I've always been interested in massage, but had a hard time figuring out what all the different types are. Thomas Claire's BODYWORK helped demystify this world for me. I especially liked the fist-hand account of the experience of different kinds of massage -- they were really helpful. For instance, the first-hand account of a reflexology session helped me understand what foot massage is all about, and to know that I would like to try it.

It is quite simply a masterpiece. Justice Thomas is portrayed as a real human being who has survived the castigation of the far Left... with a dignity that speaks loud and clear above the wailing of the extreme left Liberals who cannot believe a man of color exists who they cannot control. Read how this man of incredible intellect and courage overcomes all odds to become the first black intellectual to occupy the bench. Unlike Thurgood Marshall who knew political correctness before it became the defacto "law of the land", this biography portrays a true independent thinker and voice for judicial freedom that will not be silenced. The depths to which the Left will sink in its outrage when anyone escapes from the plantation is well documented. The viciousness of the Left and NOW during the Hill debacle is nicely contrasted with their mute impotent silence during the Clinton impeachment proceedings. It is well written and well researched, and most importantly unbiased unlike other competing biographies. Somehow this bio was allowed to be published. Do not forgo the opportunity to read and own your own copy.

At first I was worried that I would not be able to get through Thomas' early life to get to his Supreme Court years, by about 75 pages in, I wondered how the Supreme Court years could be as good as the first part of the book was turning out to be. This book is great and, amazingly, a quick read, not to mention well researched and very unbiased. The author takes Thomas to task for his occational self-indulgence, and yet paints a picture of Thomas that leaves me hoping I just read a biography of the next Chief Justice.

This biography of Justice Thomas is outstanding. It encompasses time from pre-civil war slavery to the decision of Bush v. Gore. Although the author's treatment of Justice Thomas is evenhanded, it would be difficult to complete this work without having a greater appreciation for Justice Thomas' independence and intelligence.

This book captivates a sense of innocence and honesty that is palpable on each page. Mable Lee Barby wrote the book I always wanted to read about the district that as a child I wandered and wondered endlessly. Mable is buried between "Jonce" and "Kate" overlooking the town. Cripple Creek has mostly disappeared from what I knew. There are no more "old timers" sitting on chairs in front of screen doors of dusty old shops holding so many individual memories of the characters that made Cripple Creek such an special place. The wheel house is almost gone from the surrounding hills but there is a spiritual core of a history that will never die.

Frank Waters did a wonderful job with his two books and there have been others but when I see Bennett St. or even pass the front steps of the old stone building of Colorado College I think of Mable Lee Barbee. In this book she left a record of her and others lives that will never be equaled. There is a sweet fragrance!

This is a brilliant novel which engages the reader fully. The plot twists and turns as if this were a work of fiction rather than a biography. The characters are vivid, unique and unforgettable ... and they were real people. Ms. Barbee Lee was a keen observer and her descriptions are fascinating. Most of all, I liked how she tells us interesting gossip about some of the powerful people involved in the Cripple Creek gold rush and then, explains how things turned out and why. Some of these explanations needed enough time to pass in order to be told. While reading this page-turner, I felt like I was watching the events unfold through a window. I have recommended it to friends just because it is a really good book. The fact that it is true and will give the reader more insight into the past and into Colorado's mining history is just a bonus.

For people who love to read about history they will especially enjoy this book. Rather than being a boring historical account of events that occurred during the Cripple Creek gold rush this book is a first hand experience of a young girl who actually grew up in Cripple Creek during the gold rush. It is filled with lots of tid-bits about what life was actually like back then - food they ate, clothes they wore ect. as opposed to a bunch of historical facts. A good read if you're interested in what life was like in Cripple Creek.

A comfortable introduction to modern geometry for the general reader, with emphasis on the concept of the dimension. This reference concludes with an introduction to non-euclidean geometry.

Mathematical ideas, when first learned, tend to undergo a curious inner transformation. At the outset, some tangible representation is necessary to effectively latch onto the concept. Thereafter, the symbolic elaboration using the language of mathematics is sufficient to encompass not only that particular figure, but limitless others like it as well. The underlying geometry is still there, but there are simply too many possibilities to illustrate in any amount of time.

The first step of illustrating must be manifest, using ink or chalk or sand or digital pixels. In this way, even the finest geometric illustrations can be considered extremely crude and innacurate in comparison to rigorous mathematical precision. Consider, however, how extraordinarily difficult it would be to grasp trigonometric functions, vector spaces, or even the basic Cartesian coordinate system, without first observing supporting representative illustrations. Even if later forgotten, those initial images are crucial for understanding.

This work provides a wide range of richly color-illustrated examples of the abstract geometric structures dealt with regularly in mathematics and the sciences. It is unique in its quality and affordability, and is supported with excellent prose, briefly describing the developmental history, and frequently how to reconstruct the figures from a sparse handful of assumptions. From an introductory description of dimension, this book then branches into numerous and diverse major topics: scaling, slices, regular polytopes, perspective, coordinate geometry, and non-euclidean geometry. While sparing in its level of mathematical description and precision, it never diverges into a fully artistic exposition on the subjects either. There is a careful balance, to guide the reader into better understanding the particular system under discussion.

Certainly reading this book is merely the first step of a far longer term process. Symbolic computing programs, such as Mathematica, Maple or MatLab, will assist in visualization, as well as in understanding the pragmatic relation between the graphical and set-theoretic descriptions of the figures. Other books will also assist in this. Many of Rucker's works provide further descriptions of certain topics, specifically Geometry Relativity & The Fourth Dimension is admirable in its brevity and profundity. Abbott's classic Flatland is the foundational book on non-technical description of dimensions. The venerable What Is Mathematics? by Courant and Robbins combines illustration and mathematics as well as any work written since. Design science touches on these topics frequently as well, Kappraff's Connections is an extraordinary example of this. Deeper mathematical topics include set theory, algebraic groups, vector analysis, and too many others to list.

However abstract the concepts diagrams and illustrations in this book may seem initially, most if not all have been utilized for practical application in recent times. You may very well be using devices on a daily basis, which have these concepts as a basis for their functionality. Keep this in mind while reveling in what the individual imagination can conjure.

This book is a jewel! It contains a wide collection of visual geometry. Professor Banchoff is able to link geometry to many aspects of life. It's a treasure trove for anybody teaching geometry at any level. It's a book that can be read at many levels. If you're willing to skip a bit here and there, you can get a very good general idea. But if you want to really understand all the details, it can make for hours of challenging reading. I'm still reading it! :-)

The Bridge, Forrest's third and final installation in the story of Tomas the Rhymer, presents a game of intrigue, a game that will determine who controls the pivot-world Midgard (earth). Elfland sickens as it continues to drift from Midgard. The elves grow weaker. On earth, Loki assumes the name and identity of Lucifer. While Loki seeks to sever all ties between Midgard and the other eight realms, Tomas and his allies strive to create a permanent link between the worlds. Owein and Fraine'the twins of the Elves Prophecy'use their unique capabilities to create a bridge that ties Midgard to the other eight realms. This bridge becomes the focal point of conflict. Unable to destroy the bridge, Loki turns to manipulation. The game boils down to a single choice for those who oppose Loki: love or duty? Both bonds cannot be preserved.

A bittersweet novel about choices and perspective, The Bridge brings the story of Tomas to a satisfying end.

For the past week I've been so mesmerized by Jodie Forrest's magical world that I've scarcely been able to concentrate on my work. I love her vivid imagery. I love her rich characters, who seem to be real people, and so much more. I loved the interplay between Tomas and Moira, between Tomas and his twin children, and between the twins themselves. Their relationships were complex and compelling, filled with love and trust and mistrust and rebellion and misunderstanding. This is a book that makes you think about your place in the natural world, in the spiritual world, in your family, among your friends, and in the span of your life.

"The Bridge: The Book of Necessity" is a remarkable, even magical read that satisfies on every level. It surpasses the two excellent earlier volumes of the trilogy, which were also immensely appealing to this journalist whose "fun" reading typically consists of more realistic material. If more fantasy writers had Jodie Forrest's command of language, vivid imagination and ability to develop characters and plots, fantasy would probably become my favorite genre. In addition to its ample entertainment value, Forrest's book feeds the mind. Never "preachy," it gracefully weaves into the narrative issues of the environment, spirituality, the masculine and feminine and more. It's a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding read that goes beyond entertainment to enchantment.

Has Mr. Donaldson written the fantasy story to end all fantasy stories? Perhaps. But I'll still read other stories.

This series is phenomenal. The depth and scope of the story telling is as good if not better than Tolkien. If you like Tolkien you should love Donaldson's Thomas Covenant series.

Some people have trouble reading Donaldson because he uses big words and because of this his book is criticized. Too bad. Grab a dictionary you sloth. Not you of course, I mean the other person behind you who is bad mouthing this story .

Each night I read a little more and each night I cared even more about the characters than I did the previous night. To me that is one sign of an excellent story. When it was all over I was saddened that Mr. Donaldson hadn't written a third series. But I hear rumours that he might. One can always dream.

I started reading Fantasy of course with JRR Tolkien's Lord Of the Rings. My second introduction to the world of Fantasy was Chronicles of Thomas Covenant.

Thomas Covenant's by some strange stroke of Fate or perhaps calculated strategy, finds himself in The Land - a place of unsurpassed beauty where Earthpower is a source of power/energy that is tapped on by its people. Covenant is given a message of Doom and asked to deliver this message to the Council of Lords. But Covenant vehemently denies the existence of the Land' fashioning himself as 'The Unbeliever' and his continuous battle with himself in this new but very real environment as well as the genuinely miraculous healing of his leprosy inflicted limbs, added to my wholehearted involvement in the novel. It was difficult to bear his continuous reluctance to accept The Land and shoulder the responsibilities handed to him - Thomas Covenant is not an immediately likeable character - in his rejection of The Land, he commits shocking acts and yet the reader is drawn to his vulnerabilities and his fierce struggle to above all, keep himself alive. I found myself urging him on - it was an extraordinary effect.

The language of the Land is also intriguing, an 'Old Style' English which I loved and as I got more engrossed in the book, found myself using in my everyday speech....

All in all, a superb book, 14 years later, I am yet to find a Fantasy Book that rivals this. Enjoy!

An epic to rival (but not surpass) The Lord of the Rings. Different in many ways, but fantasy epic nonetheless. Anyone interested in the environment would be amazed at the manner in which the author gives "The Land" a life force of its own. Each entity of life, nature and existence has a palpable, visible vitality, which is one of the reasons that the author has chosen to use a leper (whose degenerating nerves shouldn't allow him to experience it) to give it even more vitality than the people of the land appreciate. And those people appreciate it amazingly. A good, thorough vacation into fantasy.

As parodies go, it's almost as good as the National Lampoon Yearbook (the best parody of this kind I've ever seen) and much funnier than OJ's Legal Pad. I found myself laughing steadily while reading it, though I was able to eat a PB&J and drink milk without any milk blowing out my nose, which is why it only gets 4 stars. I'm gonna give it as gifts to several of my friends who could really use it. They think they're way too smart for their own good.

I read "The Complete Idoits Guide For Dumies," and like my mama said, some books are good and some are gooder. This one is just plain gooder. I loved it lots. I would recomend this book for anyone who needs a better way to understand what being mentally slow is. My mama said that dumies is as dumies does, and I think that lady got something there. Thank you, mama, and thank you United States of America.

Although the authors could have done a better job proofreading -- they spelled both the words "Idiott's" and "Dummys" wrong in the TITLE, for gosh darn sakes -- I felt the book was informative and worthwhile for readers of any age, gender, or level of mental acuity. The book, which is clearly a parody and is obviously unaffiliated in any way with the official Dummies' and Idiot's guides that it mocks and spoofs, has definitely turned my frown upside down. If I could ever meet the authors, I would definitely ask them for a free copy of the book, but if they did not comply or couldn't understand what I was saying I would buy a copy with my own money. THE BOOK IS THAT GOOD.

Well, me and my wife have been using this method for about 10 months. We have sessions about twice a week. My wife is on her 94th session. So, does it work? YES!! My wife has seen many symptoms improve. Depression and headaches are the two symptoms that have improved dramatically. Her ability to stand up for herself has also improved dramatically. I should mention that my wife cries easily. She cried within five minutes of the first session. Keep in mind this therapy takes commitment and time, but it is worth it.

On the down side, I have been unable to cry and have given up on this method. I tried following the book for about six months. Could not cry once. What this means is that *some* people's ability to cry is severely damaged, and this therapy will be extremely difficult for people like me. But I hope others (like my wife) will benefit from it.

However, even failure can lead to a cure. I began looking for an alternate therapy to get me kick started. I discovered a new therapy called "Redirecting Self Therapy". Can't provide a link here, but it is bringing many years of suffering to a rapid end.

Also, this book lists all the great discoveries (in psychology) made in the last few decades. It is an excellent primer on regressive therapies in general. If I had to recommned only one book on psychology, this is it.

Excellent way to cure many ills, cry. More men should just do just that. Only some, even now, "hold back a tear". I used to. This alone only holds in the pain and unclear feelings--balderdash on that.
LIVE with the difficult moment, CRY, HEAL. It works for me every day.
As for the author's writing style, I, could say it works well enough. He speaks from the heart while espousing heartfelt emotions. That would make anyone wordy, an honest author included. This the point here, isn't it?
I love this man for his strength and his sharing. Thank you Mr. Thomas A. Stone, sir.

If you want to know more about the importance of feeling pain and crying as a means of healing your neuroses, this is a rare book to read. I found valuable practical information on how to help myself and others to cry. In addition to the book by Jean Jenson: Reclaiming yourself, it helped me in my healing process.